Things to See in Alicante
Article updated in April 2025.
Spain is full of beautiful places, easily accessible for a short getaway. Alicante is one of them.
I had the chance to discover this Mediterranean city, almost by accident.
From the very first moments, I loved its tranquility and the beauty of its subtle architecture.
I loved its atmosphere so much that I even started looking at rental prices!
If you’re looking to escape the typical Spanish destinations and want somewhere a little off the beaten path, Alicante is perfect!
Whether it’s for a slow travel experience or just to spend a few days in the sun, you’ll find everything you need here!
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best things to see in Alicante.
This article contains affiliate links 🙂 They earn me a small commission on bookings, but no worries—there’s no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog, and enjoy the read!
PLAN YOUR STAY IN ALICANTE IN SECONDS!
Not much time to plan your trip? Here’s a mini-guide to help you with the essentials!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Hostel Ole (for small budgets)
- Alicante Smart Hotel (with a rooftop pool)
THINGS TO DO:
- A free tour to discover the city’s highlights
- Visit the Santa Barbara Castle
- Get lost in the Santa Cruz neighborhood
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alicante in a nutshell
Alicante, the capital of its eponymous province, is located in the Comunidad Valenciana on the southeast coast of Spain, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
This privileged location makes it one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations, perfect for sun and beach lovers.
Like many Spanish cities, Alicante has been home to numerous civilizations that left indelible marks on the city, making it historically and architecturally rich.
The Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, dominates the city and is one of its most iconic symbols.
Its port is also a major tourist attraction, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Throughout the year, Alicante thrives on the rhythm of popular festivals like the Hogueras de San Juan in June, when enormous papier-mâché sculptures are burned in a festive atmosphere.
Planning a trip to Spain? My articles on 60 things to do in Madrid, the perfect Andalusia itinerary, and 38 things to do in Bilbao will definitely interest you!
Things to see in Alicante
The city has many places that delight tourists, but here are 8 you can’t miss during your next visit.
1. Santa Barbara Castle
It’s THE monument of the city. It all began in the 9th century when the Moors built an alcazaba at the top of Mount Benacantil, 167 meters above sea level.
It was later transformed, reinforced, and replaced by a thousand-year-old fortress: the Santa Barbara Castle, offering an impressive panoramic view of the city and the port.
Over the centuries, it was renovated several times, particularly under Castilian rule and during the modern era.
These different architectural layers reflect the military and political evolution of Alicante.
To visit the castle, you can take an elevator located in front of Postiguet Beach.
It is also accessible by car or on foot via the Santa Cruz neighborhood, but be warned, it’s quite a climb!
Avoid walking up during the hottest parts of the day.
I learned that the hard way, though of course, the beauty of the place makes the effort worthwhile!
Opening hours:
- November 15 to February 27: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
- February 28 to June 16: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00
- June 17 to September 4: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 23:00
- September 5 to November 14: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00
2. Santa Cruz Neighborhood
The Barrio de Santa Cruz is undoubtedly my favorite spot in Alicante.
I instantly fell in love with its bright white façades, its flowerpots hanging from the walls, and its narrow, winding streets that snake up the hillside…
This little labyrinth full of life and color feels like it’s straight out of a Mediterranean fairy tale.
Despite its Christian-sounding name, the neighborhood was founded just after the Muslim era.
It still retains a strong Moorish influence in its architecture: houses are tightly packed together, with secret passages, and shaded corners designed to escape the heat.
3. Concatedral de San Nicolás
The Concatedral de San Nicolás is a must-see monument as it is the most important religious building in the city.
Built on the remains of a mosque in the 17th century, it features a rather modest exterior, in Renaissance and Baroque style, which could almost go unnoticed from the street if you don’t know what’s hidden inside.
Inside, it’s the dome that catches all the attention.
Rising to a height of 45 meters, it dominates a harmonious interior with vaulted ceilings, richly decorated side chapels, and a carved wooden choir that is worth lingering over.
The concathedral is named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Alicante.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 07:30 to 13:00 and 17:30 to 20:30
- Saturday: 08:30 to 13:00 and 17:30 to 20:30
- Sunday and holidays: 08:30 to 13:30 and 17:30 to 20:30
4. Plaza de los Luceros
Alicante is also a city that you can enjoy by wandering aimlessly through its lively streets, peaceful alleys, or palm-lined promenades.
