Must Do

Visit Santa Barbara Castle on the top of Mount Benacantil. You can drive up to the castle or walk, (only really recommended for the super fit or the insane in Alicante’s summer heat!) but my favourite option is to take the lift accessed from opposite El Postiguet beach. It costs 2.40EU to make the 142m assent and the views from the top over Alicante and the surrounding areas are spectacular.

What do you like best about Alicante?

Alicante has the rare pleasure of being a city on the coast so offers the best of both worlds in terms of city culture and long sandy beaches. There isn’t many places where you can shop or visit museums and then walk across the road to the beach!

Best Beaches in Alicante

Alicante is a coastal city in eastern Spain, and it is located on the Costa Blanca. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Some of the best beaches in the Alicante area include Playa de San Juan, Playa de la Almadraba, Playa del Postiguet, and Playa de La Granadella. These beaches offer a range of activities and amenities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Additionally, many of the beaches in Alicante are well-maintained and have facilities such as toilets, showers, and lifeguards on duty. So, if you’re planning a trip to Alicante, be sure to visit one of these beautiful beaches.

Best Walk in Alicante

For the best walk meander through the Old Quarter. It is know locally as El Barrio and is home to most of the city?s monuments, making it perfect for a daytime or evening exploration. I find something new each time but for those of you who prefer a more structured walk and further information, the tourist board organises free guided walks with information in English.

Best Beaches in Alicante

Alicante, located on the east coast of Spain, is known for its stunning beaches that attract millions of tourists every year. With its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and beautiful natural landscapes, Alicante has some of the best beaches in the country. In this article, we will explore some of the best beaches in Alicante.

1. Playa del Postiguet: Playa del Postiguet is the most famous beach in Alicante, located right in the city center. The beach is over 1 kilometer long and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including showers, restrooms, and sun loungers.
2. Playa de San Juan: Playa de San Juan is one of the most popular beaches in Alicante, located about 10 kilometers north of the city center. The beach is over 7 kilometers long and offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, beach volleyball, and beach soccer. The beach is also home to several beach bars and restaurants.
3. Cala del Moraig: Cala del Moraig is a secluded beach located in the nearby town of Benitachell. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach also has a restaurant and a diving center.
4. Cala Finestrat: Cala Finestrat is a small and charming beach located about 4 kilometers south of the city center. The beach offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, with its crystal-clear waters and golden sands. The beach is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including showers, restrooms, and sun loungers.
5. Playa de la Albufereta: Playa de la Albufereta is a small and charming beach located about 4 kilometers north of the city center. The beach is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including showers, restrooms, and sun loungers.
6. Cala de la Granadella: Cala de la Granadella is a picturesque beach located in the nearby town of Javea. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach also has several restaurants and beach bars.

In conclusion, Alicante has some of the best beaches in Spain, with its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and beautiful natural landscapes. From Playa del Postiguet in the city center to Cala de la Granadella in the nearby town of Javea, there is a beach for every taste. So, whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a quiet and relaxing beach, be sure to explore the best beaches in Alicante.

Best Restaurants in Alicante

Alicante, located on the east coast of Spain, is known for its delicious cuisine that reflects the region’s Mediterranean and Spanish influences. Whether you’re looking for traditional tapas or contemporary dishes, Alicante has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to eat in Alicante, including markets where you can find fresh produce and local specialties.

1. Mercado Central de Alicante: Mercado Central de Alicante is the city’s main market, located in the heart of the historic center. The market is a great place to find fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as local specialties like turron, a type of nougat made with almonds and honey. Many of the market’s vendors also offer prepared foods, such as paella and grilled meats.
2. La Taberna del Gourmet: La Taberna del Gourmet is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Alicante. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Spanish cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list featuring Spanish and international wines.
3. Nou Manolin: Nou Manolin is a traditional restaurant located in the historic center of Alicante. The restaurant is known for its classic Spanish dishes, including paella, grilled meats, and tapas. The restaurant also has a large selection of Spanish wines.
4. Casa Julio: Casa Julio is a popular tapas bar located in the heart of Alicante. The bar is known for its delicious and affordable tapas, including grilled octopus, fried fish, and Iberian ham. The bar also has a great selection of Spanish wines and beers.
5. El Portal: El Portal is a modern restaurant located in the historic center of Alicante. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Spanish cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu featuring classic and innovative cocktails.
6. Mercado San Juan: Mercado San Juan is a popular food market located just outside the historic center of Alicante. The market is a great place to find fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as local specialties like horchata, a sweet drink made from tiger nuts.
7. La Ereta: La Ereta is a restaurant located on the slopes of Monte Benacantil, overlooking the city of Alicante. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Spanish cuisine, with a focus on fresh and local ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list featuring Spanish and international wines.

In conclusion, Alicante has a rich culinary tradition that combines Mediterranean and Spanish influences. From traditional tapas bars to modern restaurants and food markets, there is something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for fresh seafood or local specialties, be sure to explore the best places to eat in Alicante.

Accommodation in Alicante

This is a short list of hotels and guest houses available in Alicante. (H) denotes that the hotel is a historic building.

