Imagine driving with the Mediterranean shimmering to your right, where the golden light of the Costa Blanca illuminates every curve of the road as you leave behind the tranquility of Altea and head into the vibrant bustle of Alicante. This journey of barely 57 kilometers is not just a transfer; it’s a gentle transition from the calm of seaside villages to the energy of the capital, offering you the chance to stop at coastal gems like Villajoyosa or Benidorm before reaching your final destination.
How to Get from Altea to Alicante: Quick Overview
The fastest and most flexible way to travel from Altea to Alicante is by private car, covering the distance in just 45 minutes, although the bus offers an economical and direct alternative ideal for those who prefer not to drive.
If you prioritize the freedom to explore stops along the way and control your own schedule, a private vehicle is the undisputed choice, thanks to the excellent highway connections. On the other hand, if you are traveling solo, looking to save money, or prefer to relax during the journey without worrying about parking in the city, the bus service operated by ALSA is the perfect solution, connecting both points efficiently and at a very competitive price.
Driving from Altea to Alicante
Driving from Altea to Alicante is a simple and quick journey, entirely on toll-free highways, covering a total distance of 57 kilometers in approximately 45 minutes.
The main route follows the coastal axis and its immediate inland area using two key roads. Initially, you will take the A-7, known as the Autovía del Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Highway). This road is the backbone of transportation in the area, allowing a constant flow of traffic without toll interruptions. As you approach the Alicante metropolitan area, the route connects with the A-31, the Autovía de Alicante (Alicante Highway).
One of the great advantages of this route is that both the A-7 and the A-31 are completely toll-free, meaning you won’t have to stop at any toll booths or make any additional payments during the trip. The drive is smooth, with good signage guiding you from the exit of Altea to the center of the capital. It is important to pay attention to the exits, especially if you plan to make any of the recommended tourist stops, as the distances between towns are short and you could easily miss your turn if you get too distracted enjoying the sea views.
Bus from Altea to Alicante
There is a direct bus service operated by the company ALSA that connects Altea with Alicante in an estimated time of 70 minutes.
This option is highly recommended for travelers who do not have their own vehicle or who prefer to avoid the stress of traffic and finding parking at the destination. ALSA manages this route regularly, ensuring mobility between the two locations without the need for complicated transfers. The ticket price is very affordable, generally ranging between 4 and 8 euros, making it one of the most economical ways to travel around the province.
It is essential to note that, unlike other national routes, there is no train option for this journey. There is no direct train, nor is there an operational train station in Altea for this specific destination, making the bus the only viable public transport alternative for making this trip directly.
Recommended stops along the way
The route between Altea and Alicante is dotted with towns that have their own distinct character and are well worth a visit, offering everything from family-friendly beaches to vibrant urban centres.
- la Vila Joiosa / Villajoyosa: Situated on the coast, this stop is essential for lovers of colour and history. Known for its brightly painted houses lining the seafront, it is the perfect halfway point to stretch your legs and soak up an authentic seafaring atmosphere before continuing south.
- Benidorm: Perhaps the most iconic stop on the entire route. Benidorm offers a striking urban contrast with its skyscrapers overlooking the sea. It is ideal if you are looking for comprehensive services, wide beaches, and a nightlife that never sleeps, serving as a major tourist hub at the midway point.
- la Nucia: Located slightly inland from the coast proper, la Nucia offers a quieter respite. It is a strategic stop for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of the immediate beachfront and are seeking a more residential and calm environment.
- el Campello: Already very close to Alicante, el Campello retains the charm of a fishing village despite being fully integrated into the metropolitan area. Its marina and seafront promenade make it an excellent stop for a final swim or an aperitif before reaching the capital.
- Sant Joan d’Alacant: This town is strategically located between el Campello and the city of Alicante. It is known as an area of urban expansion with a more residential character, perfect for observing how the coast gradually transforms into the city.
- Mutxamel: Situated in a position that connects the coast with the interior, Mutxamel is an interesting stop for observing the geographical transition of the province. Its location makes it an important communications hub on the route to Alicante.
- Sant Vicent del Raspeig / San Vicente del Raspeig: This is likely the definitive prelude to the city of Alicante. Sant Vicent is a municipality with a strong university and residential identity that acts as the northern gateway to the capital, marking the end of the interurban journey.
