7-Day Guide to Alicante & Costa Blanca: Sun, San Juan & Scenic Drives | June 2026

Welcome to Alicante and the stunning Costa Blanca! From June 21st to June 27th, 2026, you're in for an unforgettable week blending sun-drenched beaches, historic explorations, and the spectacular fires of San Juan. With Voyage Rent Car, your journey through this vibrant Spanish region will be seamless and exciting.

Your Sunny Start: Alicante Today (June 21, 2026)

Today promises a delightful start to your adventure, with partly cloudy skies and a comfortable high of 35.3°C, dropping to a refreshing 24.9°C at night. There's 0% chance of rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Start your exploration by picking up your rental car from Alicante Airport (ALC). Our free shuttle will take you to your vehicle, ready for a short 20-minute drive into the city centre.

We recommend kicking off your Alicante experience with a visit to the iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara. This magnificent Moorish castle offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views over Alicante Bay. Entry is free, and you can take a convenient lift directly from Postiguet beach. Spend your afternoon wandering through its ancient walls, soaking in history, and admiring the coastal vistas. For city driving and easy parking, a B2 compact car group is highly recommended.

The Heart of the Celebration: Hogueras de San Juan Festival (June 23-24)

This week is truly special with the electrifying Hogueras de San Juan festival taking centre stage! On the eve of June 23rd, Alicante erupts in celebration with massive bonfires, intricate sculptures (hogueras) that are set alight, music, and fireworks. The peak of the festival is June 24th, a public holiday, culminating in spectacular fireworks displays known as La Cremà (the burning) and the subsequent Banyà (bathing) where firefighters douse the crowds. Prepare for an unforgettable cultural immersion – this is a highlight you won't want to miss! We advise parking your rental car a bit further from the city centre on these evenings and using public transport or walking to avoid congestion.

Voyage Rent Car's Top Picks: Explore Costa Blanca by Car

Having your own rental car from Voyage Rent Car is the key to unlocking the full beauty of Alicante and the Costa Blanca. Choose a versatile C1 or E-group car for comfortable family trips, or an SUV for venturing into the mountains with ease.

• Elche Palm Grove (UNESCO): Just a 30-minute drive from Alicante, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts Europe's largest palm grove. Wander through thousands of palm trees, including the impressive Imperial Palm, and explore tranquil gardens. Entry to the general park is free, with some specific gardens having a small fee. Ample parking is available.
• Guadalest Mountain Village: Embark on a scenic 1-hour drive inland to this stunning medieval village, perched dramatically on a cliff. Often cited as the most visited inland spot in Spain, Guadalest offers incredible views, charming artisan shops, and unique museums. An E-group SUV would be ideal for the winding mountain roads. Parking is available at the village entrance for a small fee.
• Altea Old Town: Discover the enchanting whitewashed streets and blue-domed church of Altea. Perfect for an afternoon stroll, souvenir shopping, and enjoying a memorable sunset dinner by the sea. Park your car in the lower town and enjoy the walk uphill through its picturesque alleys.

Savor the Flavors: Local Cuisine This Week

No trip to Alicante is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. This week, as you celebrate San Juan, look out for special treats. Classic dishes like arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish broth), fideuà (a paella-like dish made with noodles), and fresh seafood are abundant. Don't forget to try coca de Sant Joan, a sweet flatbread often enjoyed during the festival. And of course, the famous local turrón (nougat) is always a delightful souvenir.

Your 7-Day Alicante & Costa Blanca Itinerary (June 21 - June 27, 2026)

1. Sunday, June 21: Arrival & Alicante City Charm. Pick up your car at Alicante Airport (ALC). Explore Castillo de Santa Bárbara, stroll along the Explanada de España, and enjoy dinner in the old town.
2. Monday, June 22: Elche's Palm Oasis. Drive to Elche Palm Grove (UNESCO). Spend the day exploring its unique botanical beauty. Return to Alicante in the afternoon.
3. Tuesday, June 23: San Juan Eve Excitement. Enjoy the morning on Postiguet Beach. As evening approaches, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hogueras de San Juan festival's eve in Alicante. Witness the first bonfires!
4. Wednesday, June 24: San Juan Festival Peak. A public holiday dedicated to San Juan. Enjoy parades, traditional costumes, and the grand burning of the hogueras and fireworks display late into the night. (Plan for no car usage in the immediate city center).
5. Thursday, June 25: Mountain Majesty in Guadalest. Take a scenic drive in your Voyage Rent Car SUV to Guadalest Mountain Village. Explore the castle, museums, and stunning views.
6. Friday, June 26: Whitewashed Altea & Coastal Drive. Head north along the coast to the charming Altea Old Town. Enjoy its artistic vibe, blue-domed church, and a beautiful sunset dinner.
7. Saturday, June 27: Beach Day & Departure Prep. Enjoy a relaxed morning on one of Costa Blanca's many pristine beaches, like Playa de San Juan. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping before preparing for your departure.

Ready to hit the road? Book your rental car with Voyage Rent Car today and make the most of your Alicante adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions about Alicante & Costa Blanca

Is Alicante worth visiting in June?

Absolutely! June in Alicante offers glorious weather, vibrant beach life, and the unmissable Hogueras de San Juan festival. It's an ideal time for cultural immersion and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

What are the best beaches near Alicante?

Beyond city beaches like Postiguet, drive a short distance to discover Playa de San Juan (north of Alicante), known for its vast golden sands and amenities, or explore the coves around El Campello and Villajoyosa for a more secluded experience.

Do I need a car to explore the Costa Blanca?

While Alicante city can be explored on foot or with public transport, a rental car is highly recommended to fully experience the diverse attractions of the Costa Blanca, from UNESCO sites like Elche to mountain villages like Guadalest and charming coastal towns like Altea. Book your ideal vehicle, whether it's a compact B2 for city hops or an E-group SUV for scenic drives.

What is the Hogueras de San Juan festival?

It's Alicante's biggest festival, celebrating the summer solstice. Giant artistic monuments (hogueras) are built across the city, paraded, and then dramatically burned on the night of June 24th, followed by spectacular fireworks. It's a truly unique and fiery spectacle!