Top End

Casa Alberola, Curio Collection by Hilton, your coastal retreat in the heart of Alicante. It is beautifully set in a historic neo-classical building. Our exquisite architecture draws you in and back in time to the elegance of the 1920’s. There are touches of velvet, intricate moldings and marble. (H)

Hospes Amerigo is an elegantly designed hotel is set in a 19th-century Dominican Convent in Alicante’s old town, 300 m from Postiguet Beach. Hospes Amerigo is within 50 m of the cathedral and Alicante Town Hall. (H)

Melia Alicante is set between Alicante Harbor and Postiguet Beach, Meliá Alicante offers an outdoor pool and free WiFi throughout. All rooms feature a terrace, some with sea views. A kid’s club is available in high season.

Mid Range

Hotel Maya is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Alicante, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.

Occidental, fully refurbished in 2020, is located directly in the city center near Rambla de Mendez Nunez, Esplanada de Espana, and the MARQ (archeological museum) – the perfect location to explore Alicante.

Budget /Backpacker Hostels

Set within 1.2 km of Postiguet and 700 m of Central Market, Hostal Numero Trece offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Alicante. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

Offering air-conditioned rooms in the Alicante City Centre district of Alicante, Hola Hostel Alicante is 550 m from Postiguet. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

The Market Hostel features air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

In the summer the bandstand on the Explanada de Espa’a hosts a wide range of musical acts and impromptu performances. Alicante is also attracting more top international acts. Bryan Adams and UB40 were both in town in 2008 to mark the start of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Best Music/Festival

Best Nightlife in Alicante

Alicante, located on the east coast of Spain, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink with friends or a night out on the town, Alicante has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Here are some of the best nightlife spots in Alicante.

1. El Barrio: El Barrio is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This lively neighborhood is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, with something for everyone. El Barrio is especially busy on weekends and holidays, with many bars offering live music and entertainment.
2. Terraza El Claustro: Located in the historic center of Alicante, Terraza El Claustro is a popular rooftop bar offering stunning views of the city. The bar has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap.
3. La Mision: La Mision is a popular nightclub located in the heart of Alicante. The club plays a mix of music, including Latin, pop, and house, and attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. La Mision is open late and is a great spot for dancing the night away.
4. The George & Dragon: The George & Dragon is a British-style pub located in the heart of Alicante. The pub serves a wide range of beers and spirits, as well as traditional British pub food. The George & Dragon is a popular spot for sports fans, with multiple screens showing live sports events.
5. The Gin Tonic Club: The Gin Tonic Club is a stylish cocktail bar located in the heart of Alicante. The bar specializes in gin and tonic cocktails, with a wide range of gins to choose from. The Gin Tonic Club has a chic atmosphere and is a great spot for a sophisticated night out.
6. El Coscorrón: El Coscorrón is a popular tapas bar located in the historic center of Alicante. The bar serves a wide range of traditional Spanish tapas, as well as beers, wines, and cocktails. El Coscorrón has a lively atmosphere and is a great spot for a night out with friends.
7. The Queen Vic: The Queen Vic is an English-style pub located in the heart of Alicante. The pub serves a wide range of beers and spirits, as well as traditional British pub food. The Queen Vic is a popular spot for sports fans, with multiple screens showing live sports events.

In conclusion, Alicante has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. From rooftop bars with stunning views to lively nightclubs and traditional tapas bars, there is something for everyone. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and head out to explore the best nightlife spots in Alicante.

Best Day Trip Out of the Alicante

Escape the hustle and bustle for a full day’s excursion across to neighboring Tabarca Island. There are a number of companies based in the harbour offering trips across to the Island. Ferry rides going every 20-30 minutes in the peak summer months costing around 15 euros for a return ticket.

It is a small and tranquil island perfect for snorkelling. The surrounding waters of the 2km long island were declared a national marine park in 1986.

Something that not many tourists would know about in Alicante

Alicante has its very own little Hollywood Hills the Ciudad de la Luz. These film studios just outside the city, perched on the hill still go relatively unnoticed. But are an emerging player in the world of film which is slowly starting to put Alicante on the movie map.

https://youtu.be/yU8MNSMQWtk

10 interesting facts about Alicante

1. Alicante is a city located on the east coast of Spain, in the region of Valencia.
2. The name “Alicante” comes from the Arabic word “al-laqant,” which means “the scented one,” referring to the aromatic plants found in the area.
3. The city is known for its stunning beaches, with Playa del Postiguet and Playa de San Juan being the most famous ones.
4. Alicante is home to the Castillo de Santa Barbara, a fortress located on top of Mount Benacantil, offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
5. The city is famous for its annual festival, Las Hogueras de San Juan, which takes place in June and involves the burning of giant sculptures and fireworks.
6. Alicante is also known for its cuisine, with paella, seafood, and tapas being some of the most popular dishes.
7. The city has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
8. Alicante has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination year-round.
9. The city is also known for its production of wine, with the nearby region of Alicante producing some of the best wines in Spain.
10. Alicante is a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, with the nearby Sierra de Mariola Natural Park offering stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails.