✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
Visiting Alicante soon? and wondering what to see in Alicante? Let me help you find the best and filter the rest!
And in this Alicante blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Alicante.
An itinerary of 4 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Alicante. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Let me share with you the best things to do in Alicante and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Santa Bárbara Castle
Located on top of a high hill, Santa Bárbara Castle is a beautiful medieval structure.
Because of its strategic importance, controlling the castle simply implied controlling the city of Alicante. The visitor center, at the entrance, will help you get started and answer any questions.
Quick Facts:
- A marvel of design, it was Moors, the muslim rulers who was responsible for building it.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
2. Tabarca
A little piece of paradise, and a great holiday destination, Tabarca is truly a gem.
This little island is actually uninhabited and is mostly used for the sole purpose of recreational excursions.
The beach with crystal clear water is clearly a winner. Snorkeling is a particularly popular activity here.
An incredible sight, Tabarca scores high in the list of the best things to do in Alicante.
3. Archaeological Museum of Alicante
The Archaeological Museum of Alicante carefully collects and presents various archaeological finds of the area.
Look no farther than Alicante’s superb archaeological museum to properly comprehend the old civilization that once inhabitated this region.
In 2004 it was crowned as European Museum of the Year.
There are whole sections dedicated to weapons, and armours, and as well as hunting equipments like arrowheads.. The abundance of exquisite artifacts that has come from the nearby digs may surprise you.
Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1932, the highlight include pre-historic exhibition such as iranian, roman and mayan..
- Archaeological Museum of Alicante is housed in an old hospital building of San Juan de Dios.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
4. Explanada de España
Explanada de España is a lovely promenade running parallel to the seafront.
A stroll around the waterfront is a great way to enjoy a lovely afternoon. Upon the path you will find vendors selling ice cream and street food.
A natural crowd puller, Explanada de España is right up there in the list of best things to do in Alicante.
5. Basilica of Santa Maria
Basilica of Santa Maria, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
It was built on the same site where once a prominent mosque stood.
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, embellished with gold trimmings all around.
Quick Facts:
- Built in the classic Valencian Gothic style, its highlight include baroque entrance.
Address: Plaza Sta. María, 1, 03001 Alicante, Spain
6. Mount Benacantil
Adding to the charms of Alicante is the beautiful Mount Benacantil.
on top of Mount Benacantil you will also encounter ruins of an old fort.
Carry a packed lunch as there are plenty of spots to do little picnic here. You will get to see some really awesome views as you gently make your way up.
With so much to offer, no wonder Mount Benacantil is one of the top things to do in Alicante.
7. Canelobre Caves
Opened top public only recently, Canelobre Caves is a karst cave located on the outskirts of Alicante.
Interesting to note that Canelobre Caves also played an important role in Spanish civil war..
If you don’t wanna hangout with bats, avoid the darker areas. Follow the marked path, and strictly avoid out of bound areas.
8. Mercado Central de Alicante
Travelers are bound to be tempted by all sort of food items being sold by the stalls. Mercado Central de Alicante provides you with just the right opportunity to pamper your taste buds.
Quick Facts:
- Juan Vidal Ramos, Francisco Fajardo Guardiola are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
9. Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG
Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG is a fine arts museum in Alicante focusing on the local art scene.
The museum also houses collection by some of the genre’s well-known international artists.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes beautifully decorated interiors, gloomy paintings by renowned Spanish artist Goya.
- Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG is housed in the Palacio del Conde de Lumiares, an 18th-century palace.
- There is no entrance fee to get in fine arts museum.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Alicante trip.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
10. Museo The Ocean Race
Museo The Ocean Race is a museum with unique collection situated in Alicante.
In its modern setting Museo The Ocean Race presents quite well the history and passion of competitive sailing.
Quick Facts:
- The niche museum’s collection include various sailing equipments, boats and a simulator.
- There is no entrance fee to get in niche museum.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
11. MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- A marvel of design, it was Eusebio Sempere who was responsible for building it.
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Sol Madridejos.
- And the entry to the contemporary art museum is free.
Add it to your Alicante trip if you have time.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
12. Port of Alicante
If you are interested in seeing a working port in action you are at the right place.
An important port in Mediterranean Sea, it is the center of traffic for both passenger and commercial ships.
13. San Juan Playa
A popular tree lined beach with clear blue water, soft sand & a promenade.
Swim, surf, sunbath, walk, run or play – you can sketch your day as you want. For having fresh seafood head to one of the restaurants on the beach.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Alicante trip.
14. Town Hall of Alicante
Town Hall of Alicante is a historic town located on the city’s main square in the heart of the city.
Undoubtedly, the opulent city hall reflects the riches and success of Alicante at that time.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes Gold Dali Statue.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
15. El Palmeral Park
El Palmeral Park is an expansive landscaped park located by the sea.
Admire the blooming hibiscus, break sweat on the exercise machines or soak-in the ocean views, El Palmeral Park is your playground!
El Palmeral Park is quite popular with picnickers, thanks to its greenery. There are numerous shade trees in the seaside park.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Alicante trip.
Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain Hours might differ
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Alicante. In this Alicante travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Alicante but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Alicante can be easily covered in a short itinerary. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Alicante, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.