Best things to do in Alicante
Find out more about those top places in Alicante
Alicante Travel Guide: Beyond the Beach Towels and British Accents
Let’s get one thing straight—Alicante is not just a sun-soaked pit stop for Brits looking to turn lobster-red on the Costa Blanca. Sure, the beaches are glorious and the sangria flows like a local superpower, but there’s way more to this vibrant Mediterranean city than just deckchairs and sunscreen.
If you're looking for places to visit in Spain that serve up both golden sands and cultural riches, this Alicante travel guide is here to prove that the city is so much more than its touristy stereotype.
Things to Do in Alicante (That Don’t Involve a Beach Umbrella)
While most people rush straight to the seafront to claim a patch of sand like it’s a national sport, those in the know start their Alicante sightseeing adventure uphill—literally. Towering over the city is the Santa Bárbara Castle, a dramatic Moorish-era fortress perched on top of Mount Benacantil. The hike up is not for the faint of calf, but the panoramic views? Absolutely worth every sweaty step. Think ancient stone walls, sea breeze in your hair, and a camera roll full of postcard-worthy shots.
Explore Alicante’s Old Quarter: Where Tapas Dreams Come True
Back down below, in the labyrinthine lanes of the El Barrio (Old Town), the real magic happens. Picture cobblestone alleys, brightly colored balconies, and locals passionately debating the best anchovy dish over vermouth. This is one of the best places to visit in Alicante for anyone who believes that “food is life.”
Things to do in Alicante definitely include bar hopping through traditional tapas joints, many of which serve up the catch of the day so fresh it may have skipped onto your plate voluntarily. Try the grilled sardines, or better yet, let the chef surprise you—just maybe don’t ask what it is until after you've taken a bite.
Art & Culture: Yes, Alicante Has That Too
Sure, it’s not quite ready to knock Málaga off its pedestal as Spain’s art capital, but Alicante is making impressive moves. The Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante (MACA) is a modern treasure trove of Picasso, Miró, and other 20th-century greats. It's cool, it's cultured, and yes—it has air conditioning, which is an underrated luxury in the Spanish summer.
If you want more places to visit that feed the soul and your Instagram feed, pop by the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG) or check out one of the many rotating exhibitions sprinkled around the city.
Top Attractions in Alicante Worth Writing Home About
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Santa Bárbara Castle: Hilltop fortress with sweeping views.
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Explanada de España: A palm-lined promenade paved with 6.5 million colorful marble tiles—yes, someone counted.
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Postiguet Beach: Perfect for a midday dip after tapas.
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Mercado Central: A bustling market where you can shop like a local (or just admire the jamón).
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El Barrio: The ultimate blend of nightlife, history, and ham.
Why Alicante Should Be on Your Spain Bucket List
Alicante is one of those hidden gems in Spain that too many travelers skip because they're chasing bigger cities or beach resorts. But if you’re into sightseeing, medieval castles, modern art, and enough tapas to make your jeans tight by Tuesday, you’ll fall in love with this lively, sun-drenched city.
So next time you hear someone say Alicante is "just for tourists," take a long sip of your tinto de verano, raise an eyebrow, and tell them there’s more to see than sandcastles—there’s an actual castle. And it's fabulous.
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Santa Bárbara Castle
Spain owes some parts of its rich history to the influence of medieval Arabs. The Santa Barbara castle is one of such fortresses that shows this influence. The most recent refurbishment of this castle was carried out sometime in the 1500s which you can see from the Mount Benacantil. An experienced eye would easily see some Moorish heritage fixtures around as well.
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Canelobre Caves
The Canelobre Caves can be found in Busot, a small town close to the city of Alicante. Inside the caves there is a space of more than 80,000 m2 that can be accessed through a 45-meter tunnel, in which the water and the rock gave rise to impressive shapes such as stalactites, stalagmites and many others.
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Paella and Flamenco Show
The wonderful view and the cool sea breeze are some things that you shouldn't pass up on. Similarly, there are a series of local delicacies available to choose from, all with tantalizing flavors during the paella lunch offered by restaurants in the Port of Alicante.
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Archaeological Museum
This award-winning Archaeological Museum of Alicante is one of the most respected museums in Spain. The Archaeological Museum won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2004 shortly after an expansion was carried out and reallocation to the antique hospital of San Juan de Dios's renovated buildings.
