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Alicante is a brilliant city on Spain’s Costa Blanca with loads to offer visitors. If you’re planning a trip to this sunny Spanish spot, I’ve added some fantastic activities and experiences to add to your itinerary.
If you’re looking for tours, I’ve created a separate guide on Alicante tours with plenty of free and paid options to consider!
Soak in views from Santa Bárbara Castle
Sitting high above the city is Alicante’s castle, Santa Barbara castle, a 9th-century castle gives you amazing views across Alicante and the Mediterranean. You can either walk up (it’s a bit of a climb but worth it!) or take the lift from Postiguet Beach which costs about €2.70 for adults.
Book a Santa Barbara Castle wine tasting tour from €26 per person
The castle features a history museum and guided tours to help you make the most of your visit. Opening hours are from 10am to 8pm in summer (April-September) and 10am to 6pm in winter (October-March).
Set sail on unforgettable Alicante boat trips
One of the absolute best ways to see Alicante is from the water! The views of Santa Bárbara Castle perched high above the city are absolutely stunning when you’re floating on the Mediterranean, and it’s completely different from what you’ll see walking around the streets.
Read my complete guide to see more Alicante boat trips and tours experiences and book tickets!
Book a catamaran cruise from €42 per person
There are brilliant boat trip options for every group and budget. You can choose from relaxing catamaran cruises, exciting speedboat adventures, or even hire your own private boat for an unforgettable celebration.
The most popular trips include 3-hour coastal cruises where you can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, full-day adventures to Tabarca Island with lunch included, and sunset cruises with live music that create the perfect atmosphere for a special evening.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ)
If you’re into history, this modern museum is well worth a visit. It showcases local archaeological findings through impressive displays and interactive exhibits.
The best part? Entry to the permanent exhibitions is free!
Located about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre, the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
Experience Alicante’s Wine Heritage with a tour of local vineyards
I highly recommend taking a day out for an Alicante wine tour. Alicante has been producing wine since Roman times and boasts its own wine regions with unique varieties that wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. The region is particularly known for its sweet Fondillón wine (mentioned by Shakespeare and once served in royal courts across Europe), robust reds made from the Monastrell grape, and aromatic Moscatel wines.
The province has two main wine areas under its Denominación de Origen (DO):
Marina Alta: In northern Alicante, known for high-quality white wines and sweet fortified wines like Moscatel.
El Alto Vinalopó: The southern wine region along the Vinalopó river valley, famous for rich red wines, particularly from the Monastrell grape that thrives in the warm, dry climate.
My recommended tours are the La Mola Castle and winery tour, as well as the Vinolopo wine experience.
Explore the city on a guided bike tour
A fantastic way to see the main sights of Alicante is on a guided bike tour. During the 2.5-hour tour, you’ll visit the old town, Plaza de los Luceros, Mercado Central, the port, Postiguet Beach, and the famous Explanada. It’s a brilliant way to get your bearings while enjoying the fresh sea air.
What’s included: Bicycle, tour guide, helmet, water, and insurance
Book an Alicante city bike tour from €35 per person
Wander through Alicante’s colourful Barrio Santa Cruz district
This charming area is known for its colourful, flowery streets. As you wander through the narrow lanes, you’ll come across the 18th-century Ermita de Santa Cruz, a lovely little church that adds to the district’s character.
The best way to visit Santa Cruz is to simply get lost in its maze-like streets – you’ll eventually come across pretty viewpoints offering glimpses of the castle above and the sea beyond. Wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of steps, and bring your camera for the Instagram-worthy spots around every corner!
The neighbourhood feels like a tiny village within the city, with whitewashed houses adorned with flower pots, narrow winding streets, and hidden squares. The area comes alive during Easter week when it hosts some of the most important processions.
Marvel at the Co-cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari
A must-see historic church built in the stunning Valencian Gothic style with an imposing Renaissance façade. Construction began in 1613 on the site of an older mosque, and the building now serves as the main cathedral of Alicante province, sharing cathedral status with Orihuela.
The architecture is impressive both inside and out, making it a brilliant spot for those interested in religious buildings. The interior features a striking Latin cross layout with side chapels and a beautiful blue dome. Don’t miss the 15th-century Gothic cloister with its peaceful orange tree garden – a lovely quiet spot to escape the city bustle.
The cathedral is located in the heart of the old town, just off Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It’s open daily for visitors outside of mass times, and entry is free (though donations are appreciated).
