Alicante Province Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Castle of Santa Barbara featuring heritage elements, general coastal views and views
This gateway to the Costa Blanca offers some of eastern Spain’s finest Mediterranean beaches, its most delicious seafood and its best-preserved historical artefacts.

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.

Popular cities in Alicante Province

Alicante
Alicante
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping

Reasons to visit

  • Alicante Harbour
  • Alicante Golf Course
  • Explanada de Espana
Benidorm
Benidorm
Known for Beaches, Shopping and Family-friendly
This sunny city of high-rises is the Costa Blanca’s most popular resort town. Swim or snorkel in the clear water or hike in the mountains that surround the city.

Reasons to visit

  • Terra Natura
  • Aqualandia
  • Aqua Natura
Orihuela
Orihuela
Known for Beaches, Friendly people and Sea

Reasons to visit

  • Playa de La Zenia - Cala Cerrada
  • Playa de Campoamor - La Glea
  • Orihuela Cathedral
Elche
Elche
Known for Gardens, Historical and Museums

Reasons to visit

  • Arenales Beach
  • Palmeral of Elche
  • Santa Maria Basilica
Torrevieja
Torrevieja
Known for Marinas, Sunny and Running

Reasons to visit

  • La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Natural Park
  • Archpriestal Church of the Immaculate Conception
Altea showing flowers, street scenes and a house
Altea
Known for Swimming, Marinas and Luxury
Wander a labyrinth of historic streets and scuba dive in the waters off this small hillside town just northeast of busy Benidorm.