11 Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain (Beaches, Castles & Hidden Gems)
10 Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain – Last updated May 2025
Planning a trip to Alicante, Spain? Whether you’re a tourist or relocating to the Costa Blanca, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Alicante city and nearby areas. From lovely sandy beaches and historical castles to local food markets and family-friendly parks, Alicante has something for everyone.
We live around 40 minutes away from Alicante and have visited many times over the last 10 years, both as residents and as tourists on holiday. We always find plenty to do, and always bring our guests to Alicante when they visit.
Whether you are looking for things to do in Alicante for families, or by yourself, there is so much to choose from. In this blog post we’ll share some of our favourite places to visit and things to see in Alicante.
Is Alicante worth visiting?
If you haven’t been to Alicante before and are wondering whether it’s worth a trip, then quite simply the answer is yes! Alicante has everything you need from a holiday to Spain – beautiful beaches, a lovely old town to explore, plenty of affordable restaurants and bars, and a lot of history and culture to learn more about. There are parks and museums for children to enjoy, malls for shopping addicts, and tapas bars for foodies. Alicante is a safe city that isn’t as busy as some of the larger Spanish cities, and it is very easy to walk between the top tourist attractions.
Where is Alicante?
Alicante is a port city on the Costa Blanca, and the capital of the Alicante province within the Valencian Community. It’s a lively city with narrow streets, old buildings, and lots of great things to do, from beaches to museums, shopping to sightseeing.
Ready to book your holiday to Alicante?
If you’re ready to starting booking your Alicante holiday, these links may help…
- Find great value flights and accommodation at Expedia
- Prebook your airport transfer at HolidayTaxis
- Check hotel reviews at TripAdvisor
- Book your tours and excursions at GetYourGuide
If you are planning a trip to this fantastic city, here are some suggestions of how to spend your time in Alicante…
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Visit Santa Bárbara Castle – Alicante’s Top Landmark
Number one on your bucket list when visiting Alicante has to be a visit to the castle, one of Alicante’s top attractions. From Alicante´s old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, you can see the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, set up on the on the top of Benacantil Mountain, 166 metres above sea level.
It’s a fantastic place to learn about the history of both Alicante and the surrounding areas, as well to see some amazing views of the Mediterranean coast. Santa Bárbara Castle is the city’s main tourist attraction and dates back to the 9th century when the city was under Muslim control. We’ve visited this castle several times and it’s always a fun trip for any age.
You can get to the castle via some very steep steps at the back of the old town, or you can take the much easier option of the lift which will take you to the top of the castle. The lift can be hard to find the first time but you just need to look for the entrance to a tunnel directly opposite the beach. It’s around €2 per person to take the lift and entry to the castle is free.
Once at the top, you´ll find the best views in the whole of the city!
You can walk around various rooms in the castle with archaeological remains of the Bronze Age, Iberian and Roman on display. There’s also a restaurant and a couple of kiosks where you can get some refreshments and have a rest.
Find out everything you need to know about visiting Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
Visit the Best Beaches in Alicante
There are many amazing golden, sandy beaches close to the city centre, which are perfect for a day out with the family in Alicante – and of course one of the best free ways to pass your time on the Costa Blanca!
The city’s main beach, Playa del Postiguet, is just a few minutes walk from the city centre. From here you can walk for miles along the shore towards Playa de San Juan. Playa del Postiguet has a playpark on the beach and in the summer months there are inflatables in the sea, as well as pedaloes – great fun for keeping kids amused while you sunbathe!
Alongside the beach is long palm tree lined promenade with some great beach bars, cafes and restaurants serving food and drink all day.
If you jump on the tram from Alicante, you can head to more beautiful beaches such as Playa San Juan and El Campello which are just a short distance from the city centre.
Visit Mushroom Street (Calle de las Setas) for Family Fun
If you have children, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Alicante! For something unusual to do in Alicante, somewhere really fun to go with children is Calle de las Setas, or ‘Mushroom Street’.
The yellow paved street is home to giant toadstools, some with slides and others designed as playhouses, plus hopscotch painted on the floor. There are a couple of bars in the middle, as well as plenty of cake shops and ice cream parlours along the way.
Mushroom Street is definitely one of the most fun places in Alicante to take a wander, and unlike anything you’ll see in any other city.
