How to get to Alicante
It’s really easy to travel to Alicante. You can quickly reach the city of Alicante from anywhere in Spain, particularly if you choose to use the train. We chose this route since we wanted an “easy” journey to enjoy after spending so much time in a car.
- Train. Today, you can purchase round-trip tickets from Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona to Alicante for very affordable prices. Thanks to the different companies available, you will have prices and schedules to suit all needs and pockets.
- By car. From Madrid, in just over 4 hours, you will be on the beach. Just follow the A3 highway and enjoy the road. And from Barcelona, 5 hours and a half.
- By plane. Alicante shares an airport with Elche, so you can easily reach both destinations from there. If you come from outside Spain, a plane to Alicante is the best alternative.
I advise walking or using public transportation once you’re in the city. It’s really difficult to move the car in the center, but you can walk quite easily, and everything is close by. It took us exactly eight minutes to walk from the train to the hotel, which was located on the waterfront.
🛏️ If you still do not have a place to stay for your trip to this wonderful city, I can recommend the hotel where we stayed: Nature by Raidom. It is very well located, and the service was exceptional. Below, you will find other recommendations.
Things to do in Alicante, Spain
Once you’re in the city, there are several fascinating locations to explore. It’s a charming city with lots of historical features and distinctive architecture. You can also learn about the significant attacks the town faced from several conflicts and adversaries, including the French and pirates. Indeed, the ruins of the attacks and cannon fire from the invading ships may still be seen on the façade of its co-cathedral.
Again, we chose to get to know the city thoroughly and also its history, so we opted for a free tour that, besides showing us everything, told us those secrets that enrich the visit. We opted for this free tour of Alicante, and it was a success. The best way to get to know the city in a little more than a couple of hours is in a very pleasant way.
During this tour, you will discover how a fleeting visit by Queen Elizabeth II radically changed the aesthetics of the city, and with the arrival of the first and only railroad line in the country, Alicante became a trading city with many possibilities.
Afterwards, you can always continue on your own and visit these same places in more detail, delve into their interiors, and add to those that have not been reached with the tour.
We leave you with this complete list of the best things to do in Alicante, and from there, you can plan your own itinerary.
1. Explanada de España
This is the “promenade” of Alicante, the main promenade of the city that opens towards the sea and offers an unbeatable space to enjoy a pleasant walk. It is a wide pedestrian mall full of palm trees and very beautiful and colorful flora. It is 600 meters long and runs from the Puerta del Mar to the Parque de Canalejas.
The design of its pavement is very particular since it is a copy of one from Lisbon that the wife of the mayor of the time “fell in love” with during its construction. For its creation, 6.6 million tesserae of marble were used, and the red color is unique in the world because only in Alicante this color of marble was produced.
On your walk, you will find wooden chairs arranged throughout the promenade. If you feel like it, sit on them to rest, read, or hang out. That’s what they are there for.
2. Plaza de los Luceros
The Plaza de los Luceros is the most emblematic square in the city, especially in San Juan, the peak of the “bonfires” (San Juan festivities, from June 20 to 24). This central square becomes the meeting point for the celebration of the bonfires and from where the mascletás are lit.
The square is presided over by an impressive fountain, whose central element is a large, four-sided tower decorated with attractive motifs. It is a good place to start any route through the city.
3. Plaza de Gabriel Miró
I was considerably more in love with this square than the last one. A lovely central fountain that was carved in 1918 to commemorate La Aguadora—the woman who delivered water—is located in the middle of a tiny square in the old town. The fountain’s model was a young woman by the name of Susana Llaneras, who would travel to the fountain with guests to show them what she looked like in her younger years until the day of her death in the 1990s.
Since it still bears the remnants of the historic ceramic tesserae signs, this space is most well known to the Alicantinos as Plaza de Correos, or Post Office Space. Correos y Telégrafos was located there until 2023.
4. Calle de Las Setas (The Mushroom Street)
The well-known Las Setas Street is a short distance from this square. It’s a “modern” street; therefore, not everyone in Alicante likes it, but it’s still interesting, especially if you go with kids. Recently, a competition to renovate this roadway was launched as part of an initiative that the consortium encouraged and supported. On your route today, you’ll come across some amazing, gigantic mushrooms that add color and have helped breathe new life into the surrounding landscape.
