Alicante Travelers Recommend

As well as being a destination in its own right, the provincial capital of Alicante is a convenient base for exploring the greater Costa Blanca region. Three days give you enough time to visit the city’s castles and cathedrals, spend some time on the water, and explore the countryside. Here’s how.

Day 1: Around Town

Spend your first day getting your bearings on a walking tour of Alicante’s town centre. Zip around town on a Segway; cover more sights in less time on a bike tour; or get a more intimate glimpse of the streets on a walking tour. If you have specific attractions on your must-see list, opt for a private tour. No matter what type of tour you choose, you’ll likely cover Santa Barbara Castle, Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari, and the magnificent Explanada d’Espanya.

This afternoon, get your culture fix. Satisfy your appetite during a paella cooking class or tapas tour, or visit the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts for a dose of history. Finish your day with drinks and dinner on the Explanada d’Espanya.

Day 2: On the Water

It would be a shame to visit the Costa Blanca without spending some time out on the water. Soar high above the Sea of Torrevieja during a parasailing expedition or stay close to the ground with a day of sailing and snorkeling. A popular day trip destination is Isla de Tabarca, which is home to a small village with a restaurant and museum, and plenty of places to snorkel along the way. 

On your return to dry land, get ready for a night out—Spanish-style. No trip would be complete without an evening of traditional flamenco, and in Alicante, you can see it in a local tablao (flamenco tavern) over a dinner of Spanish tapas.

Day 3: Into the Countryside

Now that you’ve explored the city of Alicante and the coast, head inland to explore the countryside. Take a day trip to the picturesque village of Guadalest, which typically also include a stop at the waterfalls and pools of Algar, or tour the spectacular Canelobre Caves, whose interior resembles a Gothic cathedral. 

For a taste of small town Spain, opt for an excursion to Villajoyosa and Altea, two of the prettiest coastal towns in Alicante Province, or go wine tasting in the region of Vinalopo. Plan for a long day and a quiet dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant upon your return.

The exceptional museums, historic sites, and ancient ruins of Alicante offer plenty of options for travelers in the heart of the Costa Blanca. Still, nearby historic towns and quiet little villages prove worthy of a day trip beyond the urban center. These are some of the best villages in the area.

Villena

Little Villena, considered one of the prettiest towns in the Val de Vinalopó, has a decidedly Castilian feel to it. Wander through the old quarter to Plaza de Santiago, tour the towering Atalaya Castle, and pay a visit to the town’s excellent archaeological museum.

Elche

Elche, home of the UNESCO-listed Palm Grove—the largest in the world—has long been an important fruit producer thanks to its Moorish irrigation system. Walk through the palm forest, tour the Basilica of Saint Mary, or stroll through the old town.

Alcoy

Visitors to the hillside town of Alcoy can travel back some 60,000 years while examining ancient rock paintings and old Iberian ruins. In addition to Barchell Castle, the Hermitage of St. Anthony the Abbot, and the Archaeological Museum, Alcoy is known for its numerous Modernista buildings.

Guadalest

Set beneath the shadow of Castillo de San José (built by the Moors in the 11th century), the village of Guadalest is one of the most beautiful Spanish villages in the region, thanks to its incredible views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Among the town’s several museums is a collection of some 20,000 salt and pepper shakers. Combine your visit with a stop in nearby Benidorm.

Altea

Nicknamed the “jewel of the Mediterranean,” Altea comprises a whitewashed old town overlooking the sea, as well as a sleepy fishing harbor and several pebble beaches. 

Two days in Alicante gives you enough time to see the highlights of the Costa Blanca capital, as well as venture further afield to explore Guadalest, one of Spain’s most picturesque small towns. Here are some tips for how to plan the ultimate 48 hours in Alicante.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

Morning: Get oriented with a sightseeing tour of Alicante’s most important landmarks, including the Explanada d’Espanya, hilltop Santa Barbara Castle, and the San Nicolas de Bari Cathedral. Opt for a private tour to maximize your time, or join a small group for a biking, Segway, or walking tour.

