Alicante is located directly on the Mediterranean Sea and is part of Spain’s Costa Blanca. It is known primarily for its immaculate beaches, soft sand, vibrant waters, and exquisite cuisine. Alicante is a perfect place to spend a long weekend and enjoy the Spanish sunshine. This Alicante itinerary will give you plenty of time to soak up all the city has to offer.
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What is Alicante Known for?
Alicante’s immaculate beaches, soft sand, and vibrant waters are the main draw. However, it has much more to offer. This city has an incredible fortress, a beautiful seaside promenade, and exquisite cuisine! Alicante is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Valencia, but has just as much to offer.
How to get to Alicante
Alicante is extremely accessible by all modes of transportation, which includes its own airport. Additionally, trains, buses, and Bla Bla cars are all cheap and easy options to get to Alicante. I typically use Omio to scout out the best transportation options.
For this trip, I chose blablacar, since it was the cheapest and best option for my schedule.
Blablacar is a rideshare site that is widely used across Europe. Using their online browser or app allows you to reserve a seat in someone’s car that is already going to your destination. Blablacar also allows you to choose your ideal conversation level for the ride: bla= not talkative, blabla= would like to have a conversation, blablabla= I love to chat and will probably talk your ear off the whole time.
Where to Stay in Alicante
There are many accommodations in Alicante including Hotels, Airbnbs, and my favorite: Hostels!
I stayed at X Hostel. Their dorms were small and simple but offered great common spaces and a fantastic community atmosphere. X Hostel is one of my all-time favorite hostels in Europe and I am saddened to see that they did not survive the pandemic.
That being said Alicante has several other, well-rated hostels that can be found on hostelworld
How many days do you need in Alicante?
We originally chose Alicante in hopes of taking surf lessons! We were hoping to squeeze two lessons in so we allotted two days in the city of Alicante. Although our surf lessons fell through due to a lack of waves, it was the perfect amount of time.
I also spent an additional day in Torrevieja, a small nearby town that is home to a stunning pink lake! There is so much to do in and around Alicante that you could spend longer here if you have the time.
Three Day Alicante Itinerary
Alicante Itinerary Day 1
Morning and Afternoon
We started our trip to the Alicante region by admiring the La Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja. This spectacular natural wonder is only about an hour south of the city and is worth a day trip.
You can access the pink lake by blablacar or by bus from Alicante!
To read more about my experience at the Pink Lake in Torrevieja click here!
Evening : Paseo Central General Marvá
We checked into our hostel and headed towards the water. Meandering along the Paseo Central General Marvá in the direction of the sea is perfectly tranquil.
Along this route, you cannot miss the central Plaza de Los Luceros. Its focal point is a magnificently adorned fountain that essentially glows in the evening light.
The best part about this walk is the hidden trampoline on the Paseo! It is a perfect spot to embrace your inner child. Whether you want to bounce or not, be sure you watch your step!
Evening : El Puerto de Alicante
Alicante is directly on the Meditteranean Sea and has maintained a large port since its establishment by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. The Puerto de Alicante is a popular area for both locals and travelers. Here you can charter boats, go sailing, or check out many other watersport opportunities!
Evening: Escalera de la Reina
Tucked away in the corner of the harbor is the landmark, Escalera de la Reina or The Queen’s Staircase. These steps lead directly into the water and provide a close-up view of the bronze “Return of Icarus”. The statue depicts the Greek hero returning to Earth with a surfboard in hand.
The Queen’s Staircase is also a perfect place to take in a glorious Spanish sunset over the harbor.
If you continue walking past the surfer you will be able to admire, the Santísma Trinidad which is moored in the harbor. The ship was built to emulate a member of the Spanish fleet at the height of the Conquistadores.
Evening : La Explanada del Puerto
La Explanada del Puerto is Alicante’s boardwalk, that extends to the end of their harbor area. Along la Explananda del Puerto there are several “harbor side” restaurants where you can enjoy a drink and dinner by the water. (If you are on a budget, be aware. These establishments tend to be more expensive than those within the city.)
At the end of your walk, you are rewarded with wonderful views of the sea and looming Mount Benacantil.
Dinner : Restaurante Italiano Bigoli
In the heart of the city, there are so many enticing restaurants that fill the air with irresistible smells. Of these, we chose Restaurante Italiano Bigoli. This authentic Italian restaurant is affordable and offers delicious Ravioli and Pizza! It has a cute outdoor dining setup. Who doesn’t love a bottle of wine on the Terraza?!
