Dreaming of a beautiful city in southern Spain, a city that allows you to slow down, sip on a café con leche, and enjoy the beautiful scenery?
Alicante is like a little gem! Nestled along Spain’s Costa Blanca, Alicante is the perfect blend of Mediterranean beauty and historical charm.
It’s the perfect Spanish city to step away from the hustle of tourists, allowing you to slow down and enjoy the city’s ambiance.
Alicante was truly one of my favorite cities on our two-week Southern Spain itinerary.
Even during peak season (April), the city was a breath of fresh air compared to the busier cities like Seville and Valencia.
If you only have a single day in this beautiful coastal city, don’t worry. You can still experience the magic of this city.
In this Alicante, Spain travel guide, I am sharing my favorite things, hidden gems, and travel tips to help you prioritize your perfect Alicante itinerary for your upcoming Spain vacation!
From the beautiful beaches to the panoramic views from Santa Barbara Castle, Alicante is a must-visit dream destination for your European vacation, perfect for the entire family to enjoy!
If you’re taking the kids on your Spain roadtrip, read my Crucial Tips for Traveling to Alicante with Kids
14 Incredible Things To Do In Alicante, Spain
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Hike to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Rising almost 170 meters above Alicante, the Santa Bárbara Castle is the iconic landmark of the city. Seeing the Santa Bárbara castle while soaking up the sun on Postiguet Beach makes for the most beautiful backdrop!
Initially built by the Moores in the 9th century, this medieval fortress has seen years of conflict. Exploring the castle is an incredible way to experience the rich history of medieval times.
The castle sits at the top of Mount Benacantil, making it the perfect place to experience panoramic views of the city and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
While at the summit, soak it in. It is unbelievably peaceful. There is also a little cafe with several seating areas.
Be sure to check out the Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante (MUSA) within the castle walls. It’s a small museum, and it was free while we visited.
It’s an easy stop to include while on top of the summit. The museum paints a detailed picture of the city’s history.
The old dungeons are only accessible when booking with travel guides.
How to Get The Castle
Walking
If you choose to walk, getting there can be a big part of your experience. The walk is gorgeous but steep and challenging.
And because we were traveling to Alicante with kids, we wore them on our backs, making the walk much more difficult.
Car or Bus
If you’re taking a road trip and renting a car, there is a designated parking lot at the top of the hill.
Taking a taxi or a public bus is also a great option. We were picked up for our city tuk-tuk tour from here.
Lift
I learned after the fact that there is an elevator that costs less than 3 euros and can be accessed from Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, near Postiguet Beach.
I can’t personally speak to it, but it may be worth considering.
Travel Tip: If you are walking, I suggest visiting early in the morning before it gets too hot.
According to our tour guide, the massive and beautiful trees (Australian Fig Trees / Ficus Macrophylla) at the castle’s foothills are considered the city’s “Green Lungs,” and they offer so much shade. You will also find them in many of the city’s squares.
Explore El Barrio de Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a gorgeous historic neighborhood in Alicante’s old town. According to our tour guide, only locals reside here. There are no hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs.
It’s the ideal place for a casual walk to explore the neighborhoods.
Tip: The Santa Cruz district is located at the base of Benacantil Hill, and can be the perfect next stop on your Alicante itinerary after the castle.
Visit the Basilica de Santa Maria
The Basilica de Santa Maria is the oldest active religious building in Alicante. It was built over a former mosque during the 13th century.
I found the exterior quite interesting because you can see the clear differentiation between mosque materials and the newer ones. It is a reminder of the city’s complex Muslim and Christian history.
The Gothic-style church has the most beautiful entrance!
Tip: Enjoy a coffee and snack in the Plaza Santa Maria, it’s the perfect spot to take a quick break.
Visit the Concatedral de San Nicolas de Bari
If you enjoy churches, the Concatedral de San Nicolas is another great spot to add to your Alicante itinerary. It’s a short walk from the Esplanade and City Hall.
This is Alicante’s main cathedral, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. The inside is not embellished like orthodox churches or those of the Rococo style; instead, its beauty comes from the symmetries.
If you enjoy churches, it’s free and worth a quick stop.
Check out the City Hall
The facade of the Town Hall of Alicante will capture your attention. Designed by the architect Lorenzo Chapuli in the 18th century, it is located in the heart of Alicante Old Town, right on the main square.
Tip: If you visit Alicante during the week, take a quick walk inside.
Take a Walk Through Mercado Central
Alicante’s central market is a really nice place to get a feel for daily life and see where many of the locals shop.
It is filled with market stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, and so much more.
Tip: If you want to include the Mercado Central on your Alicante itinerary, try to visit earlier in the day.
According to their official site, the hours of operation are:
Monday- Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday 7:00 – 3:00 pm
Walk Down the Explanada de España
According to our tour guide, the Explanada is decorated with a beautiful mosaic comprising over 6 million little tiles.
Lined with palm trees, this is the most popular street in Alicante, running parallel to the harbor. The Explanada is a popular destination and an iconic Instagrammable location.
So many restaurants are located here, and it’s just a minute’s walk to the harbor.
