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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alicante

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This sunny seaside locale was named Lucentum (meaning "place of light") by the ancient Romans who settled here. Today, visitors still come here to enjoy the sunshine and pleasant climate as well as the beautiful setting in an expansive bay.

Promenade along the marina in Alicante, Spain

With the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean lapping against its sandy shores, Alicante is understandably a popular summer and winter resort destination on the Costa Blanca.

Alicante offers the ideal combination of leisure activities and cultural attractions. Popular pastimes include playing golf, visiting museums, attending festivals, sunbathing at the beach, and strolling along the waterfront promenade.

Of course, you must try the local cuisine. Don't leave without sampling the arroz a banda (rice with fish), Olleta (chickpea, bean, and vegetable stew), and turrón (honey-almond nougat).

Well-designed for tourists, Alicante has many high-rise hotels near the harbor and the beach. There's also plenty of open space. Throughout the city, lush gardens and elegant palm-fringed boulevards break up the urban sprawl.

Learn about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Alicante.

See also: Where to Stay in Alicante

1. Castillo de Santa Bárbara

2. museo arqueológico provincial de alicante (marq), 3. explanada de españa, 4. basilica de santa maría, 5. playa del postiguet: a beautiful city beach, 6. museo de arte contemporáneo de alicante, 7. mercado central de alicante, 8. playa de san juan, 9. concatedral de san nicolás de bari, 10. ayuntamiento (town hall), 11. plaza de gabriel miró, 12. cabo de las huertas, where to stay in alicante for sightseeing, day trips from alicante, playa de los saladares, las cuevas del canelobre, tabarca island.

Castillo de Santa Bárbara

The Castillo de Santa Bárbara stands in a commanding position above the town and the seafront. The hilltop location on Monte Benacantil is a testament to the castle's military purpose and has been a strategic asset as far back as the Carthaginian era.

The original 9th-century Islamic alcazar (Moorish fortress) was captured from the Moors by the Christian Prince Alfonso of Castile. The victorious battle was on the feast day of Santa Barbara, explaining the castle's name. During the reign of Philip II, the castle was renovated in Renaissance style.

The castle is open year-round for self-guided visits, as well as guided tours. You have a chance to see La Torreta , the old keep (tower); the splendid reception hall of Philip II; the Patio de Armas ; and the Revellín del Bon Repós rampart. The castle also hosts themed weekends, dramatized visits, and gastronomic experiences throughout the year.

Upon entering the castle, you are astounded by the grand scale. Panoramic coastal views add to the striking impression. From the vantage point of the rampart and the tower, the outlook stretches over the town, across the bay, and to the hills in the north.

Location: Mount Benacantil

Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante

The superb Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante (MARQ) takes you on a journey through 100,000 years of history. The collection covers prehistory; the classical period of antiquity with Greek, Roman, and Iberian artifacts; and the Middle Ages.

Highlights of the collection include a scene of Roman daily life, an assortment of ancient coins, a figure of the goddess Tanit, and Iberian ceramics. The medieval exhibit is especially impressive, with an assortment of more than 300 objects.

The museum also presents educational information about the archaeological sites of Lucentum and Illeta dels Banyets, as well as the Sanctuary of Pla de Petracos, where many of the artifacts were discovered.

In addition to the collections, the museum shows visitors a behind-the-scenes look at excavation work. Exhibits also show how researchers learn about the past from the objects that they find.

You may visit the museum year-round. The museum is open every day, except Mondays.

Address: Plaza del Doctor Gómez Ulla, Alicante

Explanada de España

The Explanada de España, also known as the Paseo de la Explanada or the Promenade Explanada , runs parallel to the yacht marina and the port. Fringed with rows of swaying palm trees, this mosaic-paved walkway invites you to go for a stroll.

A hub of social life in Alicante, the Explanada de España is particularly refreshing on summer evenings. When the weather is warm, you'll enjoy the cool Mediterranean breeze that brushes in from the harbor.

Soak up the sun and the ambience at a restaurant with outdoor seating. The Italian restaurant Prego (28 Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya) has a picturesque terrace. Momen (21 Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya) is another great place to sit down and enjoy the scenery.

Head to the dessert-focused café Chocolatería Valor (14 Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya) for rich hot chocolate served with churros (sugar-coated strips of fried pastry dough).

If you're visiting during summertime, then you can browse the outdoor market. One section of the Explanada de España is devoted to the Alicante Craft Fair , where you'll find artisanal craft items and traditional sweets such as turrón (nougat).

Almost always buzzing with energy, the Explanada de España often provides a stage for street performers. The promenade also features an outdoor auditorium, La Concha , that presents music concerts, dance performances, and other cultural events.

Just a short walk from the Explanada de España promenade are dozens of excellent restaurants.

Parque de Canalejas

The promenade begins at the Plaza Puerta del Mar and winds up at the Parque de Canalejas , a lush seaside park. Several of the city's top historic attractions can be seen while ambling along the promenade, including the Casa Carbonell , a splendid example of Modernist architecture, and the Plaza de Gabriel Miró , a delightful public square shaded by leafy hundred-year-old trees.

Families with younger children will want to visit El Mundo de los Niños (The World of Children) amusement park (near the Parque de Canalejas), which features carnival-type rides and games.

Basilica de Santa María

In the Barrio Santa Cruz, the Basilica de Santa María is the oldest church in Alicante and replaced Alicante's main mosque of the Moorish era. The church dates to the 14th century and was rebuilt by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century.

Originally Gothic in style, the basilica was remodeled in the 18th century with a Baroque facade and interior. On the main front of the exterior, the Virgin sculpture by Juan Bautista Borja stands out as a stunning example of detailed stone carving.

Another unique feature of the building is the pair of bell towers, which, although positioned on each side of the entrance, do not match. One of the bell towers was built in the 14th century and the other not until the 18th century.

Step inside to admire the richly decorated sanctuary. Take time to appreciate the 18th-century high altar designed in an elaborate Rococo style.

The Santa Maria Basilica is open year-round. Hours are 10am until 7pm, Monday through Saturday, and 2pm until 7pm on Sundays. Entrance requires an admission fee, which includes an audioguide (with the choice of English, Spanish, or French language).

Address: Plaza de Santa María, Alicante

Playa del Postiguet

The Playa del Postiguet is right in the city center of Alicante, tucked beneath the Castillo de Santa Barbara. This picturesque wide beach offers the serenity of gentle waves and calm turquoise waters.

Crowds flock here during summer time because of its fine golden sand and excellent facilities, including restaurants, public toilets, showers, beach volleyball areas, a children's playground, as well as sun parasols and lounge chairs for rent.

You'll appreciate the safe water if you plan to take a dip. Generally swimming is possible at this beach. Signposts indicate water safety on a daily basis.

The Playa del Postiguet is next to Alicante's lovely and spacious Marina Alicante , where many yachts and private boats are docked. Here you can go for a stroll, relax on a bench and enjoy the seaside scenery, or dine at one of the stylish waterfront restaurants. The dining options range from casual to upscale.

Address: Muelle 8 Zona de Levante, Alicante

Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art presents a superb collection of avant-garde 20th-century art. The collection is housed within a 17th-century Baroque building that stands opposite the Basilica de Santa María.

Opened in 2011, the museum has a permanent collection of contemporary art that features paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The collection includes masterpieces by prominent artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, and Julio González.

The museum also displays works by two major Alicante artists. The Juana Francés collection celebrates the career of this pioneering female artist. The Eusebio Sempere collection comprises 575 works by this Alicante artist best known for his geometric designs and optical illusions.

Admission to the museum (open daily) is free of charge. Guided tours are available.

Address: 3 Plaza de Santa María, Alicante

Facade of the Mercado Central

Visit the Mercado Central de Alicante to get a sense of local culture and everyday life. Built in the early 20th century, this large market hall features Modernist design elements on its facade.

Inside is a vibrant marketplace where farmers, fishermen, and other food vendors make sure that the city is well-fed. The first floor is almost entirely dedicated to household items, dairy, and butcher stalls selling meat, while the second floor houses vegetable farmers and the fish market.

The market is open Monday through Saturday from 7am to 2:30pm (until 3pm on Saturdays). Local restaurants use this market as their source for daily ingredients, and residents of the city also come here to shop for specialty items and fresh produce.

Visiting this market immerses you in the sensory delights of a traditional European food market. The bustling atmosphere makes it a fun place to wander around.

Address: 10 Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio, 03004, Alicante

Palm trees on Playa de San Juan

This gorgeous sandy beach is just a 15-minute drive from the Alicante city center. With its expansive shoreline, the Playa de San Juan is ideal for sunbathing and relaxation.

The Playa de San Juan has been awarded a Blue Flag for water safety. The calm waters are suitable for swimming and water sports.

A wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and snack bars along the beach make it convenient for you to spend a full day here.

Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari

The Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari stands in the heart of the city, near the Town Hall. This 17th-century church was constructed on the site of a former mosque and is dedicated to the town's patron saint.

While the exterior is plain, the interior is an impressive and awe-inspiring spiritual space. The sanctuary features several notable retablos, including a magnificent 17th-century work that is entirely gilded. The 15th-century cloister is also exquisite.

This unique church blends Baroque elements with Herrerian style, an architectural school that flourished during Spain's Renaissance era. Herrerian buildings are distinguished by austere facades and precise geometrical lines.

Facade of the Alicante Town Hall

The Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) of Alicante makes a striking impression. This grand Baroque building has an ornate Churrigueresque facade and two imposing towers, which soar to 35 meters.

On the staircase leading up to the building is an instrument used in Spain as a reference point to measure the height above sea level.

The building is listed as a Historic Monument and is open to visitors year-round daily. The Ayuntamiento is only closed on December 25th, January 1st, and January 6th.

Inside the Ayuntamiento, a must-see is the Salón Azul (Blue Room), which is decorated with furnishings from the epoch of Queen Isabel. Also be sure to visit the Capilla del Oratorio (chapel) where Mass is held.

The Ayuntamiento is located behind the park of the Explanada de España and near the Plaza Puerta del Mar

Address: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Alicante

Fountain in Plaza de Gabriel Miró

This delightful square pays homage to the renowned author of Alicante, Gabriel Miró. A bust of Gabriel Miró stands at one end of the square.

You immediately feel a sense of peacefulness when stepping into the Plaza de Gabriel Miró. Shaded by leafy ficus trees, the square abounds with luxuriant vegetation. The center is adorned with a fountain that features interesting statues.

Close to Alicante's Old Town, the Plaza de Gabriel Miró offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can relax on the terrace or take an unhurried stroll through the beautiful grounds.

Las Huertas Cape Lighthouse on Alicante Coast

Several small sea coves are found just outside Alicante on the Cabo de las Huertas, between San Juan and Albufereta.

The Cala Cantalars are small coves in a quiet residential area two kilometers from the Alicante city center. These coves conceal sheltered rocky beaches with placid waters.

The Cala dels Jueus coves are both rocky and sandy. Both of these areas have rocky beaches with gentle waters. This area is great for scuba diving.

The main tourist areas of Alicante are the Barrio Santa Cruz (Old Town), the nearby port and marina, and the beach. The most charming place to stay is the Old Town, but beach lovers will prefer being near the Playa del Postiguet in Alicante or by the Playa de San Juan, which is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. Here are some highly rated hotels in Alicante:

Luxury Hotels :

  • If you're seeking modern five-star accommodations, the Hotel Hospes Amérigo is an ideal choice. This hotel in the Old Town occupies the historic Salesian Convent, which has been completely renovated and decorated in a sleek minimalist style. Amenities include a fine-dining restaurant, rooftop terrace and swimming pool, indoor pool, fitness center, spa, sauna, concierge, and 24-hour front desk. The hotel is near restaurants, shops, and the port.
  • The four-star Meliá Alicante is a resort hotel with a pool at the marina, overlooking the beach. The hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance to many tourist attractions in the Barrio Santa Cruz.
  • Also at the marina and an easy walk to the Barrio Santa Cruz, the four-star Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Meliá has outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness center, spa, Jacuzzi, and a restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine. This seaside hotel is located right next to the Playa del Postiguet beach.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Eurostars Centrum Alicante is conveniently located on a residential street close to the Old Town and waterfront. This four-star hotel has excellent amenities, including a fitness center, sauna, Turkish baths, spa treatments, and a restaurant that serves regional cuisine.
  • At the northern side of the Old Town and a 10-minute walk to the harbor, the four-star Eurostars Lucentum is conveniently located across the street from the airport shuttle-bus stop. The hotel has a fitness center and a spa.
  • The four-star AC Hotel Alicante is also near an airport shuttle-bus stop and about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and harbor. Amenities include a fitness center, a rooftop terrace with swimming pool, and room service. Some of the guest rooms have wonderful sea views.

Budget Hotels:

  • The three-star Hotel Ciudad de Alicante is right by the beach and an airport shuttle-bus stop, and just a short walk to the Old Town. Guest rooms feature balconies with views of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. The hotel offers a 24-hour front reception desk and laundry service.
  • Surprisingly affordable for a three-star hotel, the Occidental Alicante is ideally located in the Old Town near many restaurants and shops and close to the Mercado Central. The hotel features modern guest rooms and a casual café. The beach is about a 20-minute walk away.
  • The Hotel Cervantes is in the city center near many shops and restaurants and a 15-minute walk to the port. This two-star hotel offers basic guest rooms with air-conditioning and complimentary breakfast. Amenities include a 24-hour front reception desk and concierge.

Playa de Los Saladares

Another excellent beach is Playa de Los Saladares, located seven kilometers from Alicante. The pristine golden-sand shoreline extends for nearly two kilometers and features sand dunes at one end. This beach offers a welcome escape to nature, along with public facilities.

The Playa de Los Saladares has public restrooms, showers, shops, restaurants, a beachfront promenade, and a children's play area. Beach umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent.

This beach is a great place to visit for sunbathing and leisurely seaside strolls. The moderate waves make the water safe for wading or swimming.

Canelobre Caves in Busot Town, Alicante

Las Cuevas del Canelobre are a stunning natural cave system 24 kilometers from Alicante, located within the slopes of the Sierra del Cabeçó d'Or mountains, an area with breathtaking views of the coastline.

