Media post: Road Trip in Alicante: What to Keep in Mind

Alicante rewards extra travel. Even if the city is attractive, the surrounding environment is fascinating. Long coastlines, tranquil villages, mountains, and pink salt lakes in certain light. Most is accessible by automobile, and none is far. Consider planning a regional road trip ahead of time. Just enough preparation to avoid little annoyances that startle folks.

Where the Roads Take You: The Best Routes Around Alicante Province

The beach road south to Santa Pola and Guardamar del Segura is a good one. As it is not a road, you go through open shorelines and fishing towns, which are very different from tourist regions. The salt lakes near Torrevieja, in the south, are unique and worth a quick visit.

The road to Guadalest is one of the most popular inland routes for a reason. The town lies on a cliff with a ruined castle, and the climb gives stunning views. You may next go into the hills to Alcoy, a fascinating contrast to the seaside resorts, with its industrial and Spanish character.

If you are arriving by plane, sorting out a transfer Alicante airport before you land saves you the trouble of figuring out transport when you are tired and carrying luggage. Services like GetTransfer let you book a private transfer in advance so a driver is waiting for you when you arrive, which is a much calmer start to the trip than queuing for a taxi.

Renting a Car in Alicante: What You Should Know Before You Book

Alicante airport car rentals are easy and affordable if you book ahead of time. Insurance matters most. The counter upsell for complete coverage may feel forced, and most higher costs only cover basic coverage. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage, so check your benefits before leaving or book through a comparison service that includes comprehensive insurance.

Also, read the fuel policy. Some companies offer you a full tank and expect a full return. Some charge for a full tank and return it empty. The second option is usually more expensive. Before signing, read it.

Driving Rules, Parking, and a Few Things That Catch Visitors Off Guard

Spain drives on the right, but there are other considerations. Speed restrictions are well-marked and monitored by cameras on motorways and multiple carriageways. Tourists are typically surprised by urban minor street speed limits of 30 km/h.

Some regional motorways charge tolls. They are cheap, but you should have cash or a card on hand to use them. The blue zone parking scheme in Alicante’s city center involves a ticket and meter payment. Yellow-marked areas are usually exclusively accessible to homeowners.

Here are a few small things that are easy to miss but good to know:

– It is compulsory to carry a spare set of glasses in the car if you need them to drive.

– You must carry two warning triangles, though rental cars usually come with these.

– Using a phone without a hands-free system carries a significant fine.

– Roundabouts give priority to cars already on the roundabout, not to those entering.

Bottom Line

A car trip around the Alicante region is incredibly fun and easy to plan. Once you leave the coast, there is plenty to explore, the roads are in good shape, and the distances are doable. Make reservations for your car in advance, carefully review the insurance terms, pay attention to speed limits, and allow a small amount of space in the itinerary for stops you did not want to make. The best ones are usually those.

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