6-Day Spain Road Trip from Alicante traveling south to Cartagena and Almeria

Say hello to Alicante! Your exciting road trip through Spain is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Alicante for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Alicante. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Spain. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Alicante by securing a reservation at Tabula Rasa. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Baeza & Rufete, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Also, be sure to check out LA ZONA SOCIAL BAR. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Alicante.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café-Pub Bubyston, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Canibal Lounge Pub. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at AUSTIN, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Spain!

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant is a great place to start. This church is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,219 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Mercado Central de Alicante. This building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24,503 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Santa Bárbara Castle. The castle has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,044 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Archaeological Museum of Alicante. This archaeological museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,768 reviews.

Parc El Palmeral is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this park, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,211 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cartagena. 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 Magoga, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible contemporary and traditional menu. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Omkara is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurante Magoga. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cartagena tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Mostacho Café Bar III offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, El escondite is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bar Sol is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Cartagena, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Almeria. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Roman theatre of Cartagena. This much-appreciated archaeological site is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,504 reviews.

Next up is Naval Museum Cartagena. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,771 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. This museum has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,845 reviews.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at El Quinto Toro, a top-rated dining destination in Almeria. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tony Garcia Espacio Gastronómico, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Casa Puga. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Almeria this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kiosco Amalia, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Almeria, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

After soaking in Almeria’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Granada. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 48 min. When you arrive in Granada, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like S. A. I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación. This extraordinary catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,036 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mirador Ojo de Granada. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,082 reviews.

While in Granada, we also recommend a visit to Royal Chapel of Granada. This monument has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,536 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 63,173 travelers, this scenic viewpoint is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Granada.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Almeria and your accommodation.

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

Dine in style at Buono, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Croqueteria La Mala boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Stanley & de Marco. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Almeria.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Murcia and Elche. 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 2 hours 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Murcia's Cathedral one of your first sightseeing stops in Murcia. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,947 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Plaza de las Flores is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This square is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,389 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 Elche. Your travel time is around 45 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, El Palmerar is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,060 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Huerto del Cura. This garden has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,389 travelers.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at La Taberna del Gourmet, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Heladería Borgonesse offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Piripi is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option 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.

Day 6 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.

As your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Alicante’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Spain. Keep the spirit of your trip to Spain alive with these special souvenirs.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to El Carrer dels Bolets. This much-appreciated point of interest is rated 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.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pinocchio Gelateria Cocktail Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

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!