One of the caverns has been compared to a cathedral with its awesome 150-meter-long hall filled with a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites. Tourists will enjoy visiting this unique nature site.

Guided tours include colored lighting to illuminate the caves and music for ambience. The caves are sometimes used as a venue for concerts because they offer exceptional acoustics and a truly special ambience.

Nova Tabarca Island Port in Alicante

Travelers can escape to a small island off the coast of Alicante and enjoy being surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Tabarca Island is the only inhabited island of the region, and the area around the archipelago has been designated a Mediterranean Marine Reserve.

The landscape boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and the island itself is rich in history having been a former pirate hideout, an 18 th -century fortified town, and isolated fishing village prior to becoming a premier tourist destination.

There are plenty of things to do on the island, from simply enjoying the breathtaking views and idyllic Mediterranean ambience to visiting the island's museum, relaxing on the beach, and dining at one of the many excellent restaurants.

Tourists can reach the island for a nice day trip via an hour-long boat ride from the port of Alicante, or choose to spend the night in one of several small hotels.

Altea, Spain

From a distance, the historic village of Altea appears as a small group of buildings nestled on a hilltop. This medieval perched town, located about 45 minutes by car from Alicante, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and offers sensational panoramic views.

The town is dominated by the Church of Virgin of Consuelo with its striking blue-and-white tiled dome. Characteristic whitewashed houses and atmospheric cobblestone streets lend old-world charm.

Many areas of the town have shaded terraces and viewpoints for taking in the picturesque scenery. Some of the narrow lanes turn into pedestrian staircases that lead down to the sea.

Altea is also renowned for its artisan craft workshops and art studios, as well as its summertime festivals.

In August on the Saturday closest to the feast day of Saint Lorenzo, the Castell de l'Olla puts on a spectacular festival with dancing, musical entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks show.

In late September, a festival celebrates the old traditions of the Christians and Moors of the region.

Chinchilla de Monte-Aragon, Albacete

The town of Albacete is in the Castilla-La Mancha region , about 160 kilometers from Alicante, and is most quickly reached via train in around an hour.

In the old upper town ( el Alto de la Villa ) is the 16th-century Cathedral of San Juan Bautista . The building was originally designed by Diego de Siloé in Gothic style and was continued in Renaissance style. It has a fine Churrigueresque high altar, and the sacristy features five grisaille wall paintings of biblical scenes.

In the newer lower part of the town in the Parque Abelardo Sánchez is the Albacete Museum with three departments: archeology, fine arts, and ethnology. Among the treasures of the archeology collection are the Iberian sculptures from Cerro de los Santos, ancient Roman dolls made of ivory, ancient Roman mosaics from Balazote, and Gothic religious objects.

The Albacete province of the Castilla-La Mancha region boasts a well-preserved medieval town, Chinchilla de Montearagón , which is noteworthy for its monumental fortified hilltop castle. The town is famous for its traditional Easter celebrations and also hosts a renowned theater festival every year in July.

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Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Things to Do in Alicante (Spain)

15 Best Things to Do in Alicante (Spain)

Alicante is the capital of eastern Spain’s Costa Blanca holiday region. The name comes from the endless sequence of white sandy beaches in this part of the country. The city has all the relaxation and fun of the seaside with the history and sights you’d want from a city break: There’s a medieval fortress towering over the city and a classic Mediterranean old-town with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.

You’ll spend mornings at museums and churches, and afternoons swimming in clear waters or dozing under a parasol. The modern tram network in Alicante makes it a breeze to get from one attraction to the next.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Alicante :

1. Castle of Santa Barbara

Castle of Santa Barbara

Crowning Benacantil mountain, the vast, monumental rock looming over Alicante, is a fortress with medieval Arab origins. The most recent renovations took place during Spain’s Golden Age in the 1500s, but if you look closely you’ll find little fragments from Moorish times.

If you go on foot the best time to make the climb is early in the morning before the sun is at its fiercest, but there’s also a lift that runs from just behind Postiguet Beach. Everyone should get up to the battlements and gaze in awe at the panorama of Alicante, the Mediterranean and dark, mountainous countryside.

2. Explanada de España

Explanada de España

Alicante’s  refined, marble-laid promenade is useful for way-finding, as it starts in the old-town and continues along the city’s seafront next to the marina.

In most Spanish cities a family walk is part of the lifestyle, and promenades like the Explanada de España help you do it in style.

You’ll get a real sense of Alicante’s ambience as you stroll beneath the palms and watch daily life in the city unfold around you at terraces and market stalls.

There are lovely coastal views, and after dark in summer this brightly lit walkway benefits from refreshing sea breezes at the end of sweltering days.

3. Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum

Alicante’s MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum is just the place if you’re wondering about Alicante’s origins.

You’ll start in prehistory with the hunter gatherers and see the first hand-crafted metallic items forged around Alicante.

Then there’s the Iberian room, devoted to the many pre-Roman archaeological sites close by that have yielded wonderful pieces of sculpture and ceramics.

The Roman city of Lucentum was close to modern Alicante and the wide range of pottery, jewellery and other everyday items recovered from digs there.

Perhaps most thrilling of all are the displays that cover medieval times, when for a brief period, Jewish, Islamic and Christian cultures existed side-by-side.

4. Casco Antiguo

Casco Antiguo

You won’t mind getting lost in the old part of Alicante, a bit like a village at the centre of town. This neighbourhood is sprawled on the hill side beneath the castle, and to get around you’ll need to negotiate steep streets and stairways between high whitewashed walls.

Locals take great pride in their homes, decorating their balconies and doorsteps with fresh flowers, and painting their shutters in blues and greens.

If you need a breather you can always take the weight off at one of the many cafes and restaurants in this part of the city.

5. Postiguet Beach

Postiguet Beach

Right next to the old-town is a very serviceable beach, if you don’t want to travel far for a dose of sea and sand. Playa del Postiguet is a finger of golden sand washed by very light waves.

You have to wade out quite far before the sea even reaches waist-height and from the water there are great views back to the dominant walls of Santa Barbara.

Given its size and location, the beach can get a bit hectic in summer, but the central location means there’s no shortage of places to pick up lunch.

6. Basilica of Santa María

Basilica of Santa María

The oldest and prettiest church in the city is close to the foot of the mountain, and a few streets from Postiguet Beach.

Like many churches in Spain Santa María was built over a former mosque after Alicante had been taken back from the Moors in the 13th century.

The first thing you’ll notice are the church’s sombre-looking twin towers. What’s interesting about these is that even though they look identical, the one on the right is from the 1300s, while the left one is actually from the 1800s.

Within check out the gothic 14th-century statue of Santa María and a medieval incunable, an early printed book from the 1200s.

7. Contemporary Art Museum

Contemporary Art Museum

A fun fact about this attraction devoted to modern art is that it’s housed in Alicante’s oldest secular building, a former granary constructed in 1687 next to the Santa María Basilica.

It was founded in 1976 by the Alicante sculptor Eusebio Sempere, displaying his private collection. There are some 800 pieces in the collection, representing many the most celebrated 20th-century artists, including Picasso, Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.

Only a third of the works can be displayed at any time, and the display is rotated throughout the year, so no two visits will be the same.

8. Beach Excursions

Albufereta

There’s a wide array of Blue Flag beaches an easy drive from Alicante; you’re on the Costa Blanca after all. If you want lots of space then Saladar Beach to the south of Alicante is a 1600-metre-long sweep of golden sand.

There isn’t much by way of tourist development here save a few isolated apartment blocks on the edge of the sand dunes.

In the other direction, on Alicante’s northern outskirts is Playa de la Albufereta. This was the harbour for the Roman settlement of Lucentum and is a spotless bay with gentle waters backed by resort towers.

Related tour: Alicante Two-Hour Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Alicante Golf Club

The Costa Blanca also means an abundance of golf courses. There are 15 within the province, all at reasonable driving distance.

If you don’t want to venture too far Alicante Golf Club is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and was designed by Seve Ballesteros. This 18-hole par-72 makes a nods to the local Roman heritage in the shape of recreated Roman ruins that you have try and avoid on the 14th hole.

Also minutes away is Bonalba, another par-72 with a front nine that tests your short game and a back nine that rewards an accurate drive.

10. Mercado Central

Mercado Central

If you’re self-catering then there’s no excuse not to head for this large covered market on the upper side of Alfonso el Sabio. Central Markets are like food cathedrals in Spain, and Alicante’s is no exception.

There’s a plethora of fish and meat stalls, and endless inspiration for amateur chefs! The seafood stalls are a particular highlight, with their counters almost overflowing with crabs, lobsters, squid and much more besides.

Fresh fruit and vegetables also abound, and you’ll be able to seek out some regional specialities like turrón nougat and Mistela, a sweet dessert wine.

Included in : Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour

11. Local Cuisine

Arroz a Banda

If you’re new to Spanish dining culture and want to eat like a local, lunch is normally quite late, beginning after two. This is the big meal of the day, and dinner for many is a light snack or tapas at a bar.

The Valencian Community is the source of most of Spain’s rice, and in Alicante they have their own simmered rice dishes, akin to paella. Try arroz a banda or arroz al horno, both enhanced by the terrific seafood available in this part of Spain.

As a souvenir you could get some turrón, a kind of nougat with honey and almonds. It’s a real Spanish favourite, especially popular at Christmas.

12. Boat trips

Tabarca Island

Around the port at Alicante are a few companies that provide boat trips. This might be a brief catamaran cruise in the sea next to the city, but if you want to make a day of it you should definitely consider a trip to Tabarca Island.

It’s just a couple of kilometres off the coast to the south, but feels like a different world. There’s a small, walled community on Tabarca with the same kind of whitewashed houses and blue shutters you’ll see in Alicante’s old-town.

Only here there’s no need for cars or any other modern conveniences! Check out the little church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and walk through the island’s sparse landscape to see the lighthouse.

Suggested tour : 3-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling

13. Alicante’s Towers

Tower Alicante

If you still haven’t had your fill of Alicante’s history then you could download a map of the area’s coastal watchtowers.

For centuries this part of Spain was under threat from Barbary Pirates, who would plunder the towns and even carry people away as slaves.

So from the 1500s onwards a sophisticated network of defences and lookouts was built to give people early warning to retreat behind the walls.

There are some thirty of these towers still standing in the Huerta de Alicante, encompassing the city and a few neighbouring towns and vilages.

14. Elche Palmeral

Elche Palmeral

About 20 minutes west of Alicante by road is the town of Elche, where an amazing sight awaits you. This is the largest palm grove in Europe, planted by the first Muslims to settle here in the early-middle ages.

There are 200,000 trees, most of which are the phoenix dactylifera, which didn’t exist in Spain until it was introduced by the Moors.

The grove is a UNESO World Heritage Site, and the best way to experience it is by walking the Ruta del Palmeral, a circular path that begins and ends at the Huerto de San Placido.

15. Las Hogueras de San Juan

Las Hogueras de San Juan

Bonfires marking St. John’s Eve on June 23 are common across Spain. But none of these are as large as those that take place on Alicante.

Traditionally people would burn off their old furniture for San Juan, but in 1928 the city decided it needed a fiesta to go with these fires, and it takes place across four days up to the 24th. The result is something similar to Valencia’s Las Fallas, and culminate with fires in which specially-designed cardboard sculptures are incinerated at an event called the Cremà.

These fires can be pretty terrifying, and teams of fire-fighters wait in the wings to keep it under control.

Further reading:

  • Things to do in Alicante for families

15 Best Things to Do in Alicante (Spain):

  • Castle of Santa Barbara
  • Explanada de España
  • Archaeological Museum
  • Casco Antiguo
  • Postiguet Beach
  • Basilica of Santa María
  • Contemporary Art Museum
  • Beach Excursions
  • Mercado Central
  • Local Cuisine
  • Alicante's Towers
  • Elche Palmeral
  • Las Hogueras de San Juan

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Practical information for cruise passengers and one-day visits

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Schools specialising in teaching Spanish.

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Bus C6 Airport (ALC)

The C6 bus service runs between the airport terminal building and Alicante city 

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What to visit in Alicante

Fall in love with the light of Alicante and discover its most beautiful and emblematic corners: Tabarca Island, beaches, Santa Bárbara Castle, monuments and historic buildings, museums and cultural centres, promenades and gardens .

Playa de San Juan en verano desde el área accesible

Alicante beaches

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Tabarca Island

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Parks and Gardens

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Castle of Santa Bárbara

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Monuments and historical buildings

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Museums and Cultural Centres

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What to do in Alicante

Experience Alicante by day and by night, and if you are coming on a cruise : enjoy its beautiful beaches , great shops , sports , water sports and golf . Enjoy Alicante with your partner, friends or family. Take part in the celebrations , discover our routes and savour the city. Alicante is a feast for your senses.

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ALICANTE LGTBIQ+

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Remote Working from Alicante

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Open water swimming channel “Serra Grossa”

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GASTRONOMY IN ALICANTE 

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Enjoy the culture

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Golf in Alicante

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Nautical Services

Foto de chica probándose zapatos en comercio local

Shopping in Alicante

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Alicante with children

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If you are planning to visit Alicante, you will want to know where to sleep and eat , or how to get to your destination. You may also want to know about the city’s guided tours ; tourist offices to make all your enquiries; how to get about in public transport ; and where to take the tourist bus ; you may need maps, guides and apps for an easy and comfortable stay. You may even want to learn Spanish . Welcome to Alicante!

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Bus C6 Alicante-Airport

Oficinad de Turismo. Puerto de Alicante

Tourist info offices

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Public transport

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Tourist guides and guided visits

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Getting to Alicante

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Alicante, between two castles

In addition to its well-known areas, Alicante has other neighbourhoods full of life and history , for you to enjoy … Urban art, green spaces, squares and parks, monuments, museums, concert halls, historical buildings, foods markets, charming shops, air-raid shelters, the bullring… In short: all places to be discovered and whole “other” city to visit.