Dessert : Heladería Borgonesse
A perfect way to finish off a delicious meal is by enjoying the best Ice cream in Alicante at Heladería Borgonesse. The Heladería Borgonesse offers almost any flavor you can imagine, and whichever you choose, it will be heavenly!
It is safe to say that this was my first but not my last visit to Heladería Borgonesse while in Alicante.
Alicante Night 1: Hostel Bar crawl
Since our surf lessons were canceled, we decided to partake in the hostel bar crawl and I am so glad we did! Alicante has amazing nightlife! The city has fun and trendy bars, clubs, and discotecas. I visited in November so most of the parties were indoors, however, in the Summer the nightlife scene moves to kiosks on the beaches!
Alicante is home to the University of Alicante which brings a lively population that entices you to party on the weekends. Some of the best bars and clubs include:
Alicante Nightlife
Parabarap
Parabarap is in my opinion the best bar that I had the chance to visit. Not only do they play great music and have a lively atmosphere, but they also offer 50-cent shots. Yes…. you heard me 50 CENT SHOTS! If you are in Alicante and ready to party, this is the spot to be.
Parabarap is also in a perfect central location. The surrounding blocks are filled with bars and nightlife that spills out into the streets.
Barrio Havana
If you are looking for more of a club scene, with dancing, and DJs and. Havana is the spot for you. They typically play hip-hop, rap, and Reggatón, but the dance floor is always full. They also host events, so be sure to check their schedule online. Their drinks are more expensive here. My recommendation is to pregame at Parabarap beforehand!
Eclipse Club
Eclipse is another popular club among locals. This is another venue that you can count on for an epic night. This club also offers DJs, events, dancing, and cocktails!
Alicante Itinerary: Day 2
Full disclaimer- the 50-cent shots from the night before got the best of us and this day we were essentially useless. No pictures or documentation took place that day. Which sadly means there are no photos of the incredible food we ate or of the stunning beaches. I have filled in the space with other photos from Alicante.
Breakfast: Baker and Co.
Baker and Co. offer a hearty “American style” breakfast. Which can be difficult to find in Europe. We both ordered the full brunch which was an insane amount of food. Everything was exactly what we needed, and their eggs benedict are top-notch! This food revived us just enough to make it to the beach for the rest of the afternoon.
Afternoon: Playa del Postiguet
Clear blue water, soft white sand, and 75-degree (23 C) weather in the middle of November. What more could you ask for? Playa del Postiguet is the main urban beach of Alicante. It is accessible by a promenade which is lined with small cafés.
This is where we camped out for the remainder of the afternoon.
Evening: La Tia Juana Mexicano
With our energy levels low and the excitement surrounding the newly released Bohemian Rhapsody movie. We chose to find a movie theater (in the closest Centro commercial) that was showing the movie in English.
Afterward, we headed out for dinner. Craving Mexican food, we found the best restaurant in town, La Tia Juana Mexicano. This restaurant is so well executed. The decor, glassware, food, and margaritas are all out of this world. They have worked hard to make every inch of the space instagrammable. The food is no exception. It looks good, and it tastes even better!
Alicante Itinerary: Day 3
Morning: Breakfast
Crêperie El Molino de Paris is a fantastic option for breakfast. They offer a variety of savory crepes that will satisfy your morning hunger.
Another excellent option is the Mercado Central de Alicante. The market opens at 7 am and is full of local vendors, and fresh food options.
Morning: Castillo de Santa Barbara
High up on the top of Mount Benacantil is one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses. Castillo de Santa Barbara was established in the 9th century and has hogged the best view of Alicante since.
Its strategic vantage point allows you to oversee the entire city, the harbor, and over the Mediterranean for miles.
If you don’t want to come for the history, come for the views.
The fortress is now a museum where you can learn all about the history of the fort, its battles, leaders, and loyalties. You can learn about the history and development of Alicante itself.
For only 2.70 Euro you are able to take an elevator up to the fort and experience all the ancient relics, and see the artifacts that date back to 711 AD.
If you don’t want to come to Castillo de Santa Bárbara for the history, definitely come for the views!
Afternoon: Alicante Old Town
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Barrio de Santa Cruz is the neighborhood that sits directly at the base of Mount Benacantil. The old homes line the mountain. Its winding streets and narrow staircases entice you to explore more.
Follow these and don’t be afraid to get lost in this little barrio!
