The Mediterranean coastal city of Alicante is the perfect location if you’re planning a short holiday or want to stop off somewhere on your way to the Costa Blanca.
If you thought that Alicante was simply an airport stop-off, 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 it also provides visitors with exciting day trips, beautiful Baroque churches and fantastic beaches.
Whether you’re spending just 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 go exploring on foot. Whilst you may not have time to walk past the limestone peaks and dramatic ravines, you must definitely take a stroll down the Explanada de España.
The Explanada de España is stunning all year round and is constantly flooded with locals and tourists. You can’t miss its unique walkway of wavy mosaic paving lined with rows of palm trees.
Once you reach the promenade, you have the option to walk inland, where you’ll find all the cafes and restaurants, or along the waterfront, where you’ll see plenty of boats floating about.
The Castle – Castell de Santa Barbara
Located by the sea and close to the city centre is the Castle of Santa Barbara. The fortress is one of the main attractions to see in Alicante and stands 166 metres above sea level. You can choose to hike up to the castle, which typically takes around 15-30 minutes, or pay a small fee to take the lift up.
The views from the top are spectacular and make a great holiday photo; better still, there’s no entry fee, so you can spend as much time as you like exploring without breaking the bank.
You’ll likely want to visit here early in the morning before the temperature gets too high and the crowds pile in. If you’re coming straight from the airport, it’d be wise to reserve some Alicante transfers so that you avoid waiting in long queues.
The Beach – Postiguet Beach
Located at the base of Santa Barbara castle and next to the port is Postiguet beach. You can easily reach the beach after venturing to the castle for a slice of relaxation by the sea. It’s also well connected with public transport should 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 metres of golden coastline and crystal-clear waters. It’s also classified with the iconic Blue Flag, so you know it’s safe for the family to enjoy.
The close proximity to the town centre from 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!