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Don’t miss anything

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Alicante, Ciudad del Arroz

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Recommendations and preventive measures against heat waves

Playa o cala con Bandera Azul

Beaches in Alicante with Blue Flag 2023

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( CSB ) Shuttle service to the Castle of Santa Barbara

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Discover Alicante city with Expedia and live an endless summer.

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Recommendations to the bite of Portuguese man-of-war

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MARQ

11 fun things to do in Alicante

Gorge yourself on montaditos before lazing it out on a perfect beach when delving into the best things to do in Alicante

It might sound strange (or read strangely, in this case), but Alicante feels like an underrated gem. The mad dash to the resorts of the Costa Blanca means it can be overlooked, but that just means more magic for those who visit. The best things to do in Alicante are a microcosm of the best things to do in Spain , from gorgeous beaches to fascinating cultural attractions via electric nightlife and more.

The city also has an excellent festival calendar, and we are happy to get behind that. Throw in a fabulously diverse population, and you’ve got a marvellous city. 

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Alicante

Santa Bárbara Castle

1.  Santa Bárbara Castle

What is it?  You can take the lift or stroll through the modern Parque de la Ereta to reach this mighty cliff-top castle. Built over a ninth-century Arabic fortress, the current construction dates to the eighteenth century and is home to the city’s history museum. 

Why go?  The views from up here are truly extraordinary, and all the more worth it if you’ve opted for the sweaty climb uphill rather than the lift. You can march across parade grounds, soak up the views, and stop for a well-deserved cold drink at the café.

MARQ

2.  MARQ

What is it? This is Alicante’s ultra-modern archaeology museum, which brings the city’s history to life with lots of interactive bells and whistles. It’s located near the Roman ruins of Lucentum, on the edge of the city, and handily placed for a trip to the Albufereta beach afterwards.

Why go? This is a great way to get an overview of Alicante’s history, with dramatically lit displays of ancient bones, amphorae, coins and ceramics that make the past come alive. Plus, you also get to see how archaeological digs work.

Kiosko Peret

3.  Kiosko Peret

What is it?  Alicante’s prettily tiled  esplanade  is a perennial favourite for the evening  paseo : the moment when the sun finally loses its heat and everyone comes out for a stroll. Stop for a chilled  horchata  – the creamy summer drink made of chufa nuts – at this 90-year-old institution.

Why go?  There’s nothing nicer than joining in with the evening  paseo , and nowhere is better than Alicante’s seafront Kiosko Peret. The spot, with its breezy little terrace, is ideal for delicious ice cream or a glass of ice-cold  horchata .

Tabarca Island

4.  Tabarca Island

What is it?  Take the boat to the scrubby, windswept island of Tabarca, which was once a pirate lair. The two-kilometre-long island is a marine reserve, and its rocky coastline is perfect for exploring with a snorkel. 

Why go?  Pack a picnic and explore this tiny island, a designated marine reserve famous for its crystal clear waters and bird life. Relax at a café in the miniature town, then scramble around the coast to find your own secret cove.

Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari

5.  Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari

What is it?  Alicante’s grandest church is a restrained, late-Renaissance affair built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries over the remains of an older church and mosque. It’s dedicated to Alicante’s patron saint, whose statue occupies a lavishly decorated baroque chapel. 

Why go?  This beautiful co-cathedral, with a huge dome punctuated by an oculus, was designed by Agustín Bernardino, a disciple of the great Juan de Herrera. It features the master’s pure, graceful lines and lack of adornment – although if that’s your bag, you’ll also find some giddy baroque chapels.

Cervecería Sento Rambla

6.  Cervecería Sento Rambla

What is it?  The smaller and most atmospheric of two neighbouring outposts of this popular tapas bar, this tiny spot is always packed to the rafters with a friendly local crowd. Some of the city’s best and most creative tapas are dished up by wise-cracking waiters.

Why go?  Get there at opening time to be sure of a spot in one of Alicante’s best-loved institutions. The  montaditos  (slices of baguette with all kinds of toppings) are a staple, and the award-winning version with beef loin, foie gras and rocket is simply divine.

Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art

7.  Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art

What is it?  Alicante’s oldest civil building – the seventeenth-century Casa de la Asegurada – has been spectacularly extended and renovated to hold an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art. Its fabulous twentieth-century collection includes works by Miró, Picasso and Dalí.

Why go?  The core of this museum’s collection – twentieth-century artworks by all the major Spanish greats – was donated by Eusebio Sempere, whose own extraordinary kinetic works also form a large part of the exhibits. They have recently been complemented by the beautiful paintings of Juana Francés.

Mercado Central

8.  Mercado Central

What is it?  A gorgeous turn-of-the-twentieth-century covered market, this has an eye-popping collection of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to just-caught seafood and much more. But perhaps best of all are the counter bars and cafés, a cult spot for afternoon tapas with young locals.

Why go?  Stock up on picnic goodies and souvenirs (maybe some Iberian ham, olives or cheese – most places will vacuum-pack it for you), or just enjoy a browse through this colourful, local institution. Then relax with some tapas at one of the cafés – the Tapeta del Mercat is a top choice.

Santa Cruz

9.  Santa Cruz

What is it?  Alicante’s Casco Antiguo is an appealingly higgledy-piggledy maze of narrow, mostly pedestrianized squares and lanes. Its most delicious corner is the Santa Cruz district. It’s charmingly run-down, with steep stairways and alleys winding past colourful houses spilling over with flowers.

Why go?  The Santa Cruz neighbourhood is one of Alicante’s most authentic, and its narrow lanes are dotted with atmospheric spots for drinks and tapas. Locals parade with crosses decorated with flowers for the Cruces de Mayo (early May), and its eighteenth-century sanctuary is a focal point of the Easter Week celebrations.

Basilica de Santa María

10.  Basilica de Santa María

What is it?  Alicante’s oldest church sits pretty on a charming square in the old town. Behind its fanciful baroque façade is a vaulted Gothic interior that dates from the fourteenth century and contains a much-venerated sculpture of Santa María. 

Why go?  Escape the crowds in the busy little old town and step back in time at this gorgeous basilica. The portal is a masterpiece of Baroque (you can admire it from the terrace of the Sampa Picnic bar opposite), and inside you’ll find a gilded rococo altarpiece and a beautiful white Carrara marble font.

Cabo de la Cuerta coves

11.  Cabo de la Cuerta coves

What is it?  Alicante boasts a gorgeous coastline with scores of pale sandy beaches to choose from. Playa del Postiguet is the handiest for the city centre, and the endless Playa de San Juan is where you’ll find all the nightlife, but the little Cabo de la Cuarta coves are perfect for escaping the crowds.

Why go?  These rocky inlets are not really beaches at all. They are a series of coves fringed with flat rocks where you can spread your towel or slip into the sea. Popular with nudists or anyone who wants to escape the hurly-burly, they’re also a romantic spot to watch the sunset.

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The Spain Travel Guru

16 Best Things to do in Alicante Spain

By: Author Laura Bronner

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

16 Best Things to do in Alicante Spain

There are so many awesome things to do in Alicante, Spain.

Alicante is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and is a perfect base for exploring the Costa Blanca.

Whether you want to relax at the beach, eat great tapas, or get active and explore, there are plenty of Alicante attractions worth your time.

I took a recent solo trip to Alicante and I had an amazing time. It was just at the tail end of winter, which is an awesome time to visit Alicante if you want to avoid the summer crowds. It’s one of the warmest places in Spain in winter .

My trip was a nice combination of exploring Alicante attractions, taking day trips from Alicante , and relaxing with good food and ice-cold beer.

Getting to Alicante Spain

Getting to Alicante is very easy.

There is an airport in Alicante that is located only about 10km or 6 miles from downtown Alicante. You can take a cheap taxi straight to your hotel for the set price of €19 (£16.50 GBP / $20 USD).

If you want a cheaper option, you can take the L1 bus from outside of the airport to the center of Alicante for €3.85 (£3.30 GBP / $4.10 USD).

If you are coming from Madrid Airport , you can take a fast train from the Chamartín Clara Campoamor station. It takes two hours to get to the Alicante train station and you can book trains directly through the Renfe website for the best price. Be sure to book at least a week or more in advance to get the best price.

The third option is to fly to the Valencia airport which is a bit bigger than the Alicante airport, so there are more flight options if you are coming from a smaller city around Europe.

You can take a bus or a train from Valencia. Check Trainline for the best and quickest public transportation options.

Getting Around Alicante

Alicante is quite a small and walkable city. If you book a hotel or Airbnb in the city center, you can easily get around to the best Alicante attractions in the downtown area by foot.

If you want to get to some of the northern beaches or take a day trip to Benidorm, you can use the very affordable and easy-to-navigate tram network in Alicante.

You can purchase tickets at the central city stations or on any of the trams. The ticket machines in the station accept cards and cash, but the ones on the trains only take cards. Local trams only cost €1.50.

Map of Things to Do in Alicante

Great Things to Do in Alicante Spain

Be sure not to miss out on these awesome Alicante attractions and fun things to see and do! If you want to try something really unique, check out this list of wonderful meditation retreats in Spain , including a few spots around Alicante!

1. Santa Barbara Castle

Perhaps the most famous of the things to do in Alicante, Santa Barbara Castle or Castell de la Santa Bàrbara sits atop a hill on the edge of the city.

You can see it from anywhere in Alicante and people of all fitness levels can walk the paved path to the top. It’s also wheelchair accessible, but I would recommend taking a taxi or car as high as you can along the road since it can be quite steep in places.

The views from the castle are some of the best in the entire city.

It’s free to walk around, but if you want to explore the dungeons or inside some of the different areas of the castle, you’ll have to pre-book a castle tour.

The tours are available in English twice a day or in Spanish twice a day. You need to pre-book at least an hour in advance at the visitor center. R ead more about it on their website here .

Santa Bàrbara Castle.

2. Central Market

The Central Market of Alicante or Mercat Central d’Alacant is located right in the city center and is easily walkable from the boardwalk area or the old town of Alicante.

Alicante’s central market is much like many markets around Spain. You’ll find cured and raw meats on the main floor as you enter the market. If you go downstairs (there’s an escalator near the back), you’ll find all of the fresh produce like local and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

If you exit the market at the back you’ll find a flower market as well as a small restaurant where you can have coffee, beer, and some tapas.

This is a nice place to come if you simply want to see what a traditional Spanish market looks like. But it’s also a nice place to come if you want some ingredients for a good beach picnic. They have a huge selection of fruit downstairs and all of the best cheeses and jamon to make great sandwiches or charcuterie boards.

If you are self-catering at an apartment or townhouse, this is not the cheapest place to stock up on groceries, but it is by far the best quality you’ll find in Alicante.

If you want to learn more about what you’re seeing and explore the market with a local Spanish speaker, you can take a fun tour of the central market. This tour includes a full guided tour around the market as well as stops at local bars for drinks and traditional Spanish tapas. Book that tour here .

Central Market in Alicante, Spain.

3. Archaeological Museum of Alicante

The Archaeological Museum of Alicante or MARQ for short is a history-lovers must-see attraction in Alicante.

Located inside a beautiful building that was once the hospital of San Juan de Dios, the collection is a wide variety of art and artifacts which are divided into different areas of the museum.

It goes back to “prehistory” where you’ll find human remains like skulls and bones from thousands of years ago. Then you’ll be able to learn about Roman’s role in the Iberian peninsula’s medieval times, up to modern-day Spain.

One of the great things about this museum is that entry is free to permanent exhibitions. You can visit Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am-7 pm, and on Sundays until 2 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Inside the MACA Museum.

4. MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante

MACA is my personal favorite thing to do in Alicante. Considering Alicante is such a small city, this museum is just as good as the contemporary art museums in Valencia or Malaga.

The museum has a large collection of 20th-century and contemporary art from both Spanish and international artists. There are paintings, sculptures, sketches, and audio-visual works on the display depending on what exhibitions they have going on during the time of your visit.

Like many of the museums in Alicante, the Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante is completely free to enter. There is a baggage storage area at the front desk if you have a larger backpack or bag that you don’t want to carry around the museum.

Basilica of St Mary in Alicante.

5. Basilica of St. Mary of Alicante

The Basilica of Santa Maria is the oldest still-active church in Alicante.

It’s located right across the street from the MACA museum so it’s a great option to visit both when you are in this part of the city.

The thing that I love about this basilica is that is it quite simple, although large, from the outside. It sits in a very small little plaza with only one little restaurant and hardly any foot traffic around it. It’s almost out of the way to come to, which means not many people take the time to come and see it.

It’s worth sitting in the sunshine at the cafe here for a few tapas, a cold beer, or an iced coffee and taking in the sites and sounds of the locals going about their days.

The church isn’t always open, but if you come in the morning, you have a good chance of being able to go inside and see the ornate gold altar. Entry to the basilica is free.

View of Alicante from the Santa Barbara Castle.

6. Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG

MUBAG is the largest museum in the city and has one of the best fine arts collections in all of the Autonomous Region of the Community of Valencia.

Housed inside the Palacio del Conde de Lumiares, the building was first constructed in the 18th century and is listed as a historical monument.

Most of the art inside the museum is from the 19th and 20th centuries and it is almost entirely made of up paintings. However, throughout the year, they have different exhibitions which feature famous artists from this time period both from Spain and international artists as well.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays when it closes at 2 pm. Amazingly, entry is free to this wonderful museum.

7. Santa Iglesia Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari de Alicante

The Co-cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari is a Roman-Catholic cathedral that was built between 1613 and 1662. Like many churches in Spain, the church was built over the ruins of a mosque that was originally built by the occupying Moors.

Its most striking feature is the blue dome which sits 45 meters above the base of the cathedral. Inside, you’ll find the Chapel of the Holy Communion which many consider to be the best remaining example of Spanish Baroque architecture.

This church is much more centrally located than the city’s basilica, making it easy to visit on any stroll through Alicante’s Old Town.

You can enter the cathedral every day from 8:30 am until 1 pm and then again from 6-8:30 pm. The cathedral is free to enter.

Alicante Beaches are absolutely incredible.

8. Visit the Best Beaches

Most people don’t come to Alicante for the museums and cathedrals (although you should still add them to your list of things to do in Alicante!).

