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Valencia → Alicante
The drive from Valencia to Alicante is short and straightforward, just over two hours south. It’s mostly motorway, cutting inland through open stretches of countryside before dropping back towards the coast. Easy enough to feel effortless, long enough to mark a clear shift.
You can read more about Spain travel routes in the Spain Road Trip Itinerary (10–14 Days) guide.
Alicante: A Coastal Pause
Alicante was a short stop en route to Seville, a way to break up the longer drive south and stretch the journey rather than rush it. I checked in on Saturday 20 December and stayed through to Monday 22 December, just enough time to reset by the sea before the Christmas leg began.
I based myself by San Juan Beach, staying at Hotel Almirante, which turned out to be a great choice for a short stay. It was less than a five minute walk to the beach which made slipping into seaside mode almost automatic.
Lunch at Barrazero Bistro
After checking in, I didn’t waste any time. Roly and I headed straight out for lunch at Barrazero Bistro, and it delivered. The terrace was relaxed and sun-soaked, the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease. The food followed suit; fresh, flavoursome, and well judged.
I started with mussels in an Oporto escabeche that added depth without overpowering them. Pickled onion and herbs lifted the dish, keeping everything balanced and clean. The scallops came cooked on the plancha, properly seared and finished with a small amount of seasoned butter; sweet, clean, and left alone to speak for themselves. I also ordered Galician razor clams, served in a soft yuzu beurre blanc. Rich but not heavy, with just enough citrus to cut through the sauce without pulling focus from the clams.
All coupled with a glass of cava. Roly settled beside the table without fuss, welcomed easily by the staff. Service was relaxed and attentive, never intrusive. It felt like an easy start. Unforced, well paced, and exactly what this stop in Alicante needed to be.
San Juan: Sand, Sea & Sunset Evenings
Naturally, the rest of my time in Alicante unfolded almost entirely around the beach. Mornings were quiet and spacious; people walking along the shoreline, dogs racing across the sand, early swimmers easing into the water. By afternoon, volleyball games appeared, others stretched out simply to watch the sea.
Breakfasts set the tone. Both mornings started at Cafe Willow or Dolci Garipier, easy spots for coffee, something sweet or savoury, and watching the day gather momentum. Later, as the light softened, evenings often ended with a glass of wine at Xaloc Lounge, right on the beachfront, the sky shifting colour while conversations drifted around us.
Dinner, though, was better approached with a little intention. While the beachfront restaurants look tempting, I’d skip them. The food is noticeably stronger just a few minutes inland. Places like Barrazero Bistro, La Vaquería Mediterránea, Restaurante Nova Queimada, and Nómada Local Food & Funky Drinks all offer better cooking, and a more local feel without straying far from the sea.
Days blurred into a simple pattern: long walks, salty swims for Roly, wine at sunset, and unhurried meals. For a short stop between cities, Alicante didn’t ask for much and gave exactly what was needed.
Alicante Neighbourhoods at a Glance
El Barrio / Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
Historic, lively, and atmospheric. Narrow streets, colourful houses, tapas bars, and nightlife tucked beneath the castle. Great for short stays and evenings out, but can be noisy late at night.
Centro / Ensanche Diputación
The practical heart of the city. Flat, walkable streets with shops, cafes, restaurants, and everyday amenities. Well connected and ideal if you want convenience without the party feel.
Explanada & Port Area
Palm-lined promenades, marina views, and a polished, postcard Alicante feel. Popular with visitors and great for strolling, dining, and being close to the sea.
Playa del Postiguet
City beach living. Central, buzzy, and scenic with easy access to the Old Town and centre. Busy in summer but unbeatable for location.
San Juan Beach (Playa de San Juan)
More spacious and residential with long sandy beaches. Modern apartments, cafes, and a relaxed pace. About 20–25 minutes from the centre by tram, ideal for longer stays.
Albufereta
Quieter coastal area between the city and San Juan. Residential, local, and calm, with tram access and smaller beaches.
Benalúa
Local, residential, and less touristy. Good value accommodation, bakeries, and everyday life. Not beachfront, but well connected.
For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full Spain Travel Guides.
Notes from the Road: Alicante
Alicante feels instantly easy. The city is compact, flat, and built for wandering perfect for beach walks or socialising on the promenade. There’s a relaxed feel here that doesn’t demand a plan.
The next morning, it was back on the road. Next route: Granada.
Alicante, Then South Briefly To Grenada
From Alicante, I drove on to Granada. Just under four hours, cutting through wide open roads and long mountain stretches. What stayed with me most was the shift in weather, leaving sunshine behind and watching it turn, gradually, into colder air and distant snow-dusted peaks. It felt like crossing seasons in a single drive.
Granada was only a one-night stop to break up the journey south to Seville. I stayed at Catalonia Granada, and had dinner nearby at Restaurante Granada Aylin Art Cuisine. Warm, cosy, excellent food and wine, the kind of place you’re grateful to find without needing to plan.
After dinner, Roly and I walked to a nearby park with a fountain and monument glowing softly at night. Just a final stretch of the legs before resting up.
Now, it’s time for the next route.
Next route: Seville.
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