{"id":112,"date":"2026-01-22T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alicanterunaway.com\/blog\/what-to-do-in-alicante-25-essential-plans\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T14:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T12:50:10","slug":"what-to-do-in-alicante-25-essential-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alicanterunaway.com\/blog\/en\/what-to-do-in-alicante-25-essential-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Alicante: 25 Ideas for Your Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alicante combines a historic city that’s easy to explore, urban beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, and a coast full of excursions.<\/strong> You can climb Santa B\u00e1rbara Castle in the morning, eat a rice dish by the sea, and end the day sailing or exploring the old town.<\/p>\n

This selection brings together 25 ideas for a first visit and to discover more than just the city centre, with free, family-friendly, water-based activities, and getaways along the Costa Blanca.<\/p>\n

Things to Do in Alicante: 25 Ideas<\/h2>\n

1. Climb Santa B\u00e1rbara Castle<\/h3>\n

Atop Mount Benacantil, the castle dominates the bay and offers views of the port, Postiguet, and the coast. Check current access and opening hours beforehand. You can explore its place in local history on a route through Alicante’s must-sees<\/a>. <\/p>\n

2. Stroll through the Santa Cruz Neighbourhood<\/h3>\n

Its steep streets, white houses, flowerpots, and small viewpoints form one of the city’s most characteristic corners.<\/p>\n

3. Walk along the Explanada de Espa\u00f1a<\/h3>\n

The wavy mosaic promenade runs between palm trees and historic buildings next to the port and is especially pleasant at sunset.<\/p>\n

4. Discover the Old Town<\/h3>\n

The Co-Cathedral of San Nicol\u00e1s, the Basilica of Santa Mar\u00eda, the City Hall, and the historic streets form a compact walking route.<\/p>\n

5. Swim at Postiguet Beach<\/h3>\n

The best-known urban beach is next to the city centre and below the castle. In summer, it’s advisable to arrive early and avoid peak sun exposure hours. <\/p>\n

6. Spend the Day at San Juan Beach<\/h3>\n

Its long sandy beach, promenade, and services work especially well for families and full beach days.<\/p>\n

7. Explore the Coves of Cabo de la Huerta<\/h3>\n

These small coves and rocky areas offer an alternative to the large beaches. Wear appropriate footwear and check sea conditions. <\/p>\n

8. Take an Excursion to Tabarca<\/h3>\n

The only inhabited island in the Valencian Community preserves a walled enclosure and is surrounded by a marine reserve. Check seasonal boat schedules. <\/p>\n

9. Get to Know the Marina<\/h3>\n

The waterfront connects the Explanada with the port and is a good place to stroll, have a drink, or start a nautical activity.<\/p>\n

10. Explore Alicante by Bike<\/h3>\n

The Alicante City & Beach route<\/a> combines city and coast; the wine and tapas tour<\/a> adds local gastronomy.<\/p>\n

11. Visit the Central Market<\/h3>\n

It’s a good introduction to the fish, seafood, vegetables, cured meats, and products of the province. Visit in the morning and check holiday hours. <\/p>\n

12. Try Alicante Rice Dishes<\/h3>\n

Arroz a banda, arroz del senyoret, and other local recipes combine seafood and garden produce. Some restaurants prepare them by order. <\/p>\n

13. Go on a Tapas and Wine Route<\/h3>\n

The wine and tapas experience for foodies<\/a> discovers establishments away from the most touristy areas.<\/p>\n

14. Enjoy a Tasting with Views<\/h3>\n

A craft beer tasting in Santa B\u00e1rbara<\/a> allows you to combine heritage and local products. Check date availability. <\/p>\n

15. Visit the MARQ<\/h3>\n

The Archaeological Museum helps understand the historical evolution of the province and is a useful alternative on rainy days or during intense heat.<\/p>\n

16. Get to Know the MACA and MUBAG<\/h3>\n

These two museums are located in the historic area and can be combined with Santa Mar\u00eda, the City Hall, and Santa Cruz.<\/p>\n

17. Watch the Sunset over the Mediterranean<\/h3>\n

You can also experience it on a boat from Altea<\/a> or on a catamaran from J\u00e1vea<\/a>.<\/p>\n

18. Sail along the Costa Blanca<\/h3>\n

Options include a catamaran tour around Pe\u00f1\u00f3n de Ifach<\/a> and sailing around Cabo de San Antonio<\/a>.<\/p>\n

19. Hire a Boat Without a Licence<\/h3>\n

Rentals in Villajoyosa<\/a> allow you to explore the Marina Baixa. Check capacity, deposit, weather, and authorised area. <\/p>\n

20. Kayak through Coves<\/h3>\n

Two prominent routes explore the coves of Villajoyosa<\/a> and Cala Granadella<\/a>.<\/p>\n

21. Try Parasailing<\/h3>\n

It can be practiced in Alicante<\/a> or from Torrevieja<\/a>. Operations depend on wind and sea conditions. <\/p>\n

22. Explore the Coast by Jet Ski<\/h3>\n

There are routes from Torrevieja<\/a> and different tours through the coves, the island, and Benidorm bay.<\/p>\n

23. Experience a Mountain Adventure<\/h3>\n

Choose between the Redov\u00e1n family via ferrata<\/a>, the full section<\/a>, and the Callosa family via ferrata<\/a>.<\/p>\n

24. Discover Villajoyosa, Altea, or Calpe<\/h3>\n

Villajoyosa stands out for its colourful houses; Altea, for its white old town; and Calpe, for the Pe\u00f1\u00f3n de Ifach. All three can be combined with a boat trip, kayaking, or gastronomy. <\/p>\n

25. Dedicate a Day to Benidorm or Torrevieja<\/h3>\n

Benidorm concentrates beaches, family entertainment, and nautical activities. Torrevieja adds salt lagoons and numerous sea experiences. <\/p>\n

What to Do Based on Trip Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Trip<\/th>\nSuggested activities<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
First Visit<\/td>\nCastle, Santa Cruz, Explanada, Old Town, and Postiguet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Families<\/td>\nSan Juan, Tabarca, ferries, and easy kayaking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Couples<\/td>\nSunset boat trip, Altea, tapas, and Santa Cruz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adventure<\/td>\nJet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, canyoning, and via ferratas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gastronomy<\/td>\nMarket, rice dishes, tapas, wines, and tastings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How Many Days Are Needed<\/h2>\n

One day allows you to see the castle, city centre, Explanada, and Postiguet. With two or three days, you can add Tabarca, gastronomy, and a sea activity. A longer stay allows you to explore the Costa Blanca without constant travel. <\/p>\n

Tips Before Booking<\/h2>\n