alicante culture trip

• What to visit in Alicante

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Tourist info offices, transport, tourist guides, other services.

How to get to Alicante

Flights, car hire and other ways to get to Alicante

Accommodation in Alicante

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Discover the city at your own pace

Explanada de España

Alicante beaches

Provincial Archaelogical Museum MARQ

The Central Market

The Town Hall

Tourist guides and guided visits

Cabo de la Huerta coves

Lucentum Archaeological site

Alicante Water Museum and Garrigós Wells

Castle of Santa Bárbara

The Castle of Santa Bárbara played a major role in Alicante’s history. The castle is the city’s hallmark . Visitors can discover its historic halls and water reservoirs , enjoy guided tours , shows and events , as well as grand views of the Mediterranean throughout the year. Read more >>

Tabarca Island

The island of Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Valencian region . It is situated eleven nautical miles away, and is very close to the city of Alicante, facing the Cape of Santa Pola . The island is unique: its transparent waters led to the creation of Spain’s first ever marine reserve. You can enjoy this Mediterranean treasure for a day or for as many days as you like. Read more >>

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 . We also highlight Agua Amarga Doggy Beach and the accessibility services provided on beaches . Read more >>

ACCESIBLE BEACHES:

The city of Alicante offers a free accessible beach service , with recreational-educational areas aimed at people with mental disabilities, as well as a bathing/swimming assistance service for people with reduced mobility during the summer. The accessible areas are located on the beaches of San Juan, Postiguet and in Saladares-Urbanova . Read more >>

WATER SPORTS:

Alicante is the perfect destination for the enjoyment of water sports such as jet skiing, sailing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, competition fishing and waterskiiin­g all year round. You can try your hand at any of these activities by dealing directly with the companies that offer them. Read more >>

Saladares-Urbanova beach

La Albufereta beach

San Juan beach

El Postiguet Beach

Agua Amarga, the ultimate ‘doggy’ beach in Alicante

Accessible beaches in Alicante

La Almadraba beach

Parks and Gardens

The Paseo de la Explanada is one of Alicante’s major landmarks. Other walks and gardens may surprise you however, for their setting and majestic centuries-old trees : we suggest you visit the Plaza Gabriel Miró , the Portal de Elche , or the parque de Canalejas . If you love palm trees , don’t miss El Palmeral (the palm grove). If you enjoying watching a sunrise over the sea, you’ll love the Paseo de Gómis . If you prefer a romantic walk, go to the Panteón de Quijano . Or to simply relax and have a good time, choose any one amongst these parks and gardens.

Read more >>

Monuments and historical buildings

Alicante is home to numerous monuments that reveal a fascinating past, marked by the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a rich history, reflected in its civil and religious buildings . In the old town you will find the Town Hall , the Basilica of Santa María , San Nicolás Co-Cathedral , the Santa Cruz and San Roque hermitages among other buildings of historical interest. From the Explanada , you can admire the Casa Carbonell and in the downtown area, you can see the elegant Post Office Headquarters, or the beautiful fountain of Luceros . You can also visit the Central Market of Alicante, and nearby, you will find the plaza de Toros ( bullring) or the old tobacco factory, now called Las Cigarreras, turned into a wonderful cultural centre.

Museums and cultural centres

The museums of Alicante are attractive and surprising: they complete your experience of the city. Fun and adventure await you in some of them: at The Ocean Race Museum, you can experience the extreme challenges of this round-the- world sailing tour that sets off from Alicante. The MARQ is a 21st century archaeological museum, offering exhibitions of international interest. The Museo de Fogueres  makes you live the excitement of the “Fiestas de San Juan” bonfires. There is also a constant renewal of temporary exhibitions at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, (or MACA) and at cultural centres such as Las Cigarreras, the old tobacco factory. Read more >>

Gravina Fine Arts Museum MUBAG

Las Cigarreras Cultural Centre

La Lonja del Pescado

Fogueres Festival Museum

The Ocean Race Museum

Bullfighting Museum

The Nativity Scene Museum

Museum of the city of Alicante MUSA

University of Alicante Museum MUA

Contemporary Art Museum MACA

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Alicante: 30 Facts About This Hidden Gem on Spain’s Costa Blanca

Diego Delso , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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1. alicante is located on spain’s picturesque costa blanca coastline.

2. Greek Settlers Inhabited the Area in 1000 BC

3. alicante was known as lucentum during the roman period.

Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

4. The City has been Ruled by Several Dynasties over the Years

5. the city’s name is derived from an arabic name.

Falk2 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

6. Alicante’s Port is One of the Busiest in the Mediterranean Region

7. alicante’s oldest quarter is the barrio de santa cruz.

8. Castillo de Santa Bárbara Sits Atop Mount Benacantil, which Entralls Tourists

9. alicante enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

No machine-readable author provided. Misterfanhero~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

10. The Explanada de España is an Iconic Palm Tree Promenade

11. alicante’s local cuisine boasts of traces of arabic and roman influence.

Juan Emilio Prades Bel , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

12. Alicante’s Long Historic Realms are Displayed at the Museo de la Ciudad

13. there are several colorful homes and buildings in el campello near alicante.

Diego Delso , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

14. The Mercado Central Features an Iron Structure Imported from England

15. alicante celebrates some of spain’s liveliest festivals.

© William Crochot / Wikimedia Commons

16. The City Boasts of Expansive Golden Sandy Beaches

17. mont tossal de loix in alicante boasts extensive ruins.

PiotrMig , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

18. Plaza de Toros is a Spectacular Place to Tour in Alicante

19. the museo volvo ocean race showcases sailing history.

Comandancia , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

20. Alicante Enjoys a Lively Nightlife Scene

21. alicante has been an important commercial and tourist hub for centuries.

Dilema , CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

22. Alicante Boasts of Incredible Local Delicacies

23. visit the barrio de la santa cruz in alicante.

24. Reach the Island Castle of Isla de Tabarca from Alicante via Ferry

25. there are several museums in alicante.

Museo Escolar de Pusol , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

26. Roman-era Alicante Relics were Unearthed at the Lucentum Archaeological Site

27. santa maria basilica is an amazing 14th century gothic church in alicante.

Jakub Hałun , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

28. The City has its own Satisfactory Micro-climate

29. top-level sporting events are held in alicante.

Harpagornis , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

30. Alicante has the Second-largest Population in the Valencian Community

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Explore Alicante

Plan Your Trip to Alicante: Best of Alicante Tourism

Essential alicante.

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Alicante Is Great For

Wine tastings.

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

• Melia Alicante
• Hospes Amerigo
• Hotel Port Alicante City & Beach
• Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Meliá
• Hotel Alicante Gran Sol, Affiliated by Meliá
• Templo Restaurante
• Brunchit - Alicante
• Bodeguita 1999
• Las Brasas de San Miguel
• Picaro 1999
• Guadalest Valley
• Castillo de Santa Barbara
• Alicante Tram
• Playa de San Juan
• Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2
• Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting
• Spectacular Cave Guided Tour from Alicante
• Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting
• Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide
• Charming villages: Villajoyosa & Altea

Holly Hits the Road

The Only Alicante Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

Alicante is located directly on the Mediterranean Sea and is part of Spain’s Costa Blanca. It is known primarily for its immaculate beaches, soft sand, vibrant waters, and exquisite cuisine. Alicante is a perfect place to spend a long weekend and enjoy the Spanish sunshine. This Alicante itinerary will give you plenty of time to soak up all the city has to offer.

This article may contain affiliate links through the Brevité and Amazon associate’s program. If you purchase an item using one of my links I will receive a small commission, with no extra cost to you.

What is Alicante Known for?

Alicante’s immaculate beaches, soft sand, and vibrant waters are the main draw. However, it has much more to offer. This city has an incredible fortress, a beautiful seaside promenade, and exquisite cuisine! Alicante is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Valencia, but has just as much to offer.

How to get to Alicante

Alicante is extremely accessible by all modes of transportation, which includes its own airport. Additionally, trains, buses, and Bla Bla cars are all cheap and easy options to get to Alicante. I typically use Omio to scout out the best transportation options.

For this trip, I chose blablacar , since it was the cheapest and best option for my schedule.

Blablacar is a rideshare site that is widely used across Europe. Using their online browser or app allows you to reserve a seat in someone’s car that is already going to your destination. Blablacar also allows you to choose your ideal conversation level for the ride: bla= not talkative, blabla= would like to have a conversation, blablabla= I love to chat and will probably talk your ear off the whole time.

Where to Stay in Alicante

There are many accommodations in Alicante including Hotels, Airbnbs, and my favorite: Hostels!

I stayed at X Hostel . Their dorms were small and simple but offered great common spaces and a fantastic community atmosphere. X Hostel is one of my all-time favorite hostels in Europe and I am saddened to see that they did not survive the pandemic.

That being said Alicante has several other, well-rated hostels that can be found on hostelworld

How many days do you need in Alicante?

We originally chose Alicante in hopes of taking surf lessons! We were hoping to squeeze two lessons in so we allotted two days in the city of Alicante. Although our surf lessons fell through due to a lack of waves, it was the perfect amount of time.

I also spent an additional day in Torrevieja , a small nearby town that is home to a stunning pink lake! There is so much to do in and around Alicante that you could spend longer here if you have the time.

Three Day Alicante Itinerary

Alicante itinerary day 1, morning and afternoon.

We started our trip to the Alicante region by admiring the La Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja . This spectacular natural wonder is only about an hour south of the city and is worth a day trip.

You can access the pink lake by blablacar or by bus from Alicante!

To read more about my experience at the Pink Lake in Torrevieja click here !

Evening : Paseo Central General Marvá

We checked into our hostel and headed towards the water. Meandering along the Paseo Central General Marvá in the direction of the sea is perfectly tranquil.

Along this route, you cannot miss the central Plaza de Los Luceros . Its focal point is a magnificently adorned fountain that essentially glows in the evening light.

The best part about this walk is the hidden trampoline on the Paseo! It is a perfect spot to embrace your inner child. Whether you want to bounce or not, be sure you watch your step!

Evening : El Puerto de Alicante

Alicante is directly on the Meditteranean Sea and has maintained a large port since its establishment by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. The Puerto de Alicante is a popular area for both locals and travelers. Here you can charter boats, go sailing, or check out many other watersport opportunities!

Evening: Escalera de la Reina

Tucked away in the corner of the harbor is the landmark, Escalera de la Reina or The Queen’s Staircase. These steps lead directly into the water and provide a close-up view of the bronze “Return of Icarus”. The statue depicts the Greek hero returning to Earth with a surfboard in hand.

The Queen’s Staircase is also a perfect place to take in a glorious Spanish sunset over the harbor.

If you continue walking past the surfer you will be able to admire, the Santísma Trinidad which is moored in the harbor. The ship was built to emulate a member of the Spanish fleet at the height of the Conquistadores.

Evening : La Explanada del Puerto

La Explanada del Puerto is Alicante’s boardwalk, that extends to the end of their harbor area. Along la Explananda del Puerto there are several “harbor side” restaurants where you can enjoy a drink and dinner by the water. (If you are on a budget, be aware. These establishments tend to be more expensive than those within the city.)

At the end of your walk, you are rewarded with wonderful views of the sea and looming Mount Benacantil.

Dinner : Restaurante Italiano Bigoli

In the heart of the city, there are so many enticing restaurants that fill the air with irresistible smells. Of these, we chose Restaurante Italiano Bigoli . This authentic Italian restaurant is affordable and offers delicious Ravioli and Pizza! It has a cute outdoor dining setup. Who doesn’t love a bottle of wine on the Terraza?!

Dessert : Heladería Borgonesse

A perfect way to finish off a delicious meal is by enjoying the best Ice cream in Alicante at Heladería Borgonesse . The Heladería Borgonesse offers almost any flavor you can imagine, and whichever you choose, it will be heavenly!

It is safe to say that this was my first but not my last visit to Heladería Borgonesse while in Alicante.

Alicante Night 1: Hostel Bar crawl

Since our surf lessons were canceled, we decided to partake in the hostel bar crawl and I am so glad we did! Alicante has amazing nightlife! The city has fun and trendy bars, clubs, and discotecas. I visited in November so most of the parties were indoors, however, in the Summer the nightlife scene moves to kiosks on the beaches!

Alicante is home to the University of Alicante which brings a lively population that entices you to party on the weekends. Some of the best bars and clubs include:

Alicante Nightlife

Parabarap is in my opinion the best bar that I had the chance to visit. Not only do they play great music and have a lively atmosphere, but they also offer 50-cent shots. Yes…. you heard me 50 CENT SHOTS! If you are in Alicante and ready to party, this is the spot to be.

Parabarap is also in a perfect central location. The surrounding blocks are filled with bars and nightlife that spills out into the streets.

