Alicante is a vibrant city in Costa Blanca, located on the southeastern coast of Spain. This beautiful city is known for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and lively culture. Alicante is a popular destination for tourists and offers a unique blend of Spanish and Mediterranean traditions. In this Alicante travel guide, we will explore the top sights, tours, and activities, transportation options, and lodging options in Alicante.
Top Facts about Alicante
- Alicante is the capital of the province of Alicante in the Valencian Community.
- The official languages are Spanish and Valencian, and the currency is the euro.
- Alicante is known for its beautiful beaches, including the famous Postiguet Beach.
- The city has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era, and has been influenced by many cultures, including the Moors and the Romans.
- Alicante is known for its lively culture, with many festivals and events throughout the year.
Top Sights
- Santa Bárbara Castle: This historic castle is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers a great view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
- El Barrio: The old town of Alicante is filled with narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of restaurants and bars.
- Explanada de España: This beautiful promenade is lined with palm trees and features colorful tiles and a great view of the sea.
- Museum of Contemporary Art: This museum is housed in a beautiful old building and features a great collection of contemporary art.
- Lucentum: This ancient Roman city is located just outside of Alicante and is a great place to explore the history of the region.
<>Tours & Activities
ol>Culture & Art
>Alicante is home to a rich culture and history. The city has numerous attractions for visitors interested in arts and culture. Visitors may start exploring the history of Alicante with a visit to the archaeological museum MARQ.MARQ stands for Archaeological Museum of Alicante and is one of the most visited museums in Spain. The museum displays over 80,000 years of history of Alicante and is situated in the modernist building of the Provincial Hospital. Another museum worth a visit is the Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the Asegurada Palace. The museum displays modern and contemporary art collections with works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
For those interested in exploring the history of the city, a visit to the Castillo de Santa Barbara is a must. The castle is located on the top of Mount Benacantil, overlooking the city of Alicante. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea from the castle.
Another great spot for art lovers is the Alicante Museum of Fine Arts, which is situated in the historic Palacio Gravina. The museum displays a wide range of art collections, including works by some of the most celebrated Spanish artists such as Francisco de Goya, Joaquín Sorolla, and Ignacio Pinazo.
Alicante also offers great cultural events and festivals, including the International Puppet Festival, the Medieval Market, and the Bonfires of Saint John festival.
Alicante is a city with a rich culture and history, and visitors will not be disappointed with the abundance of museums, art galleries, and cultural events.
T>Things to Do & See
here is an abundance of activities and sights to enjoy in Alicante. The stunning Explanada de España seafront promenade is a perfect place to start your journey in Alicante. The promenade, which stretches from the marina to the city centre, is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. At the end of the promenade lies the El Postiguet beach, a beautiful spot that exudes the city’s holiday atmosphere all year round. Thanks to its south-facing seafront, Alicante enjoys sunshine throughout the year.The Old Quarter of Alicante, located on the sides of Benacantil Hill and Santa Bárbara Castle, is a must-visit. A day trip to the old quarter and L’Alacantí district is a fantastic way to explore the city’s rich history. Visitors can take a lift to the top of the 166-metre outcrop across the road from Postiguet Beach. The area boasts narrow streets that become the local teenage scene at night and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the City Hall Square.
The Gothic-style Church of Santa María is situated in the Plaza de Santa María and is worth visiting, along with the Museo Casa de la Asegurada (Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art), an important contemporary art collection housed in a 17th-century building. The Provincial Authority Building and Archaeological Museum are also great spots to explore, located on one of the wide avenues in the city.
The stunning San Fernando Castle, constructed to defend the city from the Napoleonic invasion, is situated behind the Provincial Authority Building. Alicante also boasts beautiful beaches, including the twice-voted best beach in Spain, La Granadella beach.
Alicante is a great destination for foodies, shoppers, and nightlife enthusiasts. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time exploring the city’s gastronomy, shopping, and nightlife.
B>Beaches
te is a charming Spanish city on the Mediterranean coast with some of the best beaches in Spain. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the warm waters of the Mediterranean and golden sandy beaches are a major attraction for visitors.No Regrets Booking Advice
The most popular and stunning beaches in Alicante include the Postiguet Beach, San Juan Beach, Albufereta Beach, and Muchavista Beach.
The Postiguet Beach, located in the heart of the city, is a lively urban beach with crystal-clear water and golden sand. San Juan Beach is the most famous beach in Alicante, a wide beach with a long stretch of golden sand, clear waters, and a perfect place for water sports. The Albufereta Beach is a peaceful and calm beach located near the city centre, and Muchavista Beach is a long sandy beach with plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxation.
Alicante beaches offer visitors various amenities and facilities, including beach bars, restaurants, sunbeds, and beach sports.
G>Gastronomy & Eating Out
te is known for its fresh seafood and rice dishes, including the famous paella. Along the seafront promenade of Explanada de España, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. You can also explore the Old Quarter for a more traditional dining experience. Make sure to try local specialties such as arroz a banda and seafood fideua.Sh>Shopping
e is a great place to shop for traditional crafts and gifts, including pottery, leather goods, and ceramics. The Central Market is a must-visit destination for foodies and shoppers alike. Here you’ll find a variety of local produce, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. You can also check out the local shops in the Old Quarter for unique souvenirs and gifts.Ni>Nightlife
e is a lively city with a great nightlife scene. For a casual night out, head to the bars and cafes in the Old Quarter or the trendy neighborhood of Gros. For a more upscale experience, check out the bars and nightclubs along the seafront promenade. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the local cocktail, Agua de Valencia, which is made with cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka.Tr>Transportation
e has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses and a tram system. The tram is the most convenient and efficient way to get around the city, with several lines that cover most of the city’s main attractions. Buses are also a good option, and there are many taxi stands and ride-hailing services available as well.Lo>Logging
e offers a wide range of lodging options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Many of the hotels are located in the city center, within walking distance of the main attractions. Some of the top-rated hotels in Alicante include the Hospes Amérigo, the Eurostars Lucentum, and the Meliá Alicante.How to Ge>How to Get There
g to Alicante is easy. Alicante-Elche Airport is connected to main Spain cities and many European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Germany, Norway and Holland. There is a network of buses to for resorts and province transportation.In conclusion, Alicante is a beautiful and lively city that offers visitors a unique blend of Spanish and Mediterranean culture. From the stunning beaches to the historic landmarks, there is something for everyone in Alicante. So, whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or a history buff, Alicante should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
