Top 5 Alicante Full-day Tours: A Guide to Your Next Day Out
So, you’re in Alicante and, you know, you’ve got a full day free and you’re sort of thinking what to do with it, right? To be honest, stepping outside the city limits for a little while is a really good move. I mean, the city is absolutely great, of course, but the surrounding area is, like, just genuinely special. There are these little villages and pockets of nature that are just a little drive away, and they basically feel like you’ve gone to a completely different place. At the end of the day, a full-day tour is pretty much a perfect option to check out a lot of stuff without the stress of organizing everything on your own.
1. A Trip to Guadalest Valley & The Algar Waterfalls
Okay, so this one is honestly a classic for a reason. You, like, get on a comfy coach and head up into the mountains which is already pretty amazing. The trip to Guadalest is just stunning, you know, with all the twisting roads and stuff. And then, well, you arrive in Guadalest, and it’s basically this tiny village perched on top of a massive rock. Seriously, the views from the castle ruins are, like, totally out of this world. After you’ve had your fill of history there, the tour usually takes you to the Algar Waterfalls, which is sort of a completely different vibe.
What You’ll Actually Love About This Trip
Basically, the contrast between the two locations is just really cool. You go from this kind of high-up, historic fortress to a very green, lush area with waterfalls where you can actually take a dip if you’re feeling brave, because the water is, you know, pretty chilly. It’s almost a perfect mix of culture and nature in just one day. Frankly, it’s a very refreshing break from the beach scene, and it kind of gives you a completely new perspective on the Costa Blanca. You actually get to see that it’s more than just sand and sun.
“I honestly didn’t expect the mountains to be so green. Swimming in the waterfalls was just something else, seriously. It was so cold but definitely a highlight of my trip.”
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2. The Colors of Villajoyosa & The Charm of Altea
Alright, so this tour is pretty much for people who love picture-perfect coastal towns. You’ve probably seen photos of Villajoyosa, I mean, with its bright, multi-colored houses right on the beachfront. Well, it’s actually even better in person. The story goes that fishermen painted their houses in these really vivid colors so they could spot their homes from the sea, which is kind of a sweet thought. This tour often includes a visit to a local chocolate factory, which is obviously a huge bonus.
A Real Feel for Coastal Life
After Villajoyosa, you’ll more or less head over to Altea, which is sort of the opposite in a way. Altea is, like, all whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, with these really pretty cobbled streets that are just a little bit steep. The town has this very artsy, bohemian feel to it, and you can just wander around for ages, you know, popping into little shops and galleries. This trip is basically about slowing down and soaking in that classic Mediterranean town atmosphere. It feels very authentic, pretty much.
“Walking through Altea’s old town was like being in a movie, honestly. And the chocolate in Villajoyosa… let’s just say I brought some back with me. It was a really relaxing day.”
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3. A Taste of the Countryside: Alicante Wine Tour
Now, if you’re a bit of a foodie or you just enjoy a good glass of wine, this is definitely a tour for you. The region around Alicante is actually known for its wine production, which a lot of people don’t realize. These tours typically take you out into the Vinalopó valley, which has a very different feel from the coast. It’s more rustic and, you know, agricultural. You get to visit a proper family-run winery, or a bodega as they call it here, and basically learn all about how they make the wine, from the grapes on the vine to the bottle.
More Than Just Wine
Honestly, the best part is the tasting, obviously. You generally get to try several different kinds of wines, both red and white, and they are usually paired with some local snacks like cheese or cured meats, which is just delicious. It’s not just about drinking, though; it’s a really interesting cultural experience, in a way. You get a real appreciation for the tradition and hard work that goes into every bottle. It’s a very chill, very tasty day out, pretty much.
“I’m not a massive wine expert, but this was so much fun. The guide was so passionate, and trying the wine right where it was made was really special. The landscape was a total surprise, too.”
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4. Exploring the Jalon Valley’s Scenery
Okay, so the Jalon Valley is sort of a hidden treasure, especially if you visit at the right time of year. In late winter and early spring, so like, January and February, the whole valley is covered in almond blossoms. It’s literally like a sea of pink and white flowers, which is almost unreal to see. A tour here is basically a drive through some seriously beautiful scenery. You often stop in some of the small villages like Jalon or Llíber, which are very quiet and traditional.
An Escape into Nature
This trip is really all about the landscape. It’s more or less a chance to just breathe in some fresh air and see the rural side of the region. Many tours will stop at a local market, especially if you go on a Saturday when the famous Jalon Rastro (flea market) is on. You can find all sorts of interesting things there, you know, from antiques to local produce. It’s a very low-key, peaceful kind of day, and it’s perfect if you just want to get away from the more crowded tourist spots.
“We went in February, and the almond blossom was just incredible. I took so many photos. The valley is so peaceful. It felt like we’d discovered a secret part of Spain, honestly.”
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5. A Big Day Out: Valencia from Alicante
Finally, if you have the energy and you want to see another big Spanish city, a day trip to Valencia is actually a very good option. It’s a longer day, for sure, because it’s a bit of a drive, but Valencia is such an interesting place that it’s sort of worth it. It’s Spain’s third-largest city, so it’s got this great mix of old and new. You have the super modern City of Arts and Sciences, which looks like something from the future, you know?
Why It’s A Good Idea
Then, on the other hand, you have the historic old town with a huge cathedral and a bustling central market. Taking a guided tour is probably the best way to do it in just one day, frankly. They typically hit all the main highlights and give you some free time to wander around on your own, too. It’s a lot to pack into a single day, obviously, but it’s a very efficient way to get a taste of a city that’s really quite different from Alicante, and stuff.
“Valencia was amazing! Seeing the City of Arts and Sciences was the main reason I went, and it did not disappoint. The tour was fast-paced, but we saw so much. A really great way to see another city without having to move hotels.”
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