What to do in Alicante

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Must-see Alicante attractions

This coastal city boasts history and culture as well as the holiday essentials of sun, sea and sand, so you’ll never run out of things to put on your ‘what to do in Alicante’ list!

In fact, narrowing down what to do in Alicante is quite a task, so let us help. From castle tours to snorkeling around islands, here’s our run-down of top activities and tourist attractions in Alicante.

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Language: Spanish   |   Currency: Euro (€)   |   Local time: (UTC+1:00)   |   Average flight time: 2:50hrs

 

Castillo de Santa Bárbara


A sandy-coloured fortress sits atop Mount Benacantil, commanding spectacular views over Alicante and the Mediterranean. You can reach this 9th-century castle via a lift opposite Playa del Postiguet. Inside you’ll find a museum recounting the history of the city. Surely Alicante’s number one tourist attraction, and quite rightly so.

Beach with Santa Barbara Castle located on Mount Benacantil, Alicante

Museums


For such a small city, Alicante has a good selection of museums. Among the best are the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (Plaza Sta. María), where you can see works by Dali and Picasso housed in a 17th-century prison, and Museo Arqueológico Provincial (Placa Dr. Gómez Ulla), which is renowned for its ceramics and Iberian art. 

Provincial Archaeological Museum, Alicante

 
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El Barrio

Basilica de Santa Maria, Alicante
With colourful plant pots, hidden squares and cosy cafes and bars, the winding streets of El Barrio (the old town) are a joy to wander around. Visit the Basílica de Santa María to see its flamboyant gilded altar, and be sure to come back after dark when these quaint streets buzz with locals and tourists out on the town. 

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Playa del Postiguet


When you can’t quite decide what to do on your Alicante holiday, a lazy day at the beach is a failsafe option. Alicante’s main beach is clean, sandy and teeming with watersports and beach activities.

If you find it a tad busy for your tastes, head to the quieter Playa de San Juan. It’s northeast of Alicante, but is easily reached via the city’s tram system.

View of San Juan beach, Alicante

 
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Tabarca Island


This gorgeous little island is well worth the hour’s boat ride from Alicante. Bring your swimsuit, towel and snorkel and explore the coves and crystal clear waters before tucking into a plate of caldero (traditional local stew).

Tabarca Island in Alicante coast

Browse the souvenir shops in the ‘old town’ and pop by the island’s museum, too.

Events to put in your diary

Alicante events

Alicante Carnival; leading up to Ash Wednesday: Parades, music and dancing on the streets – no you’re not in Rio, you’re in Alicante! This three-week-long festival is celebrated with daily street parties and costume-filled parades.

Hogueras de San Juan (St John’s Bonfires); summer solstice: Alicante’s most famous and impressive fiesta has fireworks, dancing competitions and marching bands, and culminates in the burning of satirical effigies (ninots) on a spectacular bonfire.