Dress code: Remember to dress modestly as this is an active place of worship – shoulders and knees should be covered.
Stroll along the Explanada de España
A must see spot – the Explanada de España is one of Alicante’s most famous spots. It’s paved with millions of wavy, colourful tiles and lined with palm trees.
The Explanada is perfect for an evening paseo (stroll), with lots of cafés, ice cream shops, and street performers adding to the lively atmosphere.
During summer evenings, there are often free concerts at the bandstand. Look out for Casa Carbonell at the northern end – this impressive building was once the most expensive house in Spain!
Zip around in a quirky Tuk Tuk tour
For something a bit different, try a Tuk Tuk tour around the city! These quirky three-wheeled vehicles offer a fun and unique way to see Alicante, especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid walking in the heat.
The tour will take you to places like Plaza Puerto del Mar with its lovely greenery, Lucentum (an ancient Roman settlement dating back to the 2nd century BC), the Archaeological Museum, Santa Bárbara Castle, Plaza de España Bullfighting Museum, Central Market, and various other squares and neighbourhoods.
Book the Alicante Tuk Tuk overview tour from From €219 per group up to 4
Ideal for: Families with children, older visitors, or anyone who wants to see a lot in a short time without exhausting themselves walking.
Soak up the sun at stunning city beaches
Playa del Postiguet
This is Alicante’s main beach, right in the heart of the city beneath Santa Bárbara Castle. The 900-metre stretch of golden sand and shallow waters make it perfect for swimming or just lounging in the sun. It has a lively atmosphere and plenty of facilities, including showers, toilets, lifeguards, sunbeds for hire (about €5), and accessible walkways.
The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for water quality and safety. The palm-lined promenade running alongside it offers plenty of bars and restaurants where you can grab a cold drink or a plate of paella.
Playa San Juan
If you fancy a change from Postiguet, head to Playa San Juan, located about 10 minutes’ drive north of the city centre. This gorgeous 7-kilometre beach offers fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters, with plenty of amenities including water sports, volleyball courts, and a lively promenade with cafes and shops.
The beach is less crowded than Postiguet, making it perfect for those who want a bit more space to relax. You can easily reach it by tram or bus from central Alicante.
Escape to green oases in the city
El Palmeral Park
Located about 3 km from the city centre, this lush park contains over 7,000 palm trees, creating a true oasis in the city. The park features artificial lakes, waterfalls, children’s play areas, and even a mini-golf course.
It’s a fantastic spot for families or anyone looking to relax in a peaceful setting. The park is easily accessible by bus (lines 3, 4, and 38) from the city centre.
Parque La Ereta
For those who fancy a bit of fresh air and greenery, this terraced park on the slopes of Mount Benacantil offers lovely hiking paths and stunning city views. Built in 1994, the park connects the castle with the old town and creates a green buffer between the two.
The park is designed with stone walls, Mediterranean plants, and viewing platforms that offer fantastic photo opportunities over the city, port, and sea. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are milder.
There’s a nice restaurant in the park (La Ereta Restaurant) with a terrace offering amazing views – perfect for a special meal or sunset drinks.
Parasailing in Alicante
For the adventurous types, parasailing over the Mediterranean Sea offers an incredible experience and unique views of the city from above. There are several companies offering this activity along the coast.
Book your Alicante parasailing experience from €65 per person:
Alicante Winery Tours
The Alicante region has been producing wine since Roman times and is particularly known for its sweet Fondillón wine and reds made from the Monastrell grape. Alicante has its own wine region called Vinalopo.
Book an Alicante winery guided tour with tasting
Several companies offer wine tours to local bodegas (wineries) where you can learn about the winemaking process and most importantly – sample the local varieties.
I’ve added tickets to a tour of a family-run winery below, complete with transport, a guide from an expert and of course – wine tasting accompanied with snacks!
Master Spain’s most famous dish in a paella cooking class
One of the absolute best ways to understand Spanish culture is through its food! Join a fantastic hands-on paella cooking class where you’ll start by visiting a local market to select fresh ingredients before learning to cook Spain’s most famous dish.
Book the Alicante paella cooking class from €49 per person:
The experience begins with a guided tour of the market, where a local expert will help you choose the best ingredients and share insights about Mediterranean cooking traditions. Then, you’ll head to a cooking space where a professional chef will teach you how to prepare authentic paella step by step.
You can choose between meat, seafood, or vegetarian paella options, and while your rice dish simmers, you’ll sample a selection of traditional tapas paired with local wines or sangria. At the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy your homemade creation in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with your fellow cooks.
