Driving from Alicante to Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls: Hire Car or Tour?
Updated October 17, 2026 · 5 min read
The answer first
For most visitors, the Guadalest, Altea and Algar Waterfalls tour is the easier day: from 39.01 €, 11 hours, rated 4.8 from 3,775 reviews. Drive yourself if you want to set your own pace at the waterfalls, or stay longer in Guadalest.
Check prices and dates for the Guadalest, Altea and Algar day trip
What the route is
Guadalest is the hill village with views over the valley, the Algar waterfalls are where the tours let you swim, and Altea is the old town you add on the way back. The tour descriptions call them “two unique places close to Alicante and Benidorm”. Check live travel times in a route planner for your departure day rather than trusting a fixed figure: summer traffic on the coast changes them.
Tour or car — compared
| Guadalest, Altea and Algar | Guadalest and Algar | Hire car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 11 hours | 6–8 hours | Your choice |
| From | 39.01 € | 42 € | Per car and day |
| Rating | 4.8 (3,775 reviews) | 4.7 (1,686 reviews) | — |
| Best for | Three stops, no driving, ticket for the waterfalls | A shorter day with swimming | Own timetable, extra stops |
The 11-hour tour includes a ticket for the waterfalls; for a self-drive visit, entry and parking are yours to check before you go.
Check prices and dates for the Guadalest and Algar tour
Who should not drive it
Anyone who wants a glass of wine at lunch, is uneasy on winding mountain roads, or travels alone and would pay a whole car for one person. In those cases, the tour does the driving and the day costs less.
If you do drive
Take swimming kit, leave early, and check the fuel policy so a “full to full” return does not catch you out. Compare hire cars in Alicante and read our note on excess and deposit first.
Our recommendation
Book the Guadalest, Altea and Algar tour unless you specifically want your own pace — then hire a car for that single day.
