Alicante is one of those Mediterranean cities that punches well above its weight. For years it played second fiddle to the package holiday resorts dotting the Costa Blanca, dismissed as just another beach town with an airport. But anyone who’s actually spent time here knows better.
Perched beneath the towering Mount Benacantil – crowned by one of Spain’s most impressive castles – Alicante manages to balance centuries of history with proper urban energy. You’ve got Iberians and Romans leaving their mark, followed by the Moors, then Christian reconquest. Layer in a working port, a thriving cultural scene and some genuinely excellent beaches right in the city centre, and you start to see why locals get a bit defensive when tourists bypass them for Benidorm.
The old quarters feel authentically lived-in and the markets bustle with actual residents doing their shopping, not just tourists taking photos. And the promenade – that famous wave-patterned Explanada – comes alive each evening with a parade of locals doing what Spaniards do best: taking their time, enjoying the moment, being unapologetically social.
When it comes to things to do in Alicante, you’re looking at a proper Spanish city experience rather than a beach resort with historical footnotes. Whether you’re here for a weekend break or using it as a base for exploring the Costa Blanca, there’s far more substance here than you might expect. Here’s what deserves your attention.
Best Things to Do in Alicante
Look, I could reel off the usual list of “top attractions” and be done with it, but Alicante rewards a bit more nuance than that. Some of these are absolute must-sees – skip them and you’ve missed the point of the city. Others are the sort of experiences that reveal Alicante’s character once you’ve ticked off the obvious stuff. Mix them according to your interests and available time.
Santa Bárbara Castle
The Castillo de Santa Bárbara absolutely dominates Alicante’s skyline, and with good reason – it’s one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. Perched atop Mount Benacantil, it offers sweeping views over the city, harbour and coastline that make the trip up worthwhile even if you’ve got fortress fatigue from travelling around Spain.
The site’s been strategically important since Iberian and Roman times, but the current fortress took shape under Muslim rule in the 9th century. Given its commanding position, it spent centuries being fought over by various powers until Castilian forces captured it on Saint Barbara’s feast day in 1248 – hence the name.
These days you can wander through towers, dungeons and ramparts whilst getting properly lost in the various levels and passageways. There are exhibitions on the castle’s history if you’re into that sort of thing, but honestly the main draw is the view and the atmosphere of the place itself.
Getting up there’s straightforward – there’s a lift that runs from the seafront (dead handy), you can drive most of the way up, or if you’re feeling energetic there are steep paths from the old town. The lift’s the sensible option unless you enjoy arriving at monuments sweaty and out of breath.
Explanada de España
The Explanada de España is Alicante’s postcard shot – that gorgeous seafront promenade paved with over six million marble tiles arranged in a wave pattern. Red, black and cream creating this undulating design that somehow never gets old. Lined with palm trees and outdoor cafés, it’s where everyone ends up eventually.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just pretty to look at. The Explanada functions as Alicante’s social living room. Come evening, locals promenade up and down (the paseo is still very much a thing here), street musicians set up, artisan stalls appear and the café tables fill with people watching the world go by.
It connects the marina at one end to the beaches and old town, so you’ll probably cross it multiple times during any visit. My advice? Don’t just use it as a thoroughfare. Grab a seat at one of the cafés, order something cold and spend an hour people-watching. That’s when you start to understand how the city works.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Tucked on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, directly beneath Santa Bárbara Castle, the Barrio de Santa Cruz is Alicante’s most photogenic neighbourhood. We’re talking narrow winding lanes, whitewashed houses and façades absolutely covered in flowers and colourful tiles – the full Mediterranean village aesthetic, right in the middle of the city.
Historically this was where fishermen and artisans lived, and it’s still a proper residential neighbourhood rather than some preserved heritage zone. Yes, it’s picturesque as hell (your Instagram will thank you), but people actually live here, hang their washing out, chat with neighbours in the street. That authenticity is what makes it special.
During Semana Santa, processions wind up through these steep streets towards the castle – atmospheric doesn’t begin to cover it. Even without the religious spectacle, wandering Santa Cruz offers a complete contrast to the beachfront boulevards and modern shopping districts. Come in the late afternoon when the light’s golden and the heat’s easing off.
