Santa Bárbara Castle
Ride the lift or walk up to Alicante’s hilltop castle for panoramic views across the city, marina and Mediterranean coastline. It is the city’s defining landmark and the best place to understand Alicante’s layout.
Free Travel Guide
Alicante Travel Guide.
A practical introduction to Alicante, including why to visit, what to see, where to stay, local food and how to plan a relaxed Mediterranean city break.
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Alicante at a glance
Alicante combines Mediterranean beaches, palm-lined promenades, colourful old-town streets and one of Spain’s easiest coastal city breaks. Whether you are visiting for a relaxed weekend in the sun or using Alicante as a base for exploring the Costa Blanca, the city offers beaches, food and an easy-going atmosphere that rewards slow travel.
Spain · Costa Blanca · Mediterranean coast
Perfect for
Sun seekers, couples, food lovers and relaxed coastal city breaks
Recommended stay
3–5 days
Trip type
City break • Beach • Food • Mediterranean
Don't miss
Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada, Barrio de Santa Cruz and Postiguet Beach
MapMagnet Picks
These are the Alicante experiences we think most first-time visitors should prioritise. They give you a strong feel for the city without going into the deeper curated detail that will come later in the full MapMagnet Alicante Guide.
Barrio de Santa Cruz and the Old Town
Wander Alicante’s oldest neighbourhood, where narrow streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies create one of the city’s most photogenic areas.
Explanada and Postiguet Beach
Stroll the famous mosaic promenade before relaxing on Postiguet Beach. Together they capture Alicante’s easy Mediterranean lifestyle and make the city simple to enjoy on foot.
Why visit Alicante?
Alicante strikes an excellent balance between city and beach without feeling overwhelming. The main sights are easy to reach, the airport is well connected and you can combine sightseeing, cafés, beaches and evenings around the marina without complicated planning. Larger Spanish cities may offer more headline attractions, but Alicante succeeds because travelling here feels simple, sunny and relaxed.
Our take
Alicante stands out as one of the easiest coastal destinations in Spain to recommend. It does not try to compete with Barcelona or Valencia for major landmarks, but that is part of its appeal. Warm weather, good value, an attractive seafront and a relaxed pace of life make it a city that is easy to enjoy and easy to return to.
What to See in Alicante
Alicante’s main sights combine hilltop views, historic streets, seafront promenades and easy-access beaches. These are the places we would prioritise on a first visit.
Santa Bárbara Castle
Alicante’s defining landmark rises above the city on Mount Benacantil. The castle offers panoramic views across the old town, marina, Postiguet Beach and coastline, making it the best place to understand the city’s layout.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
A colourful hillside neighbourhood of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, flower-filled balconies and steep streets beneath the castle.
Explanada de España
Alicante’s palm-lined seafront promenade, known for its distinctive wave-pattern mosaic and relaxed atmosphere.
Postiguet Beach
A central urban beach directly beside the old town and marina, making it one of Alicante’s easiest places to combine sightseeing with time by the sea.
Basilica of Santa María
The oldest active church in Alicante, with a restrained Gothic exterior, baroque details and a quiet square close to the old town.
What to Do in Alicante
Alicante is best enjoyed at an easy pace, mixing coastal walks, beach time, food, viewpoints and short trips beyond the centre. These are the experiences we would prioritise on a first visit.
Walk the Seafront
Follow the waterfront from Postiguet Beach and the marina along the Explanada de España. It is one of the simplest ways to experience Alicante’s palm-lined promenades, sea views and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Spend Time at the Beach
Postiguet is the easiest beach to reach, while San Juan offers a longer stretch of sand and a more spacious beach day.
Explore the Old Town
Wander between Santa Cruz, the historic centre and small plazas, stopping for cafés, tapas and views back towards the castle.
Visit the Central Market
Browse local produce, seafood, meats and everyday ingredients inside one of Alicante’s most useful stops for understanding the local food culture.
Take a Tram Along the Coast
Use Alicante’s coastal tram to reach San Juan, El Campello and other nearby seaside areas without needing a car.
Where to Stay in Alicante
Alicante is compact enough that most visitors can walk between the beach, marina and old town. The best area depends on whether you prioritise sightseeing, nightlife, beach access or a quieter local atmosphere.
Old Town & Explanada
For most first-time visitors, staying close to the Old Town and Explanada puts you within walking distance of Santa Bárbara Castle, the marina, Postiguet Beach, restaurants and Alicante’s best evening atmosphere.
Postiguet Beach
Ideal if your priority is combining sightseeing with easy beach access and sea views.
Marina Area
A lively base with restaurants, bars and waterfront walks, particularly enjoyable during the evenings.
Mercado District
A more local part of the city centred around the Central Market, offering good value accommodation and easy access to the centre.
San Juan Beach
A quieter option outside the city centre with one of the Costa Blanca’s best beaches and tram connections into Alicante.
What to Eat in Alicante
Alicante is known for fresh seafood, Mediterranean ingredients and some of the best rice dishes in Spain. These are the local specialities we would recommend looking out for during your visit.
Arroz a Banda
One of Alicante’s signature rice dishes, traditionally cooked in rich fish stock and served separately from the seafood used to flavour it. It is one of the most authentic dishes to try along the Costa Blanca.
Fresh Seafood
Thanks to its coastal location, Alicante is an excellent place to enjoy grilled fish, prawns, squid and other Mediterranean seafood.