Where to stay in Alicante
Alicante offers a wide variety of areas to stay, from the historic centre to the coastal areas, catering to different budgets and travel styles without the need to book specific hotels in advance.
For travellers looking to be in the heart of the action, the Old Town (Centro Histórico) and the Port area are the most recommended areas. Here you will find a mix of boutique hotels, modern hostels, and tourist apartments that allow you to walk to the main attractions such as the Castle of Santa Bárbara (Santa Bárbara Castle) or the Explanada de España (Esplanade of Spain). Prices in these areas tend to be higher due to tourist demand, especially in high season.
If you prefer a quieter, more rest-oriented stay, the residential areas on the outskirts or neighbourhoods like Carolinas or San Blas offer more affordable accommodation options. In these areas, it is common to find family-run guesthouses and mid-range chain hotels that provide good value for money. For travellers with a car, staying on the outskirts or in neighbouring municipalities like Sant Vicent del Raspeig can be a smart strategy to avoid city centre parking costs, although this means relying on public transport or the vehicle to get around the city.
Where to eat along the route
The gastronomy of the province of Alicante is rich and varied, with standout dishes including seafood rice, hearty stews, and traditional sweets that define the region’s culinary identity.
- Arroz a banda (Rice cooked in fish stock): This is the star dish of the coastal area of the Province of Alicante. It is a dry, intensely seafood-flavored rice, cooked using a highly concentrated fish and shellfish stock. Tradition dictates that it be served in two very specific stages: first, the fish is enjoyed with potatoes, and then the rice is served, allowing you to appreciate the quality of the seafood and the stock’s absorption by the grains separately.
- Arroz con costra (Rice with a crust): Although also a rice dish, its preparation is very different and it is typical of the interior of the Province of Alicante. This is a brothy rice that is placed in the oven covered with a layer of beaten egg. During baking, a golden, crispy ‘crust’ forms on top, protecting the rice. It is a more substantial dish that usually includes meats such as longaniza and butifarra sausages, adding earthy and smoky flavors.
- Olleta Alicantina (Alicante-style stew): Ideal for the colder months, this stew is a traditional spoon dish deeply rooted throughout the Province of Alicante. It is a hearty preparation based on legumes, mainly using beans, and a variety of seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin and chard. It is cooked with different types of meat, resulting in a comforting and energy-packed dish.
- Turrón de Jijona (Jijona nougat): You cannot talk about the province without mentioning this world-famous Christmas sweet, originally from Jijona. Its texture is soft and it is made mainly with ground almonds, honey, and sugar. The main characteristic of Turrón de Jijona is that it melts in the mouth, releasing an intense and pure almond flavor that distinguishes it from other, harder varieties.
- Fondillón: To accompany meals or as a digestif, Fondillón is a unique sweet natural wine in the world, protected by the D.O. Alicante. It is made exclusively from Monastrell grapes that have been over-ripened on the vine. It is then aged for many years in large oak barrels, which gives it complex and deep flavors of nuts, spices, and wood, making it a high-end product.
Frequently asked questions about the Altea-Alicante route
How long does it take to get from Altea to Alicante?
The travel time varies depending on the chosen means of transport. If you travel by car via the A-7 and A-31 motorways, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. If you opt for public transport by bus with the company ALSA, the estimated travel time is 70 minutes.
Which is cheaper, the train or the bus?
The bus is the only public transport option available and the most economical, with prices ranging from 4 to 8 euros depending on the ALSA company. There is no train option for this route, as there is no direct train or train station in Altea for this destination.
Is it worth renting a car?
Yes, it is worth it if you plan to make tourist stops in towns like Benidorm, Villajoyosa, or El Campello, as the car gives you total freedom. Additionally, the A-7 and A-31 motorways are toll-free, which reduces the cost of the journey compared to other destinations.
When is the best time to travel?
The best time depends on your gastronomic and climatic interests. To enjoy dishes like Olleta Alicantina, the colder months are ideal. However, to make the most of coastal stops like El Campello or Villajoyosa and enjoy Arroz a banda, the good weather season is the most recommended.