Most people come to Alicante for the great weather and the beautiful golden-sand beaches.

And for good reason. The beaches in Alicante are absolutely stunning (although I’m not sure they beat my beloved Malaga ).

They are indeed some of the best in the country and with amazing weather all year long, even a winter trip to Alicante should include at least a stroll along the sands of this coastal city.

Whether it’s to Benidorm, Villajoyosa , or small spots like el Campello, there are tons of great villages dotted along the coastline in the province of Alicante with amazing beaches.

There is a main beach, known as Playa del Postiguet , located right in the downtown area of Alicante, making it quick and easy to get straight to the beach. This is where locals come for beach workouts, beach volleyball, and for after-work swims in the ocean.

But if you want to spend the day at some of the best beaches in Alicante, you’ll want to hop on a tram to the north where you’ll very quickly reach one of the longest and most beautiful stretches of sand in the Valencia Community.

Along this stretch of sand you can stop off at any of these beaches:

  • Playa de las Huertas
  • Playa de San Juan
  • Playa de Muchvista (this area of the beach has one of the most stunning mountain views around).
  • Platja del Carrer de la Mar (located in the neighborhood of El Campello, this is a great option if you want to explore more of Alicante’s suburbs and have easy access to shops and restaurants while being close to the beach).

One of the many beautiful sandy beaches in Alicante. This is in El Campello.

9. Take a Day Trip to Benidorm

It took a few years for the tram line to make it all the way to Benidorm, but for just a few Euros, you can now take the L1 tram from the downtown stops of Luceros or Mercat all the way to Benidorm.

From these stops, it takes just over an hour to get to downtown Benidorm.

That makes it a very easy and convenient place to spend the day, especially if you are curious about visiting this famous beachside destination.

Benidorm is much more of a tourist resort area than Alicante, but with that comes more amenities close to the beach. There are more restaurants where you can have international food or find waitstaff who speak English.

Benidorm also has one of the most stunning beaches near Alicante .

You can rent scooters (literally mobility scooters) to take along the boardwalk or you can simply head to the beach, enjoy the sea and sand, sample some of the busy party spots or fun restaurants along the beach, and then head back to Alicante by night.

Playa del Postiguet in Alicante, Spain.

10. Go to Tabarca Island

An absolute must-do activity while you are visiting Alicante is to take a boat trip out to Tabarca Island. It is the largest island in the Valencian Community and is packed with cool sites, amazing beaches, and some wonderful restaurants.

The cheapest and most self-sufficient way to visit Tabarca Island is to take the ferry. A round-trip ticket costs €23 (£20 GBP / $24.50 USD) per person and children under 4 years old travel for free.

The timetable depends on the time of year, but you can travel from Alicante to Tabarca Island at these times (as of March 2023):

  • From March 1 to June 20: at 11 am
  • From June 21 to September 30: at 10 am, 11 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:30 pm
  • From October 1 to January 8: at 11:00 a.m.

You can return from the island at the following times:

  • From March 1 to June 20: at 4 pm
  • From June 21 to September 30: at 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 6:30 pm
  • From October 1 to January 8: at 4 pm

As you can see, it is much easier to come and go during the summer months when there are more visitors and the island is much more pleasant to explore. Read more about the ferry or pre-book your tickets on the ferry website here .

If you would prefer to visit the island on a tour, you can go on a catamaran boat trip like this one .

It is a 6-hour tour that includes snorkeling in the marine reserve at Tabarca Island, free time to spend on the island, and a lunch of paella and drinks. Book that tour here .

Views of Alicante from above.

11. Wander the Streets of the Old Town

Alicante is a small but beautiful city. One of my favorite things to do here is to simply get lost amongst the sidestreets.

Wander along the streets that are two or three blocks from the boardwalk and you’ll discover cool street art and wonderful little tapas restaurants ( d’tablas is my personal favorite !).

This little pedestrian street has little mushroom sculptures and lots of great little bars. The main boulevard, La Rambla, is home to good shopping and plenty of affordable chain restaurants.

And of course you have the Esplanada d’Espanya which has stunning tile work and lots of cute little vendors selling souvenir bracelets and keychains at surprisinly affordable prices. I got some cute bracelets here for lesss than €1 each!

The boardwalk is a wonderful place to spend some time when exploring Alicante.

12. Take a Food Tour

The Valencian Community is the home of paella. That alone is reason enough to be curious about the food culture in Alicante, but there are so many other unique dishes from this region as well like arroz a banda or arroz con costra .

If you are spending a week or two with Alicante as your base, taking a food tour is a great way to start your trip and get more recommendations for great restaurants in the area. If you are only here for a quick weekend trip, it’s the best way to sample a lot of local food in a short amount of time.

This secret flavors food tour is one of the best options if you want to get to know more about the food culture of Alicante and sample some of the best local dishes while also supporting local producers and small businesses in the city.

You’ll explore the market and learn about its history and then you’ll have a whopping 20 different samples to enjoy. Book that tour here .

This evening tapas tour promises to take you off the beaten path and show you where the locals go for tapas and great wine. It includes visits to three top bars and four different tapas and drinks to sample.

Although it doesn’t sound like much, this tour is all about quality over quantity and you will have nice-sized portions and top-quality dishes with a rich history in this region of Spain. It’s also a fun way to explore Alicante’s nightlife with a knowledgeable local. Book that tour here .

Elche Palm forest near Alicante.

13. Visit the Palm Trees in Elche

An easy day trip from Alicante, you can take the bus or train to Elche several times a day ( check times on Omio here ). The bus is about €2 and you can pay in cash or card directly on the bus at the bus station.

It takes about 45 minutes and you will arrive directly at the Elche bus station where you are only a 5-10 minute walk from the largest palm tree forest in all of Europe.

El Palmeral is a huge park full of different palm trees (and if you can imagine, there are fewer here than there were even just 10-15 years ago!).

It’s a stunning place to walk around with different buildings and water features to enjoy amongst the shade of the palms.

The city itself is also worth a visit for the archeological museum which is housed in an old Moorish fortress. I would say it is just as interesting to visit this museum as it is to explore the palm tree forest.

Inside El Palmeral Park in Elche.

14. Tour the City by Bike

Bike tours are always one of my favorite things to do in the summer. There are so many great bike lanes in Alicante and riding around on your own if you rent a bike for the day is a great way to get around the city if you want to get around quicker than walking.

However, if you want to explore the city, get to know the history, and have some fun exercising, a bike tour like this one is a great way to do it .

They also have e-bikes on the tour if you want a little bit of assistance or an easier way to go for a nice long bike ride.

The tour includes a bike, helmet, a stop for a snack, and a knowledgeable guide who will explain history, culture, and fun facts about Alicante as you ride around the city stopping for breaks and seeing different sites along the way. Book that tour here .

Alicante is a great place to hop on a boat and get out to explore the coastline.

15. Sail Along the Coastline

The coastline of Alicante is absolutely stunning and besides the ferry to Tabarca, it can be hard to get out on the water to see more of the rocky cliffs and stunning beaches.

Boat trips can feel extravagent and they may seem like they are out of reach, but there are tons of affordable tour options that get you out on the water.

This catamaran tour is a two-hour boat trip that takes you to locations like Albufereta and Cabo de la Huerta.

On board, you can enjoy tapas and drinks or you can hop off at different locations for a swim in the stunning turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

The boat also has snorkeling gear for anyone who wants to see beneath the surface of the stunning marine life around this coastline. Book that boat tour here .

Hiking in Alicante is one of the best things to do in the area for outdoor lovers.

16. Go Hiking in the Nearby Trails

Alicante is home to so many amazing hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. From easy paved walks like the hike to the top of the Santa Barbara Castle to long coastal walks with undulating trails, you’re bound to find a trail that challenges and delights you.

Just on the outskirts of the city center, you’ll find a great trail network that takes you up to views back over Alicante. You can get there by simply hopping on the tram and getting off at Sangueta station.

If you use Google Maps or Maps.me for your trails, you can follow along by inputting this location and working your way up to the top.

If you want to find longer trails, I prefer to use the Alltrails app . This allows you to download the map of the trail and use it offline when you inevitably lose signal on your phone up in the hills.

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18 Best Things to do in Alicante, Spain

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Situated along the sun-kissed Costa Blanca, Alicante beckons travelers with its stunning azure Mediterranean waters, golden beaches, and rich history and culture.

Bordered by mountains, Alicante is a city with roots tracing back to the ancient Romans. Nicknamed ‘The City of Light’, on account of one of their settlements, it boasts a vibrant atmosphere, picturesque charm and a lovely promenade by the marina. Alicante also has plenty of culture in the form of theaters and museums.

Moreover, as the sun sets, its bustling Old Town comes alive. It is the best time to explore its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and an array of tapas bars where you can savor authentic Spanish flavors. When darkness comes, Alicante’s happening nightclub scene enables visitors to dance the night away.

Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Alicante for those wanting to explore centuries of history and tradition, indulge in delectable cuisine or relax on pristine beaches. It promises an unforgettable journey through Spain’s radiant coastal culture, which will stay with you for the rest of your days.

18. Concatedral Sant Nicolau de Bari

Concatedral Sant Nicolau de Bari

Visiting the Concatedral Sant Nicolau de Bari while in Alicante takes you on a fascinating historical and spiritual journey.

Located in the heart of Alicante’s Old Town, the Gothic-style co-cathedral, initially built in the 17th century, is a testament to the city’s religious heritage. Its awe-inspiring façade, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, captivates visitors from first sight.

Inside, the co-cathedral’s ornate interior showcases elaborate Baroque and Neoclassical elements, creating a harmonious architectural blend while offering a tranquil space for exploration and reverence.

One of the main highlights is the intricately designed altarpiece dedicated to Saint Nicholas, which exudes reverence and artistry. The stunning, richly adorned chapels and significant religious artifacts further enhance the grandeur of this impressive co-cathedral.

17. Museo de Hogueras

Museo de Hogueras

One of the most interesting things to do in Alicante is a visit to the Museo de Hogueras which showcases the cultural heritage of the Hogueras de San Juan Festival.

Established in 1924, the museum celebrates the annual festival – also known as the Bonfire Festival – where enormous satirical figures are set ablaze to mark the summer solstice.

Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, the museum boasts a rich collection of ninots, the elaborate and artistic sculptures that form the centerpiece of the festival. These figures, saved from the fiery fate by popular vote, convey the remarkable creativity and craftsmanship of the local artists.

Visitors can explore the museum’s various sections, each representing different aspects of the Hogueras Festival. The museum narrates this centuries-old tradition’s history and delves into the intricate process of creating these towering sculptures.

16. Rambla Méndez Nunez

Rambla Méndez Núñez

Rambla Méndez Núñez is a dynamic urban promenade that reflects the city’s history and modernity.

This charming boulevard dates back to the 19th century and is lined with towering trees, vibrant flowers and stylish cafes. It offers a lovely scenic walk, making it a popular spot for leisurely strolls, window shopping and people-watching.

Historic landmarks like the Teatro Principal and the Central Market can be found along the Rambla, adding a touch of heritage to its lively ambience. The street also regularly features cultural events, markets and performances, making it a constant source of entertainment.

Overall, a visit to Rambla Méndez Núñez provides an authentic urban experience. So it gives a terrific insight into the local way of life.

15. Puerto Deportivo

Puerto Deportivo

Alicante has a rich maritime experience which you can explore at Puerto Deportivo. This modern harbor combines leisure, nautical charm, and stunning coastal views and is a testament to Alicante’s deep connection with the Mediterranean Sea.

Dating back to the mid-20th century, Puerto Deportivo has transformed from a simple fishing port into a bustling marina, attracting sailing enthusiasts and tourists in their droves. The marina boasts a picturesque setting against the backdrop of the Santa Bárbara Castle and the city’s skyline.

With its vibrant promenades, stylish restaurants, and bustling bars, Puerto Deportivo exudes a lively atmosphere day and night. Visitors can stroll along the docks, admire the luxury yachts and sailboats, and enjoy the comely sea views.

As well as being a hub for maritime activities, the marina is also a gateway to Alicante’s coastal wonders, facilitating visits to nearby beaches and water sports activities.

14. Playa del Postiguet

Playa del Postiguet

If you want to spend some time at a place embodying the Mediterranean way of life in terms of sun, sea, and city culture, head to Playa del Postiguet.

Nestled along the heart of Alicante’s coastline, this captivating urban beach is the place to visit for a quintessential sun-soaked Mediterranean experience.

Named after the small Postigo fortress that once stood nearby, Playa del Postiguet offers a stunning blend of golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It has plenty of amenities, including loungers, umbrellas, and beachside bars, making the beach a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, and beach sports enthusiasts.

The bustling Paseo de Gómiz promenade flanks the beach with cafes, restaurants and shops. It is an ideal spot to enjoy local seafood cuisine and browse for clothes and souvenirs while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

13. Boat trip to Tabarca

Tabarca

Not far from the Alicante mainland resides the charming island of Tabarca.

Accessible by boat, the island boasts abundant natural beauty and a rich history. Formerly a haven for Barbary pirates, it transformed into a quaint fishing village in the 18th century. Today the island features cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and a charming ambience that transports you back in time.

Part of the fun of visiting Tabarca is the actual boat journey from Alicante, which provides stunning views of the Mediterranean. Once there, Tabarca’s clear waters make it a paradise for snorkelers and divers, with its Marine Reserve hosting a variety of marine life.

The island is also renowned for its exceptional cuisine, particularly the fresh seafood, which is a treat for the taste buds. Additionally, its historic fortifications and charming church are fascinating attractions.

12. Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MACA)

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo

Another cultural point of note worth visiting in Alicante is the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MACA).

The museum was founded in the late 1970s and currently resides in the beautifully restored Casa de la Asegurada, a historic building dating back to the 17th century. It showcases a diverse collection of contemporary artworks by renowned Spanish and international artists, spanning various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography and installations. Its exhibits capture the evolution of artistic trends and social commentary over the years.

