The trip arrives on a weekend with a simple wish: break the routine and try something different. If someone loves travel and discovering new places, a weekend escape is the ideal plan. When the destination is nearby, travel time shrinks and free time for discovery grows. For this reason, three charming spots are recommended for a rural escape near Alicante.
Within reach of the Alicante region lie delightful places perfect for a relaxed holiday. Three options have been chosen, each under two hours by car, offering a wide range of rural stays and leisure activities. The picks are Cofrentes, Alcalá del Júcar, and Moratalla. Here is a closer look at what makes each destination special.
Top 5 routes and excursions to explore in Alicante this weekend
The town of Cofrentes sits about an hour and a half away from Alicante, a distance of roughly 138 kilometers. Its landscape blends natural beauty with a well preserved historical center. A standout experience is a river route along the Júcar, which can be enjoyed by boat from Cofrentes to Pallas Courts. The voyage lasts about an hour and covers around 14 kilometers on the Cortes reservoir.
Nearby, the crater of the Cofrentes volcano and Cerro de Agras Volcano offer breathtaking views over the area. A river route through Cofrentes also contributes to an immersive outdoor day. In the city center, visitors can explore landmarks including the clock tower within the old castle complex, the Brother Pastor’s House, the Soledad Hermitage, and the San José district, each adding a page to the town’s story.
Alcalá del Júcar in Albacete is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Castilla la Mancha and Spain, making it a must-see. It sits about 155 kilometers from Alicante, a drive that takes under two hours. The town flaunts a Roman bridge spanning the Júcar river and a commanding castle that crowns the hillside. Steep streets transport visitors to a different era, and cave houses hewn directly into the rock offer another layer of wonder.
The town also invites visitors to walk through its historic center to appreciate the architecture and the surrounding countryside. For hikers, the easy route along the valley and riverbed presents a spectacular view of the Júcar gorge. The area around Alcalá del Júcar blends charming streets with natural scenery, perfect for a day of exploration.
Moratalla, located in the Murcia region, is less than two hours from Alicante and stands as one of the region’s most picturesque towns. It presents a variety of rural lodging options and a history-rich landscape with the Castle Stronghold of the Order of Santiago and the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady as major highlights. The ascent to these monuments rewards visitors with panoramic views from the town’s elevated heart. With a mix of trails and scenic routes, Moratalla invites outdoor lovers to set out on hikes that reveal the abundance of surrounding nature.
The region presents several walking paths through its natural spaces. Those who enjoy trekking can choose from routes that weave through pine and scrub and reach high viewpoints. For a more relaxed day, one can stroll through the old town and soak in the quiet rhythm of country life. A prudent traveler will check the weather beforehand and dress for varied conditions, ensuring comfort as the day unfolds along the hillside and in the valleys.
Across these destinations, visitors discover a consistent theme: short drives, rich landscapes, and a tasteful blend of culture and nature. Whether it is exploring Cofrentes by boat, wandering Alcalá del Júcar’s cliffside lanes, or tracing Moratalla’s rural trails, each town offers a distinct mood and a warm welcome. The weekend escape becomes not just a change of scenery but a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the simple pleasures of the countryside.
As travelers prepare, a practical tip emerges: verify the weather in advance and pack layers to adapt to mountain breezes and river climates. Comfortable footwear, a light backpack, and water are essential companions for those who plan to walk, hike, or explore the towns on foot. A weekend itinerary that blends light exploration with moments of rest helps maximize enjoyment and relaxation in these scenic rural corners near Alicante.