Afternoon: Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to a taste of Alicante in the afternoon. Savor local tapas on a guided walk through old town with a local foodie, or get a hands-on introduction to the culinary landscape at a paella cooking class.

Night: Finish off your first day on the Costa Blanca with a romantic and relaxing sunset cruise along the coast. Watch the sunset from the deck of a modern catamaran, glass of wine in hand. After, head to one of the bars along Explanada d’Espanya for a nightcap.

Day 2: Guadalest & Algar Springs

Morning: Get an early start for your day exploring the Costa Blanca outside Alicante. One of the most popular day trips takes travelers to the village of Guadalest, perched in the hills with a view down the valley and toward the sea.

Afternoon: After visiting Guadalest, many day trip groups continue on to the Algar Waterfalls, a series of natural springs, pools, and falls where it’s possible to swim in the clear waters. Alternately, you could spend a day wine tasting in the wine regions of Alicante province.

Night: Plan to end your time in Alicante by enjoying one of Spain’s most enduring icons, flamenco. Take your seat at a traditional tablao (flamenco tavern) in old town for an evening of Spanish guitar, singing, and dancing in an intimate setting. Most performances include a tapas dinner with local wine.

Alicante, the Spanish capital of the Costa Blanca Spain chams with historic streets and a happening nightlife scene. With just one day, you can walk the city on a tour and spend time on the water. Here are some tips for what to see and do during your 24 hours in Alicante. 

Morning: City Sightseeing

Make the most of your limited time in Alicante by starting with a guided city sightseeing. Whether you zip around on a Segway, peddle the city streets by bike, or hit the pavement on foot, you won’t want to miss attractions such as Santa Barbara Castle, the scenic Explanada de España, Casa Carbonell, and the striking St. Nicholas of Bari Cathedral. Choose a private tour to see everything on your list in less time. 

Afternoon: Set Sail

Take in the picturesque beauty of the Costa Blanca with an afternoon excursion out on the water. Spend a few hours sailing and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea with stops to relax on San Juan or Arenales beach, or catch a bird’s-eye view as you parasail high above the sea of Torrevieja. If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, opt for a walking tapas tour through the maze-like old town to learn about Alicante’s culinary heritage as you sample regional specialties, like salted fish, cured meats, and a local nougat pastry.

Night: Flamenco & Tapas

No trip to Spain is complete without a bit of flamenco, and you have options in Alicante. Polish off your day in this city by the sea with a live flamenco performance in a traditional tablao (flamenco tavern) in Alicante’s old town. This intimate setting is ideal for enjoying the Spanish guitar, singing, and dancing. Many performances include tapas, such as Manchego cheese, Iberian ham, and croquettes to munch on while you watch. If you have energy to spare, get a taste of Alicante’s buzzing nightlife with some bar hopping along Muelle del Puerto near the port.

Spain’s culinary tradition is as rich in culture as it is in flavor. From savory seafood to sugary sweets, the streets of Alicante offer plenty of options for travelers looking to treat their taste buds. Here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Paella, often considered Spain’s signature dish, is made from a special grain of rice grown in the Costa Blanca and Valencia regions, making it a must for any Alicante visitor. The city’s position on the coast means seafood is fresh and plentiful, so don’t miss out on fish dishes like succulent red Denia prawns, salazones (salted fish), and esgarrat (grilled red peppers with cured cod and olive oil).

If it’s sweets you’re craving, sample some turron, an almond-and-honey nougat traditionally eaten around the holidays or folded into ice cream, or bunuelo, deep-fried fritters often served with powdered sugar and dipped in thick hot chocolate.

Must-Do Experiences

• Lace up your walking shoes for a guided gourmet food tour of Old Town while sampling regional specialities and locally made wines.

• Zip around Alicante on a Segway, taking in the historical sites and treating your taste buds to some of the city’s best tapas.

• Sit down for a traditional paella lunch overlooking the picturesque Alicante port.

• Indulge your senses with a live flamenco show and tapas dinner.