The good thing about MACA’s dynamic collection is that it is organized chronologically, allowing visitors to trace the development of contemporary art movements. As well as permanent displays, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, championing the talents of local artists.

11. Museo the Ocean Race

Museo the Ocean Race

If you are a fan of sailing, you’ll want to check out the Museo The Ocean Race.

Located in the port of Alicante, this museum showcases the famous Volvo Ocean Race (now known as The Ocean Race), a grueling round-the-world yacht race that starts in Alicante.

The museum’s interactive exhibits and multimedia displays offer visitors an immersive exploration of the daring world of ocean racing and maritime adventure. They take you on a captivating journey through the history of the race, showcasing the technology, teamwork, and personal stories that define this challenging event.

During your visit, you can experience the thrill of sailing through realistic simulators and relive the excitement of past races via video installations. You’ll also understand Alicante’s maritime heritage and connection to the global sailing community.

10. Hogueras de San Juan

Hogueras de San Juan

Undoubtedly, one of the year’s major highlights in Alicante is the Hogueras de San Juan festival. This traditional event dates back to the 19th century and takes place every June, paying homage to Saint John the Baptist and welcoming the summer solstice.

The highlight of Hogueras is the creation of massive satirical sculptures called ‘hogueras’ or ‘ninots’. Elaborately crafted, these sculptures often reflect current events, politics, and pop culture. During the weeklong celebration in June, the city streets transform into an outdoor museum, as these sculptures line the avenues for public admiration.

The event’s finale involves setting most sculptures ablaze in a spectacular display of fireworks and flames on the ‘Night of Fire’ (Noche de la Cremà). All except one ninot are burned, with the survivor displayed in the Museo de Hogueras.

9. Canelobre Caves

Canelobre Caves

The Canelobre Caves offer an incredible journey into the depths of the earth.

These caves boast a history dating back millions of years and derive their name from their resemblance to a candelabrum when illuminated. Visitors can explore expansive chambers adorned with intricate formations, ranging from delicate icicle-like stalactites to towering stalagmites. The grandeur of the caves is accentuated by a central chamber that reaches an astonishing height of 70 meters, making it one of the tallest cave vaults in Spain.

The Canelobre Caves are a great place to visit because they allow you to witness the artistry of nature hidden beneath the earth’s surface. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the geological marvels and the history of the caves, while special lighting enhances the beauty of the formations.

8. Mercat Central

Mercat Central

The Mercat Central (Central Market) is a vibrant and bustling hub established in the late 19th century. It proudly showcases the region’s culinary delights and local culture and has been a cornerstone of Alicante’s gastronomic scene for generations.

Located in a stunning modernist building, the Mercat Central boasts a captivating architectural design featuring intricate ironwork and colourful tiles. You’ll find a treasure trove of fresh produce, meats, seafood, spices, and various local specialities inside its vibrant confines.

Visiting Mercat Central allows you to engage with local vendors, sample authentic Spanish flavors, and explore the region’s diverse range of products. If you are a foodie, the market is a must-visit destination. It’s a sensory delight that is sure to captivate you with its aromas, colors and bustling atmosphere.

7. Take the tram to Benidorm

Alicante Tram

Taking the tram from Alicante to Benidorm offers visitors a scenic and convenient way to travel between and see more of the stunning Costa Blanca coastline. The tram system, known as the Tram d’Alacant, has been integral to the region’s transportation network since the early 20th century.

The journey takes you through picturesque coastal towns, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged landscape. As you travel towards Benidorm, you’ll pass charming beaches, quaint villages and scenic vistas that encapsulate the beauty of the Costa Blanca.

Benidorm, a renowned tourist destination, greets you with its towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Conveniently, the tram drops you off in the city center. Making it easy to explore its attractions, relax on its beaches and enjoy its various entertainment options.

6. Basilica Santa Maria

Basilica Santa Maria

The Basilica Santa Maria is a stunning church that stands prominently in the heart of the Old Town.

Combining Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, its intricately carved façade and majestic bell tower will instantly impress. Its interior boasts ornate altars, exquisite stained glass windows, and elegant chapels with a real ‘wow’ factor.

The highlight of the Basilica Santa Maria is the breathtaking blue-domed ceiling adorned with intricate gold detailing, which adds an ethereal touch to the interior. It also houses a valuable collection of religious art and artifacts.

As it is one of Alicante’s most popular tourist attractions, it gets busy. So it is worth visiting the Basilica as soon as it opens to enable you to enjoy your visit away from the crowds.

5. MARQ Museo Arqueologico de Alicante

MARQ Museo Arqueologico de Alicante

The MARQ Museo Arqueológico de Alicante is a fascinating archaeological museum that takes you on an engaging and informative journey through the area’s rich history.

Designed by renowned architect Juan Vidal, the museum’s modernist building provides an impressive backdrop for the cutting-edge displays and interactive exhibits that showcase the city’s ancient past.

From the Iberian period to the arrival of the Romans and Moors, the MARQ offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s history, complete with multimedia presentations and state-of-the-art technology.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate artifacts and reconstructions that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of these ancient societies. At the same time, they can also witness exciting archaeological excavations currently in progress.

4. Playa de San Juan

Playa de San Juan

Playa de San Juan is a stretch of pristine coastline in Alicante that provides beach lovers with a sun-soaked paradise.

Originally a humble fishing village, this beach is now one of Costa Blanca’s most popular and iconic seaside destinations. Its enduring popularity lies in its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere and proximity to other tourist attractions. Thus it is a terrific place to visit to top up your tan.

With its vast expanse of golden sand, Playa de San Juan provides ample space for sunbathing, beach sports and leisurely walks along the 7km long shore. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and water activities.

The beach also has amenities like sun lounges and umbrellas, and you will also find several excellent bars and restaurants dotted on the promenade that flanks it. Conveniently, several tram lines connect the city center with Playa de San Juan.

3. Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is a captivating neighbourhood that offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s history and traditional Spanish architecture.

Nestled within Alicante’s charming Old Town, it was initially a Jewish quarter during medieval times. But today, it’s characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flower pots and quaint squares.

Wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz feels like stepping back in time. Its winding alleys lead to hidden plazas where locals gather and enjoy the tranquillity. The neighborhood’s medieval layout is a maze of discovery, featuring historical sites such as the impressive Convent of the Holy Communion.

Also boasting a selection of traditional tapas bars, artisan shops, and quaint boutiques, The Barrio is a lovely place to explore on foot. As you do so, take the time to soak in its authentic Spanish atmosphere and admire the architectural beauty that harmonizes with the past.

2. Walk the Explanada de Espana

Explanada de España

One of the best things to do when visiting Alicante is to walk along the Explanada de España. This iconic promenade, stretching along the waterfront, is characterized by its unique mosaic pavement, creating an incredible sea of color that mirrors the Mediterranean waves.

Built in the late 19th century, the Explanada de España was designed by architect José Guardiola Picó, featuring over 6.6 million marble tiles in a wavy pattern. Lined with tall palm trees, it offers shade and a picturesque backdrop for strolling and relaxing by the sea.

The promenade is a hub of activity, with local artists displaying their works, musicians performing, and stalls offering handicrafts and souvenirs. The lively atmosphere is complemented by a selection of cafes and restaurants, offering a chance to enjoy local cuisine whilst taking in tremendous sea views.

1. Castillo de Santa Barbara

Castillo de Santa Barbara

The Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Alicante is arguably the most enduring symbol of the region. Perched atop Mount Benacantil, it is a majestic sentinel overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. With a history spanning over a millennium, this historic fortress offers a captivating blend of heritage, panoramic views, and architectural marvels for visitors to explore.

Initially established by the Moors in the 9th century, the castle was named after Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillery. It has served as a strategic defense point throughout various eras, leaving behind layers of history within its walls.

Visitors can explore the castle’s three main sections. They include the lower area with its military history and the midsection that houses a 16th-century church. It also incorporates the upper part, where the panoramic terraces provide breathtaking vistas of the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes.

Where to Stay in Alicante

Alicante Hotel

Alicante offers travelers a range of enticing neighborhoods to stay in. However, for a perfect blend of beachfront bliss and cultural immersion, you can’t beat the Explanada de España. This bustling promenade grants easy access to the iconic Postiguet Beach, historic Old Town, and several excellent restaurants and shops.

For a touch of luxury, the Melia Alicante stands out. It is situated right by Postiguet Beach and offers stunning sea views and convenient proximity to top attractions in Alicante like Santa Bárbara Castle. The hotel’s exquisite amenities, including a pool overlooking the sea and an exceptional spa, ensure guests have a rejuvenating stay.

For those wanting a more tranquil escape, consider Hotel Maya . Nestled between the beach and the lush La Ereta Park, it offers guests a more peaceful ambience while still being close to the action. The hotel presents comfortable and well-appointed rooms. However, its highlight is its rooftop terrace which boats magnificent panoramic vistas, where you can unwind at sunset with a cocktail.

How to get to Alicante

Alicante Airport

Getting to Alicante is a breeze from most parts of Europe and further afield.

As the gateway to the Costa Blanca, Alicante-Elche Airport is well-connected to major European cities. EasyJet, Finnair, Lufthansa and Ryanair are among the many airlines that fly directly to the area. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a short bus or taxi ride to the city center.

For those who would prefer not to fly, the city is also accessible by train and bus, with networks serving national and international routes. Alternatively, those wanting to drive should head to the A-7 motorway along the coast. There is also a tram that runs along the coast from Alicante to Benidorm.

Best Time to Visit Alicante

Located along Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca, Alicante is very popular to visit thanks to its attractive beaches, old town and hilltop castle. While it boasts year-round good weather, June to September are the best for sunbathing, swimming and watersports.

During these months, average temperatures range from 27 to 31°C (80 to 88°F) with July and August being by far the busiest and most expensive. Its beaches get quite crowded as do its restaurants and bars. June and September are a bit quieter and cheaper with the former also hosting the Bonfires of Saint John; the city’s most important festival. Colourful processions and reenactments of battles also take place in Alicante for the historic Moors and Christians festival.

Either side of summer, so April, May and October, are also fantastic times to visit. While the weather remains warm and sunny, spring is just a bit too early for swimming and autumn is the rainiest time of the year. Prices are generally cheaper though and there are fewer crowds. The exception is around Semana Santa (Holy Week) and all its impressive parades in April.

As it is still 17°C (62°F) in December, Alicante can make for a lovely, warm winter break with Christmas festivities taking place all around town.

Map of Things to do in Alicante, Spain

Map of Things to do in Alicante, Spain

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain

alicante tourist sites

Alicante (known as "Alacant" in Valenciano) is the sparkling jewel of Spain’s Costa Blanc, thanks to the blinding white sand of its beaches (for which the area is named); the fireworks of the most important festival, San Juan; the crystalline waters; and the thriving nightlife. Inhabited for more than 7,000 years, Alicante has been under the rule of the Phoenicians, Carthaginian, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and finally, the Christians, all of whom battled over this strategically-placed settlement. Today, Alicante offers a great many historical sites and museums to teach you all about the ups and downs of the city’s long history.

Pack your glad rags, walking shoes, and sunhat and you are ready to explore Alicante by day and night.

Climb to the Castle of Santa Barbara

Alicante’s skyline is dominated by the massive fortress of Santa Barbara, which sits atop Mount Benacantil. The compound is divided into three levels, each dating from a different period. Although excavations have shown that there was a fortress here for centuries, the oldest and highest part, La Toreta, dates from the Islamic occupation during the Middle Ages. Below lies the second level called Balnarte de los Ingleses, dating from the 11th to 13th century, followed by the newest part, Revellin de Bon Repos, which was built during the 18th century.

The name derives from the date of the conquest of the city from the Arabs on Dec. 4, 1248, which happened to be the name day of Saint Barbara. A statue of her still sits in a niche on the second level. Apart from walking around the various ramparts, involving steep inclines and many steps, there are several exhibitions within the castle itself, like a dungeon and torture chamber, the documentation of the discovery of a massive gold treasure in a nearby field or an interactive exhibit that explains the history for children.

Reserve several hours for a visit. There are three ways to access the castle: the most trying and only for those who are reasonably fit is via paths and stairs from various parts in the Old Town, all clearly indicated, while the easiest is via an elevator. Cross Avd. De Jovellanos opposite Postiguet Beach, walk through a short tunnel and take the lift. You can also drive up to the 2nd level and walk the rest.

Going downhill is obviously easier, so you might want to opt for a stroll through the La Ereta Park which covers the flank of the hill. Bring water and a sunhat. There is no shade and only a refreshment kiosk and café near the niche of Santa Barbara which, due to the multitude of visitors can be very crowded.

Get Lost in Alicante's Old Town

Santiago Urquijo / Getty Images

Sprawled beneath the castle is a warren of small cobblestoned streets and alleys, interspersed with small squares full of trees and flowers, which forms Alicante’s Old Town. Be prepared for many stairs and rather steeps climbs, but you are rewarded with a view of pretty whitewashed houses, the doors and shutters of which are painted in every imaginable shade of green and blue. You’ll also find small shops to buy maybe a much needed painted fan, as well as cafes and restaurants to rest your feet and have a drink or tapas, the ever-present Spanish snack.

You can’t really get lost—just head down and you’ll eventually end up at the next beautiful (and luckily, totally level!) site.

Stroll Along the Esplanada de España

This elegant promenade begins at the central bus station and ends at the Plaza Puerta del Mar. Look down because that’s where the main attraction of this promenade is: 6.5 million tiny blue, grey, and white marble tiles have been laid in a wave pattern. The promenade runs parallel to the shore and port and leads past some of the most elegant art deco buildings of the city. Benches allow you to rest in the shade of palm trees which line the entire lengths. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants too and this is the street where the locals come to see and be seen. On weekends, market stalls are erected along the promenade, selling clothes and trinkets rather than fruit or vegetables.

Be Amazed by the Museum of Fugueres

The festival of San Juan in June is the most important event on Alicante’s calendar. For a week the city erupts in festivities, culminating in fireworks, parades of massive papier-mache figures called ninots, and bonfires. A year of work by special artists goes into the creation of the ninots , and some are "pardoned" from the bonfire and kept in this small museum off Ramblas Mendez Nuñez. You have to look closely to find the entrance, but once inside, you'll be amazed. The history is explained and many photographs showcase the lavish local costumes, rich in lace and gold embroidery. If you can’t make it for the festival itself, this is a much less noisy and crowded way of experiencing San Juan.

