What to Do in Alicante, Spain: 12 Highlights & Beautiful Day Trips
Set along the sparkling Costa Blanca, Alicante is one of Southern Spain’s most popular seaside cities. While its sandy beaches attract summer crowds, Alicante offers so much more than just sunbathing. From Moorish castles to colorful old towns, bustling markets to day trips along the coast, this Mediterranean gem is full of surprises. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, part of a Spain road trip, or planning a longer Costa Blanca holiday, here are the absolute best things to do in Alicante.
Alicante, palm trees and sea breezes create the perfect Mediterranean backdrop /Depositphotos
Alicante, beachside colorful buildings shining under the Mediterranean sun /Depositphotos
1. Climb Up to Castell de Santa Bàrbara
Perched high on Mount Benacantil since the 9th century, Santa Bárbara Castle stands as Alicante’s most iconic landmark and a symbol of its Moorish past. The fortress overlooks the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views across the city’s rooftops, the harbor, and the golden coastline. You can hike up through Parc de l’Ereta for a scenic (but steep) adventure through fragrant pines, or opt for the glass elevator that glides up from Postiguet Beach. Entry is free, so take your time wandering the ramparts, exploring lookout towers, and watching the sun dip behind the mountains.
Alicante, Castell de Santa Bàrbara rising above the city, seen from a narrow street /Depositphotos
Alicante, Castell de Santa Bàrbara overlooking the city from the palm-lined boulevard /Depositphotos
2. Wander Through El Barrio de Santa Cruz
Alicante’s old quarter, Barrio de Santa Cruz, is a charming maze of narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled balconies bursting with color. Every corner reveals a splash of blue paint, a hidden courtyard, or a ceramic-tiled shrine, giving this hillside neighborhood a timeless feel. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busy waterfront below. As locals still live here, walk quietly, soak in the authentic Mediterranean rhythm, and don’t forget your camera, this area is pure postcard perfection.
Alicante, narrow streets with white houses adorned with vibrant flower pots /Depositphotos
3. Relax at Postiguet Beach
Just steps from Alicante’s bustling center, Playa del Postiguet is the city’s most popular place to swim, sunbathe, and unwind. In summer, it buzzes with life, families playing paddle ball, cafés serving chilled sangria, and beachgoers basking beneath colorful umbrellas. For a quieter experience, hop on a short boat ride to nearby Tabarca Island, where turquoise water and sandy coves await. Off-season, Postiguet feels tranquil and golden, with gentle waves and castle views right from your towel.
Alicante, golden sands and turquoise waters of Postiguet Beach beneath the castle hill /Depositphotos
Alicante, Postiguet Beach glowing at sunset with golden reflections on the calm sea /Depositphotos
4. Stroll the Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya
This palm-lined promenade, paved with red, cream, and black mosaic tiles that ripple like ocean waves, is Alicante’s most elegant walkway. Locals and travelers gather here each evening for a leisurely paseo to enjoy the sea breeze and soft street-music. Cafés, ice-cream stands, and artisanal market stalls line the route, making it the perfect spot for people-watching or an unhurried sunset stroll beneath swaying palms.
Alicante, narrow streets filled with blooming flowers and colorful facades /Depositphotos
5. Visit the Basilica of St. Mary
The Basílica de Santa María, the oldest church in Alicante, dates to the 14th century and was built atop a former mosque. Its intricate Baroque façade contrasts beautifully with the Gothic stone structure behind it, blending centuries of history in one building. Step inside for a peaceful moment among candlelight and gilded altars, or admire the ornate twin towers from the sun-soaked square outside, especially striking at golden hour.
Alicante, Basilica of St. Mary with its elegant baroque façade and Gothic details /Depositphotos
6. Have a Drink Beneath the Ficus Trees
In Plaza Portal de Elche, massive Ficus Macrophylla trees with twisting trunks and hanging roots create a shady canopy that feels almost magical. Beneath their branches sits SOHO Parc Café, an inviting place for an iced coffee or a cool glass of tinto de verano. Take a seat, listen to the hum of conversation around you, and enjoy one of Alicante’s most atmospheric urban oases, perfect for a midday pause.
