Why rent a car in Alicante?
Alicante is one of Spain’s most popular coastal cities, known for its sandy beaches, castle and vibrant waterfront. A rental car gives you easy access to the wider Costa Blanca, with destinations such as Benidorm, Altea and the natural park of El Hondo all within easy reach.
Pick up your car in the city or directly at Alicante Airport and start exploring the Costa Blanca immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the country with low deposit car rental, see car rental in Spain.
Exploring Alicante and the Costa Blanca by car
Day trips and routes from Alicante
Alicante sits at the heart of the Costa Blanca, making it an excellent base for exploring by car. Benidorm is just 45 km north via the AP-7, and the charming hilltop town of Altea is reachable in under an hour. The natural park of El Hondo, one of the most important wetland reserves in southeastern Spain, is about 20 km south of the city. Further south, Torrevieja and the Murcia region offer quieter beaches and salt lakes, all within easy driving distance. The medieval town of Guadalest in the Valencia interior is a popular inland route from Alicante. For more destinations across the country, see car rental in Spain.
Driving and parking in Alicante
Alicante is a relatively easy city to navigate by car. The centre has several underground car parks near the Explanada de España and the main shopping streets. Parking on the seafront can be busy during summer, so arriving early or using one of the paid car parks near the castle is advisable. The AP-7 runs along the coast and connects you quickly to both the north (Valencia) and south (Murcia). Many visitors use Alicante Airport (ALC) as their arrival point and drive directly to their holiday accommodation along the coast.
Best time to rent a car in Alicante
Alicante enjoys some of the sunniest weather in Spain throughout the year. Traffic is heaviest along the Costa Blanca in July and August, particularly near Benidorm and popular beach areas. For a more relaxed driving experience, May, June and September offer warm weather with significantly less congestion. Winter is mild and quiet, making it ideal for exploring the inland sierra and smaller coastal towns at your own pace.
Car rental price in Alicante
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Alicante, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €233 |
| Mid-size car | from €290 |
| Large car / SUV | from €299 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