Alicante Cathedral
The Concatedral de San Nicolás sits on the site of what was once a mosque – as happened throughout Spain after the Reconquista. Built in the 17th century, it’s an example of Herrerian Baroque architecture, which basically means the exterior’s quite austere and serious whilst the interior compensates with considerably more decoration.
It’s dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, Alicante’s patron saint, and remains an active church rather than just a tourist attraction. The domed crossing is impressive, the cloister’s lovely and various chapels contain artwork and religious imagery worth a look if you’re into that sort of thing.
Cathedrals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, I get it. But if you’re in the old town anyway (which you will be), it’s worth ducking inside for ten minutes. The contrast between the sober exterior and ornate interior is quite striking, and it gives you a sense of Alicante’s importance as a religious centre historically.
Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ)
Right, the MARQ is genuinely one of Spain’s best museums, not just some regional collection you visit out of obligation. Housed in a former hospital building, it traces the province’s history from prehistory through Iberian, Roman, Islamic and medieval Christian periods using interactive displays and multimedia that actually work rather than feeling like gimmicks.
The artefacts themselves – ceramics, jewellery, tools, weapons – are fascinating enough, but what sets MARQ apart is how it presents them. You’re not just staring at objects in cases; you’re getting context about archaeological methods, daily life and cultural connections. They’ve won international awards for their approach, and you can see why.
Temporary exhibitions often focus on specific cultures or archaeological sites, so there’s reason to visit more than once if you’re in the area regularly. It’s slightly outside the city centre but easily reached by tram or bus. Budget a couple of hours minimum – you’ll want longer if you’re actually interested in the subject matter.
Contemporary Art Museum (MACA)
The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo sits in Alicante’s old town, housed in a 17th-century Baroque building that once served as a granary. The juxtaposition of historic architecture and contemporary art works surprisingly well – there’s something appealing about encountering a Picasso in a space with that much history embedded in its walls.
The permanent collection was founded on a donation by artist Eusebio Sempere and includes works by Picasso, Miró, Dalí and Chillida among others. So you’re looking at major names from Spain’s 20th-century avant-garde movements alongside international contemporary pieces.
It’s not huge – you can see everything in an hour or so – but the quality’s high and it demonstrates that Alicante’s cultural scene extends beyond beaches and festivals. Admission’s free, which is always welcome, and the building itself repays attention even if modern art isn’t your primary interest.
Central Market
Mercado Central is where Alicante does its actual shopping, and it’s brilliant. Built in the early 20th century with Modernist and eclectic architectural flourishes, the market hall buzzes with activity most mornings. Fresh seafood (we’re on the Mediterranean, after all), meat, fruit, vegetables, spices – everything local and seasonal.
Visiting markets is one of those things travel guides always recommend, but the Central Market genuinely deserves it. This isn’t a sanitised tourist market; it’s the real deal, where locals come to haggle and gossip and debate the quality of today’s catch. The sensory overload alone – the colours, smells, sounds of vendors calling out – makes it worthwhile.
Around the market you’ll find tapas bars and cafés that spill out onto the surrounding streets. Grab some seafood tapas and a beer at one of the stalls inside the market itself if you want the full experience. Just don’t turn up at 3pm expecting it to be open – mornings are when it’s at its best.
Postiguet Beach
Playa del Postiguet sits directly below Santa Bárbara Castle, right in the city centre. It’s an actual proper beach – wide sandy expanse, gentle Mediterranean waters, the lot – not some token strip of imported sand. Families love it, office workers come down for lunch breaks and tourists quickly realise that Alicante’s beaches aren’t an afterthought.
The promenade alongside is lined with restaurants and bars creating that lively seaside atmosphere Spanish coastal cities do so well. You can literally go from museum or cathedral to beach in ten minutes, which is quite a nice option to have when the afternoon heat kicks in.