7. Learn at the Bonfire Museum
Dedicated to Alicante’s beloved Fogueres de Sant Joan festival, this small but lively museum bursts with color and creativity. Here, you’ll find intricate papier-mâché statues, photographs, and costumes used during the city’s fiery June celebrations. It’s a quick visit but a memorable one, especially if you’re curious about the energy, artistry, and humor that define Alicante’s biggest party. Bonus: admission is free.
Alicante, panoramic cityscape with the harbor, castle, and Mediterranean coastline /Depositphotos
8. Explore Mushroom Street (El Carrer dels Bolets)
Playful and unique, Calle San Francisco, nicknamed Mushroom Street, is one of Alicante’s quirkiest sights. Oversized mushroom sculptures line the pavement, creating a whimsical photo stop loved by both kids and adults. The surrounding area buzzes with life, offering boutique shops, tapas bars, and vegan-friendly cafés. It’s the kind of place where you can shop, snack, and snap photos all in one colorful stroll.
Alicante, Mushroom Street decorated with giant colorful mushroom sculptures and lively cafés /Depositphotos
9. Explore the Harbour & Muelle Uno
Alicante’s waterfront blends modern energy with Mediterranean charm. The lively marina area hosts markets, open-air concerts, and sleek yachts moored under the sunshine. Stroll along Moll 12 pier, stop for seafood at a seaside restaurant, or treat yourself to a sunset catamaran cruise with views of Santa Bárbara Castle rising above the bay. At night, the reflections of city lights dancing on the water are simply unforgettable.
Alicante, scenic harbor view with yachts, palm trees, and the castle in the background /Depositphotos
10. Shop at the Central Market
No visit to Alicante is complete without a stop at Mercado Central, a sensory feast of colors, aromas, and sounds. Inside the grand 1920s building, locals shop for just-caught seafood, Iberian hams, seasonal produce, and handmade sweets. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to wander through the bustling aisles or grab a quick tapa and glass of vino blanco at a nearby bar.
Alicante, panoramic harbor view with shimmering blue waters and the city skyline /Depositphotos
11. Try Vegan & Healthy Eats
Alicante’s food scene is evolving fast, and plant-based travelers will be pleasantly surprised. From smoothie bowls and vegan empanadas to creative Mediterranean fusion dishes, you’ll find plenty of cafés offering healthy, flavorful options. Many are tucked into bohemian corners of the city center, perfect for recharging after sightseeing or escaping the midday sun with a cold drink.
12. Take a Day Trip from Alicante
Alicante is an ideal base for discovering the Costa Blanca’s stunning coastline and charming inland towns. Hop on a boat to Tabarca Island for snorkeling and seafood by the sea, or visit Altea, a picture-perfect whitewashed village with spectacular coastal views. Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls offer mountain scenery and refreshing swims, while Torrevieja dazzles with its pink salt lake and flamingos. Don’t miss Villajoyosa, known for its rainbow-colored houses and world-famous chocolate factory. Each destination adds a new layer to your Alicante adventure.
Tabarca Island, sunset casting golden light over the sea and stone houses /Depositphotos
Altea, whitewashed town with blue-domed church and stunning sea views /Depositphotos
Altea, pebbled beach with turquoise waters and whitewashed houses along the coast /Depositphotos
Guadalest, mountain village with a medieval castle overlooking a turquoise reservoir /Depositphotos
Guadalest, hilltop village surrounded by dramatic cliffs and breathtaking valley views /Depositphotos
Torrevieja, cityscape with pastel buildings and views of the shimmering pink salt lake /Depositphotos
Torrevieja, panoramic port view with fishing boats, palm trees, and colorful waterfront buildings /Depositphotos
Torrevieja, sandy beach with turquoise waters and palm-lined promenade under the Spanish sun /Depositphotos
Final Thoughts on Alicante
Far more than just a beach resort, Alicante blends history, culture, and laid-back seaside energy. From the castle’s sweeping views to the maze-like charm of Barrio de Santa Cruz, every corner has something special to offer. Stroll palm-lined promenades, dive into the local food scene, and venture on day trips to see more of the Costa Blanca’s hidden gems. If you’re traveling through southern Spain, make Alicante more than a quick stopover, it’s a city that truly rewards those who linger.