While the biggest attraction in Alicante is its long stretches of beach, the city offers plenty more to see and do, including archaeological sites, traditional cuisine and internationally renowned galleries and museums. Alicante is the biggest city on the Costa Blanca, a 200-kilometre (125-mile) length of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline.
Look out over the landscape, city and sea from the Castle of Santa Bárbara, situated on the top of Mount Benacantil, which can be accessed by car, on foot or via an elevator.
Explore the historic streets of Alicante’s Old Town in the shadow of the castle. Known internationally as one of the best examples of the Spanish Baroque style, San Nicolás Cathedral, with its striking blue dome, towers above Old Town. Tour the Basilica of Santa Maria to see a structure that has been around for more than 700 years. The Alicante Town Hall features ornate rooms typical of Spanish decorative style more than a century ago.
Walk or drive to just outside the city centre to find Alicante’s beaches. Postiguet Beach lies along the marble walkway of the Explanada de España, a short walk from Alicante Harbour. Drive south to the busy Playa de San Juan for the best watersports.
If you’re keen to try the region’s fresh seafood, make a reservation at a restaurant on Alicante Harbour. Paella and arroz negro, a rice dish doused in squid ink, are local specialties. Join residents in shopping for produce at Central Market.
Most attractions in Alicante are in the city centre, which makes walking the easiest way to get around. Use trams and buses or hire a car to get out into the country or to reach another town along the Costa Blanca. The climate here is mild even in winter and rain is rare.
Fly into Alicante via the international airport, located a 20-minute drive outside the city. You can also come to this scenic beach town by ferry, cruise ship or high-speed train from Madrid or Barcelona.