What’s included: Market tour, cooking class with a chef, all ingredients, tapas, drinks (wine, sangria, or soft drinks), and of course, the paella you cook!
Duration: About 3.5 hours
Perfect for: Food lovers, couples looking for a unique date activity, or anyone wanting to take home a practical Spanish cooking skill
Dine like a local on authentic tapas tours
No visit to Alicante would be complete without trying the authentic Mediterranean cuisine in the city’s many tapas bars! You’ll find everything from classic Spanish dishes to local specialities.
Book an evening tapas tour from €75 per person:
Get off the tourist trail and taste your way through Alicante like a local on a tapas tour. There’s a great tour where a local guide will take you to three authentic bars frequented by residents rather than tourists, where you’ll sample some of the most delicious tapas dishes that represent the real gastronomy of the city.
You’ll enjoy three drinks of your choice (wine, beer, or soft drinks) paired with eight different tapas across multiple venues for a real tapas bar crawl experience. As you move between locations, your guide will point out some of Alicante’s most emblematic buildings and historical areas, giving you insights into both the city’s architecture and its food culture.
Tapas and wine club
There’s also a brilliant wine and tapas club experience you can join, with five meticulously selected local wines and artisanal tapas included! This is a wonderful experience if you’re a solo traveller looking to meet friends and share a local experience, or a couple.
Book the Alicante wine tasting and tapas club experience from €35 per person
You’ll be guided by expert sommeliers to appreciate the nuances and unique characteristics of each wine, discovering their history, production process and pairings with delicious tapas.
Embark on a local fishing trip
Join local fishermen for a spectacular fishing adventure on the Mediterranean Sea. This 6-hour trip (8am to 2pm) includes all fishing equipment and cold drinks, perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers.
The trip takes place on the largest and best-equipped fishing boat in Alicante, and the skipper is a former Spanish and world fishing champion who can share expert tips. You’ll have the chance to catch species like sea bream, grouper, and mackerel, depending on the season.
Book an all included fishing trip from €140 per person
What’s included: Fishing equipment, cold drinks, and expert guidance
What to bring: Sun protection, comfortable clothing, and sea sickness tablets if you’re prone to motion sickness
Visit the Mercat Central d’Alacant (Central Market)
Alicante Market is a feast for the senses. This bustling market is full of stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. It’s housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building dating from 1921, with an impressive dome and striking white façade.
Inside, you’ll find over 200 stalls spread across two floors. The ground floor mainly features fresh produce – mountains of colourful fruits and vegetables, meat counters offering jamón ibérico and chorizo, and fishmongers displaying the morning’s catch. Upstairs, you’ll find herbs, spices, olives, nuts, and sweets.
The market offers a brilliant place to sample Spanish food specialities and observe local life. Vendors are often happy to offer tastings, so don’t be shy about asking to try before you buy.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 2:30pm (closed Sundays)
Top tip: Visit around 9-10am to avoid the crowds but still catch the lively atmosphere. Many vendors offer vacuum packing services if you want to take some Spanish ham or cheese home with you.
Visit Tabarca Island
Just a short boat ride from Alicante’s port, Tabarca island is the only inhabited island in the Valencia region. It’s a tiny place with crystal clear waters that are brilliant for snorkelling. The island also has a fascinating history as a former pirate hideout!
Getting there: Boats depart regularly from Alicante port (next to the Explanada), with more frequent services in summer. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around €20-25 return. Last boats back are usually around 5-6pm.
Click here to buy return boat taxi tickets from €23 per person from Alicante:
Tip: Bring water, sun cream, and a hat as there’s little shade on the island. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own equipment as rental options are limited.
Explore underground wonders at Canelobre Caves
If you fancy a break from the sunshine, head to these impressive, ancient caves called Canelobre Caves about 24 kilometres north of Alicante. They’re among the tallest in Spain and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
Book a guided tour from €54 per person through Get Your Guide
The main chamber reaches a height of 70 metres and has been compared to the inside of a cathedral due to its grandeur. The caves are naturally cooled to around 16-18°C, making them a refreshing escape on hot summer days.
Guided tours take around 45 minutes and run regularly throughout the day. You can reach the caves by car or by joining an organised tour from Alicante. I’ve added my recommended tour, with visits to the cave, a visit the local village along with tickets to the Ethnic Music Museum and Castle Busot.
