5-Day Spain Road Trip from Alicante to Murcia and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach Alicante and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Alicante for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Alicante is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Parc Canalejas or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Alicante. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Alicante. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Tabula Rasa, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional traditional menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Baeza & Rufete, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another top-rated restaurant to try is LA ZONA SOCIAL BAR. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Alicante tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Café-Pub Bubyston is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Canibal Lounge Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is AUSTIN. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Alicante. You have 1 night left in Alicante. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Archaeological Museum of Alicante. This much-appreciated archaeological museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,768 reviews.

Next up is Santa Bárbara Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 35,044 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Mercado Central de Alicante. This building has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 24,503 reviews.

Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This church has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,219 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Parc El Palmeral. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,211 reviews.

You can learn more about Alicante today by going on a tour. Alicante offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Alicante's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Dine in style at La Taberna del Gourmet, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Heladería Borgonesse boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant Piripi. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Alicante.

Continue your lively evening at 26 Cocktail Room, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Spain.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Benidorm and Elche. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Murcia. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’ve had your share of Alicante, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Benidorm. Your travel time is around 44 min.

Make Mundomar one of your first sightseeing stops in Benidorm. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,253 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Plaça Triangular is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,047 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Benidorm and set your GPS to Elche. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 49 min. Upon reaching Elche, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Parc Municipal. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Elche, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,887 visitors.

El Palmerar is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,060 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Huerto del Cura. Visitors have rated this garden an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,389 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Murcia, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Murcia.

Begin your culinary exploration in Murcia by securing a reservation at Perro Limón. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of fusion cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Cabaña Buenavista, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Almo, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to El Bosque Animado, known for its inviting atmosphere. Culturas is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, BarAltea provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Murcia and Cartagena. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Alicante, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Murcia's Cathedral, a remarkable catholic cathedral where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,947 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Plaza de las Flores. This square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,389 travelers.

Puente de los Peligros is another must-visit attraction. This renowned bridge offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,754 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Jardín de Floridablanca. This well-loved park boasts a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 3,929 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Murcia, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cartagena. Your travel time is around 39 min.

Make Roman theatre of Cartagena one of your first sightseeing stops in Cartagena. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,504 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Alicante. Alicante offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Alicante's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant L'Ereta, a top-rated dining destination in Alicante. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pinocchio Gelateria Cocktail Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Steki Restaurante. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Alicante this evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Alicante and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

Day 5 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Alicante before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Maximize your last day in Spain and go on a shopping spree in Alicante’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Spain, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Spain home with you through these charming souvenirs.

Make El Carrer dels Bolets one of your first sightseeing stops in Alicante. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,121 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Alicante.

Savor the flavors at El Garaje Bar Alicante, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Centro Comercial Gran Vía beckons with its unique menu offerings.

You’ll then say farewell to Alicante. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!