Alicante is a beautiful jewel in the Costa Blanca crown situated on the eastern part of Spain, in the Valencia region. The town is a stunning mix of medieval and new Spain’s historical Castle on one side and the Ancient Quarter on the other. Alicante is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and long history as among the most popular tourist attractions in Costa Blanca. Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Alicante, while you are on your vacation to Spain.
You can enter the coastline from the ancient portion of the city from the view of the mountain top castle. While the day can be full of discovery of the area, in every beachfront bar the nights can be very exciting. Finally, the most possible dosage of excitement is a flight to Alicante.
Top 10 Things to Do in Alicante
- Castillo de Santa Barbara
- San Juan Beach
- The Postiguet Beach
- Santa María – Church
- The Old Town
- Explanada de España – sunset
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Archaeological Museum
- Bodegas of Vinalopó
- The Palmeral de Elche
1. Castillo de Santa Barbara
The Carthaginians built this ancient fortress around 400 BC. On top of the Benacantil Range, the castle is situated. In the 9th century, it was founded by Muslim rulers during the Bronze Age, Romanesque and Iberian era. In the castle, there is a museum with many architectural collections. The castle gives a beautiful view of the entire town of Alicante, aside from a decent dose of tradition. This is one of the things to do in Alicante to rejuvenate your brain with some history.
2. San Juan Beach for some peace
The beach of San Juan, which lies a little outside Alicante, provides a peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere which, unfortunately, does not exist on the beaches within the city. There is plenty of room to sit down, enjoy the sun or take a long stroll around this beach. The beach is massive. A tram from the city of Alicante is the fastest way to get to this town.
3. The Postiguet Beach
As one of Costa Blanca ‘s major resorts, you will continue to explore the beaches in Alicante. In the centre of the town at the foot of the Monte Benacantil is Postiguet Bay. Particularly during the middle of summer, the beach is filled with local people and visitors. With a relaxing period by the White Sandy Beach, you can find some trendy bars and restaurants across the palm-covered waterfront. Visiting Postiguet beach is one of the best things to do in Alicante to spend some on leisure.
4. Gothic Church of Santa María
Santa María Gothic cathedral is a cathedral from the 16th century. In Venetian Gothic style, Alicante’s longest-serving church. There was once a mosque on this site until this church was built. In the middle of the historical centre of the city is the synagogue. You have to attend the morning mass of the church because you are an early riser.
5. The Old Town
stroll back Via Rambla de Méndez-Núnez and Explanada de España after a tour to the castle. The entire neighbourhood is part of an old town, which still traces the history of the region. As a walled town, Alicante has long been fearful of attacks on the seashore. The stroll along the streets of the Old town is one of the relaxing and best things to do in Alicante.
There are many places to explore in the Old Quarter. Starter with a tour of the Town Hall, San Nicolás Cathedral and the Convent of the Nuns of the Heart. Wander along Mar Plaza, Labradores Road and Santa Cruz Barrio to witness the past and new parallels. The whole area can be identified as the Old part of the city from Postiguet beach to Mount Benacantil.
6. Explanada de España – sunset
Experiencing the sunset at the sunset in this beach is one of the best things to do in Alicante. The Puerta del Mar and Canalejas Park link this long stretch of the walkway. This stretch stretches to the Alicante terminal. Often before the sunset, in order to get a better interpretation from Explanada de España, you have to see the sun lowering in the Mediterranean in due time.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art
Spain’s history, traditions and art are vibrant in Spain. It’s not rare for Alicante. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Alicante preserves and displays the works of art by numerous esteemed artists. The impressive works include prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Juana Frances and Juan Gris.
8. Archaeological Museum
Visit the MARQ Provincial Archeological Museum to find out more about Alicante’s culture, geography and arts. You will explore the ancient, Iberian and Roman periods in different parts of the museum and take a journey through Spain’s Middle Ages. The selection of various items from these periods offers the spectator an interesting look into the history of Spain.
9. Bodegas of Vinalopó
You’ll hit the renowned wine-producing area of Vinalopó in 45 minutes on the drive from Alicante. Take a day trip to the Vinalopó Wine Region to see the finest wine made, along with an opportunity to sample the wines from the very beginning. Alicia ‘s largest wine region is called Vinalopó and its wines, including Fondillón wine, are mainly known for their individuality. The path to Vinalopó goes along with the winegrowing fields across the olive and almond orchards. Seek the street food after you have sampled new wines from the bodegas.
10. The Palmeral de Elche
With its large array of palm trees, Palmeral de Elche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also Europe’s biggest palm grove, located about a 30-minute drive from Alicante Town. This country’s palm trees date back to ancient times, but it had been established under Spain’s Islamic rule. Today there are over 97 vergers in Elche province, which grow the palm trees.
Bonus
Much like Barcelona’s seafood culture, Alicante has its very own culture when it comes to seafood. Trying out the authentic seafood culture is one of the best things to do in Alicante to understand the culinary of Spain. There is endless availability of shellfish here, and the Mediterranean types such as ribs, sardines, tuna, creams, lobsters, swordfish and crabs can not be overlooked. For many years the local wine and delicious fish will leave you with a touch of the Alicante. Don’t forget to check out the other restaurants which serve desi Indian food in Spain.
Pickyourtrail helps travellers with customizable itineraries to all their dream destinations. Get in touch with the destination experts to tailor your next Spain vacation accordingly. Check out our guides pages for more info on any of the destination or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.
Related Itineraries
Ring in the New Year: 6 Nights Exploring Madrid, Valencia, Toledo & Barcelona
- Flights excluded
- 2 star accommodations
- 6 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 77,123
Starting price/person
New Year Magic in Spain: 8 Nights Across Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona
- Flights excluded
- 1 star accommodations
- 6 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,13,592
Starting price/person
Enchanting Spain Journey: 10-Night Magical Tour Package
- Flights excluded
- 4 star accommodations
- 7 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,85,760
Starting price/person
Merry Christmas in Madrid, Seville & Toledo: 6 Nights of Spanish Holiday Magic
- Flights excluded
- 3 star accommodations
- 4 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,57,728
Starting price/person
Spectacular Spain Escape: 6-Night Amazing Holiday Packages
- Flights excluded
- 4 star accommodations
- 4 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,14,663
Starting price/person
Celebrate Christmas Across Spain: 10 Nights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Flights excluded
- 1 star accommodations
- 12 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 2,15,751
Starting price/person
Thrilling Spain Adventure: 10-Night Exciting Packages
- Flights excluded
- 4 star accommodations
- 4 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,40,850
Starting price/person
Captivating Spain and Ibiza Retreat: 7-Night Scintillating Vacation Packages
- Flights excluded
- 3 star accommodations
- 3 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,23,879
Starting price/person
Timeless Spain Portugal Getaway: 10-Night Classic Holiday Package
- Flights excluded
- 4 star accommodations
- 5 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 2,27,828
Starting price/person
Timeless Spain Journey: 13-Night Classic Travel Packages
- Flights excluded
- 4 star accommodations
- 11 activities
- Shared transfer
₹ 1,54,617
Starting price/person