There are two kinds of people. Those who watch the sunset from their hotel balcony, drink in hand, taking the hundredth photo of the same orange orb disappearing over the horizon. And that's perfectly fine. But then there are the others. The ones for whom sunset isn't the end of the day, but the climax of an adventure. The ones who know that nature reserves its best shows for those who make the effort to venture off the beaten path.
If you belong to the second group, this article is for you. We believe life is too short for boring drives, so we've prepared three ready-made scenarios for an evening you'll remember for a long time. These aren't just places. They are entire experiences – the journey, the music in your speakers, the scent of the sun-warmed earth, and finally, that perfect, uninterrupted view. You only need one thing: a set of keys.
In this article:
- Route 1: A Romantic Spectacle Above the Skyscrapers – Mirador de la Cruz de Benidorm
- Route 2: Drama and Mystery – Batería de Castillitos near Cartagena
- Route 3: Peace and Natural Majesty – Cap de Sant Antoni between Dénia and Jávea
- Your Gear: What You Should Pack in the Trunk
- Your Sunset, Your Rules. We Just Provide the Keys.
Route 1: A Romantic Spectacle Above the Skyscrapers – Mirador de la Cruz de Benidorm
For whom: Fans of metropolitan grandeur, couples looking for the perfect photo backdrop, and anyone who wants to see the sun say goodbye to the city that never sleeps.
Route difficulty: Easy, but requires focus on the winding, narrow uphill sections.
Road trip soundtrack: Something like Chromatics' "Shadow" or classic Spanish guitars.
Benidorm is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place. But there's one thing you can't deny – its skyline at sunset looks like a scene from "Blade Runner." Instead of squeezing onto the crowded beaches, we'll do it much smarter. The goal is the cross on the hill of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, which offers an absolutely mesmerizing view of the entire bay and its skyscrapers.
The Game Plan:
Enter "Mirador de la Cruz de Benidorm" into your navigation. The road will guide you there. The key is not to rush on the final, steep section. Drive slowly, enjoy the views. Park your car and walk the last 100 meters to the cross itself. As the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, the entire city will be bathed in golden light, and moments later, thousands of lights will begin to twinkle on. It's a spectacle that lasts for a good hour.
Our Pro Tip:
Bring a blanket and a thermos of coffee or a bottle of wine. Find a spot on one of the rocks away from the others and just soak in the moment. This is the very freedom that renting a car in Alicante gives you – you are the director of your own evening.
Route 2: Drama and Mystery – Batería de Castillitos near Cartagena
For whom: Explorers, history buffs, photographers, and anyone who wants to feel like they're in a video game or a fantasy film.
Route difficulty: Medium. The drive takes about 1.5 hours on a scenic but winding road.
Road trip soundtrack: Epic film scores, e.g., Hans Zimmer or Ramin Djawadi.
This is a trip for true adventurers. Forget everything you know about viewpoints. Batería de Castillitos is an abandoned military fortress from the early 20th century that looks like a Disney castle designed by a mad architect. Perched on a rocky cliff, with gigantic cannons aimed at the sea, it creates a completely surreal atmosphere.
The Game Plan:
From Alicante, head south towards Cartagena, then to the small village of Campillo de Adentro. The last few kilometers are a narrow, mountain serpentine road that is an adventure in itself. Your reward is reaching a place that few tourists know about. You can freely explore the fortifications, turrets, and underground passages.
The best spot for sunset is right next to one of the massive cannons. The view of the fiery sun disappearing into the sea, with the silhouette of a powerful cannon in the foreground, is an image you won't forget. Any decent car rental in Alicante should have a car in its fleet that will make conquering this route a joy.
Route 3: Peace and Natural Majesty – Cap de Sant Antoni between Dénia and Jávea
For whom: Those seeking silence, a connection with nature, and a postcard-perfect view of the sea and majestic cliffs.
Route difficulty: Easy, a very pleasant and scenic drive.
Road trip soundtrack: Something relaxing, like Bon Iver, The xx, or just the sound of the waves.
Sometimes you don't need castles or skyscrapers. Sometimes, all you need is the power of nature. The Cape of Saint Anthony is the perfect place to feel it. It's a high cliff separating the bays of Dénia and Jávea, offering a view of the endless sea and the mighty Montgó mountain massif.
The Game Plan:
From Alicante, drive north on the AP-7 or N-332 towards Dénia/Jávea. The road leading to the cape itself runs through the Montgó Natural Park – it's beautiful and smells of pine. At the end of the road, there's a lighthouse. Don't stop there like everyone else. Look for one of the small, well-trodden paths leading along the cliff edge. Just walk 200-300 meters to find your own private spot, sit on a sun-warmed rock, and watch in absolute silence as the sun slowly sinks into the sea. This is precisely why renting a car from Alicante airport makes sense – it gives you the opportunity to find these kinds of almost private moments.
Your Gear: What You Should Pack in the Trunk
Every mission requires the right equipment. Before you set off in search of the perfect sunset, throw a few things in the car:
- A blanket or towels: Sitting on rocks is cool, but only for 5 minutes.
- Something to drink: A non-alcoholic local wine or a cold non-alcoholic beer tastes infinitely better with a good view.
- Snacks: Local cheese, olives, some jamón serrano.
- A power bank: Because you'll definitely take hundreds of photos and videos.
- A great playlist: It creates 50% of the trip's atmosphere.
Your Sunset, Your Rules. We Just Provide the Keys.
You could spend this evening in a hotel bar. Or you could be in one of these three (or dozens of other) magical places, creating memories that will stay with you forever. This is the freedom that travel is all about. This is the philosophy we believe in at YourRent. We don't just rent you a car. We give you a tool to experience adventures on your own terms.
Ready to hit the road? Before your trip, book online, and upon arrival, rent a car in Alicante and start hunting for the perfect sunset. We promise you won't regret it.
