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13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Alicante is the largest city on the beautiful Costa Blanca and a popular tourist destination. Its popularity is actually what kept me visiting for the longest time, I thought it would be too crowded and I wouldn’t like it.

However, this summer I finally visited Alicante. Yes the beach is super crowded, but there are so many other amazing things to do in Alicante that I still really enjoyed my trip. Visiting outside of peak season would make it even better!

Best Things to Do in Alicante

1. Climb Up to Castell de Santa Bàrbara

View of Santa Barbara castle in Alicante, you can see a bit of the castle walls, the city, the harbour and the ocean
Look at that amazing view!

The castle of Santa Bàrbara has been standing on top of Mount Benacantil since the 9th century and it offers an incredible view over Alicante and its coastline. You can either hike up to the castle or take the elevator!

I walked up through the Parc de l’Ereta and the walk up alone was beautiful although quite hot. Shortly after you pass Restaurant La Ereta, you can climb the old city wall and continue towards the castle on the walls. I love walking on old city walls, you get such a unique perspective.

The castle itself is free to visit and you can wander around almost anywhere. This beautiful castle alone make Alicante worth visiting.

Make sure to watch where you step as the stones are very slippery at times. There are two small drink vendors and toilets available in the castle.

2. Wander Through El Barrio de Santa Cruz

Facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Alicante, Spain, adorned with detailed baroque sculptures and flying banners under a clear blue sky. This historic church is a must-see among the best things to do in Alicante Spain.
The facade of Alicante basilica

El Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old part of town. It has beautiful narrow streets and colourful houses with decorative plants.

I think it’s the pretties neighbourhood I’ve seen anywhere in Spain! I just loved walking aimlessly through the narrow streets and taking in my surroundings.

When I visited, I saw a donation box in front of one house asking for funds to maintain the house and flowers. There might be more depending on your visit, so you might want to have some change with you.

Remember that people actually live in the Barrio de Santa Cruz and be respectful of people’s homes.

🤩 See Barrio de Santa Cruz and more on this amazing bike tour!

3. Relax at Postiguet Beach

A very overcrowded beach with a mountain in the background. The overcrowded beach might want to make you answer the question "Is Alicante worth visiting?" with no
The beach gets very crowded in summer

Postiguet beach is Alicante’s main beach, right next to the port. In all honesty, I think during the summer months, it’s too crowded to relax. If you visit in July or August, I recommend a day trip to Tabarca Island if you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach.

🤩 Go swimming and snorkling on a catamaran ride to Tabarca Island!

If you visit during the low season, Postiguet beach is perfect for relaxing and swimming. The clear water and golden sand make for a great beach day, with the beautiful view of Castell de Santa Bàrbara in the background.

Another great way for a more relaxed beach day is to do a e-bike tour, the tour guide can show you the best swimming spots, and you can even do some snorkeling on this amazing trip.

4. Stroll Down Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya

A promenade lined with palm trees, there are also a few stalls selling clothes
Great place for a nice stroll

Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya is a promenade lined with marble tiles and beautiful palm trees. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and enjoying the views of the marina.

You’ll find many outdoor cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops, and stalls selling clothes and other items along this promenade. It’s a great spot to take a break from the sun and enjoy some refreshing drinks or snacks.

5. Visit Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

Facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Alicante, Spain, adorned with detailed baroque sculptures and flying banners under a clear blue sky. This historic church is a must-see among the best things to do in Alicante Spain.
The facade of Alicante basilica

The Basilica of St. Mary is a beautiful church in the heart of Alicante. The entrance portal is stunning, with intricate details contrasting the otherwise plain design.

You can enter the church for an admission fee, or you can simply admire the architecture from outside.

🤩 I love this guided tour for the local guide!

6. Have a Drink Among Impressive Trees

There's a big tree with air roots and a small cafe in the back. It's a wonderful place for a drink in Alicante
I love those trees

The most beautiful trees in Alicante are the Ficus Macrophylla at the Plaza Portal de Elche. These huge trees from Australia have roots both underground and in the air, giving them an impressive look.

Right in the middle of Plaza Portal de Elche is the SOHO PARC, a small bar. The perfect place to have a drink in the shades of these impressive trees.

