Things to do in Alicante: castle, Explanada, Santa Cruz and beach

For a long time, Alicante was the city you drove through on your way out of the airport. Big mistake. The capital of the Costa Blanca has everything you want from a city break — a spectacular castle, a charming old quarter, a covered market that smells of the sea and spices, terraces everywhere — plus a fine sandy beach right in the centre. Here’s how to enjoy it in a day, without rushing and without missing the essentials.

9am — Santa Bárbara castle, before the heat

Perched on Mount Benacantil, above the city and the sea, Santa Bárbara castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. Its walls, bastions and parade grounds tell centuries of history, from the Christian Middle Ages to modern times. And the good news: access to the site is free.

There are two ways up: on foot along the Benacantil paths (bring water and start early), or by the lift carved into the rock, whose entrance faces Postiguet beach on Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora. The lift is paid and tickets are sold online through the official ticket office.

View over the city of Alicante from the walls of Santa Bárbara castle — From the castle, the whole of Alicante spreads out below you. Halina Frederiksen · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At the top, the view takes in the port, the city, the bay… and, on a clear day, the island of Tabarca in the distance.

11am — The Santa Cruz quarter

Walking back down, you pass through the Santa Cruz quarter, the most picturesque in the city: stepped lanes, white and colourful façades, flowerpots hanging on the walls, little squares ruled by cats. It is one of Alicante’s most photogenic corners.

Stone sentry box on Alicante’s walls overlooking the port — The fortifications still keep watch over the port. Roman Glukhov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

1pm — Mercado Central and tapas

Head for the Mercado Central, a large covered market with modernist architecture. The morning’s fish, cured meats, fruit, olives and spices: it’s the best place to understand local food. For lunch, the tapas bars in the surrounding streets take over; if you’re torn between tapa, ración and pincho, our tapas guide will save the day.

4pm — The Explanada and the port

The Explanada de España is Alicante’s signature promenade: a palm-lined avenue paved with a wavy marble mosaic that evokes the sea. Stroll, sit under the palms and carry on along the marina.

The Explanada de España with its wavy mosaic paving beneath palm trees — The famous Explanada mosaic, imitating the movement of the waves. chisloup · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

6pm — Postiguet beach

End the day with your toes in the sand: Postiguet beach, at the foot of the castle, is Alicante’s city beach. Perfect for a final swim before dinner in the old quarter.

Our tips

Do the castle in the morning: in the afternoon the sun beats down on the walls, and the morning light is better for photos of the city.

Comfortable shoes: Santa Cruz is steps, more steps and then a few more steps.

In June, watch out for the Hogueras: the Saint John’s bonfires turn the city into one giant party around 24 June. Spectacular, but book early.

Explore more

To the north, the colourful houses of Villajoyosa are a tram ride away. And to shop like a local, read our article on Costa Blanca markets.