Barrio Havana

If you are looking for more of a club scene, with dancing, and DJs and. Havana is the spot for you. They typically play hip-hop, rap, and Reggatón, but the dance floor is always full. They also host events, so be sure to check their schedule online. Their drinks are more expensive here. My recommendation is to pregame at Parabarap beforehand!

Eclipse Club

Eclipse is another popular club among locals. This is another venue that you can count on for an epic night. This club also offers DJs, events, dancing, and cocktails!

Alicante Itinerary: Day 2

Full disclaimer- the 50-cent shots from the night before got the best of us and this day we were essentially useless. No pictures or documentation took place that day. Which sadly means there are no photos of the incredible food we ate or of the stunning beaches. I have filled in the space with other photos from Alicante.

Breakfast: Baker and Co.

Baker and Co. offer a hearty “American style” breakfast. Which can be difficult to find in Europe. We both ordered the full brunch which was an insane amount of food. Everything was exactly what we needed, and their eggs benedict are top-notch! This food revived us just enough to make it to the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

Afternoon: Playa del Postiguet

Clear blue water, soft white sand, and 75-degree (23 C) weather in the middle of November. What more could you ask for? Playa del Postiguet is the main urban beach of Alicante. It is accessible by a promenade which is lined with small cafés.

This is where we camped out for the remainder of the afternoon.

Evening: La Tia Juana Mexicano

With our energy levels low and the excitement surrounding the newly released Bohemian Rhapsody movie. We chose to find a movie theater (in the closest Centro commercial) that was showing the movie in English.

Afterward, we headed out for dinner. Craving Mexican food, we found the best restaurant in town, La Tia Juana Mexicano . This restaurant is so well executed. The decor, glassware, food, and margaritas are all out of this world. They have worked hard to make every inch of the space instagrammable. The food is no exception. It looks good, and it tastes even better!

Alicante Itinerary: Day 3

Morning: breakfast.

Crêperie El Molino de Paris is a fantastic option for breakfast. They offer a variety of savory crepes that will satisfy your morning hunger.

Another excellent option is the Mercado Central de Alicante . The market opens at 7 am and is full of local vendors, and fresh food options.

Morning: Castillo de Santa Barbara

High up on the top of Mount Benacantil is one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses. Castillo de Santa Barbara was established in the 9th century and has hogged the best view of Alicante since.

Its strategic vantage point allows you to oversee the entire city, the harbor, and over the Mediterranean for miles.

If you don’t want to come for the history, come for the views.

The fortress is now a museum where you can learn all about the history of the fort, its battles, leaders, and loyalties. You can learn about the history and development of Alicante itself.

For only 2.70 Euro you are able to take an elevator up to the fort and experience all the ancient relics, and see the artifacts that date back to 711 AD.

If you don’t want to come to Castillo de Santa Bárbara for the history, definitely come for the views!

Afternoon: Alicante Old Town

Barrio de santa cruz.

Barrio de Santa Cruz is the neighborhood that sits directly at the base of Mount Benacantil. The old homes line the mountain. Its winding streets and narrow staircases entice you to explore more.

Follow these and don’t be afraid to get lost in this little barrio!

Casco Antiguo / El Barrio

As you move deeper into the maze of charming balconies and colorful homes you will find yourself in Casco Antiguo, Alicante’s old town. This is also referred to as El Barrio

Once again, this is a fantastic place to wander and get a little bit lost. At every turn, there is a detail to admire or a Baroque cathedral to gaze at.

If you walk through during the day it will be peaceful and serene, but at night this area comes alive.

Find a café or small restaurant to enjoy an afternoon meal at! La Xiqueta Bar y Cafetería offers nice open-air seating and an affordable option. Grab a Mahou and a simple tostada to curb your appetite.

Evening : Esplanda de España

Paseo de la Esplanda de España is the main promenade in Alicante. It follows the shoreline and is full of kiosks hosting local vendors and restaurants. It is picturesque and lively. This is a popular spot for local kids to play, live musicians, and dancing.

Evening: Parque de Canalejas

Parque de Canalejas is quite possibly one of my favorite parks in the world. This park is entirely dedicated to these ancient and majestic Ficus trees. They are so intricate and massive, that you absolutely need to stop and stare.

Due to their size, and their location (just off the Mediterranean), this is the ideal location to cool off on a hot day. The trees’ shade and the sea breeze create one of the coolest places in the city.

You can find many locals here enjoying a good book amongst the quiet and majestic trees. If I lived here, you would absolutely find me in this idyllic park!

Evening: Bebidas

This is your perfect opportunity to embrace Spanish culture and Tomar algo (have a drink) on a Terraza (outdoor patio). Portal de Elche is the perfect outdoor space where you can grab a glass of Spanish wine and enjoy it amongst the glorious ficus trees.

We spent our last hour in Alicante enjoying a glass of wine before catching our ride back to Madrid!

Unusual Things to Do in Alicante

Calle de las setas.

Calle de las Setas is exactly what it sounds like, a street overrun by giant mushrooms. It is extremely photogenic and gives off an Alice in Wonderland meets the Wizard of Oz vibe. If you have time take a stroll down the yellow brick road!

Lucentum Archeology Site

Relatively close to the city center you can visit the Lucentum archeology site . The site costs only 2 euros to enter and exhibits the ancient archeology of Alicante. Alicante has ties to the Greeks, Phoenicians, and the Romans, and the findings at this site date back to the height of each civilization. The excavations and reconstructions help you envision what Ancient Alicante may have looked like.

Sidewalk Trampoline

I have mentioned this earlier. But it is important, for both fun and safety. Near the Playground, on the Paseo Central General Marvá, you can find a small trampoline embedded in the sidewalk. If you are not paying attention, you could easily hurt yourself by landing funny on the space. HOWEVER, if you do find it, I highly recommend embracing your inner child and taking a little bounce break! You won’t regret it!

How to get around Alicante

Alicante is a city that is extremely accessible by walking. Everything that you will probably want to do and see is within a mile or two of each other. If this seems like a bit much for your beach vacation, no fear, Alicante is well connected by an underground metro system, trams, and busses!

Is Alicante worth visiting?

Absolutely! I think that Alicante is often overlooked for Valencia or Barcelona, but has just as much to offer, without that large crowds! Alicante offers spectacular beaches, exquisite cuisine, and an eventful nightlife. An added bonus is that it is also surrounded by some other interesting destinations!

Is Alicante a good holiday destination?

Yes! It has everything you could need or want, especially if you are looking to relax on the beach and experience authentic Spanish culture.

How expensive is Alicante?

Just like any place, it can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you make it. However, Alicante tends to be cheaper than its more expensive neighbors. The majority of its attractions are free or under 3 euros a person. Drinks can be found for as little as 50 cents at the right bars, and meals can be easily maintained for under 10 euros.

Places to Visit in the Alicante Region

The Alicante region is full of beautiful shorelines and stunning places. There are so many places that I would love to visit in this area!

• Pink Lake in Torrevieja: Just an hour south of Alicante you can visit a vibrant pink salt lake. It is definitely a sight to see!
• Calp e : Calpe is just 50 minutes north of Alicante (the city) and is a highlight along the Costa Blanca. However, it is rarely talked about. It is home to beaches, Roman ruins, natural pools, incredible Nature Reserves, and one of the best hikes in Spain .
• Altea – Altea is known for its whitewashed buildings, which gives off an aesthetic similar to that of a Greek island. White buildings, domed roofs, and blue tile.

I hope you found this Alicante itinerary helpful! If you are planning a trip to Spain, please take the time to read my articles and subscribe to my email list!

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One day in Alicante: An Alicante Itinerary

Alicante, Spain is a city full of culture, history, and beauty. It’s also a GREAT budget flight destination and a wonderful way to see the rest of Costa Blanca and the East Coast of Spain. Here’s how to spend one day in Alicante.

Blue waters, a giant castle overlooking the city, and colourful streets – hello, Alicante. Alicante, Spain is a great destination year-round, with hot summers and mild winters, and plenty of things to do. It’s a great airport to fly into if you’re visiting the East coast of Spain, with easy transport to Costa Blanca and coastal towns. It’s also a budget airline hub, with cheap flights to Barcelona , Rome, Tenerife , and so many other amazing destinations. Only have one day in Alicante? Don’t worry – you can still fit in the best sights! Here’s what to do during your stay and an Alicante itinerary for one day.

First things first! Flying into Alicante? Here’s how to get from Alicante Airport to the city .

How to spend one day in Alicante – Things to do

Alicante is loaded with things to do – whether you like relaxing at the beach, getting your steps in and walking, or shopping until you drop – there’s something for everyone here. Here are my top picks for things to do in Alicante.

Castell de Santa Barbara

It’s hard to miss this gorgeous castle overlooking Alicante city. There are two ways to get up to the top – by car or by foot. You can call a taxi to get you to the top of the castle, but if you can, I recommend walking!

Walking up is fun, but tiring – we chose to walk up the pedestrian-only way, which took us on a path that looks like the Great Wall of China. It had lots of stairs, but also plenty of amazing views! The walkway is located on Calle Diputado Auset and it’ll get you straight to the castle!

When you enter the top of the castle, have a wander and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the city below you. There’s a lot of information about Alicante history (mainly in Spanish!) to read through. If you’re tired after the walk, or if you just want to enjoy the view, have a coffee at the cafe. The cafe is really nice, and if you can snag an outdoor table, you have sweeping views of the city.

Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Alicante Mercado Central

Come here in the morning, when food is freshest, the market is liveliest, and everyone is running about doing their daily shopping.

There’s something about visiting markets that I find so inviting. I love sneaking a peek into daily life – watching seasonal fruits and veggies being unloaded into market stalls, the chatter of Spanish surrounding you, residents shopping for their dinner ingredients, placing their produce in their granny carts. I love it. There are also some bakeries located inside this market, perfect if you’re planning on having a picnic lunch or a quick breakfast.

Hours: 7 am – 2:30 pm, closed Sundays

Address: Av. Alfonso El Sabio, 10

MACA: The Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante

This museum holds around 800 pieces of 20th century and contemporary art. There are three permanent collections, all designed so beautifully. Think big open spaces dedicated to displaying amazing pieces. This is an especially great rainy day activity.

The museum is located near the castle and old town, so hit these points of interest together!

Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm Sunday, closed Mondays

Address: Plaza Sta. María, 3

Admission: Free!

Casco Antiguo

The Casco Antiguo is the old town of Alicante, located in the hillside just under the castle. If you like pretty architecture and sweet little streets, have a stroll around here (perhaps with a baked good from the mercado central?).

Unlike other old towns, this is less of a tourist trap and more of a residential area. I wandered around here at around 10 am, when residents were still waking up and the area was quiet. Because it’s still so residential, make sure you’re being respectful – keep the noise down during the morning and late evenings, and take pictures only when appropriate!

MUBAG: Gravina Museum of Fine Arts

This historical monument is four floors of Alicante’s fine art collection. Located inside the 18th-century Gravina palace, this museum offers 8 exhibits. The best part about this museum is the multimedia experience, where you can gain a little insight into the lives of the old residents of the 18th-century.

Summer Hours (July 1 – August 31)

Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm

Sunday 11 am – 3 pm

Closed Mondays

Winter Hours (September 1 – June 30)

Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Sunday 10 am – 2 pm

Address: C / Gravina 13-15

Explanada de España: The Promenade

Alicante is a wonderful walking city. If you’re exploring the city on foot, don’t miss the Explanada de España! Lined with palm trees and cafes, the promenade sits right next to the water. You can either choose to walk inland, where the cafes are, or right on the water, where there are plenty of boats floating around the docks. There are loads of benches to sit and relax in both areas!

The promenade is lively both in the summer and wintertime, with locals and tourists riding bikes, walking, jogging, or enjoying a cup of coffee.

MARQ: Archaeological Museum of Alicante

This is an amazing, interactive museum that is a MUST if you love archaeology. The museum walks you through different archaeological methods and techniques and it’s the first archaeological museum to highlight this. It’s located in an old hospital.

At this museum, you can also buy entrance tickets to three different archaeological sites:

1) Lucentum, an ancient Roman town that is now Alicante 2) Illeta dels Banyets, Alicante’s earliest archaeological site 3) Tower of Almudaina, a beautiful ancient town

If you’re only in Alicante for one day, I would only visit Lucentum, or you’ll be spending most of your day driving or taking transport to the archaeological sites. If you’re only spending 24 hours in Alicante, there’s plenty else to see!

Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 8:30 pm Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm Sunday – Closed Mondays

Address: Placa Dr. Gómez Ulla

Admission : €3 to the museum, €2 for each archaeological site.

