Alicante Travel Guide
Welcome to Alicante, a vibrant Mediterranean city where historic charm meets beautiful beaches. From a castle with panoramic views to a lively old town and delicious tapas, Alicante is the perfect destination for a sunny getaway.
Must-See Highlights
Santa Bárbara Castle
Perched on Mount Benacantil, this is one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses. Take the lift from Postiguet beach or enjoy a scenic walk to the top for breathtaking views of the city and coast.
- Price: Free entry (lift costs approx. €2.70).
- Best for: Sunset views.
Explanada de España
Alicante's most famous promenade, a beautiful walkway paved with 6.5 million marble tiles creating a wave-like mosaic. Lined with palm trees, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The Old Town (El Barrio)
Get lost in the narrow, winding streets of El Barrio. Discover colorful houses, charming squares, and a bustling atmosphere with plenty of tapas bars and restaurants.
Best Beaches in Alicante
Playa del Postiguet
The city's main beach, located at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle. It's a wide, sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for families and easily accessible.
Playa de San Juan
A few kilometers north of the city (accessible by TRAM), this is a huge, stunning beach with fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Lined with restaurants and bars.
Cabo de las Huertas
A series of rocky coves between Postiguet and San Juan beaches. Ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and escaping the crowds. It's also a popular nudist area.
Getting Around Alicante
- On Foot: The city center, old town, and Postiguet beach are all easily walkable.
- TRAM: A modern tram-train network connects the city center to Playa de San Juan, Benidorm, Altea, and Denia. It's efficient and scenic.
- Buses: A comprehensive bus network covers the entire city and its surroundings. The C-6 bus connects to the airport.
- Taxis & VTC: Taxis are readily available. Ride-sharing apps like Cabify and Bolt also operate in the city.
Book Activities & Tours in Alicante
From guided walking tours to catamaran trips and wine tasting experiences, make the most of your visit.
Gastronomy & Nightlife
Alicante is a food lover's paradise, famous for its rice dishes (`arroz`), fresh seafood, and lively tapas scene.
Rice Dishes
Try `Arroz a Banda` (rice cooked in fish broth) or other local rice specialties.
Tapas Bars
Head to Calle Castaños or the streets of El Barrio for the best tapas crawl.
Mercado Central
A bustling central market where you can sample local products and have a drink.
Nightlife
The main nightlife areas are El Barrio (old town) and the more modern marina area.
Day Trips from Alicante
Tabarca Island
A short boat trip takes you to this tiny, historic inhabited island. Perfect for snorkeling and enjoying fresh seafood.
Altea
A beautiful white-washed village with a charming old town and blue-domed church. (Accessible by TRAM).
Elche (Elx)
Home to a huge palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (30 min by train/bus).
Best Time to Visit & Events
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, perfect for beach lovers.
Hogueras de San Juan (June)
Alicante's biggest festival, celebrating the start of summer. Giant papier-mâché figures are built and then ceremoniously burned on the night of June 24th. A week of parades, fireworks, and parties.
Arriving from the Airport?
Start your trip the easy way. Book a fixed-price private transfer directly to your hotel.