Alicante Things to do
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.
1. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Castle of Alicante)
The huge castle of Santa Barbara is located on top of the 166 meter high Monte Benecantil. During the Moorish rule a first settlement arose here, which after the recapture by King Alfonso X of Castile was further developed as a castle with a strategic location and a prison. In the castle is a small museum about the history of the castle (Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante, MUSA).
You can reach the ruins of the castle in several ways. You can walk through the Parque de la Ereta, a wooded park built on the hill or walk over the ramparts to the castle in about an hour. To make the visit to the castle easier, there is also a lift. To do this, take the walking tunnel from the entrance of Calle Jovellanos. The castle is free to visit, you only pay for the elevator. The castle with stunning views is by far the number 1 attraction of Alicante.
2. The stunning beaches of Alicante
Some of Alicante’s best tourist attractions are it’s excellent beaches. Year after year they receive the Blue Flag award by the European Union, which earns them well deserved international recognition.
Find out more about the best beaches of Alicante
3. Barrio ‘Santa Cruz’ – district in Alicante
The Santa Cruz district is the district you will encounter when you walk from the center to the Monte Benacantil hill. The district is also called ‘El Barrio’ and is the authentic working-class district of the city with friendly residents. The district is not touristy and shows the real Spanish life in Alicante.
4. Explanada de España
Beautiful promenade along the coast and perhaps the most beautiful promenade in Spain. Stroll along the wide path between the palm trees and stalls with a refreshing breeze from the sea. Especially in the evening an important meeting place in Alicante.
5. Puerto Deportivo
The port of Alicante is a nice area (especially in the evening) to walk around between the many yachts, cozy restaurants, discos and casinos. The port has a pirate boat with a restaurant (Barco Restaurante El Trinidad) and a free museum about the famous Volvo ocean race.
6. Casco Antiguo – centre of Alicante
The small and historic city centre of Alicante with narrow streets and nice squares. The district has several attractions such as Plaza Ayuntamiento, Mercado Central (Spanish fresh market), Palacio Maissonnave and the basilica. Take a lovely stroll through this historic city centre and be sure to check out the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the square with the baroque town hall.
7. Basilica de Santa Maria
The Basílica de Santa María is the oldest church in the city, built on the remains of a mosque. The Gothic Basilica was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and consists of one nave with six chapels. In the church there are beautiful works of art and a golden altar.
8. Tabarca Island
The Tabarca Island is an island located 15 kilometers from Alicante in the Mediterranean Sea. The protected marine area is an ideal place for snorkeling and has many birds. The island (1800 by 400 meters) has a small village and a beach and daily three boats sail in 45 minutes from the port of Alicante. Also try the local dish caldero.
9. MACA Museum Alicante
The ‘Museo de Arte Contemporãneo de Alicante’, or MACA, is a museum of modern art in the centre of the city. It is located on the Plaza de Santa María near the basilica. The museum is housed in a 17th century baroque town house, the oldest civilian building in the city. The collection includes more than 800 works from the 20th century by Pablo Picasso, Juana Frances, Joan Miró and Juan Gris.
10. Shop at the Mercado Central
The Mercado Central covered market hall in Alicante offers an abundance of local products. Meat, fish, vegetables and fruit in vibrant colours are displayed side by side. If you’re hungry, you’re sure to get a trip to the Mercado Central. This is easily solved by eating tapas in one of the bars on the ground floor. The pinchos, a stuffed baguette with a skewer in it, are very tasty here. That will be feasting!
11. MARQ Archaeological museum
The MARQ is the archaeological museum of Alicante and tells more about the history of the Santa Bárbara castle and the surrounding Guadalest valley. Learn more about the history from the Romans, the Moors and the Spanish kings.