Summary
Alicante serves as the capital of the eastern region of Spain known as Costa Blanca, aptly named for its extensive stretches of white sandy beaches. The city seamlessly combines beach relaxation with cultural exploration, featuring a medieval fortress dominating the skyline and a traditional Mediterranean old town with whitewashed homes and cobbled streets.
Visitors can enjoy engaging mornings filled with visits to museums and churches, followed by afternoons spent in crystal-clear waters or lounging under a sunshade. The city’s modern tram system simplifies travel between its various attractions.
Now, let’s delve into the top attractions in Alicante:
1. Castle of Santa Barbara
Perched atop the Benacantil mountain, this impressive fortress boasts medieval Arab origins. Although the majority of renovations occurred during Spain’s Golden Age in the 16th century, one can still observe remnants from Moorish times throughout.
The optimal time for an ascent on foot is early morning, avoiding the peak heat of the day. However, there is also a lift available just behind Postiguet Beach. Ascending to the battlements offers breathtaking views of Alicante, the Mediterranean Sea, and the rugged countryside.
2. Explanada de España
Alicante’s elegant promenade is laid with marble, facilitating navigation as it stretches from the old town along the seafront adjacent to the marina.
Family strolls are a cherished tradition in many Spanish cities, and the Explanada de España enhances this experience with an air of sophistication.
While walking among palm trees, visitors can immerse themselves in Alicante’s lively atmosphere, observing daily life unfold at terraces and local markets.
The promenade also offers delightful coastal vistas, and during the summer evenings, the brightly lit pathway benefits from refreshing sea breezes, particularly after hot days.
3. Archaeological Museum
The MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum in Alicante provides comprehensive insights into the region’s history, starting with the prehistoric era, showcasing the artifacts of early humans.
Subsequent exhibits focus on the Iberian culture, highlighting notable archaeological findings in the vicinity, including sculptures and ceramics from pre-Roman sites.
Alicante’s proximity to the ancient Roman city of Lucentum unveils a rich collection of pottery, jewelry, and everyday items from excavations there.
Of particular intrigue are the exhibits dedicated to the medieval period, reflecting a unique time when Jewish, Islamic, and Christian cultures coexisted harmoniously.
4. Casco Antiguo
The old district of Alicante offers a delightful maze-like experience, reminiscent of a quaint village at the city’s heart. Nestled at the base of the castle, this neighborhood features steep streets and staircases, flanked by high whitewashed walls.
Residents take pride in their homes, adorning balconies and doorsteps with vibrant flowers and painting shutters in appealing shades of blue and green.
Visitors can rejuvenate at one of the many cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the area.
5. Postiguet Beach
Adjacent to the old town lies a conveniently accessible beach, Playa del Postiguet, characterized by its fine golden sand and gentle waves.
Visitors can enjoy wading out far before the water reaches waist height, providing excellent views of the imposing Santa Barbara fortress from the sea.
While it may become crowded during the summer months, its central location ensures ample options for refreshments.
6. Basilica of Santa María
This historic church, recognized as the oldest in the city, is situated near the foot of the mountain, a short distance from Postiguet Beach.
Reflecting the typical history of many churches in Spain, Santa María was built on the site of a former mosque following the recapture of Alicante from the Moors in the 13th century.
Upon entry, visitors will notice the church’s striking twin towers, which, despite their seemingly identical appearance, date from different centuries: the right tower from the 1300s and the left from the 1800s.
Inside, one can admire a 14th-century Gothic statue of Santa María and an incunable from the 1200s, showcasing the church’s historical significance.
7. Contemporary Art Museum
This modern art museum is uniquely located in Alicante’s oldest secular building, once a granary constructed in 1687, adjacent to the Santa María Basilica.
Founded in 1976 by local sculptor Eusebio Sempere, the museum began as a display of his private collection. The collection includes approximately 800 pieces from revered 20th-century artists such as Picasso, Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró.
Given that only one-third of the artworks can be exhibited at any given time, the collection varies throughout the year, ensuring fresh experiences with each visit.
