Get Lost in the City: Top Things to Do in Alicante

From sun-kissed beaches to hilltop castles and food that deserves its own passport stamp, Alicante is that Mediterranean spot you’ll daydream about long after you leave. Tucked along Spain’s Costa Blanca, this vibrant city serves up history, sea views, and tapas with a side of sunshine. You’re slipping into vacation mode with a beach stroll or diving into a jam-packed Alicante trip full of local bites, street markets, and cultural gems, this guide is your new travel bestie. Looking to level things up? Add a wine tour from Valencia to the mix and you’ve got the perfect pairing of city sparkle and vineyard magic. From colorful neighborhoods to sunset sips, here are all the best things to do in Alicante, no filter needed.

What are the best things to do in Alicante?

Climb to Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Climb (or take the lift, no judgment) up to the Castle of Santa Bárbara, the mighty fortress sitting proudly above the city on Mount Benacantil. Once a serious military stronghold, today it’s the place to snap jaw-dropping pics, wander through old stone halls, and imagine what life was like back when pirates were an actual problem. Don’t miss the views from the top, they’re postcard material.

Wander the Cobbled Streets of Santa Cruz

Tucked just under the castle, this candy-colored neighbourhood is all winding alleys, flower-stuffed balconies, and homes that look like they’ve been painted with pure joy. It’s the kind of place where every corner demands a photo and every turn leads to a hidden café or sun-drenched view. Lace up your comfiest shoes, take it slow, and let the old-town magic work its charm.

Explore the Explanada de España Promenade

Alicante’s Explanada de España isn’t just a promenade, it’s the city’s catwalk. Locals strut, visitors meander, and even dogs seem to have a bit of extra flair here. With its wavy mosaic tiles (six million of them, no big deal), palm-lined shade, and the scent of espresso and sea breeze in the air, this strip is pure Mediterranean magic. Come for a sunset stroll, stay for the buskers, souvenir stalls, and the people-watching parade you didn’t know you needed.

Sunbathe at Playa del Postiguet

Located just a short walk from the city centre and Santa Bárbara Castle, Playa del Postiguet is the most popular beach near Alicante. With golden sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s ideal for those yearning for sand, clear waters, and relaxation. Plus, you’re steps away from cafés, seafood restaurants, and beach bars.

Take the tram along the coast to Altea

Hop on the coastal tram from Alicante and let the views do the work. As you glide past cliffs and coves, you’re on your way to Altea, a postcard-perfect town where whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and bohemian vibes steal the show. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time wandering cobbled alleys, popping into artisan shops, or sipping sangria by the sea. A breezy day trip with serious charm.

Sample tapas at the Central Market

Alicante’s Mercado Central isn’t just a market, it’s a full-on flavor fiesta. Wander past stalls piled high with local cheeses, juicy tomatoes, jamón that melts in your mouth, and croquettes that should come with a warning label. Need a break? Grab a tapa, sip some local wine, and soak in the buzz. It’s where locals shop, gossip, and snack, and now, so do you.

Stroll through the Alicante marina at sunset

The Alicante Marina isn’t just a place to dock boats, it’s where the city puts on its best show. Chic terraces, sparkling water, and a skyline that glows at dusk set the scene for lazy lunches, sunset drinks, or a dreamy waterfront walk. Add in a quick dive into sailing history at the Ocean Race Museum, and you’ve got the perfect mix of coastal glam and Mediterranean chill.

Wander around the neighbourhood of El Barrio

This buzzing old town district goes from sleepy cobbled alleys by day (perfect for a tapa and a cold horchata) to full-blown fiesta mode by night. Think live music echoing off stone walls, laughter spilling from tiny bars, and the kind of warm, unfiltered energy that makes you want to stay out ’til sunrise. If you’re chasing good vibes and local flavour, this is your spot.

Snap a Photo at Alicante Town Hall

Alicante’s Town Hall isn’t just a government building, it’s baroque drama at its best. Right in the heart of the city, this grand façade feels like it was made for photo ops (and honestly, it kind of was). Between its elegant balconies, majestic columns, and the lively plaza often filled with pop-up markets or cultural happenings, it’s the kind of place you stumble upon and end up staying longer than planned. Keep your camera ready, you’ll want proof you were somewhere this regal.

What are the best things to do around Alicante?

Explore the wines & vineyards around

One of the best excuses to leave the beach towel behind? A wine adventure just outside Alicante. The surrounding countryside is dotted with sun-drenched vineyards that are part of the historic D.O. Alicante region, famous for its juicy Monastrell reds and warm hospitality. In under an hour by car, you’ll find welcoming bodegas where tastings feel more like hanging out with friends than formal affairs. Sip, swirl, snack, and maybe even leave with a few bottles (or stories) to bring home.

Dive into the Valencia wine adventure

Meet Casa Balaguer, tucked about 45 minutes inland from Valencia in Villena. This biodynamic winery isn’t just about tasting, it’s a mini celebration. Start with a stroll through vineyards, say hi to olive and almond trees, and hang with vineyard animals. Then explore the barrel room before wrapping things up with three of their organic, unfiltered wines. Think natural, honest, and real, the opposite of pretentious. All that, surrounded by buzzing nature and sunny hills, it’s a wine day you won’t forget.

Visit the town of Guadalest

High up in the hills, about an hour from Alicante, you’ll find Guadalest, a tiny mountain village that somehow feels straight out of a movie set. It’s got cobbled lanes, sky-high views, and a castle perched dramatically on a rock like it’s auditioning for a fantasy film. Walk around, peek into quirky museums (yes, there’s one for salt shakers), and snag some local honey or crafts at the stalls. Whether you’re into medieval vibes or just here for the Instagrammable scenery and a good coffee with a view, this place delivers. It’s one of those “how is this even real?” spots.

Walk in the streets of Altea

Just 45 minutes north of Alicante, Altea is your picture-perfect postcard come to life, minus the filters. Perched on the Costa Blanca, this dreamy coastal town is all about lazy strolls through whitewashed alleyways, picking out ceramics you didn’t know you needed, and snapping that iconic blue-domed church like a pro.

Good to Know before visiting Alicante