Your 7-Day Guide to Alicante & Costa Blanca: Embrace the Summer Solstice

Welcome to Alicante, the heart of the Costa Blanca, where the sun shines bright and culture comes alive. Today, June 24, 2026, marks the exhilarating peak of the Hogueras de San Juan festival, a truly unmissable spectacle. The weather couldn't be more perfect for celebrations, with a sunny 32.4°C maximum and 23.2°C minimum, and no rain in sight. Get ready for a week of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable Spanish traditions.

What to do TODAY: Immerse Yourself in Hogueras de San Juan

Today is the grand finale of Alicante's most iconic festival, Hogueras de San Juan. The city is ablaze with giant artistic bonfires (hogueras) that will be set alight tonight in a breathtaking display known as La Cremà. Spend your day wandering through the city streets, admiring the intricate sculptures that poke fun at political figures and current events, before finding a spot to witness the spectacular burning. The festival also features lively parades, dazzling fireworks (the Mascletà competition runs daily, but tonight's fireworks are special), and plenty of traditional music and dancing. It’s a sensory feast that culminates in a purifying fire ritual marking the summer solstice. Don't miss the chance to experience this unique cultural phenomenon.

Top Attractions & Practical Tips for Your Costa Blanca Adventure

Beyond the festivities, the Costa Blanca offers a wealth of permanent attractions best explored with the freedom of a rental car from Voyage Rent Car. Choose a compact B2 for city exploration, or a spacious C1 or E for families and longer journeys.

• Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Alicante: Perched atop Mount Benacantil, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views of Alicante city, its port, and the Mediterranean Sea. Access is via a scenic elevator from Postiguet beach, by road, or on foot.
  • Opening Hours: Generally 10:00 - 22:00 during summer (check locally for precise times).
  • Price: Free entry. Elevator costs a small fee.
  • Parking: Limited parking available at the top, or use city parking and take the elevator.
• Elche Palm Grove (Palmeral de Elche, UNESCO World Heritage Site): Just a short drive inland from Alicante, this unique landscape boasts Europe's largest palm grove, with over 200,000 palm trees. Explore the Huerto del Cura garden for a particularly beautiful example.
  • Opening Hours: Huerto del Cura 09:00 - 20:00 (daily).
  • Price: Huerto del Cura entrance fee around 5-6 EUR. The general grove is free to explore.
  • Parking: Easy parking available in Elche, often near the main garden entrances.
• Guadalest Mountain Village: Drive inland into the mountains to discover this picturesque village, famous for its hanging castle, reservoir views, and tiny museums. The drive itself is spectacular.
  • Opening Hours: Shops and museums typically 10:00 - 18:00.
  • Price: Individual museum entry fees (approx. 2-4 EUR).
  • Parking: Pay parking lots are available at the entrance to the village.
• Altea Old Town: Known as the 'Dome of the Mediterranean', Altea's charming whitewashed old town, crowned by its blue-domed church, is a delight. Wander through its cobbled streets filled with artisan shops and enjoy stunning sea views.
  • Opening Hours: Shops vary, generally open late into the evening.
  • Price: Free to explore.
  • Parking: Parking is available at the bottom of the hill; you'll need to walk up to the old town.

Savouring the Local Flavours

Alicante and the Costa Blanca are a gastronomic paradise. Don't leave without trying authentic Valencian paella, especially the seafood varieties, or the regional arroz a banda. Fresh seafood is abundant, from grilled prawns to salted cod (bacalao). For a sweet treat, try turrón, a traditional nougat, especially from Jijona. Pair your meals with excellent local wines from the Alicante DO region.

Your 7-Day Driving Plan with Voyage Rent Car

A rental car is essential for truly experiencing the diversity of the Costa Blanca. Book your rental car with Voyage Rent Car today!

Day 1 (June 24 - Wednesday): Alicante City & Hogueras
Arrive at Alicante Airport (ALC), pick up your B2 compact car. Check into your accommodation. Spend the day exploring Alicante city, enjoying the festive atmosphere of Hogueras de San Juan, and witnessing La Cremà in the evening. Explore the Explanada de España and the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Day 2 (June 25 - Thursday): Coastal Charm of Altea
After a relaxed morning, drive your B2 to Altea Old Town (approx. 1 hour north of Alicante). Explore its picturesque streets, visit the blue-domed church, and enjoy lunch with sea views. Spend the afternoon on Altea's pebble beach or explore nearby Benidorm if you crave more action.

Day 3 (June 26 - Friday): Mountain Majesty of Guadalest
Head inland with your C1 or E car (for mountain comfort) to Guadalest Mountain Village (approx. 1.5 hours from Alicante). Enjoy the scenic drive, explore the castle, and take in the stunning reservoir views. On your way back, stop in Callosa d'en Sarrià to visit the Fonts d'Algar waterfalls for a refreshing dip.

Day 4 (June 27 - Saturday): Elche & The Palm Grove
Drive to Elche (approx. 30 minutes from Alicante) to explore the magnificent Elche Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Huerto del Cura botanical garden. In the afternoon, explore Elche's historical centre and its basilica.

Day 5 (June 28 - Sunday): Beach Day & Relaxation
Dedicate today to pure relaxation. Drive your car to one of the Costa Blanca's beautiful beaches. Options include Playa de San Juan near Alicante (long sandy beach, easy parking) or the quieter coves around Villajoyosa. Enjoy the sun, swim in the Mediterranean, and savour a beachfront lunch.

Day 6 (June 29 - Monday): Alicante History & Culture
Spend another day in Alicante. Visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara for history and views. Explore the MARQ Archaeological Museum (if open, check local listings) and stroll through the Mercado Central for a taste of local life. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the city.

Day 7 (June 30 - Tuesday): Departure
Enjoy a final Spanish breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a leisurely coffee by the marina. Drive your rental car back to Alicante Airport (ALC) for your departure, filled with memories of your Costa Blanca adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alicante & Costa Blanca

Is Alicante worth visiting in June?

Absolutely! June is a fantastic time to visit Alicante, especially with the Hogueras de San Juan festival. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for beaches and outdoor activities, though it can be quite busy due to the holiday. Temperatures range from 23.2°C to 32.4°C this week.

What are the best beaches near Alicante?

Playa del Postiguet is the city beach, right at the foot of Castillo de Santa Bárbara. A short drive away, Playa de San Juan is a much larger, golden sandy beach with excellent facilities and easy parking. Further afield, the beaches of Calpe, Benidorm (Levante and Poniente), and Guardamar del Segura are also very popular.

How can I best explore the Costa Blanca?

The most flexible and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes of the Costa Blanca is by rental car. Voyage Rent Car offers a range of vehicles, from compact B2 cars for city drives to comfortable C1 and E models ideal for longer excursions to places like Guadalest and Elche. Book your rental car in advance for the best rates and availability.

What local dishes should I try in Alicante?

Be sure to try traditional Valencian paella, particularly paella de marisco (seafood paella) or arroz a banda. Fresh seafood is a must, often grilled or baked. For a local sweet, sample turrón, a nougat-like confection, especially from Jijona. Don't forget to pair your meals with a glass of local Alicante wine.

Check the official events calendar and Comunitat Valenciana for current activities, though these sources are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Ensure to consult local tourist information centers for the most up-to-date information.