Relax at the Playa del Postiguet
If you only have a day in Alicante, enjoying the Postiguet beach is a great way to relax and enjoy an afternoon of sun.
The beach is an easy walk from the Explanada, and if you’re traveling to Alicante with kids, find a spot near the playgrounds.
If it’s not warm enough to enjoy the sand and water, enjoy a glass of wine on the promenade- and enjoy the view. I think it’s so cool that you can see the Santa Barbara Castle from a distance!
Other beaches of Alicante include Playa de Las Huertas, Playa de San Juan, Playa de Muchvista, and Playa del Carrer de la Mar. We didn’t have enough time to include these beaches in our itinerary.
Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour
Alicante is not a large city; in fact, after two days, I felt like I had experienced the city. Taking the TukTuk Tour solidified this for me. We walk a lot, so enjoying a tour while getting off our feet is always a nice change of pace.
Our TukTuk guide also showed us some bomb shelters scattered throughout Alicante City. If you want to see these, you must book a guided tour.
Book your Tuk-Tuk Tour ahead of time.
Tip: We had an issue when initially booking the tour. At the last minute, they informed us that they had overbooked because it was a cruise day. Thankfully, they were able to reschedule us for later that day.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
You can’t visit Spain without enjoying tapas and a glass of wine!
If you have the time, food tours are an excellent way to experience the culture and enjoy some local food.
Sadly, we didn’t have time to book a food tour. But, if you can fit it into your Alicante itinerary, some of these food tours look incredible!
Take a walk through Calle de Las Setas
Also called Calle San Francisco and Mushroom Street, it is one of the more unique experiences in Alicante City. The street is lined with large mushrooms, and it’s so cute you can’t help but think of the Mario Brothers!
And if you’re traveling to Alicante with kids, this is a must-see street.
Tip: Our Airbnb was located here- it was a perfect location. The street is filled with restaurants, and is surprisingly quiet at night.
Enjoy the View from Castillo de San Fernando
The Castillo de San Fernando was built as a fortress to protect Alicante. Its ancient artifacts and impressive structure stand in striking contrast to the Castillo de Santa Barbara.
The place was so quiet. There were no tourists, cafes, or shops—just a couple of locals walking their dogs.
It felt like a fortress that was forgotten about. Like a hidden gem for the locals.
Although there’s not as much to see as the iconic Santa Bárbara castle, it offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. This can be one of the best ways to enjoy a more private sunset with great views.
Explore the Museo Arqueologico de Alicante (MARQ)
If you enjoy ancient artifacts, the Archaeological Museum of Alicante can be a great addition to your Alicante itinerary. The museum will also display more modern temporary exhibits.
Check out the official site for more details
Take A Day Trip
A couple of popular day trips are to the city of Benidorm and the Palm tree forest in Elche.
If you have extra time in Alicante, a boat trip to Tabarca Island is another popular day trip option.
We didn’t have much time to include this excursion in our Alicante itinerary; however, I wanted to include this tiny island in this Alicante travel guide because it seemed like a popular option.
Here are some incredible-looking day trips with tours to consider!
How to Get Around Alicante
Walking
Alicante has a small, relaxing city feel, and the city center is very pedestrian-friendly.
Most major attractions, like the beach, central market, Santa Cruz, and the Explanada, are within 10-20 minutes of each other on foot.
Walking the city also allows you to wander and explore. We found some delicious bakeries this way!
Buses
TAM is the city bus system, and can be a great option for those who need to walk less.
TRAM
The Alicante TRAM line is an excellent option for those who want to take day trips.
E-Bikes & Scooters
These can be such a fun way to get around and explore the city! We saw them available in every city of our two-week trip to Spain.
How to get to Alicante
Airport
The Alicante – Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport (ALC) is only 10km from the city center.
Train
Taking a Spain road trip by train is the way to go. We traveled from Valencia to Alicante, taking just over two hours. The train station is an easy walk from the city center.
Cruise
Alicante seems like a perfect destination if you are traveling via cruise ship! Our little Tuk-Tuk guide took us right by the cruise port. You can easily see the cruise ships parked in the harbor.
Truthfully, Alicante is fantastic, because as soon as you arrive off the boat, you are a short walk from the central part of the city. Not to mention, the walk is right on the promenade, and can be quite enjoyable with the sea breeze.
Visiting Alicante During Holy Week
Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, and is a massive celebration throughout Spain.
That being said, if you are visiting during this holy week, expect more people. From what I understood, the parades start after 7:00 pm, and many of the streets are closed.
We saw these celebrations in the Spanish cities of Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga.
My Final thoughts on traveling to Alicante Spain
Alicante may not jump out as one of Spain’s most popular cities to include in your European vacation, but that’s what makes it such a special destination.
With its beautiful castle, gorgeous views, great beaches, and delicious food;
The city has a small feel, yet there are so many things to do in Alicante!
This beautiful coastal city is a must if you are traveling to Spain with kids!
If you’re taking a road trip through southern Spain or planning your big vacation to Spain with kids, Alicante should not be missed!
Let me know if you have an upcoming trip to Alicante, or have been and want to share some additional insights! I would love to hear from you in the comments!
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