Compare Alicante holidays

What to do in Alicante

If you can bring yourself to step away from the all-inclusive resorts and beaches for a while and the tapas bars for a while, you’ll find Alicante holidays offer plenty of entertainment, from ancient castles to fascinating museums, natural islands and unique day trips.

Santa Barbara Castle

Looming over the city is the imposing Castillo de Santa Barbara, one of Alicante’s top sights. Sitting atop Mount Benacantil, standing at 166m (544ft), the castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. Built in three different stages, the oldest tower dates to the 14th century, the main enclosure from the 16th century and the lower enclosure from the 18th century.

Take your time on the hike up, enjoying views of Alicante and its harbour, then explore the castle ruins (free entry). Prefer not to walk? A lift from Playa del Postiguet will whisk you straight to the top – but you will need to pay.

Playa del Postiguet

Alicante’s main beach, Playa del Postiguet is one of the city’s biggest draws. Music fills the air around the chiringuito beach bars that spill onto this Blue Flag beach, while its golden sand and clean and safe waters are a big draw for families.

Facilities include sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire, lockers and toilets. For watersports, you’re better off visiting Playa de San Juan, about 9km (5.6 miles) north of the city.

Tabarca Island

Located just off the shore of Alicante, car-free Tabarca Island makes for a great day trip. Spend your time visiting the Tabarca Museum, sampling the island’s traditional dish of caldero and enjoying the views.

The waters around the island are known for their biodiversity and are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, so bring your snorkel or book onto a diving tour – book one from Santa Pola on the mainland.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante (MACA)

One of the best art museums in the city, the free-to-enter Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante comprises three permanent collections. Highlight include works by the likes of Miro and Dali, as well as local Alicante artists such as the painter Juana Frances and the sculptor and graphic artist, Eusebio Sempere.

Elche

Elche makes an ideal day trip from Alicante, located just half hour away by bus or car. The town is famed for its vast 200,000-strong palm grove known as Palmeral of Elche. Its elaborate irrigation system created by the Moors in the 10th century has given Palmeral of Elche UNESCO World Heritage protection since the year 2000.

Follow the Route of El Palmeral to take in the highlights and make sure to check out other Elche must-sees, such as the baroque Basilica of Santa María, the Palacio de Altamira, and the Archaeology and History Museum.

Where to stay in Alicante

For families

For those travelling with kids in tow the areas around Playa del Postiguet and La Albufereta are great options with their wide sandy beaches. El Postiguet is Alicante’s main beach, complete with Blue Flag status, plenty of facilities and safe swimming areas. La Albufereta is also a great family zone, a little further from the centre, but quieter and more natural.

Further out of town you’ll also find the popular beach of Playa de San Juan, lined with plenty of family-friendly hotels, restaurants and self-catering apartments.

For food and drink

The largest concentration of tapas bars and typical Spanish seafood restaurants can be found in the old town, so it’s a great place to base yourself if you want to make the most of the city’s great gastronomic scene. The city and the surrounding area are particularly famous for paellas and fresh shellfish.

For nightlife

El Barrio, a lively neighbourhood filled with many bars and pubs and part of Alicante’s old town, is one of the best areas for nightlife. For clubs, opt to stay near El Puerto close to the marina. In summer, much of the nightlife centres around the chiringuitos or beach bars along Playa de San Juan and Playa del Postiguet.

For culture

Alicante’s Casco Antiguo or old town is the best area to stay for culture lovers. It’s here where you’ll find most of the museums, including major art and cultural museums, as well as the city’s most historic buildings. It’s also one of the most attractive areas to stay in Alicante, with white- and candy-coloured houses and a warren of flower-filled streets.