Personally, I love letting myself be carried away by chance to stumble upon small architectural gems and lively squares.
That’s how I discovered Plaza de los Luceros, the beating heart of Alicante.
It stands out with its monumental fountain around which the city’s traffic is organized.
5. Explanada de España
It is clearly impossible to spend time in Alicante without visiting the Explanada de España.
Characterized by its wave-shaped mosaics, it offers a 500-meter promenade close to the sea, shaded by palm trees.
What makes it immediately recognizable are its undulating mosaics in red, cream, and black, creating an illusion of waves.
Made up of over 6.5 million small tiles, this pavement artwork has become a strong visual symbol of the city.
Tourists come to photograph it and also to enjoy an ice cream, a coffee, or simply to watch people pass by, both during the day and once the night falls.
6. Alicante Port
The port of Alicante is a must-see stop when visiting the city, especially at the end of the day.
As you walk along the docks, you’ll discover a beautiful contrast between luxurious yachts, elegant sailboats, and more modest fishing boats, all reflecting the thriving maritime tradition.
This area of the port offers breathtaking views of the sea.
It’s also a pleasant spot, dotted with restaurants, terraces, lounge bars, and ice cream shops—perfect for taking a break while enjoying the view of the boats.
7. Postiguet Beach
Spending a weekend in Alicante is also about relaxing in the sun and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.
Among the city’s beaches, Playa del Postiguet is the easiest to access.
Just a stone’s throw from the city center, it offers 600 meters of golden sand, perfect for a swim or sunbathing break between two sightseeing trips.
The water is calm, the atmosphere is family-friendly, and the nearby chiringuitos enhance the Mediterranean experience.
8. Central Market
For me, it’s impossible to visit a Spanish city without stopping by its local markets, and the most important one in Alicante is the Mercado Central.
Housed in a stunning Valencian modernist building, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, it attracts both locals and curious visitors.
From the moment you enter, the vibrant colors of seasonal fruits and vegetables, the smells of Iberian ham, freshly caught fish, and traditional pastries awaken the senses.
You can find everything here: fresh products, local specialties, as well as a lively atmosphere with animated exchanges between the vendors.
It’s the perfect place to shop like a local, discover the region’s flavors, or simply enjoy a coffee while watching the morning hustle and bustle.
Excursions to explore around Alicante
The city is also an excellent starting point to explore the region, which has a lot to offer to tourists. Here are some ideas to escape from the city and discover more.
Coastal catamaran cruise
To enjoy a true relaxation stay, hop aboard a catamaran that will not only allow you to cool off, but also snorkel and explore the treasures of the sea.
Discover the Tabarca Island
The island of Tabarca is a very popular destination among tourists, who enjoy wandering through its streets, admiring its lighthouse, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Elche
Elche is another Spanish treasure and is especially known for hosting the largest palm grove in Europe, a true spectacle for the eyes.
Guadalest
If you’re eager to discover a completely different environment, Guadalest is perfect for you. Located among the mountains, this village is especially famous for its castle.
Altea
Altea is a small village that invites tranquility with its white streets, which have captivated artists of all kinds for decades.
How many days to visit Alicante?
If you’re on a road trip in the region and short on time, you can definitely explore the city in just one day.
However, I highly recommend spending a full weekend there to really make the most of it, enjoy some beach time, and sample the local specialties.
Of course, if you want to make Alicante your main holiday destination to relax by the sea, you could easily spend a week or two here. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.
Finally, if you’re a fan of slow travel and love soaking up the local atmosphere, or if you’re a digital nomad who prefers less touristy destinations, why not stay for several weeks or even a few months?
What to do in 1 day?
If you’re short on time, you can definitely see the main highlights of the city in just one day. Here’s a suggested itinerary for you:
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Start your day with the city’s most emblematic monument and enjoy the views in peace.
- Santa Cruz Neighborhood: Before the temperatures rise, explore its streets.
- Lunch: Take advantage of being in the area to have lunch in this neighborhood.
- Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás: Continue your visit calmly through this building.
- Plaza de los Luceros: Stroll through the streets of the city center before ending up in the square.
- Explanada de España: Walk in the shade of the palm trees.
- Port: Enjoy the atmosphere at the end of the day before having dinner there.
What to do in 2 days?