Take the Coastal Tram from Alicante to Benidorm
If you want to see more of the coast, the Tram runs from the center of Alicante all the way up to Benidorm, and then from Benidorm it goes all the way to Denia. You can get on the tram in the city centre and it costs €6.40 for a return ticket to Benidorm. You can get on and off wherever you want – we’d definitely recommend stopping at Villajoyosa and Altea if you have the time as these are both beautiful towns worth a visit.
Where to Shop in Alicante – Malls & Local Markets
Like most cities, Alicante has a lot of great shops, from well-known brands to unique gift shops. There two big indoor shopping malls in the city, Plaza Mar 2 which includes Mango, Zara, H&M, a cinema and restaurants, and Gran Via commercial centre which is home to Ikea, Primark, Pull & Bear, H&M and lots of great Spanish brands. These shopping centres are ideal if you want to cool down, and they are open until 10pm.
If you’re looking for gifts, head to Alicante’s old town which is full of one off shops and boutiques. The walk from the port also has plenty of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts
Explore Mercado Central de Alicante for Local Food
Alicante’s grand central market is an amazing indoor market with 100s of stalls over two floors selling local delicacies including fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, and wines. It’s the perfect place to try some samples of local foods as well as gifts to take home with you.
Visit One of the Top Museums in Alicante for History, Art & Culture
Alicante has lots of great museums where you can learn more about the history of the city.
Museo Arqueologico de Alicante, known as MARQ, is home to some great archaeological displays, plus themed areas and interactive displays for kids. They hold lots of different exhibitions so keep an eye out for what’s on during your visit.
Museo de Hogueras is where the amazing floats and papier mache figures from the famous San Juan festivals are displayed. If you don´t manage to make it to the fiestas, this is a great place to see what happens during this fun and unusual fiesta.
Plaza de Toros (the bullring) and Museo Taurino de Alicante (the adjoining museum) is a great place to learn about the Spanish tradition of bullfighting. Even if you don’t agree with bullfighting it’s really interesting (and important) to learn more about something that is such a big part of Spanish history and culture. The bullring is also worth a look from an architectural point of view as the building itself is amazing.
If you’re searching for free things to do in Alicante you’ll be pleased to know that museums have free entry on Sundays.
Take a Boat Trip from Alicante
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to explore the Costa Blanca coastline, taking a boat trip from Alicante is a must. Whether you fancy a catamaran cruise, a snorkelling adventure, or even a boat tour to Tabarca Island, there are plenty of options.
One of the most popular day trips is a boat tour to Isla de Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. It’s around an hour by boat from Alicante and is perfect for a day of swimming, snorkelling, and seafood in a charming, car-free fishing village.
If you prefer to stay closer to the city, you can join a catamaran cruise in Alicante that offers sunset sailing, drinks on board, and a stop to swim or snorkle. We did this boat trip a while back and it’s a great option for families, couples or groups looking to relax on the water.
There are also various options of private boat charters available for families or groups, and many trips depart directly from the Alicante Marina, making it easy to access from the city centre.
Some of the best Alicante boat trips include:
- Catamaran day cruise with drinks and snorkeling
- Tabarca Island boat tour
- Late afternoon Catamaran cruise
- Private sailboat rental in Alicante
You can book most Alicante boat tours online in advance (click on the links above), which we’d especially recommend during the summer months when they tend to sell out. It’s also a great way to escape the city heat and enjoy the sea breeze.
Relax at Parque El Palmeral Palm Tree Paradise
An absolute must on your list of things to see in Alicante is, in our opinion, the best park in Alicante! This palm tree park is located just outside of the city centre and you can jump on a bus if you don’t have a car. It’s a really peaceful place, with man-made lakes and waterfalls, as well as play parks for the kids, a pump track for bikes and scooters, picnic areas, and of course a lot of palm trees.
The paths through the park lead you on nice walk around the park, over bridges, and even behind the waterfall. There’s a small bar in the centre serving snacks, drinks, and ice creams, with a picnic area next to it. The park has free entry, plus plenty of free parking on the road outside.
