Alacant/Alicante

Wondering what to see in Alicante? Planning a break in this bright, captivating city is easy with our step-by-step guide. Your trip will combine culture, the freshness of the Mediterranean and an itinerary full of unexpected highlights, so you can make the most of every moment. 

What makes Alicante so special?  

Its appeal lies in the way history, seafood-led cuisine and Alicante’s unmistakable light all coalesce wonderfully, encouraging life to be enjoyed outdoors. Across the city, there is no shortage of places worth seeking out.

Museums and monuments in Alicante 

• Alicante Town Hall: this 18th-century Baroque palace is framed by two matching towers. Inside, its grand staircase is home to Spain’s historic “zero level” benchmark, while its stately rooms are replete with works of art. 

• San Nicolás de Bari Co-Cathedral: a Renaissance church designed in the austere Herrerian style, with a Gothic cloister and a remarkable Baroque chapel hidden within. 

• Santa María Parish Church: Alicante’s oldest church draws the eye with its Baroque façade, while its Gothic interior houses a 17th-century organ and a Rococo high altar. 

• Principal Theatre: an elegant Neoclassical building with more than 175 years of history and one of the city’s leading cultural and artistic venues. 

• Central Market: housed in a standout Modernist building crowned by an eye-catching dome, this food market has more than 300 stalls and is an ideal place to stop for an aperitif or pick up local produce. 

• Hermitage of la Santa Cruz: set in the colourful Santa Cruz neighbourhood, this 18th-century hermitage rests against the former castle walls and forms one of Alicante’s most picturesque and traditional corners. 

• La Santísima Faz Monastery: an 18th-century Baroque landmark with a 16th-century defensive tower. It is also the focal point of La Peregrina, a major pilgrimage and one of Alicante’s most deeply rooted traditions. 

• Tossal de Manises: around three kilometres from the city centre lie the archaeological remains of Lucentum, the ancient Iberian-Roman settlement from which Alicante developed. The site preserves traces of baths, walls and imperial forums. 

Castles in Alicante 

Santa Bárbara Castle is well worth a visit. You can reach it on foot through the beautiful Santa Cruz neighbourhood, travel by public transport or take the lift from Postiguet beach. Perched on Mount Benacantil, this fortress of Moorish origin has watched over the sea for centuries and now hosts a variety of cultural events.

Alicante is also home to San Fernando Castle on Mount Tossal. Built in the 19th century, it now serves as an excellent viewpoint over the city. 

Museums in Alicante 

• Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ): this museum brings archaeology to life through interactive displays. Its galleries span the period from prehistory to the modern age and include notable pieces such as the celebrated Lady of Guardamar. 

• Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante (MACA): located in the city’s oldest civil building, it houses an outstanding collection featuring works by artists including Picasso, Dalí and Miró. 

• The Ocean Race Museum, in the Port of Alicante: a contemporary, interactive space dedicated to one of the world’s toughest sailing races, combining technology, sustainability awareness and family-friendly activities. 

Port of Alicante 

The area around the Port of Alicante is one of the city’s most attractive spots, with beaches, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. Its best-known landmark is the Explanada de España,which is instantly recognisable for its palm trees, patterned paving and constant buzz. A good way to enjoy the area is to take a stroll, admire the façade of Casa Carbonell, stop for an ice cream or a traditional rice dish and finish with a visit to The Ocean Race Museum. 

Beaches in Alicante 

• Postiguet beach: an iconic urban beach with calm water and golden sand at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, making it a good choice for families. 

• Sant Joan beach: almost three kilometres of fine sand and clear water in a semi-urban setting, with excellent accessibility, a wide range of sports facilities and a lively promenade. 

• L’Almadrava beach: a small rocky cove where you can enjoy a quieter pace by the sea. 

• Saladar beach: bordered by a preserved line of dunes and a bustling seafront promenade. 

Festivals in Alicante: Las Hogueras de San Juan

If you get the opportunity, you simply must experience Las Hogueras de San Juan in Alicante, an event of International Tourist Interest in which music, gunpowder and fire welcome the arrival of summer. From 20 to 24 June, the streets are transformed into an open-air display of ephemeral art, culminating in the legendary Cremà, when the monuments go up in flames. With events taking place throughout the city, music filling the streets and colour at every turn, it is one of Alicante’s most memorable celebrations. 

What are the most iconic areas in Alicante? 

The historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood, the imposing Santa Bárbara Castle, the lively Explanada de España and the iconic Postiguet beach all capture the essence of the city. 

What is the weather like in Alicante throughout the year? 

Alicante enjoys an excellent Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures that make its beaches and terraces appealing in every season. ​​​​​​​