It’s a great street for an afternoon, supper, or a few drinks because it’s lined with lots of bars, taverns, and restaurants.
5. The San Nicolás Co-Cathedral
From the previous square, you will reach one of the most important things to do in Alicante: visit the Co-Cathedral of Alicante. It is a co-cathedral because, at the time of its construction (1616), there was already a cathedral in the diocese (the Cathedral of Orihuela), and it was not possible to build a more important one.
The cathedral is located in the Plaza del Abad Penalva and was built on the remains of a destroyed Arab mosque. It is of regal Herrerian Renaissance style, and on its side, you can see the impressive impacts suffered by the cannons of the French ships during the war. This church was the highest point that protruded from the wall of Alicante and received the impacts of the attacks.
Visiting hours: weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays and holiday eves: from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sundays and holidays: from 8:30h to 13:30h and from 17:30h to 21:00h.
6. Ayuntamiento de Alicante (City Council)
Certainly, one of Alicante’s most important structures is the town hall. These days, it is reserved for ceremonial purposes exclusively (the mayor and his staff work out of an adjacent office building). It is situated in the Santa Cruz area and is also known as the Municipal Palace of Alicante. Constructed in 1541, it underwent reconstruction in 1691 following the French destruction.
If you closely examine its exterior, you’ll discover that each of the two towers has room for two clocks in addition to one clock. It’s interesting to note that the absence of two clocks was caused by a shortage of financial resources as well as the fact that, at the time, they were unable to develop the formula to synchronize both clocks, despite their best efforts.
Some of the town hall’s mysteries are concealed inside, including one of Spain’s “zero points,” which are used to measure elevation above sea level, and the “fake” cannons that guard its façade and fool the attacking ships.
The town hall is open for free visits Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (check for changes during special holidays and summer seasons) or from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (winter hours). Access to the first floor is available on Saturdays prior to the wedding schedule, which typically begins at 11:00 a.m.
7. Casa Carbonell (Carbonell House)
This majestic structure, the Carbonell Building, is located on the street parallel to the sea in front of the town hall. It is still held by the family today and is home to residences, but what’s interesting about it is that the builder at the time was driven to build it out of ego after a business trip to the city to purchase land and suffered an automobile accident.
When he got to the Palace, the hotel where they had arranged to stay, he was disqualified from staying due to his grease-stained appearance. He constructed this structure in front of the palace purely out of retaliation, hoping that passersby would be pleased and overlook the hotel that had made him look bad.
For some reason, the structure radiates the “power” of the age and creates a special ambiance on the promenade. It is truly magnificent.
8. Basilica of St Mary of Alicante
The other religious site to see in Alicante (besides the co-cathedral) is the Basilica of Santa Maria. It is the oldest church in the city and enjoys a very exquisite Valencian Gothic style. It occupies the site of the old mosque and was purified by Alfonso X the Wise.
The church was partly destroyed during the different wars and used as a military warehouse during the Spanish Civil War. Since 2007, it has been a basilica and currently houses all the steps of Holy Week prior to their processions.
Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sundays and holidays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m..
General entrance fee: €6.
9. Santa Cruz neighborhood
The neighborhood of Santa Cruz is one of the most famous in Alicante. Its streets are very interesting, and you will find white houses painted in pristine white, decorated with plants and some colors.
Next to the Basilica of Santa Maria is the street Los Labradores, which is the most artistic and bohemian in Alicante. So much so that the MACA, or Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante, is located there. It is the best place to buy a souvenir with personality and have an aperitif with a touch of vibrancy and essence.
10. Port of Alicante
Once you’ve visited the historic center, it is time to go into the maritime part of the city. The key point that brings together all the activity is the Port of Alicante. In its time, it was one of the most important in the Spanish Mediterranean and attracted important commercial transactions with the whole world.
In it, recreational, commercial, merchandise, fishing, and passenger vessels dock. All of them coexist in a port of large dimensions and depth.