Combined ticket (MARZ + Lucentum + Illeta dels Banyets): €4 (one-month validity)

Alicante Itinerary – 1 Day

Have a day in Alicante? Here’s my 1 day Alicante itinerary to maximise your time in this charming city.

9 am: Breakfast

There’s nothing like waking up and heading straight to the market, where you’ll find all the freshest fruits, veggies, and baked goods. Head on over to Alicante Mercado Central , where you’ll get a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Pick up a little of whatever looks yummy – there’s something for everyone!

10 am: Santa Barbara Castle

With a full stomach, start walking up to Santa Barbara Castle. You’ll want to head on up before midday, when it can get too hot for such an uphill walk. Meander through the castle area, get a good look at the sweeping views around you, and stop for a coffee on the terrace.

12 pm: Meander through Casco Antiguo

Once you’ve had a look at the Castell de Santa Barabara, head back downhill and end up along the hillside, where the streets are narrow, the buildings are charming, and where you’re in the thick of the old town. If you’re into contemporary art, pop into the MACA – it’s free!

1:30 pm: Lunch time!

After all that walking, I’m sure you’re hungry! Have lunch in the center of Alicante. There are soooo many restaurants located here and there’s something for everyone, from poke bowls (try Mahalo Poke) to traditional Spanish food (go for La Taberna de Luceros or Alma del Sur), or even something fast (you’ve got McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, & Taco Bell).

3 pm: Enjoy the Explanada de España

It’s easy to feel a little lethargic after lunch – I know I always feel like I need an afternoon siesta with a full belly. To take it easy whilst also seeing one of Alicante’s biggest sites, have a short walk (or sit!) on the Explanada de España . It’s nice being by the pier or ocean, watching the world go by.

4 pm: Check out one of Alicante’s incredible museums!

Alicante has some amazing museums. Quite a few of them are free and worth checking out! In terms of art, there’s the MACA for contemporary art and the MUBAG for fine arts. There’s also the archaeological museum and an archaeological site to visit, which is wonderful! Alicante has so much culture and history, and the museums really show that side of the city off.

6 pm: Drinks!

While this might be your usual dinner time, in Spain, eat late! Most restaurants don’t open until around 7, and it’s common to have dinner at around 9 pm. To tide your hunger over, head into any cafe or bar for a beer or glass of wine. You can also usually order some small snacks along with your drinks. Spend a while resting up – it’s been a busy day!

7-9 pm: Dinner!

Anywhere from 7-9 pm, it’s acceptable to sit down and eat dinner! I love getting tapas, and Alicante’s coastal location ensures FRESH seafood. Squid is super popular, as well as small fish, like anchovies or Bacalao (Atlantic cod), so definitely try some of those!

And there you have it! How to spend one day in Alicante AND an Alicante itinerary!

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Alicante 7 Day Itinerary

Alicante is a thriving tourism destination with many fascinating places to visit. As well as its beautiful beaches, the city boasts a burgeoning gastronomic scene, numerous cultural experiences and is well-placed for a number of top day trips.

Although most tourists tend to look at Alicante for a weekend break, this city really is perfect for a one week or longer holiday. It is also one of the best year round destinations to visit in Europe due to the warm weather and sun.

Alicante is blessed with high average temperatures all year round with usually nine hours of sunshine to play with and a minimal chance of rain, you’re able to make the most of what the city has to offer no matter what time you visit.

If you are looking to travel to Alicante I have put together a guide with suggestions for the best things to do during a one week stay here. Although this is a recommended 7 day itinerary, it can easily be adapted for a shorter or longer stay.

Day 1 – Get a real overview of the city

What better way to get your bearings in Alicante than incredible panoramic views of the entire city? Once you’ve checked into your hotel, head up to the lofty heights of Castillo de Santa Bárbara at the top of Mount Benacantil. Perched 166 metres above the city, you can see out over the entire town and the stunning port area.

Start your trip at the Plaza de Carmen in the heart of Alicante and make your way up to the summit. If you’re not feeling up the hike, take the lift up from Avenue de Juan Bautista Lafora. Once at the top, you can explore the castle for free as well as admiring the incredible views.

Afterwards, stroll back down to the old town (very close to the mountain) for a bite to eat and a explore its cloistered little streets. The old town is filled with more traditional Spanish tavernas that are as high on authenticity as they are low on cost.

La Barra del Buen Comer comes highly rated as does the Italian restaurant Spiga. Other sights include the cathedral, the old convent and the town hall.

Day 2 – Relax on the beach, indulge at the harbour

Alicante is famed for its incredible beaches, so it’s only sensible to spend a good portion of your time stretched out on one. Inside the city, you have the very popular Postiguet Beach which stretches out for 900m along the front of Alicante.

The beach has many positives: it’s convenient to get to, there are many bars and cafes nearby, it’s always clean and the backdrop of Monte Benacantil makes for a great picture moment. Of course, all this added together means it can become very crowded.

For a slightly quieter experience, take the Line 4 tram to San Juan beach – one of the finest in Spain. There’s much less going on around the beach itself, but its sensational white sands are the ideal place to spend the day with a picnic, a good book and a cooler full of cold beers.

In the evening, sample some of the city’s fine gastronomy at one of the many restaurants dotted around the port. This is where some of the best – and it has to be said, most expensive – places to eat in Alicante can be found.

Stroll along El Puerto (the port) and pick the one you like the look of. Being a port city, seafood dominates most of the menus and so the Spanish classic Paella is an incredibly popular dish.

Day 3 – Take a trip to Tabarca

Just off the coast of Alicante lies the tiny islet of Tabarca (Nueva Tabarca in Spanish), the only inhabited island in the Valencian region. With no cars and only around 60 inhabitants, it’s a world away from mainland Spain; the reason why so many like it.

The city itself is walled, which is one of the major attractions on the island. As well as this there’s the church of Torre de San José, the Lighthouse and Governor’s House, to explore. The main draw for the island is the crystal clear water that surrounds it and the diverse marine life that lives here. As a result of this, diving and snorkelling are very popular on Tabarca and we suggest that you at least give one or the other a go during your visit to the island.

You can take the daily ferry to the islet from Puerto Deportivo during the week for around £13 (€18), which takes approximately 45 minutes. On the weekend, there are two crossings at the same cost. Taxi boats are readily available for the return trip. During the spring, the island is much less hectic and much more inspiring.

Day 4 – The Canelobre Caves

For something a little different, take a day trip to the impressive caverns of the Canelobre Caves. This particular network is known for its high vaulted interior that domes within like a church. Soaring 70m upwards, this grand cavern is lit up by oranges, blues and purples from the spotlights below.

Sometimes, if you are very lucky, there are intimate acoustic performances within the cave. The domed roof creates the perfect setting for live music – it’s certainly one of the more unique gigs we’ve seen.

In the afternoon, head back to Alicante and over to the Lucentum archaeological museum and learn about the history of the Valencian region.

Day 5 – A day of culture

There’s culture a plenty in Alicante, and not just in its wonderful old quarter and castle. The city has plenty of great museums to choose from, whether you fancy a day soaking up the finer things or just one trip in the afternoon.

Here’s my pick of the best museums in Alicante.

Museu de Fogueres – offers a fantastic insight into the Fiesta de Sant Joan and its importance to the locals in Alicante. Expect costumes, props and photographs as well as an audiovisual tour.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante – home to an incredible collection of 20th century Spanish art, this museum allows you to enjoy the works of Dalí, Picasso, Miró, and Chillida, among others.

Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (MUBAG) – spanning from the Middle Ages to the 1920s, MUBAG is Alicante’s go-to museum for fine art. The fact that it is located in an ornate 18th century mansion only adds to the allure.

Day 6 – Beach and an evening out in the old town

After another lazy day on the beach, enjoy a few drinks out in Alicante’s wonderful old town. The heart of the nightlife can be found in the “Barrio” where the bars start to open up as the night goes on. There’s something for everyone in this part of town, whether you are after a few drinks after your meal or fancy a bit of a late one.

As well as the old town, the port is a lively part of the city, but here you’ll find the more up-market places to drink. Between the two you have the casino, if you want to carry the night on a little later. Before departing for Alicante you might also like to learn some useful Spanish phrases and impress the locals.

Day 7 – Admire the churches of Orihuela

If you are interested in history or religion, just outside Alicante, you will find the city of Orihuela, which is known for its magnificent churches and quiet coastline. For your final day on holiday, just spend a few hours walking around this peaceful little place and soak up the religious history.

For a small place, there are a number of fantastic feats of architecture to see: The Arabic Castle, the beautiful Baroque Santo Domingo church and the 14th- century Catholic catharal.

Other Places to Visit

If you have more time There are also other places you could visit nearby to Alicante too if you have more time like the gorgeous city of Valencia or the super touristy seaside resort of Benidorm (as pictured above) .

Has my itinerary made you think of spending seven glorious days in Alicante? I certainly want to visit again! If you liked this article you might like to check out more tips on my Spain travel guide . Or view my best Malaga one week itinerary .

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15 Best Things to do in Alicante (Spain)

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: September 3, 2020

Categories Spain

Home / Europe / Spain / 15 Best Things to do in Alicante (Spain)

There are many things to do in Alicante as well as beautiful landmarks to see and interesting museums to visit. In this article, you can read more about some of the best activities and attractions that shouldn’t be missed. 

Moreover, I recommend where to stay in Alicante and list some interesting facts about the city. Alicante, also known as Alacant is the capital of the province with the same name in the autonomous region of Valencia in Spain. 

It’s one of the most popular destinations in Spain, especially among British, French, German, and Scandinavian tourists. Many international visitors also continue onwards to resorts in Benidorm, Torrevieja, and other popular destinations in Provincia de Alicante. 

Below is a list of my favorite things to do in Alicante, including a short description of each attraction. Furthermore, I share my recommendations on what to do in Alicante as a first-time visitor and my favorite hotels in the city. 

Casco Antiguo

Exploring the Casco Antiguo (or Old Town) of Alicante is a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. The historic center of the city contains important landmarks, from churches to government buildings, as well as the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a neighborhood located in the Casco Antiguo that transports you to another world within the walls of Alicante. The Casco Antiguo also has a lively nightlife.

Photo: Anastasiya Alexeeva / Shutterstock.com

Castle of Santa Barbara

El Castillo de Santa Barbara sits overlooking Alicante from atop a dusty mountain, Mount Benacantil. Its origins date as far back as the 9 th century when the Muslims built a fort on the site, which offers a strategic (and beautiful) view over the bay.

The castle, whose oldest parts date back to the 1200s, was in a state of abandonment until 1963 when it was opened to the public. To reach the castle, you can take the lifts or drive, but the most spectacular way is to hike up from Postiguet beach, following the signs for Parque de la Ereta. The entrance is free.

Postiguet Beach

Postiguet Beach, or the platja del Postiguet, is an expansive, white-sanded beach that stretches along with the city of Alicante. It is a favorite with locals, thanks to its central location.

Stretching past a promenade, cafes, bars, and high-rise residential buildings, the lively scene is perfect for watching an afternoon go by. At over 900 meters long, Postiguet beach is spacious enough for strolling, playing with children, sunbathing, and swimming.

Explanada de España

The Explanada de España, also known as Paseo de la Explanada, is the most famous promenade in Alicante. With its tricolor pavement and wavy pattern, it has become a symbol of the city.

Originally built on top of the dyke in the early 1900s, the 500 meter-long walkway was repaved with the famous design in the 1950s. It runs parallel to the sea and is a wonderful place to take a stroll, under gigantic palm trees, which are surrounded by shops, artists, and fellow holiday-goers.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Alicante, known by locals as MARQ, is hardly your average sleepy collection of relics. Innovative in its exhibition design, the 2400-square meter museum was built in 2002.

In 2004, it won the European Museum of the Year Award 2004, thanks to the fascinating permanent collection of more than two thousand artifacts, which are exhibited in the context of daily life from the Prehistoric era to the Medieval period. It also educates visitors on the work of the archaeologist. The life-size scenes make this museum a favorite of all ages.

Photo: Francisgonsa/shutterstock.com

Basilica of Santa María

The oldest church in Alicante, the Basilica de Santa María, or the Saint Mary Basilica, was erected from the 1300s to the 1500s, over the city’s former mosque.

During the Spanish Civil War, it faced the same fate as most of Spain’s religious monuments—parts were destroyed and the building was used as a military warehouse. The beautiful altar is a golden rococo-style, built in the 1700s.

When visiting the basilica, pay special attention to the gorgeous entrance, which is one of the basilica’s most beautiful features, thanks to a large sculptor by Juan Bautista Borja.

Mercado Central

The Mercado Central is the largest, most important farmer’s market in Alicante. The expansive building, with a rectangular layout and a striking modernist façade, holds nearly 300 stalls.