Shop at the Mercado Central

Whether you self cater or not, Spain’s covered markets are a shrine to food and always worth a visit. The same is true for the Central Market of Alicante at the upper end of Calle Alfonso el Sabio. If you are a fan of fish and seafood, you won’t know where to look first. The stalls are overflowing with the goods of the sea. The same is true for fruit and vegetables and some enticing sweets and of course, the local wines. You may want to buy a bottle of wine or some cured ham to nibble along the way. Even the building itself, with its cupola and modernist façade, is a delight.

Nibble on Montaditos

As you can see, a lot of walking is involved while exploring Alicante, which of course, makes one hungry and thirsty. A good opportunity to sample some of Alicante’s specialties: montaditos . Whereas tapas are served on a selection of small plates, montaditos are much more elaborate. You can choose from a number of ingredients which are then piled atop on bite-sized slices of baguette, stuck together with a toothpick and devoured. The amount depends on your appetite. Accompanied by a draft beer, it’s a cheap way to restore your strength. On your way to the Fogueres Museum, you'll pass one of several 100 Montaditos in Alicante, which specializes in this treat.

Sunbathe on Postiguet Beach

Located on the Mediterranean, Alicante features several beaches, but the widest, whitest, and most urban is Postiguet Beach. It’s located at the foot of Mount Benacatil so you might plan a beach break and swim before you visit the castle or the Old Town. Not only is the sand exceptionally fine, but access to the water is also very gradual which makes it ideal and safe for kids. Parts of the beach are dedicated to sports, others feature sunbeds and plenty of cafes and restaurants are there for refreshments.

Stroll Through the Contemporary Art Museum

Throughout Alicante, several statues by Joan Miro adorn streets and squares. If you like modern art, you will want to visit this museum known as MACA, which started as the home to the private collection of local sculptor Eusebio Sempere in 1976. Meanwhile, there are over 800 works of art by Miró, Picasso, and other masters of 20th-century art on rotation, so every visit you are likely to see something else. A bonus: the museum is housed in Alicante’s oldest nonreligious building in the baroque style, an old grain storage building that dates back to 1687.

Relax Like a Local in El Palmeral Park

Nothing protects better from the summer heat than a palm grove. The Alcantinos know this very well and love to spend a morning or afternoon in El Palmeral Park. Outside Alicante, on the road to Elche, the vast palm grove faces the sea (which gives an additional cool breeze) and features an artificial lake and rivers which can be crossed by wooden bridges as well as playgrounds and other entertainment, very suitable to bring your kids too. If you have the time, you may want to continue on to Elche which is famous for its palm grove featuring more than 200,000 palm trees; it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Dance the Night Away in the Port of Alicante

Alicante is a very big and important port town and a stopping point for many cruise ships. Elegant private yachts are moored in the yacht port, which comes to life at night with clubs, live music, and even a casino. Along the waterfront, opposite the Hotel Melia, there is even a replica pirate ship that is also a restaurant and nightclub. At the end of the pier, you'll find the casino. Another favorite place to dance the night away is in the Old Town, known as the barrio. You can even go on a guided tour .

Learn About Alicante's History in the Archaeology Museum

If you like a modern approach to archaeology, a visit to MARQ is a must. Exhibits from prehistoric times to treasures found on the site of the former Roman city of Lutentum close by, to riveting examples of Islamic art and the Middle Ages, MARQ guides you through 7,000 years of history visually and interactively, which makes it also popular for kids. The museum, which opened in the present form in 2000, is housed in the former San Juan de Dios provincial hospital.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Turron Factory

Turron, which best translates as nougat, is a quintessential Spanish Christmas sweet. It comes in two forms, hard and soft, and is only produced in two places of Spain, one of which is the El Lobo factory in Jijona, around 10 miles north of Alicante. The main ingredients of turron are almonds, sugar, and egg white. (As the hills and valleys around Alicante are full of almond trees, it’s no wonder that the main production site is here.)

El Lobo is not only a factory but also a museum that documents how turron was made by hand in times gone by, where it originally comes from, and many more interesting details. Of course, you can also buy turron in its various forms. Don’t worry—it keeps many months so even if you buy in the summer it will be fine at Christmas. You can make your own way to Jijona but need to join a guided tour at El Lobo.

Sail Away to Isla Tabarca

Sailing to the pirate island of Tabarca is a fabulous day trip from Alicante. The crossing takes about an hour, but beware—the sea can be quite choppy. You spend the day on the island which has a very interesting landscape insofar as one half is nearly desert-like whereas the other is lush. Tabarca, a former pirate hidey-hole, features a seawall, bordered by a church and castle remains which can already be seen from the sea. The town is dotted with tiny whitewashed houses with colorful shutters, some squares, and a lonely lighthouse. The coast is rocky but there are two pebble beaches where you can rent a sun lounger if you want, as well as plenty of restaurants—most with a pirate theme—selling a local specialty, fish soup. If you are really interested in the history, an info center runs films and videos. The waters around the island are a maritime nature reserve and if you go with a glass-bottom boat, you can watch the fish below.

Light a Candle at the Basilica of Santa Maria

At least one church should be included in a list of best things to do and see in Alicante, so why not the city's oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria. Like many churches in Spain, it was built on the site of the former largest mosque of Alicante after the Arabs were conquered in the 13th century and expelled from Spain. Originally constructed in the Gothic style, the church had to be rebuilt after a fire and now has a beautifully carved baroque façade and rococo decorations in the interior. The two stern square towers which flank the entrance seem to be identical, but they are not—the L-shaped on the right dates from the 14th century, whereas the tower on the left is from 1713. The church isn’t big but contains several beautiful works of art in its interior and is a pleasant place for a moment of rest, cool and contemplation.

Venture to Guadalest

If you have several days to spend in Alicante you should venture into the picturesque hinterland. About an hour drive from Alicante via Benidorm lies the tiny mountain village of Guadalest, on top of a valley between the Sierra d’Aixorta and the Sierra de Serella. Small it may be, but it’s amazing what you can see. First, there the ruins of the castle of San Jose with an intact separate bell tower perched on top of a rock. Next is the reservoir, which is formed by the river Guadalest and finally, no less than seven quirky museums—an amazing amount of art and culture for such a small village. Among them, you'll find a museum of pepper and salt cellars, a miniature museum, a dollhouse museum, a torture chamber museum, and an exhibition of modern art sculptures in a lovely garden. Climb up and down the narrow streets, admire the balconies overflowing with colorful flowers, and pop into tiny shops which offer really nice souvenirs like ceramic tiles.

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The Top Things To See And Do In Alicante

View from Santa Bárbara Castle, Alicante, Spain

Nestled in the stunning Costa Blanca coastline, Alicante is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities and a hotspot destination for city breaks in the sun. Whether there for a couple of days or a week, you will never be short of things to do and see. Use our handy list of top ten must-see-and-do activities to make the most out of your visit.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Island of Tabarca, Spain

Just off the Alicante coast is the beautifully untouched island of Tabarca. Home to a picturesque little town of whitewashed houses and a historical old church, this is a must-visit destination. Getting there couldn’t be easier as there are boats that run daily from the harbor in Alicante for €18 return, €15 for children. The boat trip itself is an experience as the waters around Tabarca have been declared a Mediterranean Marine Reserve for their outstanding beauty and abundance in flora and fauna. There is a restaurant and shop on the island but we recommend you pack a picnic as these can get a little pricey during the summer seasons. There’s a beach and a little coastal path you can walk until you find the perfect picnic spot to relax under the baking sun. Definitely don’t forget the sunscreen as the island is the perfect little sun-trap!

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Price: 17€ roundtrip

Departure from Alicante: 10:15, 11:15 and 12:30

Departure from Tabarca: 17:00, 18:00 and 19:30

Alicante Tram

Altea, Spain

It is worth taking the Alicante Tram just for the ride itself as the Costa Blanca coastline is truly spectacular. The tracks take you right along the coastal path and occasionally up through the hills as you pass through some of the most beautiful reclusive little towns and villages. Stops to watch out for are Altea and San Juan. If you are looking for a day at the beach then San Juan is renowned for its vast expanse of sand and clear blue sea just a couple of stops away from Alicante city center. Altea is a lot further down the line but is definitely worth the journey as this is a truly beautiful little Spanish town. The architecture is influenced by Islamic tradition and is built on a slope with winding streets to get lost in. For keen photographers, this is the place to get some really spectacular shots before relaxing with an espresso at one of the many little cafés that serve excellent coffee.

Castillo de Santa Barbara

Castillo de Santa Barbara, Alicante, Spain

It would be impossible to forget Alicante’s rich historical past as the entire city is built at the base of the magnificent Santa Barbara Castle . Built sometime around the 9th century, the castle has a history of warfare yet is immaculately preserved. It is easily accessible as there is a lift that takes you directly to the top or, for the more adventurous among you, there is winding path that takes you to entrance. This is a day trip, as once you get there there is plenty to see. Make your way up to the rooftop ramparts for spectacular views and tour the preserved rooms full with information and artefacts. There is also a market in the courtyard selling trinkets and handmade souvenirs. The castle has easy access all over with all facilities and a café for food so this an inclusive visit for everyone.

Playa del Postiguet

Playa del Postiguet, Alicante, Spain

Playa del postiguet, or Postiguet beach, is one of Alicante’s loveliest beaches. The beach is huge and stretches the length of the city before running into neighboring San Juan. A couple of hours on the idyllic white sands and clear blue waters and you forget you’re actually in a bustling city. During the high summer season Alicante is a hotspot for good reason and Playa del postiguet is the number one destination for many tourists. Don’t let this deter you however, as there are less well known areas to escape the crowds. Walk along the promenade away from the center and down the opposite end of the beach for a quieter more relaxing experience. This is also home to an idyllic little beach bar where you can sip a cocktail shaded by palm fronds and soak up the beautiful sun. Once the sun starts to set, you can amble back up along the promenade to grab some delicious tapas in one of the many beachfront restaurants.

El Barrio, or the old town, is the historical heart of Alicante, and one of the most beautiful spots to spend a day of wandering. With its winding cobbled streets and stacked Spanish apartments adorned with flowers, its an absolute must-visit for those looking for some old-world charm. When the sun goes down the barrio comes to life as everyone from local to tourist heads here for some of the best tapas and most delicious cocktails in Spain. The world is your oyster as there is no end to the selection of restaurants and bars to eat and drink in until the early hours. Most places offer deals such as free tapas with every drink so it’s easy to have a cheap night out of you’re on a budget.

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La Explanada de Espana

Explanada de España, Alicante, Spain

Visually, La Explanada de Espana is pretty hard to miss and you’re probably going to spend a lot of time here. It is Alicante’s main and most beautiful promenade and is constructed of 6.6 million(!) red, cream and black tiles. Created in 1867 this is the brainchild of architect Jose Guardiola Pico who wanted the perfect accompaniment to the Spanish custom of an evening stroll. The pattern mirrors the rolling Mediterranean waves, an idyllic scene complimented by the palm trees lining the walkway. Take a stroll down early evening to peruse the market stalls showcasing handmade jewellery, bags, purses, rugs and much more. Everything is reasonably priced and don’t expect to get be harassed by sales people as this is shopping at your leisure. The selection of cafés and bars that line the boulevard are the perfect place for coffee, pinchos or the quintessential Spanish treat of churros (if you haven’t had one of these you really haven’t lived).

Heladeria Borgonesse

Alicante is teeming with ice cream parlours with flavours and colours you never thought possible, yet Heladeria Borgonesse is the absolute best of a fantastic bunch. There is nothing better than cooling down with a scoop of Ferrero Rocher, passion fruit, or the Italian favourite stracciatella. If you’re on a budget then a scoop from here is one of those things you treat yourself with as the hordes of people you see wandering around clutching a delicious ice cream make it pretty hard to resist. Located right next to the main promenade and a two minute walk from the beach, stop off here for a delicious sweet treat after some tapas, before an evening stroll on the promenade or on your way to the beach.

alicante tourist sites

Being a coastal city, Alicante does of course have a Marina that is home to some spectacular yachts. When the sun goes down the city lights reflect on the water making for a beautiful and romantic stroll down the waters edge. If you’re after a night out, this is also where you can find the clubs. Not just to be enjoyed at night time, the marina also has Soho Bar , a little bar/café which serves delicious coffee and lovely cocktails that is the perfect place to take a book for a lazy afternoon.

Parque el Palmeral

Parque el Palmeral in Elche, Spain

Overflowing with botanical wildlife, waterfalls and a lot of palm trees, Parque el Palmeral is a little slice of Eden just outside of the city centre. Catch the C6 airport bus or a train for a relaxing day out. Expect to suddenly stumble upon a little waterfall, tended garden or a bridge right next to a waterfall. The park has toilets and a little kiosk to buy food and drink, but bring sunscreen and a picnic is highly recommended as it can be expensive. This is the place for when you want to get a away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the city’s most beautiful park.

Barrio de Santa Cruz

What with the lively popularity of el Barrio, the Barrio de Santa Cruz or the residential old town doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Which is a shame because it is just as beautiful in it’s own right. Located on the hillside, it feels a million miles away from the bustling city as the winding streets give you that quaint Spanish town feel. The buildings are all slightly crumbling and the streets a bit uneven and the whitewashed walls are adorned with blooming flowers making this a photographers paradise. There are cafés serving great coffee, tapas and traditional paella making this the perfect lunch spot to really get a feel for Alicante’s more traditional past.

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Of all Spain's mainland provincial capitals, Alicante (Valenciano: Alacant) is the most influenced by tourism, thanks to the nearby airport and resorts. Nevertheless it is a dynamic, attractive Spanish city with a castle, old quarter and long waterfront. The eating scene is exciting and the nightlife is absolutely legendary, whether you're chugging pints with the stag parties at 7pm or twirling on the dance floor with the locals seven hours later. On a weekend night it's impossibly busy and buzzy year-round.

