The Mediterranean coastal city of Alicante is the perfect place if you are planning a short holiday or want to stop off somewhere on your way to the Costa Blanca.
If you thought Alicante was just a layover at the airport, you couldn’t be more wrong. The city can easily hold its own against some of the best holiday destinations in Spain. Not only does it have some of the best tapas and fine dining, but also provides visitors with exciting day tripsbeautiful Baroque churches and fantastic beaches.
Whether you’re only spending a few days here or less, it’s important to know how to spend your time efficiently. In this guide, we’ll discuss what to plan in your itinerary for a short trip to Alicante.
The Promenade – Explanada de España
Alicante is a great city to explore on foot. While you may not have time to hike past the dramatic limestone peaks and ravines, you definitely want to take a run in the Explanada de España.
The Explanada de España is stunning all year round and is constantly flooded with locals and tourists. You cannot miss its unique passage of wavy mosaic paving lined with rows of palm trees.
Once you reach the promenade, you have the option of walking inland, where you will find all the cafes and restaurants, or along the shore, where you will see many boats floating in the water.
The Castle – Castell de Santa Barbara
Located near the sea and near the center of the city is the Castle of Santa Barbara. The fortress is one of the main attractions to see in Alicante and is located 166 meters above sea level. You can choose to hike up to the castle, which typically takes about 15-30 minutes, or pay a small fee to take the lift up.
The views from the top are spectacular and make for a great holiday photo; better yet, there’s no entry fee, so you can spend as much time as you like exploring without breaking the bank.
You probably want to visit here early in the morning before the temperature gets too high and the crowds gather. If you are coming straight from the airport, it would be wise to make some reservations. Alicante Transfers in order to avoid waiting in long queues.
The Beach – Postiguet Beach
They are located at the bottom of the castle of Santa Barbara and next to the port is the beach of Postiguet. You can easily reach the beach after entering the castle for a slice of relaxation by the sea. It is also well connected with public transport if you wish to explore other areas in the city first.
Postiguet beach is one of the most popular places for people to meet in Alicante, spanning 900 meters of golden coastline and crystal clear waters. It’s also rated with the iconic Blue Flag, so you know it’s safe for the family to enjoy.
The proximity of the city center to the beach means you can easily enjoy a walk along the promenade during the evening or visit one of the local bars – Alicante is well known for its nightlife!