The perfect plan for a morning in Alicante is strolling the Mercado Central, its top floor stacked high with charcuterie, cheeses, and Spanish ham; and its underground level with piles of fresh produce.

You can also get fresh fish from the sea outside, or something sweet from the stalls with pastries, honey, and fresh-baked bread. Market hours are 7 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays, the market stays open until 3 pm.

Las Hogueras de San Juan

The Bonfires of Saint John are celebrated on the summer solstice, June 23, across the Iberian Peninsula. The most famous celebration, however, is right in Alicante.

As in the rest of the peninsula, the origins of the celebration lie with the tradition of burning useless objects around the summer solstice. The Bonfires festival in Alicante took its current form nearly 100 years ago—a fiesta several days long, including fireworks, street parties, traditional dance, and parades.

The festival reaches its climax at midnight on June 24, the day of Saint John, with La Cremà , a gorgeous firework show culminating in a symbolic burning.

Photo: Agravi / Shutterstock.com

Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA)

MACA opened to great fanfare in 2011, an updated version of the former Museo de la Asegurada , a labor of the collector Eusebio Sempere. Its three permanent collections feature 20 th -century art from Spain’s greats: Dali, Miró, and more.

If the impressive collection of contemporary Spanish art weren’t enough to draw visitors to MACA, the building that houses it is quite the destination in and of itself.

Known as La Asegurada, it is the oldest government-owned building in Alicante today. Originally built in 1685, it is an example of baroque Valencian architecture originally destined to be a granary.

Photo: lindasky76 / Shutterstock.com

Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG)

This stately museum on the back streets of Alicante is dedicated to the city’s painting and sculpture movements throughout history. The nearly 500 works throughout the museum catalog the artistic development of Alicante from the 16 th  century to the 20 th .

The most interesting works in the museum include paintings from Antonio Gisbert, Vicente López Portaña, Fernando Cabrero Cantó, and more. Sculptures by Francisco Salzillo also dot the museum, which is housed in the Gravina Palace, an 18th-century nobleman’s home.

Tabarca Island

The Islote de La Cantera is an archipelago off of Alicante’s coast, and Tabarca is the only populated island in the collection. At 1750 meters long, the island makes a great day trip exploration.

It is a protected marine reserve, so grab your scuba gear and paddle around to marvel at the marine wildlife. A perfect day on Tabarca includes a stroll around the island, a trip to see the lighthouse, a snorkel or a swim, and a lunch of fresh seafood in the sun.

Maybe you’ll even meet one of the island’s 50 inhabitants (it is the smallest populated island in Spain). The island is easy to reach, with ferries departing 4 to 5 times a day each way.

Canelobre Caves

Just 24 kilometers outside Alicante, the Canelobre caves are otherworldly examples of karstic period rock formations. They are filled with stalagmites and other rock formations, formed over the course of seven million years by water eroding limestone.

The caves’ entrance is the highest elevated in all of Spain at 700 meters. It’s a fab place to cool off in summer, and you can even visit the Sagrada Familia, a formation that bears a striking resemblance to Gaudi’s church in Barcelona.

Guadalest Valley

The Guadalest Valley is a gorgeous spot about an hour inland from Alicante. Formerly an Islamic country, it’s now home to El Castell de Guadalest, one of Spain’s most famous villages. The area is striking, quaint, and holds fabulous ruins to check out, all at less than an hour from Alicante.

Playa de San Juan

San Juan Beach is beloved by all for its fine, white sandy beaches and calm, clear water. It’s also large enough for everyone, at 3 kilometers long. As the principal beach of Alicante, it offers everything from sports to boat rides to drinks at beach bars. Pull up, roll out your towel, and lunch on a Valencia-style paella.

Santa Faz Monastery

Built between the 15 th  and 18 th centuries, the Santa Faz monastery purportedly holds an important religious relic—a veil with the blood of Jesus. It is the site of a traditional festival around Easter Sunday when locals make a pilgrimage to the domed, baroque-style building.

Where to stay in Alicante

El Centro, also known as Historical Downtown City Center, is one of the best places to stay in Alicante. From there, you can enjoy walking distances to the majority of attractions and beaches.

Additionally, it’s very easy to get to El Centro from the airport as well as the bus terminal, from which you can travel onwards to other neighborhoods and nearby towns. This area has a great range of hotels, from budget to more luxurious options as well as mid-range hotels. 

If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, it’s also nice to book a hotel or apartment that is situated near San Juan Beach, which is located east of El Centro. 

Recommended Hotels

• Hotel Hospes Amerigo
• Suites del Mar by Melia
• Hotel Serawa Alicante

Famous landmarks in Alicante (Spain)

Here’s a list of the most popular attractions in Alicante, in case you want to see the city’s most important buildings and monuments:

• Castillo de Santa Barbara
• Basilica Santa Maria
• The Santa Faz Monastery
• Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari
• Iglesia Clarisas Capuchinas
• Castillo de San Fernando
• Alicante town hall (Ayuntamiento)
• Monumento de Canalejas
• Tossal de Manises (Lucentum)
• Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Gracia

Museums in Alicante

For those interested in culture, arts, and history, here’s a list of the museums in Alicante:

• Archeological Museum of Alicante
• Museo de Hogueras
• Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante (MACA)
• Museo de Belenes (Nativity Scene Museum)
• Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (MUBAG)
• Sala de exposiciones la Lonja del Pescado
• Miguel Hernández House Museum

What to do in Alicante as a first-time visitor? 

Depending on your personal preference, I suggest mixing it up with some time spent on the beaches as well as strolling through Casco Antiguo. Making your way to the top of Mount Benecantil and the famous Castle of Santa Barbara is definitely something that I recommend to everyone. It features several centuries of history and offers a stunning view over Alicante. 

If you have a couple of days extra or spend a week in Alicante, there are several day trips that shouldn’t be missed, including the Guadalest Valley and Tabarca Island. There are many fun things to do in Alicante province, but for those who only have 2-3 days, I recommend spending those days in the city.

I also suggest visiting 1-2 museums, such as the Archeological Museum or Museo de Hogueras. If you’re interested in art, make sure to visit MACA, also known as the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Moreover, some of the most impressive attractions in Alicante include the Santa Faz Monastery, Basilica Santa Maria, and Iglesia Clarisas Capuchinas in addition to the Santa Barbara Castle. 

Additionally, strolling the Explanada de España and the old town is something that I recommend as well. Sit down at some local restaurants and bars, have something nice to eat. Go for a glass of wine and people watch. Relax at the beaches and simply enjoy the nice weather. 

Interesting facts about Alicante

• The Romans actually named the city “Lucentum” which can be translated as the City of Light.
• The city area has been inhabited for at least 7000 years
• The locals are called Alicantinos
• Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans have all been here as well as the Moors.
• Explanada de España has a total of 400 palm trees, but perhaps more impressive, the promenade has a total of 6,6 million marble tiles in red, black, and cream color.
• Alicante is one of the largest cities in Spain by population (11th)
• It is estimated that more than 100,000 foreigners are living in Alicante, and every year, the province sees over 3 million tourists.
• The city is located on Costa Blanca and enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.

Want more recommendations on things to do in Alicante, Spain? Leave a comment below!

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The hotels were fabulous and we were greeted and treated with care. The itinerary proved outstanding. The drivers were wonderful. He was always on time, ma...

In the minds of many, Alicante ( ALACANT ) is often lumped together with the other brash Costa Blanca resorts. It shouldn’t be. Valencia’s second-largest city, the thoroughly Spanish Alicante has a decidedly elegant Mediterranean air. Seafront paseos and wide, breezy esplanades, such as the Rambla Méndez Núñez, are peppered with cosy bars and terrace cafés; a series of well-curated museums feature everything from ancient archeology to contemporary art; the city’s cuisine scene is making a name for itself, just as its healthy nightlife did long ago; and its long, sandy beaches are sunkissed for much of the year.

Founded by the Romans, who named it Lucentum (City of Light), and dominated by the Arabs in the second half of the eighth century, Alicante was finally reconquered by Alfonso X in 1246 for the Castilian Crown. In 1308, Jaime III incorporated Alicante into the kingdom of Valencia.

Today, the main fiesta , Las Hogueras, is at the end of June, and ignites a series of cracking celebrations second only to Las Fallas in Valencia.

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The Rich And Exciting Alicante Culture

Music in Alicante makes up an integral part of the acierate culture. The main tunes and dances draw their creativity from all cultures that once settled in Alicante such as the Arabs and westerners. This gives the music in Alicante distinct beats and tunes. This is especially so when one includes tunes that have also included and drawn special parts from the neighbouring communities. It is quite rare to pass by any Alicante establishment and not find traditional Alicante music playing. Music in Alicante is so much part of the culture that the community has formulated competitions that draw international crowds based on traditional Alicante music. Especially during the most famous Alicante festival Hogueras de San Juan. The regional dance show-offs, held every year in Alicante are a must-see for every guest. The competitions last for a week and showcase the talent of the locals as well as international artists. This is a great event to attend.

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Ultimate Alicante Travel Guide for 2024

Holidays to Alicante are popular and there are many direct flights to Alicante Airport from the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia. For many reasons the Alicante province and the Costa Blanca are a favorite holiday destination as well as a city break for travelers from Northern Europe.

In this Alicante Travel Guide I will take you with me on what to do in Alicante, the best places to see, where to eat, the best coffee and everything else you need to know before traveling to Alicante in 2024.

Alicante tourism

Because of the many affordable flights flying to Alicante Airport the city became a magnet for people looking for short holiday breaks. But it can’t be only the cheap flights to Alicante that are drawing so many tourists to the Costa Blanca, there must be more. I roamed around Alicante old town and the city center for a couple days and also hired a car to check out and explore the best places to visit around Alicante.

I came to the simple conclusion that there are so many fun things to do and places to see, that in fact weekend in Alicante is not enough!

Yes first explore the city! Alicante is an amazing place to visit, but there are also fabulous day trips from Alicante  one shouldn't miss out on. Check out all the day trips you can do in the link above.

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If you don't have a European sim card or a local sim card without EU data roaming then definitely buy a sim card for Spain on your trip to Alicante. Stay connected and don't waste money on high roaming costs. OR get yourself an e-sim card for traveling to Spain , even easier.

Little history and facts about Alicante

Back in the days Alicante was just like any other medieval Spanish town a walled city, but because of its strategic location on the Costa Blanca coast it has been fought over a lot. Therefore Alicante has been built, destroyed and rebuilt many times over the last couple hundred years. Some facts to show you the importance of Alicante in history:

• The first long distance train in Spain went from Madrid to Alicante.
• Alicante was the last remaining republican city that Franco took over in times of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
• Napoleon took over Spain except two cities: Cadiz ánd Alicante.

Because of all this fighting over the city there are not many ancient buildings left in Alicante Old Town. Nevertheless it is a beautiful place to stroll through.

Things to know when you travel to Alicante

1. best time to travel to alicante.

Any time of the year is a good time to visit Alicante. Of course if you want to avoid the crowds you don’t travel to Alicante in the summer months June, July and August. But even winter is a great time to visit Alicante. All the photos taken in this Alicante travel blog are from mid December. To me it was the perfect time for my holidays in Alicante, because of the mild temperatures and the deserted streets. As I found Alicante almost deserted at the end of autumn I listed it in a list of off the beaten track destinations in Europe .

2. From Alicante Airport to Alicante city center

May you decide to spend your Alicante weekend break just in the city then you can either take a taxi from the airport to your hotel or the Alicante airport bus. The bus only cost €3,85 per person, taxi’s easily ask €25. The bus from Alicante Airport to Alicante city center leaves just outside the arrivals hall and is called C6. It has several stops along the Explanada de Espana , the main boulevard in the city.

3. How to get around in Alicante

You can either rent a car at the airport and pick it up on arrival or rent a car at the Alicante city center. At the airport you can’t miss the rental car companies in the arrivals hall. It is very simple and straight forward. I recommend you to book a car to see the best places to visit around Alicante.

You can also rent a car in Alicante city center. Almost all the car rental companies have offices next to the train station. I rented my car in the city center at the train station and dropped it off at the airport with no extra fee.

I ended up renting a car from Enterprise , it was less than €20 per day including insurance.

From Alicante to Benidorm

There are busses and trains from Alicante to Benidorm that run every hour and take 1,5 hours only. One of the best places to visit in Alicante is Altea and but public transport will take pretty long.

4. Museums are free

A great thing about a trip to Alicante is that all the museums are free. You can just walk in. More about the best museums to visit in Alicante later. Churches are also admission free.

Alicante itinerary for 3 days

For those people that are only able to enjoy a weekend or 3 days in Alicante I think it is best to rent a car for one day and visit some places near Alicante. I would suggest the following itinerary for Alicante:

Day1: relaxing at the beach and hiking up to the majestic Santa Barbara Castle.