For sea lovers like me, it is perfect to stroll through it both at dawn and at dusk, which is when the ports have that balance between silence (the calm) and the start and end of the activity.
From there, you can embark on an hour and a bit of walking to the island of Tabarca or enjoy a delicious cocktail overlooking the sea.
11. The Ocean Race Museum
In the port itself is one of the museums that I like the most, the Volvo Ocean Race. The Ocean Race is a regatta that is held every four years and covers the entire world. It lasts between 8 and 9 months under really extreme conditions. Spain achieved its best position in the 2017 one, coming in second place.
This museum offers a perfect introspection of what it is like to sail on these ships, how it is like to live on the high seas, and transports you to those sensations that only at “sea” can be experienced. You can visit one of the ships inside and experience a storm in a simulator.
Hours: usually from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. (Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
General admission is €5 (and you can hire a personalized guide).
12. Alicante Central Market
With markets, I feel the same way as with ports… They are my key points in every city. It comes from my childhood; every Saturday morning I went with my father to buy at the market, and I loved to see the stalls with all the products on display and to talk to the shopkeepers to build that bond of trust.
The market was inaugurated in 1922 and has 292 stalls distributed over its 11,100 m2. It is incredible to see the fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as the fish stalls. I recommend you go there at aperitif time and try the fresh produce in the few but interesting bars inside.
Address: Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio.
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 14:00 a.m.
13. Visit Santa Barbara Castle, one of the best things to do in Alicante
Of course, a visit to the Castle of Santa Barbara is a must when in Alicante. You can view it on the highest point of the hill behind the city, the Benacantil peak, which is 167 meters above sea level, from practically any place in the city. You will be astounded by the inside and the amazing views once you reach the summit.
Once you reach the top of the immaculately preserved Santa Barbara Castle, you may explore the many sections of this Muslim stronghold that King Philip II later renovated in 1580. It’s incredibly pleasant to stroll about and relieves stress. Of course, the 360-degree views over the city, the port, the beach, and the bay give you a unique feeling.
There are several ways to go up to the castle:
- By elevator: the cost is €2.70 and includes the entrance, ascent, and descent by elevator.
- By cab: about €5 on the way up.
- Walking up the stairs: 30 minutes of ascent.
Visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or until 10:00 p.m. in the summer (general opening hours).
With this free tour of the castle, you can get to know it much more in detail. In addition, if you want to enjoy an even more special experience in this place, you can book this beer tasting tour that takes place in the castle itself.
14. Postiguet Beach
Playa del Postiguet, the Alicante urban beach, is located directly below the castle, or if you head out to sea from the port or the Spanish Esplanade. Taking a plunge or basking in the sun on beautiful golden sand is the ideal option, especially when the heat starts to get intense, which in Alicante is rather early and lasts until late October.
It’s a large, well-maintained beach with all you need for a fun day at the ocean’s edge or enjoying water sports.
15. Alicante Museums
If, in addition to these key places in the city, you are interested in or like museums, Alicante also has a wide offer for all tastes and interests.
- Provincial Archaeological Museum.
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA).
- Museum of Fine Arts – Gravina.
- Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA).
- Museum of the Waters of Alicante.
- Ocean Race Museum.
- Interpretation Center: War Refuges.
- Museum of the Bonfires.
- Museum of Nativity Scenes.
- Exhibition Hall of the Lonja del Pescado.
Things to do near Alicante
The city of Alicante offers many activities and places of interest to visit and enjoy. But if your stay is extended in time, there are also other nearby destinations that you can approach to complete your route.
Tabarca Island
Tabarca Island is one of the most common excursions for all those who visit Alicante, and it is only an hour and a bit away by boat. It is a very nice island where you can spend a nice day (like Formentera in the Balearic Islands or La Graciosa in the Canary Islands).
Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. However, it only has 55 registered inhabitants. A few natives of the island stroll through the streets in the summer in the summer to more than 4,000 visitors a day.
On the island, it is very interesting to walk through the fortified village itself, visit the Tower of San Jose, and, of course, the lighthouse, which indicates the position of the island for sailors and travelers.