Ideally, it’s best to spend 2 days exploring the city and enjoying it leisurely. Here’s a simple itinerary for a weekend:
Day 1:
- Plaza de los Luceros: Start your visit to the city center by passing through this square, of course.
- Central Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the market.
- Lunch: Near the market, you’ll surely find a place to try the local cuisine.
- Explanada de España: Walk in the shade of the palm trees.
- Port: Enjoy the atmosphere at the end of the day before having dinner there.
Day 2:
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Start your day with the city’s monument and enjoy the views in peace.
- Santa Cruz Neighborhood: Before the temperatures rise, explore its streets.
- Lunch: Take advantage of being in the area to have lunch in this neighborhood.
- Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás: Continue your visit calmly through this building.
- Beach: Spend the afternoon at the beach.
When to visit Alicante?
The best time to visit Alicante is generally from May to October, when the weather is especially mild and sunny.
During these months, temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C, with pleasant sea water for swimming, especially from June onwards.
However, if you’re sensitive to heat, it’s best to avoid July and August, when temperatures can exceed 35°C.
These two months also coincide with school holidays across Europe, attracting a large number of tourists — crowded beaches, higher accommodation prices…
May, June, September and even early October are therefore better alternatives.
June is also marked by the Hogueras de San Juan, the city’s biggest and most iconic festival: bonfires, parades, mascletàs, and giant wooden sculptures burned in the streets…
A great opportunity to experience a true moment of local culture and celebration!
How to get to Alicante?
Its international airport, located about ten kilometers from the city center, welcomes numerous direct flights every day from many European cities such as Paris, Brussels, London, Amsterdam, Rome, and Berlin.
If you’re already in Spain, several options are available.
The train offers regular connections between Alicante and cities like Madrid or Valencia.
Buses, often a more budget-friendly option, are also worth considering. Companies like ALSA operate routes from various towns and cities across Spain.
Finally, if you’re travelling by car, several major roads lead to Alicante: the AP-7 freeway, the Madrid–Alicante A-31 freeway, the A-7 freeway, and the national roads N-332 and N-340.
If you don’t have a car, consider renting one to go on a road trip and explore the region at your own pace—without missing any of its most beautiful spots.
How to get around Alicante?
Alicante isn’t a very large city, and if you enjoy walking like I do, you’ll be able to explore most of it on foot.
However, you can also rely on the local public transport system to get around the city.
And of course, taxis are always an option—especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage or have mobility issues.
How to stay in Alicante?
The Centro Moderno district is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to all the main tourist attractions.
Additionally, the area offers plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and pharmacies, ensuring a hassle-free stay!
The Casco Antiguo (Old Town) offers a more peaceful and authentic experience, though it may be a bit less convenient for some transportation needs.
That said, you can enjoy its charming streets, colorful houses, and flower-lined staircases.
Finally, the Postiguet area is ideal if you’re looking to spend your holiday at the beach while still enjoying the perks of being close to the city center.
My favorite hotels in Alicante
Hostel Ole ($): This budget-friendly youth hostel is located in the city center, just 10 minutes from the beach. It’s perfect for solo travelers and tourists on a tight budget!
Old Town Alicante ($$): A very simple guesthouse offering clean rooms in the heart of the old town.
Alicante Smart Hotel ($$): This aparthotel, located close to the city center, stands out especially for its rooftop pool!
S30 Reina Victoria ($$$): The perfect option for couples looking to reconnect while enjoying the beach every day.
Be a digital nomad in Alicante
Alicante isn’t a popular destination for digital nomads.
While there are some co-working spaces and cafés where you can work, you may face challenges finding a strong community.
However, if that’s not a concern for you, Alicante can be a great option.
The Spanish quality of life, tranquility, beaches, and gastronomy are just a few of its many attractions!
Be a responsible traveler in Alicante
No exception with Alicante, responsible travel is absolutely necessary just like anywhere else.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a short list of eco-friendly actions you can take:
- Use eco-friendly sunscreen
- Pick up your trash on the beach
- Be mindful of your water and electricity consumption
- Avoid using the air conditioning in your accommodation
- Visit bars and restaurants run by locals
- Shop at the local market
- Find out about waste sorting rules
- Learn a few words of Spanish
I hope this article Things to See in Alicante has made you want to discover this lovely city.
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