Hi all this trip report has been a while coming, but wanted to set something down before I forget some details. Back in June 2023, I went on a roadtrip with some friends to some of the lesser known parts along Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
We started in Alicante, and it was a non-stop party town for a week; at the end, you ran out of aspirins. Going north by the coast we liked the coastal town of Javea. Valencia it is now our new favorite large city in Spain. Most recommended. The visit to the lesser known Matarraña region was a breath of fresh air that confirms inland Spain is well worth exploring.
Itinerary and impressions:
Alicante (9 nights)
We found Alicante to be a vibrant city full of life, its picturesque old town buzzing with activity and the modern beachfront lined with restaurants and bars. We were there during the week-long San Juan festivities, the city came alive with parades, music, and fireworks until 4 am each day. Mostly was local Spanish with a smattering of wide-eyed foreigners. The city was turned into a living art gallery with over 80 sculptures, each unique and intricately designed, lining the streets.
After days of festive merriment, these works of art were set aflame, an unforgettable sight that lit up the night sky. The traditional clothing of the Alicante dames was a sight to behold, adding an air of elegance to the festivities. The citywide fireworks contest was a daily treat, with each neighborhood outdoing the other in a dazzling display of lights at midnight.
We also we also used Alicante as a springboard to visit several nearby towns:
Jijona (Xixona in Valencian): Famous for its traditional Spanish nouga, Turrón, Jijona was a sweet escape from Alicante's hustle and bustle. We got to tour some of the turrón producers and learned about the age-old methods of making this almond nougat.
Alcoy: Alcoy was a charming town nestled between two natural parks, making it a great spot for nature lovers. We walked its historical routes and enjoyed its unique Modernist architecture.
Benidorm: We stepped by Benidorm out of curiosity more than anything else, it’s known for its skyscraper-lined beaches and vibrant nightlife, Benidorm offered a different more touristy experience. We enjoyed seeing all the crazy architecture, apparently Benidorm is on par with New York in terms of skyscraper density.
Xabia (Javea): A quaint seaside town, Xabia had an old world charm that was captivating. Its old town, with gothic style architecture and narrow streets, contrasted beautifully with the sandy beaches and turquoise water of the coast. Excellent seafood. Had a nice time visiting with friends who lived in the area.
Valencia (3 nights)
In Valencia, we discovered a fusion of historical and contemporary Spain. The city's futuristic City of Arts and Sciences was fun to explore, especially for an architecture nerd such as myself, while the old town, with its gothic cathedral and bustling central market, was nice to sit back and relax with an Horchata (originally from Valencia not Mexico) in the evening hours. The Valencia Opera House, a masterpiece of modern design, was a surreal experience to visit and see a performance of Carmen by the Spanish National Dance company.
Valencia felt like Barcelona did 20 years ago before mass tourism ruined much of that city. Clean, welcoming, safe, vibrant. I suggest Valencia to all who are looking for the “Barcelona” experience without the downsides.
We only did one day trip:
Castellon: Our least favorite day trip, very work a day, we explored the compact old town and the seaside area of this city. The highlight was the Mudejar bell tower, El Fadri, which provided panoramic views of the city.