Where to Eat in Alicante – Tapas, Paella & Local Favorites
Before you leave Alicante, make sure you try some tapas or paella! The old town is home to some great bars and restaurants, tucked away in the back streets. There are also some lovely seafood restaurants along the beach front.
To experience traditional Spanish tapas like a local you can even join an Alicante Tapas Tour where you’ll have chance to sample different tapas and drinks while being shown the best places to eat by a local guide.
If you’re not a fan of seafood or paella, or have fussy eaters with you, don’t worry as there are lots of Italian restaurants, burger restaurants, and plenty of other cuisines all around the city.
Join a Free Walking Tour of Alicante
One of the best ways to explore Alicante is on foot, and what better way to see the best sightseeing in Alicante city centre than being shown around by an experienced local on a Free Walking Tour of Alicante.
You meet up with an English speaking guide at the Town Hall Square, and spend 2 and a half hours exploring the city. The guide will take you to the best places to visit in Alicante, as well tell you some interesting facts about the city and it’s history.
Oh, and as we mentioned already, it’s free – you just pay the amount you think is appropriate at the end of the tour.
Best Places to Stay in Alicante – Hotels for Every Budget
If you’re looking for accommodation in Alicante, here are a few suggestions of the best places to stay in Alicante…
Alicante hotel for families
Located 800 metres from Playa de San Juan Beach, Hotel Alicante Golf is set in beautiful gardens, with an 18-hole golf course, spa and wellness centre, outdoor pool, padel courts and a children’s play area with special activities and menus. Free WiFi is offered in public areas.
Hotel Alicante Golf is close to a large shopping area, Alicante city centre is 7 km away, and Alicante Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
There is an elegant bar where guests can relax with a drink. The El Mirador Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with views of the golf course.
Alicante hotel for couples
Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia
One of the places to stay in Alicante with the best seaviews, the Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia is located 100 metres from Alicante’s historic centre and set between Postiguet Beach and Alicante Marina, offering views of the Mediterranean.
All rooms have a private terrace, flat-screen TV, and views of the marina or Alicante’s Bay. The hotel has a gym and a spa, available at an extra cost.
Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia is near the Mediterranean Casino, 100 metres from Paseo de Las Palmeras, 15-minute drive from the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport airport, and nearby tram and train connections provide quick access to other local towns.
Budget Alicante hotel
Hotel Castilla is located just 200 metres from Alicante’s San Juan Beach, with an outdoor pool. Its air-conditioned rooms include flat-screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and private terraces.
There are various restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity and the hotel is located is 1.5 km from ARENA Sports Club, where guests can enjoy the spa facilities at an extra cost.
The hotel is 70 metres from the tram stop to Alicante city centre, which is 8 km away.
Luxury Alicante hotel
Hotel Hospes Amerigo Alicante has beautiful views of the Cathedral and Santa Bárbara Castle, plus a free rooftop spa with sauna, pool and gym. Rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen satellite TV.
This elegant design hotel is set in a 19th-century Dominican Convent in Alicante’s old town, just 300 metres from Postiguet Beach, 50 metres of the cathedral and Alicante Town Hall.
In summer, guests can enjoy the views from the rooftop lounge bar, situated next to the open-air pool.
Find the Best Tours and Activities in Alicante
Visit Get Your Guide to book tickets, tours, experiences, and activities in Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Alicante
Top attractions include Santa Bárbara Castle, Playa del Postiguet, Mercado Central, and the Explanada de España promenade.
Yes, Alicante is very family-friendly with parks, beaches, museums, and attractions like Mushroom Street for children.
Absolutely. Most major attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of the city center.
The best time to visit is spring or autumn when the weather is sunny but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists.
Alicante is considered a safe city for tourists. Like any tourist area, be aware of petty theft or pickpocketing in crowded spots, but overall, it has a low crime rate.
Yes, you can take a scenic tram ride to Benidorm for a day trip – it takes about 1 hour and costs around €6.40 return.
Many people in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels speak English, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful, especially outside the city center.
A 2–3 day trip is enough to explore the main attractions in Alicante. If you want to include day trips to places like Tabarca Island, Guadalest, or Benidorm, consider staying 4–5 days.
Yes! The sea is safe for swimming, especially at Playa del Postiguet and Playa de San Juan, which are clean, family-friendly, and have lifeguards in summer.