Tapas
Small sharing plates remain one of the best ways to experience Alicante’s food culture, especially around the old town.
Turrón
This famous almond nougat originated nearby in Jijona and is one of the region’s best-known sweet treats.
Local Wines
The Alicante wine region produces excellent reds, whites and sweet wines that pair well with local seafood and rice dishes.
Best Day Trips from Alicante
Alicante is an excellent base for exploring the Costa Blanca. Historic towns, mountain villages, beaches and vineyards are all within easy reach, making it one of Spain’s best city-break destinations for day trips.
Guadalest
One of Spain’s most spectacular hilltop villages, Guadalest combines dramatic mountain scenery, a medieval castle and turquoise reservoir views. It is the Costa Blanca’s classic day trip.
Altea
A beautiful whitewashed coastal town with narrow streets, art galleries, cafés and one of the prettiest old towns on the Costa Blanca.
Villajoyosa
Known for its colourful seafront houses, sandy beach and traditional chocolate factories.
Elche
Home to Europe’s largest palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with attractive parks and a relaxed city centre.
Tabarca Island
A small island reached by ferry from Alicante, famous for crystal-clear water, snorkelling, seafood restaurants and a peaceful atmosphere.
Getting Around Alicante
Alicante is compact, flat and easy to explore without a car. Most visitors can walk between the main sights, while trams, buses and regional trains make it simple to explore the wider Costa Blanca.
Airport to city centre
Alicante–Elche Airport is around 20 minutes from the city centre. Regular buses run throughout the day, while taxis are quick and reasonably priced.
Walking
Most visitors can comfortably explore the old town, marina, castle lift, Explanada and Postiguet Beach on foot.
TRAM Metropolitano
The coastal tram is one of Alicante’s highlights, linking the city with San Juan, El Campello, Benidorm, Altea and other Costa Blanca destinations.
Local buses
Urban buses cover the wider city and nearby beaches, making them useful for areas beyond walking distance.
Regional rail
Alicante has direct train services to cities including Elche, Murcia, Valencia and Madrid, making it a useful base for wider travel.
Car optional
A hire car is only really worthwhile if you plan to explore inland villages, mountain scenery or several Costa Blanca towns.
MapMagnet tip
Stay near the old town or Explanada and explore Alicante on foot. Use the coastal tram for beaches and nearby towns, and only hire a car if you want to spend several days exploring inland.
Best Time to Visit Alicante
Alicante is one of Spain’s best year-round city break destinations. Summers are hot and lively, while spring, autumn and even winter offer sunshine, outdoor cafés and comfortable sightseeing.
Spring
One of the best times to visit, with warm temperatures, colourful parks, quieter beaches and ideal conditions for sightseeing.
Summer
Expect hot weather, busy beaches and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for combining city sightseeing with long days by the sea.
Autumn
Sea temperatures remain warm, crowds begin to ease and the weather is still excellent for exploring the city and Costa Blanca.
Winter
Alicante enjoys one of the mildest winters in mainland Europe, making it an excellent escape for winter sunshine and relaxed city breaks.
MapMagnet tip
For the best balance of weather and fewer crowds, aim for April to June or September to early November. If you're simply chasing winter sunshine, Alicante is one of Europe's easiest destinations to recommend.
Know Before You Go
Alicante is one of Spain’s easiest destinations to visit, but a few local tips will help you make the most of your trip.
The sun is stronger than it feels
Even outside summer, the Mediterranean sun can be surprisingly strong. Sunscreen, a hat and regular water breaks are worth planning for.
Spanish meal times are later
Many restaurants become busiest from around 8:30–9:00 pm, while lunch often runs well into the afternoon.
Cards are accepted almost everywhere
Most cafés, restaurants and shops accept contactless payment, although carrying a little cash can still be useful for markets or small purchases.
Use the coastal tram
The tram is one of Alicante’s biggest advantages, making it easy to explore beaches and nearby towns without hiring a car.
Pack for the season
Light clothing is ideal for much of the year, but evenings from late autumn to early spring can still feel cool by the sea.
MapMagnet tip
Alicante rewards slowing down. Leave time to wander the old town, enjoy long lunches, stroll the Explanada and simply watch Mediterranean life unfold rather than trying to tick off every attraction.
Suggested Itineraries for Alicante
If we were visiting Alicante for the first time, this is how we would spend our time. These itineraries are designed to help you experience Alicante at a relaxed Mediterranean pace without trying to rush between attractions.
Alicante Highlights
A relaxed day covering the city’s main sights, beach and old town.
Morning
Santa Bárbara Castle and panoramic views
Lunch
Tapas around the Old Town or Explanada
Afternoon
Postiguet Beach and marina
Evening
Sunset walk along the Explanada followed by dinner
Classic Alicante Break
A balanced weekend combining culture, beaches, food and local neighbourhoods.
Day 1
Castle, Old Town, Explanada and marina
Day 2
Central Market, Postiguet Beach and the coastal tram to San Juan or El Campello
Evening
Tapas, seafood and drinks around the marina
Explore the Costa Blanca
Use Alicante as a base while discovering some of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful towns and scenery.
Day 1
Alicante highlights and beach
Day 2
Relaxed city exploring, museums and food
Day 3
Guadalest and mountain scenery
Day 4
Altea or Villajoyosa
Day 5
Tabarca Island or San Juan Beach
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