7. Learn About Local Customs at the Bonfire Museum

Multiple statues inside one room, the most prominent statue is one of a horse with a man and a woman on it. It's from a festival in Alicante
Those statues were used in a previous festival

Let’s be honest, you probably didn’t pick Alicante as a holiday destination because you want to visit a lot of museums, but I highly recommend the Bonfire Museum. It’s free to visit, so you can easily pop in for a quick look.

The museum showcases Alicante’s Fogueres de Sant Joan festival, featuring large bonfires. Held annually in June, it’s best experienced live, but if you visit outside the festival, the museum is a great alternative.

In the museum, you can see statues made by Alicante families, used during festival processions. The creativity and imagination behind these statues are incredible.

8. Stroll Down El Carrer dels Bolets

The statue of a big mushroom on a narrow street, in the back you can see more mushroom statues. Those statues are some of the attractions in Alicante
The mushrooms are a modern art installation

El Carrer dels Bolets (the Mushroom Street), or Calle San Francisco as its official name is, is a small street lined with oversized statues of mushrooms. It’s a fun and quirky spot for taking some holiday photos.

There are many shops and restaurants on this street, making it a great spot for shopping and a quick bite. I saw several eateries with vegan options.

9. Take Pictures of Alicante City Hall

A narrow alley leading to an arch connecting the two buildings on each side
Don’t miss this unique perspective of Alicante town hall

Alicante City Hall is an iconic building in the city. Usually, you can go inside Alicante City Hall, but it was closed when I visited. Inside, there’s a statue by Dalí that I would have loved to see.

Nevertheless, I simply enjoyed the architectural beauty of the building’s exterior. Don’t miss the arch next to the city hall, you can walk through it for a different view of the bell tower.

In front of the City Hall, there’s a big plaza where many festivals take place. During my visit, they were just setting everything up for a music festival.

10. Explore the Harbour

Scenic view of Alicante Harbour with palm trees lining the promenade and sailboats docked in the marina, against a bright blue sky. Enjoying the waterfront and marina is one of the top activities in Alicante.

Alicante’s marina is not just a great place for some boat watching, it’s also a popular event venue, especially the Moll 12 pier. When I visited, a summer market was on, but they also host concerts and other events.

You can also take a boat tour from here to explore the coast or visit Tabarca Island. There are many different tours available at various prices, so you can choose one that fits your budget and interests.

🤩 See the best spots in Alicante on this guided bike tour!

11. Shop at the Central Market

If you enjoy browsing fresh produce markets, the Central Market is a must-visit in Alicante.

Even if you’re not looking to purchase anything, it’s still worth strolling through the market to experience the lively atmosphere and see all the colorful displays.

Plus, there are many small cafes and tapas bars nearby where you can stop for a break and try some traditional Spanish dishes.

12. Go for Some Vegan Food

a hand holding an açai bowl, in the back you can see a promenade lined with palm trees
An açai bowl is my favorite snack on a hot day

Being a vegetarian or vegan in Spain can sometimes be a challenge, but Alicante has some great options for plant-based eaters.

Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing açai bowl, a quick vegan empanada to go or you’re looking for a all-vegan restaurant in Alicante, you can find everything easily.

13. Take a Day Trip

If you have more time in Alicante, I highly recommend taking a day trip to explore the surrounding area. Here are some of the best day trip options from Alicante:

Tina walking away from the camera on the city walls of Alicante, she's turning around to look into the camera
I really enjoyed my time in Alicante

Final Thoughts: What to See in Alicante

All in all, I was positively surprised by Alicante! It’s so much more than an overcrowded summer destination. From leisurely strolls along the picturesque Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya to exploring the Santa Barbara Castle, the city offers a great mix of culture and relaxed vibe.

Even beyond Alicante, the day trips to places like Altea and Tabarca Island let you experience some of the best things on Costa Blanca.

Read more about Costa Blanca:

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Collage of best things to do in Alicante featuring colorful blue flower pots on a white building, ancient tree roots in a vibrant city square, and an aerial view of Alicante's coastline and marina. Text reads 'Best Things to Do Alicante' with 'veganderlust.com' at the bottom.
What to Do in Alicante Spain
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Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She started this blog in 2022 to share her experiences in order to help other travellers have the best experience and find the best vegan food while travelling. So far Tina has been to 31 countries on 5 continents.

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