Things to do in Alicante

Activities, attractions and tours

Alicante
Alicante
Alicante
Alicante
Alicante Harbour showing a bay or harbor
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Top places to visit

1. Alicante Harbour

For many visitors to the coast of Spain, the Alicante Harbour is the first port of call. When most of Alicante’s maritime industry shifted to nearby Valencia in the 1980s, the city’s harbor precinct was redeveloped for the tourist market. Today, 80,000 visitors disembark at the harbor from cruise ships, ferries and pleasure craft each year. The area surrounding the harbor is busy most of the day, with locals and visitors alike strolling the promenade in search of the perfect restaurant or bar.
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Alicante Harbour showing a bay or harbor

2. Postiguet Beach

Those wanting to cool off after a day of exploring Alicante’s treasures will love this stretch of beach. If you’ve always wanted to swim in the Mediterranean Ocean, this is an ideal place to fulfill your dream. Located adjacent to Alicante’s famous harbor precinct, Postiguet Beach can easily be reached on foot from the city, making it an ideal candidate for a quick swim.
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Postiguet Beach which includes landscape views, a sunset and a coastal town

3. Central Market

The people of Spain are incredibly passionate about their food; it’s a central part of their daily lives. For many residents of Alicante, their day begins at the Central Market, an enormous fresh market in the heart of the city. Covering a huge area, the market has more than 200 stalls on two levels. Most of the wares at the market are fresh produce and meats; however, there are some non-perishable items, making it a great destination to pick up authentic souvenirs. If you’re heading to the beach or planning on climbing Mount Benacantil, a stop at the market on your way out of town is a great way to prepare an inexpensive and healthy picnic and get a taste for local customs at the same time.
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Central Market which includes a city and markets

4. Explanada de Espana

The Spanish love their evening strolls. They even have a word for it: paseo. The Explanada de España is the promenade that runs from the busy port region and wraps itself around the coast. Its surface was constructed from more than 6 million marble tiles. The red, white and black patterns represent the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a hive of activity, by day or night, and one of the most popular routes to follow in the city.
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Explanada de Espana showing street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people

5. Alicante Golf Course

Marked with a lake in the shape of an “S,” the designer’s initial, there is no doubt that Alicante Golf Course is a source of pride for both Severiano Ballesteros and the people of Alicante. Opened in 1998 to cater to both the increasing numbers of Spanish golf players and the many beachgoers looking for somewhere to play golf between dips in the sea, it now serves as a championship course that is also beloved by amateurs. Bring clubs or rent some and try the ingeniously designed challenges of the greens.
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Alicante Golf Course showing a lake or waterhole and golf

6. Alicante Town Hall

Alicante’s historic town hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Also known as Ayuntamiento, the hall was built on the site of the former Casa de la Ciudad (town hall). The building’s two towers are 165 feet (41 meters) tall and loom over Alicante’s Old Town.
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Alicante Town Hall featuring a city, a square or plaza and night scenes

7. Castle of Santa Barbara

Perched 545 feet (166 meters) above sea level, upon the top of Mount Benacantil, this monumental fortification overlooks the city of Alicante and is one of the city’s major attractions. The Castle of Santa Bárbara is one of the largest castles from the medieval period remaining in Europe. It covers the entire summit of the mountain. Despite dating back more than a millennium to a period of Muslim rule in the ninth century, the castle has been expertly cared for and is almost entirely intact. Whether you have a passion for history or just make the trip for the panoramic views, no visitor to Alicante should miss the Castle of Santa Bárbara.
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Castle of Santa Barbara featuring heritage elements, views and a castle

What to do in Alicante

Popular places to visit

Alicante Harbour showing a bay or harbor

Alicante Harbour

Once a center of industry, Alicante’s harbor precinct is now home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, with views along the picturesque Postiguet Beach.

Alicante Harbour
Postiguet Beach featuring swimming, tropical scenes and a beach

Postiguet Beach

Alicante’s city beach offers a clean, child-friendly day out, surrounded by some of the best restaurants in town.

Postiguet Beach
Central Market which includes a city and markets

Central Market

Pick up the ingredients for a picnic, souvenirs to take home or just a quick snack at this authentic local fresh food market.

Central Market
Explanada de Espana showing street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people

Explanada de Espana

Take a walk along Alicante’s waterfront on this beautiful mosaic walkway and experience life in the slow lane.

Explanada de Espana
San Juan Beach

San Juan Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at San Juan Beach during your trip to Playa de San Juan? Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.

San Juan Beach
Alicante Golf Course

Alicante Golf Course

The masterwork of Severiano Ballesteros, the great Spanish golf player and course designer, this golf course is designed for golf vacations, with an on-site hotel.

Alicante Golf Course
Alicante Town Hall featuring a city, a square or plaza and night scenes

Alicante Town Hall

Still the home of the Alicante civic life, this landmark structure is a superb example of 18th-century baroque architecture.

Alicante Town Hall
Castle of Santa Barbara

Castle of Santa Barbara

Looming over the city center, this hilltop castle is the main attraction in Alicante and one of the largest castles in Europe.

Castle of Santa Barbara
Casino Mediterraneo

Casino Mediterraneo

Lit up in neon lights in the middle of the marina, Alicante’s premier gambling establishment offers games and slots as well as a fine restaurant and art exhibitions.

Casino Mediterraneo

Areas of Alicante

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Alicante City Centre

A noteworthy feature of Alicante City Centre is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Calle Castaños and Alicante Town Hall.

Alicante City Centre
Alicante showing a sandy beach

Playa de San Juan

Spend the day sailing, windsurfing, golfing or swimming at one of the most popular beaches in the city.

Playa de San Juan
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Ensanche Diputación

While visiting Ensanche Diputación, you might make a stop by sights like Alicante Cruise Ship Terminal and El Corte Ingles Shopping Center.

Ensanche Diputación
Basilica of Santa Maria which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Barri Vell - Santa Creu

While visiting Barri Vell - Santa Creu, you might make a stop by sights like Alicante Town Hall and Basilica of Santa Maria.

Barri Vell - Santa Creu
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Cabo de las Huertas

Spain’s Costa Blanca is famous for its beaches, and this particular area has a variety of settings. Choose a sunny beach that matches your mood and personality.

Cabo de las Huertas
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L'Albufereta

Beaches and bars are notable features of L'Albufereta. You might consider a stop by Lucentum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

L'Albufereta
Elche

Elche

Photo "Relleu" by vilfacio (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by vilfacio (CC BY)

Relleu

Frequently asked questions

Is Alicante worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Alicante is visit Postiguet Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's family-friendly attractions and bars and pubs.
How do I spend a day in Alicante?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Postiguet Beach and Castle of Santa Barbara, spend some time discovering Alicante's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Alicante?
Don't go home without visiting Postiguet Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Alicante.
Is three days enough to stay in Alicante?
You can easily tour leading sights like Postiguet Beach, Castle of Santa Barbara and San Juan Beach with a three-day stay in Alicante. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Benidorm.
Is Alicante a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Alicante is a great place to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Postiguet Beach and Castle of Santa Barbara. Then take a stroll around Alicante City Centre, located 0.64 kilometers from the center, and Barri Vell - Santa Creu, which is roughly 0.80 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Alicante with kids?
Planning what to do in Alicante with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Alicante for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Alicante, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Ruta de Microvina del Celler la Muntanya or Calle Castaños.
Are there free things to do in Alicante?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Alicante is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without getting your cash out. Postiguet Beach is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

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