Every day, boats leave from the port of Alicante to visit the island. The trip takes an hour or a little more (depending on the state of the sea). The price in a normal boat is usually around $25 per person round trip (you have to return the same day). Another option is to rent a private boat or a catamaran for different experiences.
Lucentum archaeological site
Located just 3 km from the center of Alicante, the Lucentum archaeological site is a good scenario to reconstruct in our imagination how the lives of our ancestors were.
It is very well preserved and is perfect for an afternoon of our route through Alicante. The area, known as Tossal de Manises, houses archaeological remains of great importance, especially the Iberian-Roman period that created the city of Lucentum (ancient Alicante).
With 5 hectares of space (2.5 of them are the population of yesteryear), it is a pleasant walk to remember the ancient history of our country.
💡 If you plan on spending more time in the city, you should explore nearby towns like Altea, Elche, or Guadalest, or go to San Juan Playa (particularly in the summer). There is a natural setting with lagoons, pools, and ponds in the lake where one can enjoy a nice summer day.
Where to stay in Alicante, Spain
You’ll need to relax and refuel after all this touring if you want to explore Alicante even more. There are plenty of hotels to fit every taste and budget. The city takes great care of its tourism industry, which is one of its main priorities.
We made the decision to go with Nature by Raidom, and we couldn’t have been happier. Exceptionally great, perfectly situated, wonderful service… An easy ten out of ten!
Here are some other options:
- Hotel Gran Sol in Alicante: It boasts the Meliá seal, which attests to the quality of its services, and is well situated between the beach and city at a fair price.
- Apartamentos Casa Alberola: For those who want apartments, it is excellent (for 2 to 5 people).
- Boutique Hotel Palacete S. XVII: Located in Alicante. It is intended for adults who are looking for something more special and intimate.
Where to eat in Alicante
I promise you that the food in Alicante will be excellent. Personally, we’ve liked it a lot—perhaps to the point where we end up overeating.
The first thing I did (you know my passion for breakfast) was to look for nice, specialty coffee shops. Among all of them, I highlight two that are located in the center:
- Hermanas Martinez. Among the most exquisite and enchanting specialty coffee businesses I have ever come across. Everything is cooked with such care and flavor, and there’s a great fragrance as soon as you walk in. In addition, their toast is fantastic—my friend claims it’s the greatest of all the places I’ve brought him. Give the keto bread a try. Delectable! Not to mention their chai and matcha tea. It’s preferable to go during the week, as I was unable to get a table on Saturday and Sunday, even with an early start. 8:30 a.m. to 16:00 a.m.
- Madness. This fantastic specialty coffee shop, which has its own coffee roastery on site and is conveniently located next to the co-cathedral and town hall, is well decorated, down to the last detail. The aroma emanating from the café is just amazing. The brunch menu is excellent value for money, the coffee is superb, and the service is outstanding. On Sunday, I did have to queue to get breakfast as well. it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 21:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday.
Let’s now head straight for lunch and dinner. Naturally, you must not miss a “rice” when in Alicante (though note that paella is a particular variety of rice that is prepared and consumed in Valencia). It’s “rice with” in Alicante.
There are many locations to sample delicious rice, but be sure it’s not too touristic (i.e., one of those eateries serving rice, paella, pasta, or Mexican food).
Out of the ones we tried, I selected the following to try for lunch or dinner:
- Calla Chico. Located in the center of Las Setas Street, it’s the ideal spot for a laid-back lunch or dinner. The meal is excellent, and you’ll be shocked by the cost.
- Restaurant Plaza Canalla. It’s located in the Plaza Miró (the one with the irrigation system). It’s a very pleasant spot with a terrace that begs you to remain for a long table conversation and wonderful cuisine.
Now that you have all this knowledge, you can get ready for your upcoming vacation. You must thoroughly research the things to do, where to eat, and what to see in Alicante.
Map of things to do in Alicante, Spain
So that you don’t waste a minute finding all these points, we have created this geolocated map. Now you just have to open your mobile, let yourself go, and enjoy.
I hope this guide of the best things to do in Alicante has been very useful for you. If it’s your first time in the country or you are going to visit other areas, don’t miss this Spain travel guide; I’ll read it in the comments!
