Hello!
I am from Spain, can tell you what I would do.
I understand that your starting point is Santander, right?
Well, if you have to get to Altea as fast as possible and don't care about landscape or roads. Just take the highway to Zaragoza the first day. Don't worry about where to sleep, there will be plenty of places. Just think whether you prefer to sleep in a big city or a small village (I would do the second, cheaper, easier...). Then the next day, get the highway to Valencia through Teruel.
Santander, Cantabria to Altea, Alicante - Google Maps
This ^^ is easy and fast. You will have no problems, I promise.
If you can spend a little more time (while still being two ridding days) and want to ride some of the best roads in Spain, make sure you get off the highway and ride the Sierra de la Demanda mountains the first day and the Tajo River Natural Park the second day. Don't miss the backroads in Cuenca around the source of the Cuervo river.
Santander, Cantabria to Altea, Alicante - Google Maps
This ^^ is long and you WILL be tired both days. But the scenery and the roads are exceptional. Believe me.
There is a third option, going through Madrid as you said. But I would not even come near to one of the busiest cities in Europe if I don't really need to and I am heading somewhere else.
Just do it. You will love it
Suerte!
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