Day 2: Explore the old town by an early morning walking tour then enjoying the marina and one of the many lovely coffee shops or sea food restaurants.

Day 3: Rent a car for a day and see some of the amazing places to visit around Alicante, like the Canelobre Caves, Altea, Villajoyosa.

Then if you leave the next day you can drop the rental car off in the airport before your flight. Doesn't this 3 day itinerary sound like an amazing relaxing city trip or Alicante holiday?

Things to do in Alicante

1. hike up to santa barbara castle.

If you are reasonably fit or have the time anyway, please walk up to the top of the Santa Barbara Castle . To me it is one of the best things to do in Alicante. There are many path to lead to the castle on top of the hill. It is 166 meters above sea level but the views from up there are obviously impressive. During the hike up you will constantly be spoiled with fabulous views in all directions over Alicante city center.

The walk up is pretty steep, but once you reach the top you will appreciate it even more. You can also drive up to the entrance of the Santa Barbara Castle.

There are some places to have a drink along the way with good views over the city center and the ocean.

There are some expositions halls, but I was just mostly interested in the view. There is no Santa Barbara Castle entrance fee. When you visit Alicante make sure to put this on your things to do list!

Watching the sunrise is not possible as there are opening hours. From April till September the castle is open from 10am to 10pm, in the winter months the castle is only open till 8pm.

Watching the sunset from Santa Barbara Castle, a romantic thing to do in Alicante.

2. Stroll through Old Town Alicante

One of my favorite things to do on a city break is to get lost. This time I ended up somewhere in Alicante Old Town and I was blown away by its beauty. Perched in the slopes of the Santa Barbara Castle there are these cute little streets and stairs.

Houses are painted in different colors and all have flowers in front. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Alicante then stroll through Old Town.

3. Sunbath on El Postiguet Beach

This is El Postiguet on a Wednesday in December just before sunset.

There are several amazing beaches around Alicante. I cant tell you which one is the best as I did not try them all. The beach in the city center is called El Postiguet . A little North you can find a huge beach called San Juan Playa. For people staying in Alicante City Center I would recommend going to El Postiguet.

4. Visit the fish market

The local food in Alicante mostly always contains fish. Because of its dry climate there never really were opportunities to grow something so historically dried food and fish has always been part of their menu. In Alicante city center there is Mercado Central , this bustling place is cool to walk around. You will be amazed what they all sell here.

5. Bring your own fish restaurants

Fresher than this it can hardly get. Around the markets there are some restaurants where you can bring your own fish and they cook it for you. Buy it at the market, present it to the restaurant and let them prepare a meal for you with your own fish. Just outside the market there is a restaurant called La Rotonda who also does this. If I were you I would ask in advance before you get there and say: but Traveltomtom told me it was possible… ;)

6. Try Turron

When on an Alicante city break you surely have to try Turron. Originally from the Alicante region it is a kind of nougat sweet made from egg white, honey, sugar and toasted almonds. It comes in many different variations. There are shops dedicated to Turron.

I walked into Turrones ESPI at Calle Tomas Lopez Torregrosa and they let me try different kind of Turrones. Definitely something you have to try when you visit Alicante. They claim to be making Turron since 1820, so I assume they know what they are doing. The liquor of Turron taste a bit like Baileys.

7. Free walking tour Alicante

Did you know that every city you visit has free walking tours? In Alicante you can also find one and I honestly think it is one of the best things to do in the city. Not only do you get to see all the best places to visit, you also get a little slice of history and some cool anecdotes about the city by a local tourguide. The Alicante free walking tour takes about 2 hours and is tip based. They meet every day at 11am at the beginning of Explanada de Espana and you recognize them from of the purple umbrella.

During the free walking tour in Alicante we learned that the rock above Alicante has a face, the one who protects Alicante from Evil. Do you see it?

8. Segway tour

Have you ever tried riding a segway? It is just as easy as walking trust me. An hour city tour cost about €40. You get a little Segway lesson and once you are comfortable you are ready to explore the city on a segway.

9. Snorkel at Tabarca Island

From the beach in Alicante you can see a little rocky island in the ocean. During summer there are many boats going to Tabarca. This inhabited island is a protected marine reserve since 1986. It is a great place for snorkeling

10. Stroll up and down La Rambla

Just like in Barcelona the main street in Alicante is called La Rambla. Stroll up and down and sample food and look for souvenirs in typical stalls from street vendors.

11.  Explore the Alicante marina

Marinas are always great to walk around, especially around sunset. It always gives me such a calming feeling to see all these boats perfectly lined up. There is a nice terrace at SOHO Mar to have a drink with views over the marina. You can also find a Volvo Ocean Race Museum , but I did not go inside as well as a casino.

If you fancy a typical Alicante coffee ask for a Bombon Coffee, its a layered coffee with condensed milk. Not my taste, but worth a try.

12. Shopping

If you want a moment for yourself tell your wife to go to the area around Avenida Maisonnave. It is right in the Alicante city center and there are endless shopping opportunities. Make sure she brings her own credit card!

Check out a leather bag store called Cala. It’s really cool if you need some gifts from Alicante, it is worth going. The leather shoes in Spain are cheap and amazing quality compared to most of the world!

Places to see in Alicante

1. explanda de espana.

The main tourist spot in Alicante is its Explanda de Espana . The main boulevard made out of more than 6.5 million marble tiles is something the people from Alicante are really proud of. It has a long history but nowadays tourists on their Alicante weekend break stroll up and down through the massive palm trees before they sit back and relax. There are many terraces and people watching is a popular thing to do in Alicante. The marble tiles of the Explanada have three colors: white and blue are the city colors of Alicante and red. Alicante Red is an official color marble and expensive all over the world, it is marble that comes from this region.

2. Basilica Santa Maria

Nestled in Alicante Old Town next to the Museum of Contemporary Arts you can find the Santa Maria church . The Baroque entry is pretty impressive and still in tact. They renovated the square and the church about 10 years ago and it looks beautiful from the outside. To peak inside you gotta come at the right time.

The basilica is only open from 11.00-12.00 and from 19.00-20.00. During this time there are also church services, but taking photos is allowed. Therefore plan a visit to the Santa Maria Basilica carefully as it is one of the best places to visit in Alicante.

3. Alicante Cathedral

The San Nicolas de Bari Cathedral is located in Alicante city center in front of Plaza del Abad Penalva. The cathedral has a 45 meter high blue cupola that towers out above the city skyline. The interior is pretty impressive too. Inside there is a second floor to get to by a staircase for a different perspective of this amazing cathedral. Definitely among the best places to visit in Alicante.

On the right side of the picture you can see the cathedral. Sad that they allowed one skyscraper to be build in Alicante city center. After this construction they realized it was not a good idea and they did not permit any more of these high rise buildings to be build.

4. Contemporary Art Museum

Located next to the Santa Maria Basilica is the Museum of Contemporary Art . It is free to enter and it was one of the first times I walked into a museum like this. I like the free museums concept!

5. Water Museum

At the bottom of the Santa Barbara Castle you will find the water museum. It basically is a cave in where there is al little exposition about how people back in the days used techniques to save rain water. The entrance is free, it is a 5 minute visit. Not the most exhilarating place to see in Alicante, but nice to peak inside when you pass by.

6. MARQ Archaeological Museum Alicante

The only museum in Alicante where you have to pay an entrance fee. It is only €3 and it is used for preservation and research. It won the European Museum of the year award in 2004, so who would I be to not list it as one of the best things to do in Alicante. It was nice to walk around, surely worth €3. Taking photos without flash is allowed. I loved that the MARQ Archaeological Museum is an interactive museum.

Where to eat in Alicante

When you walk out of the Alicante Cathedral and turn left there is the Calle de Munoz, a lovely little passageway with some of the best restaurants in Alicante. If you are looking where to eat in Alicante I could recommend you one of the restaurants in this little alley.

Anywhere along Explanada is good to eat outside on one of the many terraces. For evenings I liked the Plaza Santa Faz where you find many terraces under big palm trees.

Where to go out in Alicante

From what I found was El Barrio the best place to go out in Alicante. There are a dozen restaurants and bars located in the narrow streets. Havana is a lively place where tourists and locals mingle. Royal Night Club is a popular place to go out late night.

Best coffee places in Alicante

As part of my working holiday visa in Australia I did a barista course and since then a standard coffee is not good enough anymore. Therefore I always roam around to find the best coffee places anywhere I go. In Alicante Old Town I found three amazing places.

1.  Madness Coffee Specialty Coffee

Choose your favorite coffee roast from Costa Rica, Rwanda or Colombia. This place knows how to make excellent coffee, thumbs up! A very inviting interior as well, a place where you just want to hang out.

2.  Bunatic Slow Coffee

Another little coffee gem in Alicante Old Town. Great coffee and although the interior is a bit minimalistic, this is where you want to come for breakfast. Start your Alicante city break at Bunatic Slow Coffee as their breakfast deals are delicious. You should definitely try the homemade granola with fresh fruits. The toasts are also yummy. Coffees €2,00, breakfast deals €5,00.

3.  Sip & Wonder Coffee House

If you are looking for things to do in Alicante when it rains this is a good place to go. Coffee is world class and the homey atmosphere will make you smile. There are sofas, lounge chairs and it is filled with foreign students studying.

Dogs are allowed inside and every time I hang out there I saw a bunch of dogs. The avocado sandwich is delicious. Coffees €2,00, avo on toast €5,00.

Festivals in Alicante

1. carnival.

The number one festival that I would love to go to myself is the Carnival. Im from Southern Holland where we celebrate Carnival big time as well and I have also celebrated Carnival in the Caribean and South America. Street parades, happy people, costumes, smiles, drinks and warm weather and I am 100% sure this is a good festival to attend. Carnival is held mostly around mid February or beginning of March.

2. Running with the bulls

This is exactly what it implies. The brave are able to run with the bulls through the main street. Spectators are behind wooden fences as bulls run through the streets ending up in a temporary bullring at the fishing port. The Running with the Bulls festival is yearly held in July. In 2016 two people died.

3. Start of Volvo Ocean Race

There is a reason why there is a Volvo Ocean Race Museum in the port of Alicante as since 2008 the start of the Volvo Ocean Race is in the Alicante port. It is a big happening every time. The Volvo Ocean Race 2022 - 2023 started again in January 2023 in Alicante.

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Day trips from Alicante

As you can see there are many things to do and places to see on your Alicante holidays, so no need to even leave the city. But there are some amazing places around Alicante that are definitely worth a visit.

• Canelobre Caves - a big cave inside a mountain, with guided tours.
• Busot - a charming village on top of a hill.
• Benidorm - a popular beach town.
• Altea - one of the best places to see in Alicante Province.
• Guadalest - a lovely village with a castle on top of a hill.
• Villajoyosa - colorful coastal town.

To visit these places I recommend you to take day trips from Alicante . Click on the link to read the full blog post about all the amazing places to visit around Alicante.

My trip to Alicante

As you have been able to read I have explored the city quite extensively. This lead to the above information about holidays to Alicante. The vibe in the city is super chilled especially in the winter season. People are more relaxed and it is not at all crowded. Flights to Alicante are cheaper and hotels too.

You can already find Alicante hotels for as less as €50 per night. Every morning I made my way to one of the coffee shops mentioned to get a good cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast.

Then walked around the city taking photos and sampling some Jamon Iberico and of course some ice cream. Life in Alicante was good… I will definitely be back!

Where to stay in Alicante

5 star hotel in alicante.

Hospes Amerigo - 5 star hotel in Alicante city center. More than 1,250 reviews with a score of 9.1 .

4 star hotel in Alicante

Sercotel Suites Del Mar - amazing location in the Marina with ocean views, close to the beach. More than 700 reviews with a score of 8.9 .

Boutique hotel in Alicante

Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete - charming boutique hotel in the city center. With over more 700 reviews it scores a 9.4 .

Apartment in Alicante

Wellrenting Alicante CS - close to the train station, spacious 1 bedroom apartment for under 50 a night. 300 reviews - 8.3 score .

Budget hotel in Alicante

Habitaciones Engel - Super central, shared bathroom but only €30 a night. 9.1 score out of 130 reviews .

Hostel in Alicante

Smile & Co Hostal Boutique - On the west side of Alicante city center clearly a favorite with almost 1,000 reviews and a 9.6 review score .

Thank you for reading my Alicante travel blog. I hope all the information I provided was helpful for your holidays in Alicante. Would you please help me a little in return? Would you mind posting the link on Facebook or in a Facebook Group? Or tweet it on Twitter? It would mean a lot to me! Massive thanks in advance. 

If you are interested what it looks like traveling to every country in the world then check out my Instagram profile @traveltomtom for some serious wanderlust. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 150 countries around the world.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Alicante!