If Postiguet’s too crowded for your taste, Playa de San Juan stretches for several kilometres just outside the centre – bigger, slightly less urban, though you’ll need a short tram ride to reach it. There are also smaller coves along the coast north and south if you’re willing to explore a bit.
Tabarca Island
One of the best day trips from Alicante is to Tabarca, a tiny island 22 km offshore. It’s got a proper history – once a refuge for Barbary pirates until the Spanish crown fortified it in the 18th century and settled Genoese fishermen there. These days it’s known for crystal-clear waters and a protected marine reserve that’s brilliant for snorkelling and diving.
The island itself has this miniature walled village with narrow streets, churches and crumbling fortifications that give it an end-of-the-world feel. The population’s tiny – maybe 50 permanent residents – though it swells with day-trippers in summer.
Boats depart regularly from Alicante harbour and the crossing takes about an hour. Pack swimming gear, snorkelling equipment if you’ve got it and sun protection. The water clarity is genuinely remarkable – you can see why it’s a protected marine area. There are a handful of restaurants serving the local speciality, caldero (rice with fish), though quality varies wildly so don’t expect miracles.
Fair warning: summer weekends get absolutely mobbed. Weekday visits or shoulder season offer a much more peaceful experience.
Mount Benacantil
Mount Benacantil is more than just the lump of rock holding up Santa Bárbara Castle – it’s a natural landmark that shaped the entire city. The slopes are covered with pine trees and laced with walking paths offering different perspectives on Alicante below.
From certain angles, the rock profile resembles a face, locally nicknamed “La Cara del Moro” (the Moor’s Face). Once you’ve seen it you can’t unsee it, and you’ll find yourself pointing it out to anyone who’ll listen.
Exploring the mountain provides both exercise and context. You start to understand why this location was chosen for fortifications, how the topography influenced the city’s development and where Alicante sits in relation to the surrounding landscape. It’s a nice counterpoint to the urban beaches and historical sites – a reminder that nature still plays a role here.
The paths aren’t particularly challenging if you’re reasonably fit, though it gets hot in summer so early morning or evening walks make more sense. The views from various points are excellent, and you’ll likely have them largely to yourself outside peak tourist season.
Luceros Square and Modern Alicante
Most guides focus relentlessly on old towns and historical sites, which is fair enough, but modern Alicante matters too. Plaza de los Luceros sits at the heart of contemporary city life, dominated by a monumental fountain representing the four seasons. It’s a transport hub, a meeting point and the centre of civic celebrations including the massive Hogueras de San Juan festival.
The surrounding streets are filled with shops, cafés, offices – the infrastructure of a working provincial capital rather than a tourist attraction. Exploring this area reveals what Alicante is beyond its visitor-facing identity: a functioning Spanish city where people live, work and go about their daily business.
It’s not going to feature in your holiday photos particularly, but spending time here gives you perspective. You start to see how the tourist areas fit into the broader urban fabric, how locals actually experience the city. Sometimes that context makes the historical sites more meaningful when you return to them.
Gastronomy and Tapas Culture
Alicante’s food scene reflects its coastal location and agricultural hinterland in ways that become obvious once you start paying attention. Rice dishes dominate – variations on arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) and seafood paellas that bear little resemblance to what gets served in tourist traps elsewhere.
Tapas bars serve the classics: grilled sardines, salted tuna, fried anchovies, all ridiculously fresh because the Mediterranean’s right there. The province is also famous for turrón (nougat), produced in nearby Jijona and sold throughout the region. Around Christmas it’s everywhere, though quality varies dramatically between artisanal producers and mass-market stuff.
Dining options range from humble taverns with wobbly tables and handwritten menus to Michelin-starred restaurants doing contemporary Spanish cuisine. Local wines from the Vinalopó Valley complement the food – they don’t have the international profile of Rioja or Ribera del Duero but they’re perfectly suited to the regional dishes.
Exploring Alicante’s gastronomy is as essential as visiting monuments, arguably more so. You learn as much about a place from its food culture as from its museums, and Alicante’s culinary traditions are deeply rooted in centuries of Mediterranean trade and agriculture.
