Alicante Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in Alicante 2025
Alicante completely took me by surprise. I arrived with zero expectations, and left amazed by the city’s mix of history, coastal charm, and vibrant culture. Honestly, this city has so much more to offer than I initially thought. From its stunning beaches and ancient castles to its modern attractions and lively food scene, Alicante is a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore a beautiful part of Spain.
Whether you’re into history, food, or just want to relax by the sea, there’s something here for everyone. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Alicante, plus a few tips on where to eat and drink, so you can make the most of your visit.
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Best Things to Do in Alicante
1. Santa Bárbara Castle
When I first visited Santa Bárbara Castle, I was in awe of the panoramic views from atop Mount Benacantil. The castle itself dates back to the 9th century, and walking through its ancient walls felt like stepping back in time. The best part? It’s free to explore! I opted for the elevator ride from El Postiguet Beach, which was an easy €2.70 and saved me from the 30 minute hike, but I hear the walk is equally rewarding with the views along the way.
How to get there:
- Elevator: Near El Postiguet Beach (€2.70).
- Walking: If you’re up for a bit of adventure, it’s a 30 minute hike.
- Minibus: Only €1.45 per ride, the minibus takes you to several stops, including Plaza Gómez Ulla (near the MARQ Museum) and the castle itself.
- Taxi: Around €7.50 from central locations like the Meliá Hotel
2. Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya
This iconic promenade is one of Alicante’s most famous spots. Lined with palm trees and adorned with colourful tiles, it stretches along the harbour, offering a perfect place for a leisurely walk, people watching, or stopping for a coffee at one of the many cafes along the way. It’s also a great spot to take pics!
3. Barri Vell Santa Creu
Barri Vell Santa Creu is one of Alicante’s most picturesque neighborhoods, and it’s absolutely worth exploring. This charming area, tucked into the hillside of Mount Benacantil, is all about narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses, colorful shutters, and flowerpots bursting with life. It’s a photographer’s dream, with every corner offering the perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots.
4. Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ)
For history lovers, the MARQ Museum is a must-visit. It houses a vast collection of archaeological treasures from the region, spanning from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored building and provides insight into Alicante’s rich past. Ticket prices are €5.00, but €3.00 on Sundays and bank holidays.
5. Parc El Palmeral
A visit to Parc El Palmeral was a highlight of my trip. I spent a couple of hours wandering through this beautiful park, taking in the waterfalls and palm trees (which completely made me feel like I was in Los Angeles and not Spain). Parc El Palmeral is often regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in Alicante, and it’s easy to see why. The park is free to visit and is accessible by taxi or car hire from Alicante.
6. Casa Carbonell
As you walk along the Explanada de España, you can’t miss Casa Carbonell, a striking building with beautiful architecture that’s a bit of a local icon. It’s located right by the waterfront, and is a must see for anyone interested in architecture or local history.
7. El Carrer dels Bolets
Known as “The Mushroom Street,” this quirky pedestrian area is lined with oversized mushroom sculptures. It’s free to visit and makes for some fun photos. It’s great for a quick stop while exploring the city centre
8. Tabarca Island
Take a boat trip to Tabarca Island, Spain’s smallest inhabited island. Boat tickets cost around £20 for a round trip with Get Your Guide and the journey takes 45 to 60 minutes. On the island, you can snorkel in crystal clear waters, explore the old village, or grab lunch at one of the seafood restaurants. A reasonably priced meal here costs about €15–€20 per person.
9. Day trip to Guadalest and Algar Springs
The mountain village of Guadalest is truly a breathtaking spot with incredible views of the valley and a turquoise reservoir. For the perfect lunch spot, book a table Restaurant L’Hort as the views are completely breathtaking! Then make a visit to Algar Springs which is a beautiful natural site where you can swim in crystal clear pools surrounded by scenic greenery and stunning waterfalls.
10. Food and Tapas Tour
A guided food and tapas tour is a great way to try Alicante’s traditional dishes and learn about the city’s culinary history. Prices for tours typically start around £25 per person and includes 9 starters, 5 main courses (small portions) and 2 handmade desserts.
11. Bike Tour
For those who prefer to stay on land but still want to explore Alicante in a unique way, a bike tour is a fantastic option. This guided city bike tour will take you through the heart of Alicante, past historical landmarks, along the beautiful coastline, and into the charming streets of the old town. Bike tours typically start at around £30 per person, offering an affordable and eco-friendly way to see the best of Alicante.
