Welcome to Alicante, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities and a major summer tourist destination. The jewel of the Costa Blanca coastline, there is plenty to do and see.
Once you’ve arrived and settled into your holiday accommodation, make a point of exploring this exciting city.
Here are some top locations you should include on your visit.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
Climb up to the 10th century fortress that’s at the heart of Alicante’s rich historical past. Built around the 9th century, the castle is immaculately preserved and, in fact, easily accessible by lift all the way to the top of Mount Benacantil for those who don’t fancy walking. As expected, there are imposing views all around from the rooftop ramparts.
Once arrived at the Castle, expect to spend a few hours here – it’s the perfect destination for a day trip. Take a tour of the preserved interior rooms where you will find artefacts and information aplenty. There’s a café and a market in the courtyard for handmade souvenir purchases.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA) which is located inside the castle and has 10 exhibition halls to showcase the history of the castle and the city.
Museums and Art
In addition to MUSA, Alicante is home to several other noteworthy museums including:
The MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum offers an award winning journey that takes the city of Alicante from the Roman era to more recent times. Take a look at the local geography and nature behind the landscape that surrounds Alicante, with the help of artefacts, audio visual displays and interactive exhibitions.
For art enthusiasts, the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) has a wonderful collection of 20th century contemporary art, situated in a Baroque town house and the oldest civic building in Alicante’s Old Town. Among the 800+ pieces of art in three collections are pieces from Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Juana Frances, as well as from collection founder and local artist Eusebio Sempere.
The Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG) is a more traditional art museum that focuses on paintings and sculptures of Alicante created between the 16th and 19th centuries by local artists including Antonio Gisbert, Francisco Salzillo and Joaquin Agrasot.
Alicante Tram
To really explore the area, take the Alicante Tram along the coastal path to get a spectacular view of the Costa Blanca coastline. Alight at the beautiful town of Altea and admire the Islamic influenced architecture of winding streets and whitewashed buildings, or spend a day at the vast sandy beach at San Juan, just two stops from the city centre.
Parque el Palmeral
Alicante’s most beautiful park is just outside the city centre and easily accessible using the C6 airport bus or by train. Get away from the urban bustle and experience an abundance of botanical wildlife, lots of palm treas and the odd waterfall too.
There are toilets and a snack bar, but you’re allowed to bring your own picnic too and are encouraged to spend the whole day.
Playa del Postiguet
For a day at the beach, Postiguet Beach is hard to beat. Idyllic white sand and clear blue water stretches ahead the length of the city – no wonder it’s the main attraction for many tourists during high season. For a quieter time, walk along the promenade away from the city centre and find a relaxing beach bar where you can sip a cocktail under palm trees and soak up the sun.
Back towards the city centre, you’ll be spoilt for a choice of restaurants and tapas bars come sundown.
La Explanada de Espana
Alicante’s main promenade, La Explanada de Espana, is made from 6.6 million red, cream and black tiles and a sight to behold. It was created by architect Jose Guardiola Pico back in 1867 with a pattern to suggest the rolling waves of the Mediterranean, and is flanked by palm trees lining the walkway.
There are market stalls selling their wares of jewellery, leatherware, rugs and more, as well as a selection of cafes and bars where you can stop for a coffee, some churros or a savoury snack.
El Barrio
The Old Town is the historical heart of Alicante. With its winding cobbled streets and flower adorned Spanish apartments, it’s one of the most attractive spots for whiling away a few hours for those looking for Spanish old world charm.
At night time, the Barrio comes alive with cocktail bars, tapas bars and restaurants for socialising with friends until the early hours.
Marina
Alicante’s marina is home to some truly spectacular yachts that are a beautiful sight on a moonlit night. The marina is also the place for the city’s night life, with a good variety of clubs to cater for all tastes.
For further information about what to do and see in Alicante, contact the tourist information office.