After countless visits to Alicante, this incredible city on Spain’s southeastern coast has completely stolen my heart.
Here’s my guide to help you discover the best of what Alicante has to offer.
Where is Alicante?
Alicante, or Alacant in Valencian, is located in the Valencian Community, roughly midway between Valencia to the north and Murcia to the south.
Alicante sits perfectly along the Mediterranean coast. It’s about 45 kilometres south of Benidorm and 64 kilometres south of Calpe.
Getting here is super easy thanks to Alicante-Elche Airport, which is just a quick 15 minute drive from the city centre.
Main areas of interest in Alicante
City Centre
The city centre is where all the action happens! Here’s where you’ll find some of my absolute favourite spots:
Explanada de España
This beautiful promenade is the perfect place for an evening stroll. The wavy marble tiles and palm trees make it uniquely Alicante!
Castell de Santa Bàrbara
Trust me – the views from up here are absolutely incredible! You can see the whole city and the Mediterranean stretched out before you.
If you’re not up for the hike, there’s a lift from the El Postiguet beach, that’ll take you right up. It costs €2.70 per person.
El Barrio Santa Cruz
This is honestly one of my favourite neighborhoods to walk around in all of Alicante. The narrow alleys lined with colourful houses, and the house with the iconic blue flower pots is just magical.
Every time I walk through here, I discover something new. It’s the heart of old Alicante and so well-kept – perfect for photographers or if you want a perfect photo for Instagram.
Alicante’s Beaches
Playa del Postiguet
Right at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, this beach is my go-to spot for a quick dip or sunbathing session. The location couldn’t be more perfect!
San Juan Playa
Hear me out, this beach is further to get to but it’s so worth it This is hands-down one of the best beaches in the area.
What I love most about San Juan is how spacious it is – you can always find a quiet spot away from the crowds.
The water is crystal clear compared to other nearby beaches, and there are plenty of facilities around. If you’re into beach volleyball, they’ve got free courts which is such a bonus!
Playa de la Albufereta
This is a local secret! It’s a smaller, more chilled-out beach in a residential area away from the crowds you’ll find in the more central Playa del Postiguet.
The beach bar here is fantastic, and it’s perfect if you want a more laid-back vibe away from the main tourist spots.
Alicante Marina
The marina is absolutely gorgeous and one of the local’s favourite places to spend the day.
You’ll see everything from local fishing boats to luxury yachts bobbing in the water. It’s perfect for:
- Morning walks (the sea breeze is amazing)
- Some of the best seafood restaurants in town
- Grabbing a drink at one of the many bars and cafes
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Hitting up the casino and nightclubs
Plenty of bars and cafes
restaurants with Spanish food or small touristic shops with souvenirs, casino and night clubs.
What kinds of things to do in Alicante
Explore the Old Town
The Alicante old town is rich with history.
Visit Basílica de Santa María, a stunning Gothic church with an impressive bell tower. If you climb up the bell tower, you’ll get an incredible view of the whole city.
If you’re curious about the famous Bonfires of San Juan festival, the Museo de las Hogueras is a must-visit. The artistry that goes into those festival figures is mind-blowing.
Water Activities
Being right on the Mediterranean means we’ve got some fantastic options for water lovers:
- Sailing and Yachting:
- You can rent a boat or join a sailing club for the day. It’s such a different way to see the city from the water!
- Diving and Snorkeling: The waters here are crystal clear and perfect for exploring underwater life. I’d recommend starting at Playa de la Albufereta – it’s got some great spots for beginners.
Dining and Restaurants
Alicante’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history:
- La Taberna del Gourmet: This place does the most incredible tapas, and their wine selection is fantastic. It’s a bit pricier than some other spots, but totally worth it for a special evening out.
- Nou Manolín: If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place. The view of the Mediterranean while you’re dining is just chef’s kiss. Their seafood is always super fresh.
- El Caldero: This is where I take friends when they want to try authentic arroz a banda (a local rice dish that’s absolutely delicious). It’s more traditional and gives you a real taste of Alicante cuisine.
Local transport in Alicante
Getting around Alicante is super easy. Here’s what I usually recommend:
Buses and trams
The public transport here is really efficient. The buses cover pretty much everywhere in the city, and the tram is great for heading to nearby towns like Elche and Benidorm.
You can buy tickets right on the bus or at the machines at tram stops.
Car rental
If you’re planning to explore beyond the city (which I highly recommend!), renting a car might be your best bet.
You’ll find all the major companies like Sixt, Europcar, and Avis at the airport. Just book in advance during peak season – trust me on this one!
I’d recommend using Rentalcars.com which can search all of the providers to find you the best price on renting a car, which you can pick up directly from the airport.
Is English spoken in Alicante?
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish! While Spanish is the main language, you’ll find English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
That said, I always recommend learning a few basic Spanish phrases – locals really appreciate the effort, and it makes the experience so much more immersive.
Practical information
Visa Requirements
EU citizens don’t need a visa for Spain. Others should check with the Spanish embassy.
Currency
We use Euros (€) here. You’ll find ATMs everywhere, but I recommend having some cash on hand for smaller cafes and shops.
Tipping
If you’re happy with the service, leaving a 5-10% tip is pretty standard. But it’s not as expected as in some other countries.
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency services: 112
- Local police: +34 965 140 000
- Nearest hospital: Hospital General Universitario de Alicante – +34 965 933 000 (this is the main hospital, and they have English-speaking staff)
From my experience, the absolute best times to visit are May-June or September-October.
You get perfect beach weather without the intense summer crowds, and prices tend to be better too.
That said, Alicante is beautiful year-round – even in winter, we get plenty of sunny days perfect for exploring the castle or enjoying a paella by the marina!
Other tips
- Book restaurants in advance during summer months – the good ones fill up quickly!
- The city really comes alive during the Hogueras de San Juan festival in June – but book accommodation way ahead if you’re planning to come then.
- Don’t miss the sunset from Santa Bárbara Castle – it’s one of the best views in the city.
- The local market is best visited in the morning when it’s bustling with activity and the produce is freshest.
I hope this guide helps you fall in love with Alicante as much as I have!