Alicante Unveiled: 4 Days of Sun, Sea, and Culture
Discover the enchanting allure of Alicante – where sun-kissed beaches meet vibrant Spanish culture.
14 October 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
A trip to Alicante, Spain as a tourist promises beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historical sites. Visitors can soak in the sun on the famous Playa del Postiguet, indulge in delectable seafood at the bustling Mercado Central, and explore the historic Santa Bárbara Castle, offering panoramic views of the city. With its charming old town, lively nightlife, and rich Mediterranean cuisine, Alicante offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Travel plan
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- Start your day with a stroll along Explanada de España, a colorful promenade lined with palm trees and buzzing cafes.
- Immerse yourself in history at Santa Barbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean.
- Delight your taste buds with some tapas at Taberna del Gourmet, where a symphony of flavors awaits your palate.
- Indulge in retail therapy at the Mercado Central, a vibrant market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
- Savor a plate of paella at Restaurante Nou Manolin, a local gem known for its traditional Valencian cuisine.
- End your day with a leisurely stroll along Postiguet Beach, where you can dip your toes into the sparkling turquoise waters.
- Embark on a hike in the idyllic Serra de Mariola Natural Park, where you can breathe in the scent of wild herbs and marvel at its enchanting landscapes.
- Visit the picturesque town of Guadalest, nestled on a mountain peak, and explore its medieval castle and charming streets.
- Refuel with a hearty dinner at La Taberna de Simone, a cozy restaurant offering rustic Spanish dishes with a modern twist.
- Soak up the sun at Playa de San Juan, a pristine beach with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
- Unleash your inner child at the Canelobre Caves, where you can marvel at the awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites.
- Treat yourself to a refreshing horchata, a traditional Valencian drink made from tiger nuts, at Horchateria Rin Rin.
- Begin your day with a visit to the MARQ Archaeological Museum, where you can uncover Alicante's rich history, from ancient civilizations to Roman ruins.
- Enjoy a leisurely boat trip to the island of Tabarca, a marine reserve filled with pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages, and a taste of Mediterranean island life.
- Indulge in a seafood feast at Casa Julio, a hidden gem known for its fresh and flavorsome seafood dishes.
- Wander through the vibrant streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, adorned with colorful houses and flower-filled balconies.
- Catch a performance at the Teatro Principal, a historic theater that showcases a wide range of cultural events, from ballet to opera.
- End your day with a refreshing cocktail at Monastrell, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
- Discover the hidden gem of Alicante, the Barrio de Santa Isabel, where narrow streets, colorful facades, and local charm await.
- Take a leisurely bike ride along the Promenade des Dudar, enjoying the sea breeze and captivating views.
- Sample local delicacies at Mercado San Juan, a vibrant food market where you can taste regional specialties.
- Explore the Contemporary Art Museum, MACA, which showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art by both local and international artists.
- Indulge in creative cuisine at El Portal Restaurant, where innovative dishes created with local ingredients will surprise and delight your senses.
- Bid farewell to Alicante with a sunset picnic at Castillo de San Fernando, a hidden hilltop fortress offering a stunning vista of the city and the sea.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Alicante, Spain by plane is to fly into Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC). There are numerous international and domestic flights that operate to this airport, making it easily accessible from various destinations.
Car
If you prefer to travel by car, you can drive to Alicante using the AP-7 motorway. The journey offers stunning views and takes approximately 4-5 hours from Madrid or Barcelona. Alicante has various parking facilities available in the city.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train to Alicante. However, you can take a train to Alicante Estación, which is the main train station in the city. From there, you can easily connect to Alicante by bus or taxi.
Boat
While there are no direct passenger boats to Alicante, you can consider taking a ferry to nearby destinations such as Ibiza or Mallorca, and then connect to Alicante by either plane or bus. The Alicante Port is well-connected and offers ferry services to nearby islands.
Bus
One of the most convenient ways to reach Alicante is by bus. The main bus station in Alicante is Estación de Autobuses de Alicante. There are regular bus services that connect Alicante with other major cities in Spain and Europe.