Itinerary Feedback

Since you have friends in Alicante, they should have some ideas for days trips. The places near there that I bookmarked to see are Atalaya and Biar Castles, and El Palmeral. Further away is the Salto del Usero nature preserve, about 1.5 hours away.

It would be a shame to just breeze through Zaragoza and not spend a night, but if you’re intent on NYE in Alicante, then it is what it is.

In general and not just for Barcelona, leave anything you can’t afford to lose at home and be aware of your surroundings. The more crowded it is the more you need to keep a watch on your things. There are pickpockets everywhere. Don’t set backpacks on the ground even by your feet and think they are safe. Never set your phone on a table, even for a minute. If walking beside a road, keep purses, shoulder backpacks, etc., on the side of your body furthest from the streets. That helps prevent someone on a moped from riding by and grabbing whatever.

Thanks for the tips! We’ve had a phone pinched in Rome which was so annoying! This is the reason we don’t want to be in the crowds in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve. Day trips around Alicante are sorted out.
Thoughts on tacking the Zaragoza bit on the end of the itinerary? Driving from Alicante to Zaragoza? Or back to Barcelona and then train to Zaragoza? The Aljafería Palace is the closest Moorish spot, right?

Whether you leave Zaragoza where it is or put it at the end of the trip comes down to personal preference. If you are just stopping in Zaragoza for a short while, then you have the issue of where to put luggage while looking around. Some people rave about the Aljafería palace, but I’m not one of them. Consider leaving sightseeing in Zaragoza for another trip.

Since you are very limited on time I’m not sure the 5+ hours drive from Alicante to Zaragoza is the best use of time. Finding a vehicle for 10 people and luggage might be difficult. If you did decide to drive, then you should stop in Teruel for all its Mudéjar towers and the Óvalo staircase. We parked near the staircase in a free lot. Unless you could somehow hide all the luggage in the vehicle so others can’t see it, I wouldn’t drive. Luggage, coins, cables, maps, packages, bags, etc., are all invitations to thieves.

I always have a rental car, so can’t comment on public transportation between the places you want to go.

You are so right about the logistics! I am now thinking we can get our “moorish influences” fix at Atalaya Castle and spend a day in Eiche instead of Zaragoza.

Have not been to Alataya Castle or Eiche but thought Aljaferia was lovely. Thoroughly enjoyed it…and Zaragoza.