5-Day Spain Road Trip from Alicante traveling north to Cuenca and Madrid

Photo of Altea Playa del Albir of white stones in Alicante Mediterranean Spain.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through Spain.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Spain. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Alicante, 1 night in Cuenca, and 1 night in Madrid, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Spain. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Alicante, Cuenca, Aldea del Fresno, and Madrid. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Spain you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Alicante, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Spain, including the stunning Santa Bárbara Castle and Mercado Central de Alicante.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Spain. From the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Alicante to the breathtaking El Retiro Park and Main Square, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Market of San Miguel and learn more about the unique Royal Palace of Aranjuez to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Alicante, Cuenca, Aldea del Fresno, and Madrid, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Spain. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Spain.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Spain.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Spain has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Spain. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Spain extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Spain today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of Altea white village skyline in Alicante at Mediterranean Spain.Alicante / 2 nights
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public space in Madrid. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.Madrid / 1 night
Albacete - city in SpainAlbacete
Cuenca - city in SpainCuenca / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of Retiro Park that is a city park in Madrid's Retiro district.El Retiro Park
Plaza Mayor, Sol, Centro, Madrid, Área metropolitana de Madrid y Corredor del Henares, Community of Madrid, SpainMain Square
Photo of Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, Spain. Mercado San Miguel of Madrid is one of the most popular landmark in Madrid, Spain.Market of San Miguel
Santa Bárbara Castle, Alicante, l'Alacantí, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainSanta Bárbara Castle
Photo of ALICANTE, SPAIN - August 18, 2019: Alicante Central Market Hall (Mercado Central, dating from 1912).Mercado Central de Alicante
photo of Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a residence of the King of Spain, Aranjuez, Community of Madrid, Spain. UNESCO World Heritage.Royal Palace of Aranjuez
Archaeological Museum of Alicante, Alicante, l'Alacantí, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainArchaeological Museum of Alicante
Parc El Palmerar, Alicante, l'Alacantí, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainParc El Palmeral
Safari Madrid
photo of classic historical antique Passage of Lodares is a building facade passageway in Albacete. Spain.Passage of Lodares
Concatedral Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant, Alicante, l'Alacantí, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainCocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant
Canalejas Park, Alicante, l'Alacantí, Alacant / Alicante, Valencian Community, SpainParc Canalejas
Garden of the Island
Estanque de los Chinescos

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Alicante - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Alicante - arrival day

  • Alicante - Arrival day
  • More
  • Parc El Palmeral
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Alicante. You’ll stay in Alicante for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Alicante has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Parc El Palmeral. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,211 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Alicante, Heladería Borgonesse. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Alicante is La Taberna del Gourmet. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,691 customers.

Locals recommend Mish Mish as one of the best restaurants in the city of Alicante. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

Alicante also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Alicante is Nou Manolín. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,895 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Alicante is El Portal Alicante - Krug Ambassade. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,120 customers.

Locals also enjoy Pinocchio Gelateria Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,140 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Cuenca

Day 2

Day 2 – Cuenca

  • Alicante
  • Cuenca
  • More

Drive 313 km, 3 hours 43 min

  • Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant
  • Santa Bárbara Castle
  • Archaeological Museum of Alicante
  • Mercado Central de Alicante
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Alicante and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Cuenca. You will stay in Cuenca for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Alicante is the amazing Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,219 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible castle, Santa Bárbara Castle. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,044 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Alicante is the outstanding Archaeological Museum of Alicante. This popular archaeological museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,768 visitors.

The spectacular Mercado Central de Alicante is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating building and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24,503 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Alicante by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Cuenca, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Grotte del Huécar, one of the best restaurants in the city of Cuenca. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,935 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurante Recreo Peral as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cuenca. Restaurante Recreo Peral is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,722 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cuenca is Restaurante El Torreón. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,390 customers.

After dinner, visit Las Brasas, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Cuenca. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,335 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like La Ronería De La Habana. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,072 customers.

Alternatively, Restaurante Sidrería La Figal is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Cuenca. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,526 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Aranjuez, Aldea del Fresno, and Madrid

Day 3

Day 3 – Aranjuez, Aldea del Fresno, and Madrid

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 308 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Estanque de los Chinescos
  • Royal Palace of Aranjuez
  • Garden of the Island
  • Safari Madrid
  • More

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Cuenca and embark on a scenic drive to Madrid, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Cuenca and Aldea del Fresno before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Cuenca. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Estanque de los Chinescos. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 790 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Royal Palace of Aranjuez. This attraction, a beloved royal palace, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,506 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Cuenca is the stunning Garden of the Island. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,434 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Aranjuez and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Aldea del Fresno has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Safari Madrid. This attraction is a zoo that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,564 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Aldea del Fresno, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Madrid. When you arrive in Madrid you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Salmon Guru. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,802 customers.

Locals also recommend Coque, another of the best restaurants in Madrid. Coque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at El Social. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 944 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit El miniBAR to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Madrid, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,297 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Areia. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Areia has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers.

James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,124 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Albacete and Alicante

Day 4

Day 4 – Albacete and Alicante

  • Madrid
  • Albacete
  • Alicante
  • More

Drive 427 km, 4 hours 50 min

  • Main Square
  • Market of San Miguel
  • El Retiro Park
  • Passage of Lodares
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Spain is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Madrid and the city of Albacete. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Madrid is the amazing Main Square. This attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 152,388 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Market of San Miguel. This building and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 106,296 visitors.

El Retiro Park is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Madrid. This well-known attraction, a spectacular urban park, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 162,386 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Madrid is another excellent way to spend your new day in Spain. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Spain’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Spain’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Spain’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Passage of Lodares in the city of Albacete for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a monument and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,423 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Alicante.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Piripi, one of the best restaurants in the city of Alicante. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,321 customers.

Locals also recommend TK Restaurante as one of the best restaurants in the city of Alicante. TK Restaurante is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,245 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Alicante is RESTAURANTE MAESTRAL. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,114 customers.

After dinner, visit 26 Cocktail Room, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Alicante. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 960 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like El Garaje Bar Alicante. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,943 customers.

Alternatively, Flamingo English Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Alicante. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,215 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Alicante - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Alicante - departure day

  • Alicante - Departure day
  • More
  • Parc Canalejas
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Alicante before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Parc Canalejas is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Alicante. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,593 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Alicante and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Spain.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Alicante at Temple Restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 897 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant L'Ereta for your last chance at a meal in the city of Alicante. The Restaurant L'Ereta restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 904 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Steki Restaurante. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 567 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Alicante. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

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