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Experience the real Alicante. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museum of contemporary art of the city of Alicante.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante

This splendid museum, inside the 17th-century Casa de la Asegurada, has an excellent collection of 20th-century Spanish art, including works by Dalí, Miró…

 Archaeological museum of the city of Alicante.

Museo Arqueológico de Alicante

This museum has a strong collection of ceramics and Iberian art. Exhibits are displayed to give the visitor a very visual, high-tech experience, and it's…

Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Castillo de Santa Bárbara

There are sweeping views over the city from the ramparts of this large 16th-century castle, which houses a museum recounting the history of the city and…

Museu de Fogueres

Museu de Fogueres

In addition to a wealth of photographs, costumes and the most popular ninot (effigy) of each year, saved from their normal fiery fate by popular vote,…

Museo Volvo Ocean Race

Museo Volvo Ocean Race

On the pier, this museum brings to life the gruelling conditions of the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race with a simulator, videos, photos and a display of…

Basílica de Santa María

Basílica de Santa María

Flanked by twin towers, this old-town church's flamboyant, 18th-century baroque facade and ornate, gilded altarpiece contrast with the nave’s Gothic…

Mercado Central

Mercado Central

Alicante's main market hall is a feast for the eyes and other senses. Dating from the 1920s, it has a few Modernista flourishes; it suffered extensive…

Playa de San Juan

Playa de San Juan

Northeast of the town, Playa de San Juan, easily reached by the tram (Costa Blanca stop), is larger and usually less crowded than the city beach.

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Nov 30, 2020 • 2 min read

International expats named Valencia as the best city in the world to live and work with aspects like finance, housing and healthcare all taken into account. 

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Oct 26, 2017 • 6 min read

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Panoramic view of Alicante (Region of Valencia)

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Alicante Provincial Archaeological Museum (MARQ)

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Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA)

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Basilica of Santa María (Alicante)

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Castle of Santa Bárbara

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San Nicolás de Bari Procathedral

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Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante).

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THE 10 BEST Alicante Sights & Historical Landmarks

Alicante landmarks.

  • Points of Interest & Landmarks
  • Monuments & Statues
  • Architectural Buildings
  • Churches & Cathedrals
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Cabo de las Huertas
  • Ensanche Diputación
  • Playa de San Juan
  • Casco Antiguo-Santa Cruz
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Kids
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for Couples
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Hidden Gems
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

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1. Castillo de Santa Barbara

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2. Guadalest Valley

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Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (67)

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3. Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya

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4. Barrio Santa Cruz

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5. Basilica Santa Maria

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6. Plaça Gabriel Miró

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7. Puerto Deportivo

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8. Rambla Méndez Núñez

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9. Monte Benacantil

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10. Alicante Town Hall

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11. Concatedral Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant

alicante tourist sites

12. Plaza de Los Luceros

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13. Paseo del Puerto Viejo

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14. Calle de Las Setas

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15. Plaza de Toros Alicante

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16. Casa Carbonell

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17. Estación Alacant Terminal

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18. Plaça Porta del Mar

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19. Tossal de Manises (Lucentum)

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20. The Santa Faz Monastery

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21. Parque de Canalejas

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22. Passeig de Gómiz

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23. Plaza Portal de Elche

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24. Monumento a Canalejas

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25. Escultura El Regreso de Icaro con Su Ala de Surf

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26. Paseo Federico Soto

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27. Yacimiento arqueológico Lucentum

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28. Diputacion Provincial de Alicante

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29. Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula

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30. Arena Alicante

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Alicante Tourist Information: BEST Things to Do & See

Table of Contents

This page is all about the town of Alicante on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.

It contains useful Alicante tourist information for people intending to visit or holiday in Alicante.

Alicante Tourist Information

In this tourist guide to the tourist resort of the city of Alicante the gateway to the Costa Blanca of Spain we help visitors who are planning a trip with useful and practical advice on many tourism related subjects such as car hire, accommodation, apartment rental, villa rental, hotels, hostels, map, sightseeing, weather, where to go, where to stay, travel information and what to see and do in Alicante.

To make the best of your visit and holiday we cover everything you need to know about Alicante. We also have photos, picture galleries, views, videos and Alicante webcams of Alicante.

If you are thinking of actually living in this region of Spain you will need help for jobs for expats in Alicante .

Alicante Airport

Alicante is a very well-known city primarily because of Alicante airport through which many of the visitors to the Costa Blanca arrive. Alicante has one of the three international airports that service the Costa Blanca.

Alicante-airport

Alicante is also the capital of the Costa Blanca although it has quite a small population of approximately 300,000.

Strangely enough, most people arrive at Alicante airport and then head out of Alicante at the first opportunity, strange because there are many attractions of the city in particular Alicante has some of the finest beaches in the whole of the Costa Blanca.

Alicante is the busiest of the three hubs on the Costa Blanca, Valencia Airport, Murcia Airport and Alicante Airport provides the gateway for tourists and locals arriving on the Costa Blanca.

Of these three airports Alicante Airport is the busiest owing to the diversity of flights, destinations and carriers it has on offer.

El Altet is located twelve kilometres or eight miles to the south of the city, and although the city of Alicante is not known as a tourist destination in itself, the city does have a lot to offer in terms of beaches, shopping, bars, restaurants, pubs, nightlife, excursions, monuments, museums, parks, as well as good selection of city hotels in all categories and to suit all budgets.

Bus from Alicante Airport to Alicante City Centre

There is a regular bus service going to downtown Alicante every twenty minutes.

The C6 will take people who want to catch the train further afield directly to the train station, bus station for those wanting to catch buses to places such as Benidorm, and the tram station which connects people to some of the smaller sea side resorts as well.

The journey time takes approximately forty minutes at a cost of €3.

Taxi from Alicante Airport to Alicante City Centre

This is the easiest and fastest way to get to Alicante but not the cheapest. The journey time from Alicante Airport to Downtown Alicante is about fifteen minutes depending on traffic.

You can expect to pay €14 for a day fare and if arriving at the Alicante Airport late at night or during a fiesta you can expect to pay €16 for a party of four.

Train from Alicante Airport to the Centre of Alicante

At this moment in time there is no train station at Alicante Airport itself and tourists who want to catch a train to the sea side resorts on the Northern Costa Blanca can take a taxi or catch the C6 bus to the train station in Alicante to be able to travel by train further afield.

Private Transfer from Alicante Airport to Alicante City

There are many shuttle service companies providing transfers from Alicante Airport to Downtown Alicante. The most popular shuttle companies offering competitive rates include Resort Hoppa and Shuttle Direct.

A private transfer with Shuttle Direct costs €10 per person one way for a party of four. This kind of transfer is much like a taxi service with the exception that the transfer is pre booked with the option of using the shuttle service as well on the day of departure.

The travel time to Downtown Alicante from Alicante Airport again would be approximately fifteen minutes

Car Hire at Alicante Airport

car-hire-desks-Alicante

Car hire companies include Atesa, Auriga, Avis, Centauro, Europcar, Europa, Gold Car, Hertz, Record, Sixt and Sol Mar.

Costs of hiring a car are dependent on the time of year, model and duration of the rental period. The journey time of course would also be approximately an hour.

You can choose to pre book car hire which is a smart thing to do especially during the busy tourist season or organise the car hire after arriving at Alicante Airport.

As Alicante Airport is so close to the city centre it is up to the individual to either catch the airport bus which is the cheapest, or catch a taxi or even book a private transfer.

Some holidaymakers who arrive on late flights at Alicante Airport do check into the city hotels before travelling further to the villas and apartments which they have booked and find that owing to the late hour that a taxi ride is the best option for them.

Alicante Sights and Attractions

Alicante promenade is also worthy of note. The ‘Explanada de Espana” is lined with palm trees and a great place for a walk in the evening as many Spanish families do.

Also worthy of note is Alicante castle which overlooks the city and surrounding area providing spectacular views. The castle dates from the sixteenth century and is well-preserved.

Alicante/Alacant Explanada

The northern Costa Blanca which reaches Denia in the north , to Orihuela in the south. Alicante is classed as one of the most healthy cities in the world with over 320 days of sunshine a year.

Alicante has a diverse population from the North-African Moroccans to the South-Americans, Spanish as well as a steady influx of tourists.

The busy marina and harbour offers ferry destinations to Alger and Oran in Algeria.

Alicante has what is known as a Mediterranean climate which means long hot summers with very little or no rainfall, and cool sometimes wet winters.

Alicante is known for the Santa Barbara castle, the Santa Barbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe with far reaching views across the city.

Alicante/Alacant (ciudad) - Centro

Make sure you visit the local market selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other locally-made goods and produce – market day in Alicante is on a Tuesday and Thursday.

The best way to see Alicante is with the Turibus. Alicante is a very busy city with heavy traffic and getting around the city by car can be a daunting experience.

The Turibus tours the city from 10am until 2pm and then from 5pm until 7pm and has an eighty passenger capacity. A ticket costs only €8 (€5 for kids and pensioners) and is valid all day so you can hop on and off as many times as you like.

The bus stops at all the popular tourist attractions such as the Plaza del Mar, Archaeological Museum, Sta Barbabra Castle, Central Market, Luceros, Renfe Station, Maisonnave (the shopping area), the Theatre and the Rambla.

Alicante Beaches

Alicante is also blessed with many beautiful beaches. Here is a list of the most popular ones.

Playa Postiguet is within walking distance from the town center, this beach is popular all year round both with locals and with visitors. The promenade goes along the full length of the long beach and is flanked by palm trees. Good facilities, golden sand, life guards, beach bars and nearby restaurants.

Alicante Beach

The Cala de la Palmera and Cala Cantalars both form part of the Cabo Huertas rocky cape which reaches out into the deep blue Mediterranean sea, it has crystal clear water, ideal for snorkelling, but no services. Family-friendliest in the summer months.

The Playa de San Juan is Alicante’s longest and best beach, stretching along for more than seven kilometers of fine white sand it has excellent facilities, life guards during the summer months.

It has beach bars, restaurants along its long promenade and a play area for children. This beach is very popular during the summer months so come early.

Just north of San Juan there is the Playa Muchavista which offers the same services and facilities but isn’t as busy in the summer months.

El Campello’s main beach is the Playa Carrer La Mar consisting of small bays with both pebbles and sand. It has a lovely promenade with bars and restaurants. Ideal for families it also has a play area.

The Playa Almadrava is a small sand and pebble beach with no services, life guards or facilities.

The Playa Agua Amarga is situated on the southern side of Alicante and can be seen from the coastal road linking Alicante and the airport.

The Playa Urbanova on the south side of Alicante is framed by apartment complexes and has all the facilities and services. This beach becomes very busy during the summer months and is frequented by the locals and tourists.

The Playa Arenales del Sol is one of Alicante’s finest beaches has dunes and fine white sand is popular with young people with many bars and restaurants close by.

Alicante City

Alicante Tourist Offices (Oficina de Turismo)

Alicante Tourist Office Address: Avenida Rambla Mendez Nuñez 41, 03002, Alicante. Telephone: +34 965 200 000 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 20:00 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 h. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

Alicante Airport Tourist Office (Aeropuerto) Address: Aeropuerto Alicante (Terminal Llegadas T1 L’Altet). 03195. Alicante – Alacant. Telephone: +34 966 919 367 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.visitelche.com Opening Hours/Times: January Hours: Closed Mondays except Monday 21 (open from 09:00 to 16:00 h.) Tuesday, from 09:00 to 19:00 h. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 h. Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00 h. exc. Saturday 19, closed. Sunday and Jan. 1, closed.

Alicante Tourist Office (Renfe) Address: Avenida Salamanca s/n (Junto a la Estación de Ferrocarril), 03005, Alicante-Alacant. Telephone: +34 965 125 633 Email: [email protected] Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00. and from 16:15 to 18:30 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

Alicante Tourist Office (Centro) Address: Calle Portugal 17 (Estación Autobuses), 03003, Alicante-Alacant. Email: [email protected] Telephone: +34 965 929 802 Website: https://www.alicanteturismo.com Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00.

Alicante Tourist Office (Explanada) Address: Avenida Explanada de España 1, Edificio Carbonell, 03002, Alicante-Alacant. Telephone: +34 965 147 038 Email: [email protected] Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00. and from 16:15 to 18:30 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

Alicante Tourist Office (University – Universidad) Address: Soc. Relaciones Intern. Campus San Vte. Raspeig. 03080. Sant Vicent del Raspeig.

Alicante Tourist Office (Playa de San Juan) Address: Avenida de Niza, s/n (Junto Cruz Roja). 03540. San Juan (Alicante-Alacant) Telephone: +34 965 266 106 Email: [email protected]

IMPORTANT ALICANTE PHONE NUMBERS

Town Hall: 96 514 91 00 Local Police: 96 510 72 00 Airport Alicante: 96 691 90 00 Red Cross: 96 525 25 25 Customs: 96 520 76 46 Fire Brigade: 96 598 22 22 Iberdrola: 96 520 21 33 Post Office: 96 521 99 84

Page Summary – This page contains unique content about the beach resort of Alicante, a popular tourist destination on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.

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About the Author

Mark Eastwood

Mark Eastwood

Main author and owner of SpainMadeSimple.com which was started in 2004 when I first moved to Spain.

Spain Made Simple features expert advice on all aspects of moving to and living in Spain as well as useful tourist information and travel tips.

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Reader Interactions

Trinidad Garcia says

March 3, 2017 at 2:32 am

Thank You very much for this excellent information ,looking forward to an excellent stay in Alicante and will be homebase for my wife an I . Looking forward to this wonderful trip as it is our first trip to Europe and will begin in Spain and will end in Spain. Again Thank You.