8. Beach Excursions
The surrounding area of Alicante boasts an abundance of Blue Flag beaches that are only a short drive away; after all, this is Costa Blanca. For those seeking ample space, Saladar Beach, located to the south, offers a 1,600-meter stretch of golden sand.
This area remains largely undeveloped for tourism, with only a few scattered apartment blocks near the sand dunes.
Conversely, situated on the northern outskirts of Alicante is Playa de la Albufereta, the former harbor of Lucentum, featuring a pristine bay with gentle waters and backed by resort towers.
9. Golf
The Costa Blanca is synonymous with numerous golf courses, with 15 locations within the province, all easily accessible by car.
For those preferring not to travel far, Alicante Golf Club, located a mere 15-minute drive from the city center, was designed by renowned golfer Seve Ballesteros. This 18-hole, par-72 course incorporates the local Roman heritage with the creative inclusion of imitation Roman ruins on the 14th hole.
Additionally, Bonalba Golf Club is nearby, offering another par-72 course that challenges short game skills on the front nine while rewarding precision driving on the back nine.
10. Mercado Central
For those self-catering, a visit to this expansive covered market located on the upper side of Alfonso el Sabio is a must. Central Markets in Spain often resemble food cathedrals, and Alicante’s is no exception.
Featuring numerous fish and meat stalls, the market presents endless inspiration for aspiring chefs! The seafood counters, in particular, are impressive, brimming with crabs, lobsters, squid, and more.
Additionally, you can find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables alongside local specialties, including turrón nougat and Mistela, a sweet dessert wine.
11. Local Cuisine
If you are unfamiliar with Spanish dining customs and wish to experience local culture, note that lunch typically takes place later in the afternoon, usually after two o’clock. This meal is the main event of the day, while dinner often consists of light snacks or tapas enjoyed at a bar.
The Valencian Community is renowned for its rice production, and in Alicante, locals have crafted their unique rice dishes reminiscent of paella. Be sure to sample dishes like arroz a banda or arroz al horno, both enhanced by the exquisite seafood readily available in this region.
As a memorable souvenir, consider purchasing some turrón, a delightful nougat made with honey and almonds, a beloved treat in Spain, especially during the Christmas season.
12. Boat Trips
Several companies around the Alicante port offer boat excursions. These might be brief catamaran trips along the shoreline, but a day trip to Tabarca Island is highly recommended.
Located just a couple of kilometers off the southern coast, Tabarca Island feels like an entirely different realm. This small, walled community boasts the same charming whitewashed cottages and blue shutters found in Alicante’s old town.
Here, the absence of cars and other modern conveniences allows for a tranquil experience! Explore the little church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and wander through the serene landscape toward the lighthouse.
13. Alicante’s Towers
If you have yet to explore the historical depths of Alicante further, consider downloading a map featuring the coastal watchtowers.
For centuries, this region faced threats from Barbary Pirates, who would raid towns and enslave residents.
Beginning in the 1500s, a sophisticated defense and lookout network was established, providing early warnings for citizens to retreat within the city walls.
Approximately thirty of these towers remain standing throughout the Huerta de Alicante, safeguarding the city and surrounding towns and villages.
14. Elche Palmeral
Located approximately 20 minutes west of Alicante, the town of Elche reveals a captivating sight—the largest palm grove in Europe, originally cultivated by early Muslim settlers in the middle ages.
Comprising around 200,000 trees, predominantly of the species phoenix dactylifera, this grove was introduced to Spain by the Moors.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palm grove can be best appreciated by following the Ruta del Palmeral, a circular path that commences and concludes at the Huerto de San Placido.
15. Las Hogueras de San Juan
Bonfires commemorating St. John’s Eve on June 23 are a common tradition throughout Spain, yet none rival the grandeur observed in Alicante.
Historically, individuals burned old furniture for this occasion, but in 1928, the city initiated a festival to accompany these bonfires, celebrated across four days leading up to the 24th. This event resembles Valencia’s Las Fallas and culminates in specially crafted cardboard sculptures being burned in a ceremony known as the Cremà.
These fires can be quite dramatic, with teams of firefighters prepared to ensure safety amidst the spectacle.