12. Canelobre Cave
Located about 24 km from Alicante, these impressive caves are filled with unique rock formations. A guided tour with private transportation costs £56 per person and provides fascinating insights into their history and geology.
13. Beginner Surfing Lessons
If you’ve ever dreamed of learning how to surf, Alicante is the perfect place to catch your first wave. With the Mediterranean Sea providing great conditions for beginners, a surf initiation course will teach you everything you need to know, from paddling to positioning yourself on the board and riding your first wave. Surf lessons typically start at around £30 per person, making it a great way to experience Alicante’s beautiful coastline in an exciting new way.
14. Day trip to Villajoyosa and Altea
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Villajoyosa which is famous for its colourful houses. You can also visit the Villajoyosa Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the town’s long history of chocolate making, or take a stroll along its lovely beaches. Afterward, head to Altea, a nearby picturesque village with narrow, cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses that offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t miss the iconic blue tiled dome of Santa María Church, which adds to the town’s scenic beauty. A guided tours with private transportation costs around £60 per person.
15. Snorkeling and Kayaking
If you’re someone who loves water activities, then Alicante’s coastline offers some incredible opportunities to get out on the water and explore its landscapes. Snorkeling tours along Alicante’s coastline typically start at around £26 per person, with options that take you to some of the clearest, most picturesque waters in the are. If you prefer a bit of adventure and a great workout, kayaking is another great option. Kayaking tours, which are usually priced around £30 per person, allow you to paddle along the stunning coastline and get an up-close look at the cliffs, caves, and beaches that make Alicante’s shoreline so unique.
How to get to Alicante
The easiest way to get to Alicante from the UK is by flying into Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), which serves as the main international gateway to the city. There are numerous direct flights from several UK airports, including London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, and Birmingham, making it a convenient option for travellers across the country.
1. Flight Information
The flight duration from the UK to Alicante is typically around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your departure city. Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2 often offer affordable flights, with prices ranging from as low as £30 to £100 for a one-way ticket, especially when booking in advance or during sales. Prices can fluctuate, so it’s worth checking early to secure the best rates.
2. Car Rental in Alicante
Renting a car in Alicante is highly recommended, especially if you’re planning to explore nearby towns, beaches, or the surrounding region. Alicante is a great base for day trips to places like Benidorm, Altea, or the natural parks of the Costa Blanca. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore these areas at your own pace, and you can easily book your rental in advance via platforms like Discover Cars, which allows you to compare prices and select the best rental deal.
Driving in Alicante is straightforward, with well maintained roads and clear signage. If you’re not used to driving on the right hand side of the road, don’t worry as Spain’s road system is very user-friendly. Alternatively, Alicante’s public transport system is good, with buses and trams connecting the city to nearby areas, but having a car offers much more flexibility.
3. Best Time to Visit Alicante
The best time to visit Alicante is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months. July and August can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 30°C (86°F), but this is also when the beaches are busiest and the city is full of tourists. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are ideal. I visited in November, and we had temperatures of 21°C every day with blue skies. For me, that was the perfect time to visit.
Where to Stay
- Meliá Alicante
- Prices start from £99
- Hospes Amérigo Alicante
- Prices start from £104
- Alidreams Lola Center Apartamentos
- Prices start from £87
- Eurostars Pórtico Alicante
- Prices start from £81
- Casa Alberola Alicante
- Prices start from £92
- AC Hotel Alicante
- Prices start from £82
Where to Drink & Eat
1. Coffee Spots
- Swallow
- Soho Parc
- Point Bianco Specialty Caffé
- Santagloria Coffee & Bakery
- Sip and Wonder Coffee House
- Vanadi Coffee
- Madness Specialty Coffee
- Jevole Coffee
2. Brunch
- Brunchit
- El Palacete Resto & Brunch
- Mimosa Brunch
- Hnas. Martínez
- Maldita Gloria
3. Restaurants
- Daksa – Mediterranean
- Puntapiedra – Mediterranean
- Nou Manolín – Mediterranean
- In Bocca Al Lupo – Italian
- Chico Calla – Spanish
- Bella Bia – Italian
- La Terreta Gourmet Castanos – Mediterranean
4. Rooftop Bars
- La Milagrosa
- Highbar Rooftop
- La Terraza de Amérigo
- Restaurante Convistas
- Les Monges
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this guide on the best things to do in Alicante useful!
Mandeep
Founder of The Girls Trip To
I love every step of the travel planning process and ensuring that the girls’ trip ACTUALLY happens. My mission is to help you get that girls’ trip out of the group chat by providing everything you need to plan your next getaway with your besties.