Alicante About

Your Guide to Alicante [By an Alicantinian]

Is Alicante Worth Visiting? – 10 Reasons Why Yes, It Is

Alicante is a beautiful city in the province with the same name, in south-east Spain. There are many reasons why Alicante is worth visiting:

Alicante is worth visiting for its history, heritage, culture , castle , picturesque beauty, mile-long beaches , coves, island , restaurants, contained prices, nightlife, good weather all year around, charming old town, landscape, sunsets, mosaic promenade, friendly people, shopping, festivals , golf courses , festivities, parties, coastline, transport to other pretty Costa Blanca destinations , the relaxed vibe… and more.

Let’s get into details on what makes Alicante special and why is it worth visiting.

The City’s Charm

Alicante is truly a charming and pretty city.

It has its own traditional Spanish old town at the hillside of Santa Barbara castle that gets straight to El Postiguet beach .

The palm trees around the city make many corners of the city exotic and pretty. The pomegranate La Explanada is a perfect place for one of the most loved hobbies of the Spaniards: pasear which means “going for a walk”.

The modern city grew in between two mountains (each having a castle on the top). El Benacantil ( Santa Barbara Castle ) and El Tossal (San Fernando Castle). This unique setup creates a lot of spots in the city to enjoy the landscape.

The light in the Mediterranean is truly different to the light in other places, such as London . Most of the days are sunny and it is, usually, humid and warm. A perfect combination to brighten up all the typical brown, red, green and blue colours in the city.

The feeling when you are in Alicante is relaxed and comfortable. It has a good public transport system, like the bus for nearby destinations and the TRAM to enjoy the rest of Costa Blanca, like on a day trip to Benidorm .

Everywhere in the city is accessible: the nice restaurants, the beaches, the rooftops, the shops, the landscape spots… easy and compacted city to enjoy around.

The Beaches

The beaches in Alicante are, simply put, astonishing.

The main beach in Alicante is El Postiguet . It is just down from Santa Barbara Castle and next to the traditional city centre El Barrio .

El Postiguet is not the biggest beach in the city but quite accessible and pretty.

Additionally, San Juan Beach is arguably the best beach in Alicante. It merges into El Campello Beach Muchavista through an invisible line that makes it one of the longest beaches in Spain. The beach is inside an urban beach with golden sand.

There are volleyball nets, chiringuitos and watersports centres opening in summer if your objective is not just tanning and swimming.

On the other side, if you prefer less urbanized spaces then Alicante got it too. El Cabo de Las Huertas in San Juan is perfect if you like coves and rocky beaches. In there, you can almost forget that people tend to build houses and enjoy the open sea views.

If rocky beaches are not for you but still want to enjoy less urbanized sandy beaches Alicante City got you again. Urbanova is a semi-urbanised sandy beach. In Between Urbanova and Arenales (Elche’s beach), there is a perfect space with dunes to enjoy more of a virgin (and, by the way, naturist) beach.

But the surprises are not done yet. Another extremely special place to swim and tan is Tabarca Island . It has beaches and coves and it is just an astonishing place to go to. The island is just another neighbourhood of Alicante so you don’t really leave the city.

If your trip is set in winter the beaches can be enjoyed too. They open all year around and the weather in winter is warm enough for walks on the beach’s shores. Volleyball nets are open all year around and nearby restaurants open as well on beaches such as El Postiguet and San Juan (but not the chiringuitos ).

The Culture

If cuteness and beaches are not your priorities when choosing a destination Alicante, again, got you.

There are more than 8 museums in the city of Alicante (including a museum on the tiny Tabarca island , yes).

The museum’s showroom exhibits are a mix of Arqueological history (Alicante has been inhabited since prehistory, with remains found dating +6000 years old), art, water history and local traditions among others.

There is a complete article about the museums in Alicante here. A short summary:

• Go to MARQ Museum if you are interested in the history told through the archaeological remains
• Go to the MUBAG if you like fine arts
• To MACA if you like modern art
• Book an Air Raid Settler visit if you want to learn more about the Spanish Civil War (WWII period)
• Go to Hogueras de San Juan Museum if you want to learn about the main bonfire festival in Alicante
• Aguas De Alicante if you want to learn about the water history in such a dry area as Alicante
• Visit The Ocean Race Museum if you want to learn about the round-the-world sailing bouts regatta that starts from Alicante
• MUSA museum teaches you about modern history in Alicante

You can also visit archaeological sites managed by MARQ showing the first Alicante city created by the Iberians and then transformed by the Romans called Lucentum , or get the TRAM train to Campello (line 3) to visit another site called Illeta dels Banyets with a city that was populated through the prehistory to the Muslin occupation in the Middle Age and has an ancient roman fish farm . Quite unique in Europe only finding remains in Alicante and Italy.

The Food & Restaurants

Alicante is quite a good city for food too.

The restaurant scene is dynamic with new openings every so often. Many types of food are found: traditional Spanish, traditional Alicantininan, burger chains, fast food, Asian, Italian, French and many others.

There are indeed two restaurants with Michelin Stars distinctions in the city of Alicante (in Spanish):

• Steky with fusion food
• And Tabula Rasa, with traditional Spanish food offers

But Michelin-starred restaurants are not the only high-quality restaurants.

Using apps such as The Fork , Google Maps or others is an excellent way to find the type of restaurant matching your needs and budget. But in case you want some local recommendations I will leave them here.

Local Restaurants Recommendations

A good piece of advice is to try to have food for lunch or dinner at Spanish times (1-3 pm for lunch and +9pm for dinner. This way it is easier to avoid the tourist traps (yes, Alicante has tourist traps too).

Something special to do in Alicante is going to a rooftop restaurant or bar .

For example, El Gran Sol hotel building has amazing rooftop views restaurant . Or if you want to enjoy a drink then La Milagrosa Rooftop features spectacular views of the Santa Barbara Castle . However there are more recommendations in the rooftop bars and restaurants in Alicante’s article.

Paella and Arroces

And here goes a pro tip that it is important to know if you had in mind eating paella: In Alicante, the tradition is not to prepare paella but what we just call Arroz (it means rice). The dish is similar to paella -it is done in the same wide and short pan- but prepared slightly differently.

The main Arroz variant will remind similar to paella where you can have arroz con marisco , arroz mixto , arroz mixto (vegetables and meat), arrod de verdura (viwth vegetables wich is vegetarian and vegan)… but you can also try things such as arroz con costra , olleta alicantina (rice in a soap), arroz a banda , Caldero (if you go to Tabarca ) and others.

Essentially, there is a choice for everyone in Alicante: budget food restaurants, expensive and excellent quality food restaurants, rooftop restaurants and bars , chiringuitos and next-to-the-sea restaurants… It will match everyone with a lot of options for all dietary needs and preferences. By the way, there are good options for vegetarian and vegan restaurants too and, virtually any restaurant, can sort out dishes if you are vegetarian or vegan and didn’t have it on the menu.

Other Foods You Should Try

And here are some extra recomendations for your trip to Alicante in a form of a list:

• Coca de Mollitas
• Coca Antoñina
• Churros con chocolate in Chocolateria Valor
• Cocas de verduras/de atun y cebolla/sardina salada
• Empanadillas de pisto/atun
• Mona de Pascua (in Easter)
• Turrones (Christmas)

The Expenses

Alicante is -still- a relatively cheap city. For example:

• A bottle of beer can cost around 3/4€ in most bars (nightclubs will cost more)
• A cheap meal can start at 10€ and a good meal ranges from 15€-30€
• A single TRAM or bus ticket costs 1.45€, being the cost of travel cards much lower
• A taxi from Alicante Airport to Alicante costs around 30€-35€ ( the airport bus is way cheaper , 3.85€)

Hotels and hostel rooms can range from as little to 25€ a double room to luxury rooms costing +100€, so there is something for every budget.

The Nightlife

Alicante’s nightlife is vivid.

Whatever you want to dance and listen to -from Latin music to techno- Alicante got you sorted. The centre is lively essentially all day until night at 3 am, where most of the clubs need to close by law (except for the after-hours nightclubs).

Remember the Spaniards like having dinner late (around 9 pm-10 pm) and going to parties late too. It is not unusual to meet your friends at 12 pm to then go to the clubs. But there is now a somewhat new tradition of going tardeo , which translates to “evening-ing” (makes more sense in Spanish).

This novel concept in Spain means meeting your friends in the evening to have some drinks and then going and having dinner before going back home. This usually happens in the party area Castaños . Some of the clubs stay open until late at night too.

Let’s go deeper into Alicante’s party zones, we have 4. This doesn’t mean there are no clubs or pubs in other places around the city but there are 4 main distinguishable areas:

• El Barrio (part of the traditional quarter)
• Castaños (for Tardeo and night clubs)
• El Puerto (nightclubs, Latin music places , Karaoke and after-hours)
• San Juan Beach and el Golf Area (more lively in summer)

As accessible as Alicante is, all the party areas except for San Juan Beach/El Golf are accessible by just walking between them in 5/15 minutes.

The Festivities And Festivals

The Spanish are known for their festivals and parties and Alicantininas are far from being left behind. Actually, they lead the way up at some parties.

The most important festivity of Alicante is Hogueras de San Juan .

It is a massive festival happening at the end of June (19-24th).

For almost a week, the city centre is closed to cars. The streets become museum showrooms of massive sculptures… that are burned on the last day of the party:

Huge flames come out from the gigantic bonfires while the firefighters control they don’t burn anything that should not be burned (such as the neighbouring houses and trees).

This is called “La Banya” and the firefighters will soak in water any brave person staying in the trajectory of their hose.

But it is not the only important festivity in Alicante.

Easter, Christmas and Moros y Cristianos are celebrated with all the enthusiasm they deserve, including Los Reyes Mago s. For more about the weather and what to do in December click here.

Should you visit the city on any of these dates you will be able to live the experience of the Spanish traditions in all their glory.

There are also music festivals and others happening in Alicante or nearby. Such as the Low Festival in Benidorm, for example.

Trips to The Rest of The Costa Blanca

The city of Alicante is inside the province of Alicante (yes, it has the same name). The coast of Alicante’s province is called Costa Blanca .

The public transport to other places in Costa Blanca, such as Benidorm , Altea and others is done through the TRAM trains and busses .

The TRAM train is an experience in itself. The track route is +100 years old and passes by many nearby sea mountainous scenery.

It is not the most efficient means of transport for longer distances, such as Alicante to Benidorm ( coaches from Alicante are faster ), but if you have the time, then the views are amazing and worth the trip.

The Golf Courses And Nearby Theme Parks

Alicante has also major entertainment venues such as Golf Courses or theme parks outside the city but accessible by the TRAM train .

If you like water then Aqualandia is your place. It is situated in Bendiorm but it is accessible by the tram from Alicante and then using a local bus.

Terra Mitica is a theme park. It has proper roller coasters and many other rides for brave (and unbrave) people.

For young children, you visit Mundo Mar, a place with water animals. Or Terra Natura.

And if you like golf there are courses in the city of Alicante: Alicante Golf and El Plantio, but more about golf courses in the city of Alicante in this article .

Staying Longer in Alicante

Maybe you are actually thinking of moving to Alicante. Spending a longer period of time in the city instead of just visiting can be quite a pleasant experience. If you want to know more, here are some of Alicante’s Pros and Cons and here is how does compare Alicante to London .

Alicante is a great city not only for visiting but for living too. It is, for now, not too expensive and offers a high quality of life with many activities to do and surprisingly good weather all year around, even in winter .

by VictorSesma

Victor Sesma is an Alicantinian living in London. He is a Software Engineer who likes writing about the city he was born.

Valencia and Alicante: beaches, barrios and otherworldly buildings

Oct 26, 2017 • 6 min read

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

With year-round sunshine, huge, sandy beaches, gorgeous scenery and vibrant, world-class cities, the Valencia region can pretty much guarantee most of what you want from a trip to Spain. And thanks to multiple bus and train connections, it’s easy to tackle its two biggest cities – the dynamic namesake capital Valencia and up-for-it beachside Alicante – on a single trip.

Whether you're a culture hound, foodie, beachgoer or partyer, you’re bound to find something in one of these urban gems to get excited about.

Alicante is an arrival point for many holidaymakers, as its airport serves lots of surrounding resorts. But this lively, easy-going city is well worth a visit in its own right. Let’s be honest, most Spanish cities serve up a decent night out, but this one, with its kind climate and serendipitous natural setting, has more of a buzz than most. At weekends, head to the handsome old quarter (known as El Barrio) for bars around Catedral de San Nicolás; or Paseo del Puerto, by the sea, runs the whole gamut of options from casinos to clubs. Calle Castaños, leading up from the waterfront through the city centre, offers a more laid-back scene during the week.

Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Alicante is a city that lends itself well to walking, whether that’s through the old town or along the fabulous waterfront promenade, Esplanada d’Espanya. You can even walk up to the jewel in the city’s crown, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara , which occupies a dramatic location atop a hill high above the city (though it might be a smart move to avoid the strenuous hike by getting the lift from opposite the beach). This 16th-century fortification is no place to avoid the crowds, but come up here for sunset and you’ll find it abuzz with locals out for an evening walk or kids playing football, and you can savour mesmerising views over the coast and inland.

Museums and the Mercado Central

For a culture fix, don’t miss two standout museums: the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante , which has work by Miró and Picasso among its collection, and the Museo Arqueológico Provincial , recounting the city’s history through ceramics, art and other exhibits. A highlight much more in the here-and-now is Alicante's wonderful Mercado Central , which is a riot of sights, smells, sounds and tastes; and, if you fancy an afternoon tipple to go with your fresh fruit and octopus, even has a vermouth bar.

Beaches and festivities

Alicante makes the most of its wonderful coastal location with the attractive, sandy Playa del Postiguet . Like much of the city, it can be jam-packed at weekends in summer; while still an appealing spot to kick back on the sand, you’re better off heading northeast to out-of-town Playa de San Juan if you’re after more space.

If you can, time your visit for 20-24 June; that’s when the city’s biggest festival, Hogueras de San Juan , takes place. A few days of parades and heavy revelry reach a crescendo with the burning of effigies on the night of 23 June.

A rich history, fascinating contemporary attractions, exceptional restaurants and nightlife, huge golden beaches – Spain’s third-biggest city has the lot. There are 11 daily trains (journey time 1.5-2 hours, tickets €17-30) and more than 10 buses  (from 2. 5 hours, €21-25) making the journey to Valencia from Alicante.

Ciutat Vella and Catedral

Your first port of call is likely to be the Ciutat Vella (Old Town), which has busy, imposing  Plaza de la Virgen at its heart. Here you’ll find the Catedral de Valencia , dating from the 13th century and mainly Gothic in style. It is home to a Roman agate cup that is said (by some) to be the Holy Grail. Scale the 207 steps of El Miguelete bell tower for excellent city views all around.

Other Ciutat Vella highlights are La Lonja , the city’s 15th-century silk exchange and a Unesco World Heritage Sight, and the superb Mercado Central , which has all the tantalising produce you’d expect from a Spanish market in a stunning Modernista building.

These days, Valencia’s most famous symbol is the fantastic, futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias . For the most part designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, this complex of cultural venues was a controversial project that had run massively over budget by the time it was completed in 2005. Nonetheless, at the very least it's hard to deny the visual impact of the majestic set of structures. They house facilities including a science museum and an IMAX cinema ; one of the highlights is the  Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía , a huge beetle-like arts centre that outside of performance times runs tours with summaries in English.

Passing right by the complex are the  Jardines del Turia , a glorious park which snakes for 9km through the city along the repurposed riverbed of the former Río Turia.

The Eixample: Valencia's new town

North of here is the Eixample, Valencia’s graceful new town, laid out in the 19th century after the city got too big for its old town walls. Among the attractions here is the wonderful  Mercado de Colón , which these days is no longer a market but houses restaurants and upscale food stores. Ma-Khin Cafe is one of the standout spots, serving up inventive Asian fare with European influences. Consider going for the tasting menu, with knockout dishes including an ocean-fresh oyster with kimchi and a mouth-watering Malabari fish curry with coconut, mustard seeds and tamarind.

An evening in Russafa

Don’t miss Valencia’s relentlessly trendy Russafa quarter. It’s easy to see the appeal: this neighbourhood is a confection of beautifully preserved, colourful townhouses, home to seemingly endless options for shopping, drinking and dining. While great to explore during the day, it's at night that this place really comes into its own. Ubik Café , a bar-meets-bookshop with a community vibe, is ideal for an evening drink; then a few minutes’ walk away stop for dinner at Canalla Bistro . Crates suspended from the ceiling, black-and-white furniture, and cartoons on the walls create a laid-back atmosphere in which to enjoy small plates from across the globe that include pibil pork tacos, vegetable tempura and a pastrami sandwich.

Playa de las Arenas

One of Valencia’s biggest joys is its proximity to the beach – from the city centre, it’s a quick 3km bus or tram ride to huge expanses of golden sand that stretch for 4km along the coast. Playa de las Arenas is a popular choice, but since it's 100 metres wide, there’s more than enough room here for everyone, plus plenty of eating and drinking options. If you work up an appetite swimming then stop at Portolito for lunch – it’s a decent place to try local speciality fideuà , which is similar to paella, but made with fine pasta instead of rice.

La Albufera, a beautiful lagoon

For some sublime natural scenery just a few kilometres outside Valencia, head to La Albufera: a vast freshwater lagoon that is home to fantastic birdlife, with around 90 species regularly nesting here. The fields around the lagoon supply the rice for Valencia’s famous paellas. You can take boat trips out onto the lagoon from the sleepy little settlements of El Palmar or El Saler. Bus 25 runs from central Valencia to El Saler and El Palmar every 20 minutes or so.

Tom travelled to the Valencia region with support from  comunitatvalenciana.com . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

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Our Spanish Adventures

10 places to visit within an hour of Alicante

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If you’re new to the Costa Blanca, or are looking for an area with lots to do, the areas surrounding Alicante are definitely places to add to your list of Spanish destinations. All the major airlines fly into Alicante-Elche airport so it’s easily accessible, and only a 2.5 hour flight from the UK.

There are so many things to do in Alicante itself, both with kids and without, but if you’re looking for some places to visit outside of the city then you have plenty to choose from as there are a lot of interesting places near Alicante within an hour’s drive.

We live approx. 40 minutes from Alicante and have spent the last 18 months (and many before that on holidays) exploring some great destinations and attractions. It really is a beautiful part of Spain.

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Here’s a list of 10 places to visit within an hour of Alicante city center…

One of the best places to visit within an hour of Alicante and the one place that everyone will recommend you check out is Guadalest Valley. Guadalest is a traditional Spanish village in the mountains about an hour away from Alicante. There are always plenty of bus trips to Guadalest , which is a good idea if you’re not too confident driving in Spain as the journey does involve driving up some very windy mountain roads, or you can b ook a private group tour to Guadalest.

There’s enough things to do in Guadalest to spend the whole day there. The main attractions in Guadalest is the reservoir, which is an absolutely amazing colour! From the town you have a fantastic view over the lake, and can even sit in a restaurant and take in the view.

A must visit is El Castell de Guadalest , the castle which is accessed via the museum Casa Orduna, an old Spanish house complete with original furniture, paintings etc. From the top of the castle you have amazing views over Guadalest and the surrounding mountains.

The narrow streets are full of gift shops, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants to find something to eat and rest your legs.

Fonts d’Algar

One of the most popular places near Alicante for a day out is the Les Fonts d’Algar, or Algar Waterfalls, which can be done in the same trip as Guadalest as they are close to each other.

The Algar Waterfalls is a nature reserve found in the Callosa d’en Sarria mountain range and is home to roaring waterfalls and natural pools. This is where the famous Timotei advert was filmed!

The Algar Waterfalls are open all year round, though of course it’s only warm enough to go in the water in the summer months. For just €4 for adults and €2 for children you can spend the day swimming in the waterfalls and taking in the views, and it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance in the busy summer months. The water is freezing, even in the very hottest months of the year, but it is a great place to cool down and a lot of fun. You can follow the walk ways to the very top where you can swim, sit, and admire the view. There are platforms to safely jump into the natural pools, as well as shallow pools perfect for kids to paddle. Make sure you take some water shoes as it is very rocky in places.

You can’t take picnics in but there is a restaurant, though it is quite pricey. Outside the gates there are lots of great restaurants, some even have their own swimming pools.

One of the best places near Alicante for a wander around is the town of Elche. Elche is around 25 minutes from Alicante City by car or 30 minutes by bus and is one of our favourite places to visit. Elche is home to more than 200,000 palm trees and many of them are found in Palmeral de Elche, the biggest palm grove in Europe which you can visit for a small fee.

One of the best free things to do in Elche with kids is to visit the municipal park. Also home to lots of palm trees, there’s also children’s play parks, fountains, and picnic areas.

If you’d like more information from a local expert you can also join this Free Tour of Elche where you will get to explore the most important parts of the city.

The town itself has lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants, you can spend a whole day just wandering around (though not on Sundays as all shops are closed!) If you’re after some culture, the Museo Arqueológico y de Historia in the center is a great place to visit, and is free on Sundays. You can also walk up to the bell tower of the Santa María Basilica, which has great views across the park. There are plenty of other museums dotted around including Roman Baths, the fiesta museum, and paleontology museum.

Santa Pola is a coastal town with lovely beaches and a large port with lots of restaurants and bars. The port is a lovely place to visit of an evening if you want a nice seafood restaurant with a view. You can book a bus ticket to Santa Pola from Alicante for just €3 which takes around 40 minutes.

Things to do in Santa Pola include going on a boat trip over to Tabarca Island , visiting the Pola Park amusement park, or the aquarium. There is also a castle in the center of town, plus plenty of streets to wander through. In the summer the castle often holds a great medieval market with stalls full of spices, food, sweets, gifts, and lots more.

You can also visit the Faro de Santa Pola lighthouse just outside of the town, with a skywalk that will give you incredible views out to sea and along the coast.

Torrevieja is a typical Spanish tourist coastal resort with nice sandy beaches alongside a busy promenade full of restaurants and bars. A bus from Alicante to Torrevieja takes and hour and tickets start from €5.

If you walk a few minutes from the center you will find some much quieter beaches perfect for sunbathing and for the kids to play.

If you want to see the coastline you can take a lovely boat tour around the bay or maybe treat yourself to a sunset boat cruise .

Torrevieja is also home to the famous pink salt lake. You can take a trip around the lakes on the land train and learn more about why the lakes are pink, and what they do with the salt. You might even spot some flamingos.

Things to do in Torrevieja with kids include visiting the many parks and gardens, going to the Habaneras shopping mall which also has a kids area on the top level, and visiting the leisure complex next door with cinema, bowling alley, and restaurants.

Guardamar del Segura

If you’re looking for a beach day away from the busy beaches of the center of Alicante then you should definitely head to Guardamar . Bus tickets from Alicante to Guardmar start at €4 and the journey takes around an hour.

11km of golden sandy beaches, sand dunes, and pine forests, Guardamar is our go-to beach.

The main beach has a short promenade with bars and restaurants, and the beach stretches for miles in both directions. Even in the middle of summer you can find plenty of space on the beach if you walk away from the main promenade.

There’s a large weekly market on a Wednesday as well as a night market during the summer. If you’re visiting Guardamar with kids there is a great play park with ducks, turtles, peacocks and red squirrels, as well as a peaceful walk through the pine forest. There is also a new pedestrianised area with bars, restaurants, and play parks.

If you want somewhere a bit more lively, Benidorm is only a 30 minute drive from Alicante or 45 minutes by bus . You can also get the tram from the city centre.

We have only been to Benidorm twice, and stayed away from the main touristy part as we’re not keen on crowded places. The old town is really nice with some great bars and restaurants. There are also some lovely and quieter beaches away from the city centre.

For families, there are various attractions for days out in Benidorm with kids such as the waterpark Aqualandia , the zoological park MundoMar , and the theme park  Terra Mitica .

If you’re looking for some entertainment, the Benidorm Palace is a popular venue with tourists, putting on a wide range of shows and concerts.

Villajoyosa

One of our favourite places to visit within an hour of Alicante is the colourful town of Villajoyosa (or La Vila Joiosa in Valenciano). A coastal town approximately 30 mins from Alicante, the main attractions here are the brightly coloured houses throughout the town. When it’s not too hot you can walk from the top of the town, through the colourful streets, and down to the beach front. If it’s too hot, there are carparks along the seafront.

A great way to see the sights of this amazing town is by joining a Free Walking Tour of Villajoyosa .

The seafront has a lovely promenade lined with some great bars and restaurants looking over the beautiful sandy beaches. You can walk in both directions to find some quieter areas as well as some great viewpoints.

The town is full of history and you can visit the well preserved ancient spa and the Iglesia-fortaleza de la Asunción church. There is even a chocolate factory in the town – we’re saving this for a visit in the colder months!

If you’re looking for a traditional white-washed Spanish village then head to the town of Altea which is around 40 minutes north of Alicante by car or just over an hour by bus . It is definitely one of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca.

The main attraction in Altea is the old town which is set on the hillside over looking the sea. The old town is made up of windy cobbled streets with white buldings, and the blue domed church Parròquia de Nostra Senyora del Consol .