Casco Antiguo / El Barrio
As you move deeper into the maze of charming balconies and colorful homes you will find yourself in Casco Antiguo, Alicante’s old town. This is also referred to as El Barrio
Once again, this is a fantastic place to wander and get a little bit lost. At every turn, there is a detail to admire or a Baroque cathedral to gaze at.
If you walk through during the day it will be peaceful and serene, but at night this area comes alive.
Find a café or small restaurant to enjoy an afternoon meal at! La Xiqueta Bar y Cafetería offers nice open-air seating and an affordable option. Grab a Mahou and a simple tostada to curb your appetite.
Evening : Esplanda de España
Paseo de la Esplanda de España is the main promenade in Alicante. It follows the shoreline and is full of kiosks hosting local vendors and restaurants. It is picturesque and lively. This is a popular spot for local kids to play, live musicians, and dancing.
Evening: Parque de Canalejas
Parque de Canalejas is quite possibly one of my favorite parks in the world. This park is entirely dedicated to these ancient and majestic Ficus trees. They are so intricate and massive, that you absolutely need to stop and stare.
Due to their size, and their location (just off the Mediterranean), this is the ideal location to cool off on a hot day. The trees’ shade and the sea breeze create one of the coolest places in the city.
You can find many locals here enjoying a good book amongst the quiet and majestic trees. If I lived here, you would absolutely find me in this idyllic park!
Evening: Bebidas
This is your perfect opportunity to embrace Spanish culture and Tomar algo (have a drink) on a Terraza (outdoor patio). Portal de Elche is the perfect outdoor space where you can grab a glass of Spanish wine and enjoy it amongst the glorious ficus trees.
We spent our last hour in Alicante enjoying a glass of wine before catching our ride back to Madrid!
Unusual Things to Do in Alicante
Calle de las setas
Calle de las Setas is exactly what it sounds like, a street overrun by giant mushrooms. It is extremely photogenic and gives off an Alice in Wonderland meets the Wizard of Oz vibe. If you have time take a stroll down the yellow brick road!
Lucentum Archeology Site
Relatively close to the city center you can visit the Lucentum archeology site. The site costs only 2 euros to enter and exhibits the ancient archeology of Alicante. Alicante has ties to the Greeks, Phoenicians, and the Romans, and the findings at this site date back to the height of each civilization. The excavations and reconstructions help you envision what Ancient Alicante may have looked like.
Sidewalk Trampoline
I have mentioned this earlier. But it is important, for both fun and safety. Near the Playground, on the Paseo Central General Marvá, you can find a small trampoline embedded in the sidewalk. If you are not paying attention, you could easily hurt yourself by landing funny on the space. HOWEVER, if you do find it, I highly recommend embracing your inner child and taking a little bounce break! You won’t regret it!
How to get around Alicante
Alicante is a city that is extremely accessible by walking. Everything that you will probably want to do and see is within a mile or two of each other. If this seems like a bit much for your beach vacation, no fear, Alicante is well connected by an underground metro system, trams, and busses!
Is Alicante worth visiting?
Absolutely! I think that Alicante is often overlooked for Valencia or Barcelona, but has just as much to offer, without that large crowds! Alicante offers spectacular beaches, exquisite cuisine, and an eventful nightlife. An added bonus is that it is also surrounded by some other interesting destinations!
Is Alicante a good holiday destination?
Yes! It has everything you could need or want, especially if you are looking to relax on the beach and experience authentic Spanish culture.
How expensive is Alicante?
Just like any place, it can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you make it. However, Alicante tends to be cheaper than its more expensive neighbors. The majority of its attractions are free or under 3 euros a person. Drinks can be found for as little as 50 cents at the right bars, and meals can be easily maintained for under 10 euros.
Places to Visit in the Alicante Region
The Alicante region is full of beautiful shorelines and stunning places. There are so many places that I would love to visit in this area!
- Pink Lake in Torrevieja: Just an hour south of Alicante you can visit a vibrant pink salt lake. It is definitely a sight to see!
- Calpe: Calpe is just 50 minutes north of Alicante (the city) and is a highlight along the Costa Blanca. However, it is rarely talked about. It is home to beaches, Roman ruins, natural pools, incredible Nature Reserves, and one of the best hikes in Spain.
- Altea – Altea is known for its whitewashed buildings, which gives off an aesthetic similar to that of a Greek island. White buildings, domed roofs, and blue tile.
I hope you found this Alicante itinerary helpful! If you are planning a trip to Spain, please take the time to read my articles and subscribe to my email list!
Awesome content and great advises