Hogueras de San Juan Festival
The Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John) is Alicante’s defining festival, held in late June around the summer solstice. For a week the city goes absolutely mad. Gigantic papier-mâché sculptures – satirical, political, fantastical – are erected throughout the centre, then burned in spectacular midnight bonfires accompanied by fireworks, parades, music and generalised chaos.
It’s Valencia’s Fallas festival’s slightly less famous cousin, with similar origins in pagan midsummer celebrations layered with Catholic traditions. The whole city participates – neighbourhood associations spend months planning their sculptures and festivities, and locals take the week off work to properly commit to the celebrations.
If your visit coincides with the Hogueras, brilliant – you’ll see Alicante at its most exuberant and unguarded. Just book accommodation well in advance because the city fills up completely. If you’re not there for the festival, other events throughout the year include Semana Santa processions and local celebrations of the Virgen del Remedio.
These aren’t tourist performances – they’re genuine expressions of community identity and tradition that happen to be spectacular to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alicante
How do I get to Alicante?
Alicante-Elche Airport is one of Spain’s busiest, with flights across Europe and beyond. It sits just 10 km from the city centre, connected by regular buses, taxis and private transfers – you’ll be in town within half an hour of landing. High-speed trains link Alicante to Madrid in about two hours and Valencia in around 90 minutes, whilst Barcelona’s about five hours by train or just over an hour by flight.
Where should I stay in Alicante?
The old town (El Barrio) offers character and easy access to nightlife, restaurants and major attractions. The Explanada and marina areas provide seafront locations if you want to be near the action. For beach access, Playa de San Juan has loads of accommodation options though you’ll need the tram to reach the centre. Modern hotels cluster around Luceros Square and the train station – convenient if you’re arriving by rail.
When is the best time to visit Alicante?
Spring and autumn are ideal – warm temperatures without the scorching summer heat, fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for sightseeing. Summer’s popular for beaches and the Hogueras festival but it gets seriously hot (we’re talking 35°C plus some days) and crowded. Winter’s mild compared to northern Europe, making Alicante viable year-round if you’re after sunshine and don’t mind skipping beach weather.
How many days should I spend in Alicante?
Two days covers the essentials – castle, old town, Explanada, a beach afternoon. Three to four days lets you add museums, a trip to Tabarca Island and still have time to properly relax rather than tick off sights. If you’re using Alicante as a base for exploring the Costa Blanca, a week makes sense – day trips to towns like Altea, Guadalest and Villajoyosa are all doable.
What food should I try in Alicante?
Definitely have proper arroz a banda or seafood paella from a decent restaurant (avoid anywhere with pictures on the menu). Try caldero on Tabarca Island if you make the trip. Sample the tapas – grilled sardines, salted tuna, octopus if it’s available. For dessert, try artisanal turrón from Jijona rather than the mass-produced versions. And drink local wines from the Vinalopó Valley – they’re underrated and pair beautifully with the regional cuisine.
Before you go …
Alicante consistently surprises people who arrive with low expectations shaped by its package holiday airport reputation. Yes, it’s a gateway to the Costa Blanca’s resorts, but it’s also a substantial Spanish city with proper historical depth, cultural vitality and urban beaches that rival anywhere on the Mediterranean.
The castle’s spectacular, the old quarters are genuinely atmospheric and the food scene rewards exploration. But what makes Alicante work is how it balances these elements – you can climb medieval ramparts in the morning, browse contemporary art after lunch and be on the beach by mid-afternoon. That versatility matters when you’re actually spending time somewhere rather than just photographing it.
When it comes to things to do in Alicante, you’ve got enough variety to satisfy history buffs, beach lovers, foodies and culture seekers without anyone feeling shortchanged. The city’s managed to grow and modernise whilst retaining its character, which isn’t easy when tourism and development pressures are as intense as they are along this coast.
Whether you’re here for a weekend city break or a longer Mediterranean escape, give Alicante the attention it deserves rather than treating it as just another stop on the Costa Blanca circuit. The castle views alone justify the visit, but stick around long enough and you’ll find there’s considerably more substance here than the tourist brochures suggest.