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Alicante   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Alicante

About 100 miles south of Valencia and along the Costa Blanca (White Coast) is Alicante, an easygoing Spanish city that's highly favored among the party set. You'll most likely find travelers congregating around the Explanada de España , donning resort wear with drink in hand and bobbing to the beat of house music. During the day, the beaches – especially San Juan Beach – are the main event. One of Spain's best shorelines, San Juan Beach is replete with soft sands, about 330 days of sunshine a year and warm waters. While the city does have cultural attractions like the acclaimed Archaeological Museum of Alicante , the main reason to visit Alicante is to relax and make merry. So, imagine the sun on your skin, sand between your toes, grilled fish on your plate, sangria in your hand, lively music in your ears and a medieval castle, Renaissance cathedral or modern fountain before your eyes… Alicante.

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Best of Alicante

Best hotels in alicante.

  • # 1 in Hospes Amerigo
  • # 2 in Servigroup Montiboli
  • # 3 in NH Alicante

Hospes Amerigo

Best Things to Do in Alicante

  • # 1 in San Juan Beach
  • # 2 in Castillo de Santa Barbara
  • # 3 in Old Town Alicante

alicante tourist sites

Popular Tours

Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting

Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting

(284 reviews)

from $ 32.17

Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting

Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting

(96 reviews)

from $ 75.44

Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide

Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide

(201 reviews)

Alicante Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Alicante is any time. With mild temperatures and an average of about 20 days of rain per year, Alicante is hospitable year-round. For the best beach weather, visit June through September. (Be warned, the sand will be the most crowded at this time, too.) But if you want a chilled-out vacation, visit in the winter; you'll enjoy temperatures in the 50s, as well as deals on hotel rates. 

Weather in Alicante

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

  • More than Spanish  Because it's such a desirable location with sunny weather, Alicante is popular among many European tourists. Don't be surprised to hear many languages other than Spanish as well as different Spanish dialects.
  • Late is on time  Consistent with the rest of Spain, people in Alicante eat late and party even later. Prepare to eat dinner around 10 p.m. and expect the lively bars to play music into the wee morning hours.
  • Freebies  Whether you're an avid museumgoer or you just want to take a quick peek inside a museum, you'll be happy to find most Alicante museums – such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Fogueres Festival Museum – offer free entry.

How to Save Money in Alicante

  • Visit in the winter As with many other Spanish cities, Alicante is relatively inexpensive, but prices increase during peak beach season. To avoid surge pricing at hotels and rentals, travel to Alicante in the offseason (between October and March).
  • Fly into Madrid Because it's sometimes expensive to fly directly to Alicante, many travelers opt to fly to Madrid and rent a car for the four-hour drive southeast. Not only will you enjoy a scenic road trip, you'll have a car to make traveling around Alicante easier.
  • Menú del día If you want to save on dining costs, choose the menú del día for lunch. This deal will get you an appetizer, entree and dessert for 10 to 15 euros (about $11 to $17).

Culture & Customs

Alicante is a seaside city, and in turn, its culture centers on enjoying the outdoors and experiencing life at a leisurely pace. Locals and visitors alike spend a great deal of time outside, whether they're walking, biking, roller blading or just enjoying a glass of sangria at an alfresco restaurant. Surfing is a popular sport in the city, so you can expect to see many people riding the waves while you relax on the beach. Or, you can sign up for a lesson at one of the many surf schools if you want to experience it yourself. Alicante doubles as the name of the city and the name of the small eastern province it sits within. There are many other small beach towns within the Alicante province you can visit during your trip.

In Alicante, euros are the accepted currency, and Spanish is the most widely spoken language. The euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, so plan to check it before your trip. Because Alicante is popular among tourists – especially those from other European countries – you'll find yourself surrounded by a mélange of different ethnicities and languages, but there is still a strong local and authentic Spanish presence. You'll find a true taste of Spain when you venture away from the crowded Rambla Méndez Núñez and look for little restaurants in the narrow streets. You can get your dose of Spanish history at the city's many museums like the Archaeological Museum of Alicante or the Bullfighting Museum where you'll learn the history behind the infamous Spanish tradition. Some tourists use Alicante as a home base from which to travel to other towns along the Costa Blanca.

Days start late in Alicante. Most people socialize while sipping coffee around noon, eat their midday meal around 3 p.m. and don't sit for dinner until around 9 p.m. The siesta culture is a way of life in Alicante, so you may find many stores and businesses closed between 2 and 4 p.m. While you don't have to necessarily take a nap during this time, it's nice to relax and rest up for your night on the town. 

xAs mentioned, Alicante is known for its nightlife, so you can expect lively crowds out and about once the sun goes down. The city offers diverse nightlife options from bars to clubs to massive discotecas. La Zona district and El Puerto district situated near the marina have some of the most popular bars and nightclubs; if you want to tuck in early, consider staying in a quieter area like El Campello, which is a tram ride away from downtown Alicante city. The nightlife attracts a young crowd, so expect to see many teens and young adults out and about during your stay.

What to Eat

When you think Spanish food, you probably think of one thing: paella. The flavorful rice and seafood dish originated in the Valencian Community near Alicante, making this seaside city the perfect place to sample it. Travelers recommend trying paella at the Michelin-starred Monastrell , the elegant La Taberna Ibérica or the casual, but authentic La Tasca del Barrio . There are also plenty of other seafood dishes to choose from thanks to Alicante's location alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Salazones, or salted fish dishes, are popular as well as esgarraet (made with cod and red peppers) and all i pebre (a stew of baby eel, garlic and paprika). If you're not a seafood fan, don't fret: other equally delicious Alicante dishes include hearty meat stew called olla churra and anything featuring the signature alcachofas – artichokes – for which the Alicante region is known. For dessert, tuck into some turrón – a hard nougat snack famous in Alicante and influenced by the region's Arabic history.

Of course, it's hard to pass up a glass of deep red wine on your Spanish getaway. For all the oenophiles venturing to Alicante, there is a famous wine route that stretches from the Vinalopó region just north of the city to La Marina in the south. There are plenty of organized tours that leave from Alicante and take you to various vineyards around the area. If you'd rather stay local, you can sip some vino at one of the many wine bars around the city, such as Vino y Mas , Syrah , El Colmado and Boca de Vin . 

Getting Around Alicante

The best way to get around Alicante is on foot. It's not a massive or very hilly city, so walking is an easy feat. Not to mention, much of the city's charm comes from colorful buildings and secret nooks you would miss if you were driving. However, do note that many streets are cobblestone, so if you have mobility issues it may be hard to maneuver. If you don't want to or are unable to walk, you have other transportation options.

The Alicante Airport (ALC) sits less than 10 miles south of the center of Alicante. If you're taking a cab from the airport into central Alicante, expect to pay a fixed rate of 19 to 21 euros (about $22 to $24), depending on the time of day. Radio Taxi Elche, easily identified by the green stripes on the cars, are the official taxi at the airport. If you'd rather take public transportation, you can hop on the C6 bus line, which will take you into downtown Alicante for 3.85 euros (or about $4.50).

About 6.5 million tiles cover this walkway. 

Explore More of Alicante

Castillo de Santa Barbara

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IMAGES

  1. Top 15 attractions and things to do in Alicante

    alicante tourist sites

  2. Best Must See Places on Your Visit to Alicante

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  3. Discover

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  4. 10 Best Things to Do in Alicante

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  5. Alicante is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations

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  6. 10 Top Tourist spots to visit in Alicante

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VIDEO

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  2. Journey from Alicante Airport to London Gatwick

  3. Es Alicante Walking Tour Episode Two Port Of Alicante The Most Beautiful Port And Esplanade 🐂🐂🐂

  4. A very exclusive offer 💰 Luxury villa in Spain 🌴 house on the Costa Blanca of the best materials

  5. Alicante, Spain

  6. NICE WEATHER BENIDORM FEBRUARY

COMMENTS

  1. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Alicante

    Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya. It stretches opposite the marina about 6.5 million red, black and cream tiles. 6. MARQ Museo Arqueologico de Alicante. MARQ is an archaeology museum which is dedicated to displaying its collection in a traditional way; as a collection of classified and catalogued finds.

  2. 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alicante

    The main tourist areas of Alicante are the Barrio Santa Cruz (Old Town), the nearby port and marina, and the beach. The most charming place to stay is the Old Town, but beach lovers will prefer being near the Playa del Postiguet in Alicante or by the Playa de San Juan, which is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. ...

  3. 15 Best Things to Do in Alicante (Spain)

    The modern tram network in Alicante makes it a breeze to get from one attraction to the next. Let's explore the best things to do in Alicante: 1. Castle of Santa Barbara. Source: flickr. Castle of Santa Barbara. Crowning Benacantil mountain, the vast, monumental rock looming over Alicante, is a fortress with medieval Arab origins.

  4. 17 Best Things to Do in Alicante

    Zach Watson December 28, 2023. December 22, 2023. Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023. Holly Johnson December 1, 2023. Rachael Hood. Ranking of the top 17 things to do in Alicante ...

  5. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Alicante (Updated 2024)

    Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya. It stretches opposite the marina about 6.5 million red, black and cream tiles. 6. MARQ Museo Arqueologico de Alicante. MARQ is an archaeology museum which is dedicated to displaying its collection in a traditional way; as a collection of classified and catalogued finds.

  6. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Alicante

    6. MARQ Museo Arqueologico de Alicante. 1,061. History Museums. MARQ is an archaeology museum which is dedicated to displaying its collection in a traditional way; as a collection of classified and catalogued finds. MARQ is a project faced with the challenge of being the first archaeological museum of the 21st century.

  7. What to visit in Alicante

    Some of Alicante's best tourist attractions are its excellent beaches. Year after year they receive the Blue Flag award by the European Union, which earns them well deserved international recognition. This includes San Juan beach, the Cabo de las Huertas coves, Almadraba beach, Albufereta beach, Postiguet beach and Saladares-Urbanova beach.

  8. Home

    Max. Mín. 13°C. 5°C. Enjoy Alicante city (Spain), its formidable beaches, its delicious gastronomy and its most emblematic places. Official tourism website . Phone:+34 965177201.

  9. 11 Best Things To Do in Alicante

    There's nothing nicer than joining in with the evening paseo, and nowhere is better than Alicante's seafront Kiosko Peret. The spot, with its breezy little terrace, is ideal for delicious ice ...

  10. 32 Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain, for First-Time Visitors

    32 Top Things to Do in Alicante, Spain. Fun Activities in Alicante, Spain. Walk through Parc de l'Ereta. Tour Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Visit Concatedral Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant. Shop on Avenida Maisonnave. Purchase picnic supplies at Mercado Central de Alicante.

  11. 16 Best Things to do in Alicante Spain

    1. Santa Barbara Castle. Perhaps the most famous of the things to do in Alicante, Santa Barbara Castle or Castell de la Santa Bàrbara sits atop a hill on the edge of the city. You can see it from anywhere in Alicante and people of all fitness levels can walk the paved path to the top.

  12. Must-see attractions Alicante, Costa Blanca

    Discover the best attractions in Alicante including Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, Museo Arqueológico de Alicante, and Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

  13. 18 Best Things to do in Alicante, Spain (+Map)

    12. Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MACA) Another cultural point of note worth visiting in Alicante is the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MACA). The museum was founded in the late 1970s and currently resides in the beautifully restored Casa de la Asegurada, a historic building dating back to the 17th century.

  14. Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain

    Light a Candle at the Basilica of Santa Maria. Address. Pl. Sta. María, 1, 03001 Alicante (Alacant), Alicante, Spain. Phone +34 681 14 04 83. Web Visit website. At least one church should be included in a list of best things to do and see in Alicante, so why not the city's oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria.

  15. The Top Things To See And Do In Alicante

    El Barrio. El Barrio, or the old town, is the historical heart of Alicante, and one of the most beautiful spots to spend a day of wandering. With its winding cobbled streets and stacked Spanish apartments adorned with flowers, its an absolute must-visit for those looking for some old-world charm.

  16. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Alicante

    6. MARQ Museo Arqueologico de Alicante. 1,060. History Museums. MARQ is an archaeology museum which is dedicated to displaying its collection in a traditional way; as a collection of classified and catalogued finds. MARQ is a project faced with the challenge of being the first archaeological museum of the 21st century.

  17. 20+ Things to Do in Alicante, Spain That You Can't Miss (2024 Guide)

    8. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria. As far as religious monuments go, the Basilica of Santa Maria (Basilica de Santa María) is both the oldest and most beautiful one in Alicante. Located in Plaza de Santa María, this church is a must-visit while exploring.

  18. Alicante travel

    Alicante. Spain, Europe. Of all Spain's mainland provincial capitals, Alicante (Valenciano: Alacant) is the most influenced by tourism, thanks to the nearby airport and resorts. Nevertheless it is a dynamic, attractive Spanish city with a castle, old quarter and long waterfront. The eating scene is exciting and the nightlife is absolutely ...

  19. Tourism in Alicante-Alacant. What to see. Tourist information

    Alicante-Alacant. Located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, Alicante is one of the most important tourist destinations on the east coast of Spain. The many golf courses and the calm waters of the Mediterranean are just some of the attractions offered by this beautiful port city located at the foot of the Castle of Santa Barbara, a silent ...

  20. THE 10 BEST Alicante Points of Interest & Landmarks

    Top Alicante Points of Interest & Landmarks: See reviews and photos of Points of Interest & Landmarks in Alicante, Spain on Tripadvisor. Skip to main content. ... At this center roundabout you will find the stops for Taxis,Areobus,Tourist Bus and the Tram Great location nex to the Melia Hotel. Read more. Review of: Plaça Porta del Mar. Written ...

  21. THE 10 BEST Alicante Sights & Historical Landmarks

    The medieval fortress, the Castle of Santa Barbara, stands on the top of the mount. 10. Alicante Town Hall. ... building is a wonderful example of 18th century Baroque style architecture ,known in the city as " Ayuntamiento "...

  22. Alicante Tourist Information: BEST Things to Do & See

    Alicante Tourist Offices (Oficina de Turismo) Alicante Tourist Office. Address: Avenida Rambla Mendez Nuñez 41, 03002, Alicante. Telephone: +34 965 200 000. Email: [email protected]. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 20:00 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 h. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

  23. Alicante Travel Guide

    The best time to visit Alicante is any time. With mild temperatures and an average of about 20 days of rain per year, Alicante is hospitable year-round. For the best beach weather, visit June ...