5-Day Spain Road Trip from Alicante traveling west to Valencia and Albacete

Welcome to Alicante, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Spain! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Alicante's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Tabula Rasa, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Baeza & Rufete is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Alicante. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. You could also check for a table at LA ZONA SOCIAL BAR. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Alicante tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Café-Pub Bubyston, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Canibal Lounge Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, AUSTIN ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

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

Make Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,219 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Mercado Central de Alicante. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 24,503 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this building every year.

Santa Bárbara Castle is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,044 visitors.

When you’re finished at Santa Bárbara Castle, the perfect next stop is Archaeological Museum of Alicante. This archaeological museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,768 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Parc El Palmeral. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,211 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Valencia, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Valencia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a memorable dining experience in Valencia by booking a table at El Poblet, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience, Ricard Camarena shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative cuisine in Valencia. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Fierro is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern cuisine in Valencia. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Café Negrito stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Cafe de las Horas offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

Say good night to Valencia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 3 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Valencia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Albacete, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Mercat Central. This market hall is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Valencia, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 79,570 visitors.

Serrano Towers is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 39,998 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to L'Oceanogràfic. Visitors have rated this public aquarium an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 76,085 reviews.

City of Arts and Sciences is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a tourist destination rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 125,881 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Albacete. Albacete 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.

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Albacete by securing a reservation at Ababol. This renowned restaurant offers an exceptional menu of contemporary cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurante Sublime boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Don Gil Restaurante. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Albacete.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar History after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Liverpool Pub for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Torito is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Murcia and Cartagena. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Alicante, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Murcia. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 36 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Murcia's Cathedral. Previous visitors have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,947 reviews.

Puente de los Peligros is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This bridge is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,754 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Plaza de las Flores. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,389 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Murcia, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cartagena may take around 42 min. Upon your arrival in Cartagena, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Roman theatre of Cartagena. Previous visitors have rated this archaeological site an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,504 reviews.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at La Taberna del Gourmet, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Heladería Borgonesse? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant Piripi as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Alicante.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like 26 Cocktail Room, known for its lively atmosphere.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Alicante’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Spain forever.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at El Carrer dels Bolets, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,121 reviews.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant L'Ereta, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pinocchio Gelateria Cocktail Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Steki Restaurante.

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!