The narrow streets are full of unique gift and clothes shops as well as plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants and tapas bars. You also have some amazing views from Altea’s old town.

Down in the newer part of town you have a pebbled beach with a long promenade and lots of restaurants and bars, as well as shops in the streets behind.

If you want a different view of Altea you can book onto a catamaran cruise to sail along the coast and see this beautiful town from out in the bay.

For Instagram lovers, you can book onto this great Altea Instagram Tour where you’ll be shown the most picturesque and ‘Instaworthy’ locations.

Calpe is a traditional Spanish fishing village turned tourist town just a 45 minute drive to the north of Alicante and is known for its sandy beaches. You can also get a bus from Alicante to Calpe for around €8.

From the beach, and any high viewpoints in the town, you can see the Rock of Ifach rising from the sea. You can climb to the summit of the rock but it is supposed to be a very tough and dangerous climb! If you don’t fancy the climb, there’s a lovely marina next to an old fishing port where you can go on a boat ride around the rock instead.

There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, gift shops, and museums to spend your day out in Calpe.

As you can see, if you decide to visit the Costa Blanca there are lots of great places to visit within an hour of Alicante! If you fancy a bit of a longer drive, we also have a blog post with p laces to visit within 3 hours of Alicante.

Don’t forget to  follow us on Instagram  if you want to see more of the Costa Blanca.

For more ideas of activities to book and places to visit on the Costa Blanca, check out Get Your Guide :

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Things to do in Alicante in October

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Looking for a different month?

October is a good time to visit Alicante . The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 61—75°F (16—24°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Alicante during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA), take a day trip to the charming town of Altea, indulge in the local gastronomy at the Mercado Central, and more!

Alicante has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Alicante. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Alicante in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Weather and what to wear
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Alicante in October

Top experiences in october, visit the museo de arte contemporáneo de alicante (maca), take a day trip to the charming town of altea, indulge in the local gastronomy at the mercado central, explore the santa barbara castle, take a leisurely stroll along the explanada de españa, explore the canelobre caves in busot, holidays in alicante in october.

• Hispanic Day ( October 12 )

Other notable holidays

• All Saints' Day ( November 1 )
• Constitution Day ( December 6 )
• Immaculate Conception ( December 8 )
• Christmas Eve ( December 24 )
• Christmas Day ( December 25 )
• Feast of the Holy Family ( December 29 )
• Weather in Alicante in October

Temperatures on an average day in Alicante in October

The average temperature in Alicante in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 75°F (24°C) to a low of 61°F (16°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Alicante , August, has days with highs of 87°F (31°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Alicante in October based on historical data.

Visiting Alicante? See our Alicante Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October

General weather summary, what to wear in october, best attractions for alicante in october.

Top searches in Alicante

Popular road trips from alicante, what's the weather like in alicante.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Alicante for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Alicante in January
• Weather in Alicante in February
• Weather in Alicante in March
• Weather in Alicante in April
• Weather in Alicante in May
• Weather in Alicante in June
• Weather in Alicante in July
• Weather in Alicante in August
• Weather in Alicante in September
• Weather in Alicante in November
• Weather in Alicante in December

All road trips from Alicante

• Alicante to Barcelona drive
• Alicante to Madrid drive
• Alicante to Valencia drive
• Alicante to Paris drive
• Alicante to London drive
• Alicante to Rome drive
• Alicante to Lisbon drive
• Alicante to Seville drive
• Alicante to Granada drive
• Alicante to Amsterdam drive
• Alicante to Florence drive
• Alicante to Milan drive
• Alicante to Berlin drive
• Alicante to Prague drive
• Alicante to Cordoba drive
• Alicante to Venice drive
• Alicante to Palma de Mallorca drive
• Alicante to Malaga drive
• Alicante to Marrakech drive
• Alicante to Budapest drive
• Alicante to Porto drive
• Alicante to Vienna drive
• Alicante to Edinburgh drive
• Alicante to Dublin drive
• Alicante to Toledo drive
• Alicante to Ibiza Town drive
• Alicante to Turin drive
• Alicante to Salou drive
• Alicante to Brussels drive

Explore nearby places

• San Isidro de Albatera
• Vall de Ebo
• Callosa de Segura
• Crevillente
• Monforte del Cid
• Benimarfull
• Castell de Castells
• Muro de Alcoy
• Torremanzanas
• Gata de Gorgos
• Sant Vicent del Raspeig

All related maps of Alicante

• Map of Alicante
• Map of San Isidro de Albatera
• Map of Vall de Ebo
• Map of Callosa de Segura
• Map of Crevillente
• Map of Aspe
• Map of Pinoso
• Map of Monforte del Cid
• Map of Busot
• Map of Aigues
• Map of Tibi
• Map of Confrides
• Map of Jacarilla
• Map of Benimarfull
• Map of Beniarbeig
• Map of Benilloba
• Map of Castell de Castells
• Map of Cocentaina
• Map of Lliber
• Map of Muro de Alcoy
• Map of La Nucia
• Map of Orcheta
• Map of Torremanzanas
• Map of Gata de Gorgos
• Map of Rojales
• Map of Penaguila
• Map of Benidoleig
• Map of Alcalali
• Map of Sant Vicent del Raspeig
• Map of Petrel

Alicante throughout the year

• Alicante in January
• Alicante in February
• Alicante in March
• Alicante in April
• Alicante in May
• Alicante in June
• Alicante in July
• Alicante in August
• Alicante in September
• Alicante in October
• Alicante in November
• Alicante in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Alicante?

Get inspired for your trip to Alicante with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Alicante Itinerary
• 2-Day Alicante Itinerary
• 3-Day Alicante Itinerary
• 4-Day Alicante Itinerary
• 5-Day Alicante Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

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• High School Summer Abroad Programs

Spanish Language & Culture

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Supercharge your Spanish skills in scenic Alicante. 

Embark on a four-week language adventure in Alicante, in the southeastern coast of Spain. After language classes, dive into conversations with locals while exploring the stunning waterfront. Meet local teens, shop at the Mercado Central, and hang out in the city’s old quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, with its medieval alleys, whitewashed buildings, and flower-scented streets. Then, climb to the top of Mount Benacantil to reach the Castillo de Santa Bárbara for sweeping views of the bay. 

At your homestay, get an authentic taste of Spanish life by cooking typical dishes and enjoying la sobremesa (the conversation after the meal) with your host family. During excursions, go on an exciting trip to the Algar Waterfalls and explore the grandeur of Spain’s capital city, Madrid. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and golden sand, you’ll take your Spanish skills to the next level and form lasting bonds in one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal cities.

The Take-Aways

Language growth and cultural competence.

Come home with a higher level of Spanish and a greater understanding of Spanish culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy. 

College Credits

Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Lifelong Skills and Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships of different backgrounds from across the U.S. 

Hours of instruction with a native Spanish teacher

College credits

Life-changing experience

The Destination

Welcome to Alicante, bathed in historic landmarks, pristine beaches, and endless sunshine.  

Nestled on the Costa Blanca coastline, Alicante’s history stretches back thousands of years. The first inhabitants arrived from Central Europe around the 3rd millennium B.C., settling on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, where the Santa Barbara Castle stands today. In the centuries that followed, Greeks, Romans, and Moors took turns ruling the area. At the MARQ archeology museum, one of your excursions, you’ll discover how these ancient civilizations shaped the city! 

With its 330 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. There’s plenty to enjoy—from the ancient ruins to the stunning beaches of San Juan and Postiguet and the tasty local flavors, like paella alicantina, horchata , and local fruit: nísperos , granadas , and cerezas. As you stroll the Explanada de España, the city's palm-lined, half-mile-long promenade, you'll be stepping on 6.5 million marble floor tiles that mimic ocean waves. Here, walking along Mediterranean Sea, find musicians and street performers as you shop for unique, handmade crafts. 

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

• Breakfast at your homestay  
• Engaging Spanish classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers   
• Lunch at your homestay 
• Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity   
• Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay  

Weekends    

• Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
• Quality time with friends and your host family 

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

In CIEE classes, Level 1 is for students acquiring basic Spanish, Level 2 is for those who can carry on everyday conversations, and Level 3 is for those who can participate in discussions on social and academic topics. In the spring before you depart, you’ll take a language proficiency test and when you arrive on site, you’ll participate in an oral interview. How you do on the test and in the interview will identify the level that is right for you. 

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project . Each day in class, you’ll learn Spanish through engaging activities and then, in the community, try out your new Spanish in conversations with locals.  

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Identity Theme . Ask and answer questions, give information, describe your favorite things and your family at home and in Spain. For your Project, create and present a Personal Profile . 

WEEK 2: Take in the local scene as you explore the Community Theme. Describe places, attractions, and events in Alicante. Tell what you want to buy in shops and express your likes and dislikes in food and fashion. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery of Life in Alicante and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Continue improving your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme and, for your Project, create and present a Travel Flyer for a destination in Spain. Give and follow directions, give details of a trip itinerary day-by-day, and describe the destination, the weather, and what to do there.  

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme . Tell what you experienced in Spain, make cultural comparisons, and participate in study abroad interviews. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project . Each day, you’ll advance your Spanish—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.  

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Discovery Theme . Ask about and describe family members, discover and describe exciting things to do in Alicante, and compare daily routines and customs in Spain and the USA. For your Project, create and present a Memory Book of Your Life in Alicante . 

WEEK 2: Explore Spanish culture during this week’s Creativity Theme. Compare musical performances, express opinions on art, tell what happened in movies, and persuade a classmate to attend a cultural event. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery on Spanish Culture and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Delve into Alicante in this week’s Community Theme . For your Project, create and present a Neighborhood Tour in Alicante . Describe the city and what happens there. Role play scenes in a market and restaurant. Report on Alicante’s past and future. 

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer during the Personal Growth Theme . Tell what happened in memorable moments and how you felt about it. Make cultural comparisons and persuade a friend to study abroad. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates during the Cultural Encounters Theme . Tell what happened on a first encounter abroad. Summarize past and current events in Alicante. Express your opinions as you compare cultural norms and stereotypes. For your Project, create and present a Field Report on Alicante .  

WEEK 2: Explore Spanish culture in this week’s Creativity Theme . Describe street art and profile artists, express opinions on magazines and movies, and compare musical performances. For your Project, create an Arts & Culture Magazine and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Continue advancing your Spanish as you delve into the Discovery Theme . For your Project, create and present an Awareness Campaign about a global threat. Give information on its causes and effects, explain solutions, and persuade others in debates, justifying your arguments. 

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme . Conduct a class survey on experiences in Spain and make cultural comparisons. Tell an original story about a memorable moment and speculate on what’s next for you. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Program Blogs

No Adiós, sino Hasta Luego Alicante

Everything comes to an end, and sadly we have to leave Alicante. However, we don't want to say "goodbye", but "until next time" because we all hope for the opportunity... keep reading

Last Week in Alicante

What an amazing last week! This has been a very busy week (not that the previous 3 weeks weren't). The students are tired, but that hasn't interfere with their learning... keep reading

• Language & Culture

Biking through El Retiro

We spent a weekend in Madrid, what a beautiful city! We had a great time visiting many plazas, eating, shopping, strolling down its streets which are filled of history, and... keep reading

Sample Activities 

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

• Explore the Santa Barbara Castle, one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses and Alicante’s most important monument. 
• Cook authentic Spanish dishes with your friends and make traditional ceramics with a local artist.  
• Paddleboard or kayak across the clear waters of Playa de San Juan. See the most beautiful areas of the bay.  
• Hike up the village of Guadalest to reach the ruins of Castle of L'Alcozaiba, perched on the edge of the mountain.  
• Shake and stomp your way through a flamenco dancing class. Have fun with your friends learning the basics of this iconic Spanish dance!
• Take an overnight trip to Madrid, the Spanish capital, to see some of the best art galleries and museums in Europe (or, some say, the world!).

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.   

Eligibility

• Participants must be 14 years old and above.
• Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—who have completed at least one year of high school Spanish. Students who have completed at least two years of high school Spanish may qualify for the Honors Language & Culture program in Madrid or Seville . 
• For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our  scholarship page . 

For more information, refer to the detailed  Program Essential Eligibility Criteria .

Dates & Fees

Application Fee  

Optional College Credit Fee  

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.    

More questions? Find answers , get application support , sign up for virtual presentations or contact us !

What's Included

Interactive classes, 3 meals/day.

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to local phone and wifi, all cultural activities and excursions, comprehensive medical and travel protection, 24/7 emergency on-site support.

Center Director

Rocío oversees all semester and summer programs. Rocio, who joined CIEE in 2015, has extensive working experience in the fields of communication and cultural management. She holds a B.A. in...

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