This Mediterranean coastal city sits beneath the 9th-century Castle of Santa Bárbara, with a marble-tiled Explanada promenade, Gothic churches, and Blue Flag beaches along its shoreline.
Alicante sits along Spain's Mediterranean coast, where Mount Benacantil rises 166 meters above the city center. The Castle of Santa Bárbara watches over streets lined with outdoor cafes, Gothic churches, and the marble-tiled Explanada de España promenade. You'll find locals gathering at El Postiguet beach, shopping at the art nouveau Central Market, and enjoying evening walks through El Palmeral Park's palm groves.
Exploring the Castle of Santa Bárbara
The Castle of Santa Bárbara sits 166 meters above sea level, dating back to the 9th century. Take the elevator from Postiguet Beach (€2.70 return ticket) or walk up the path to reach the castle. Inside, you'll find three distinct sections with military exhibits, medieval dungeons, and a museum explaining the fortress's history of defending against pirates. Visit before sunset to see Alicante Bay in daylight.
Beaches and Swimming
El Postiguet Beach extends 900 meters through the city center, with calm waters and Blue Flag certification. The beach has showers every 100 meters, lifeguard stations, and ramps for wheelchair access. San Juan Beach lies 15 minutes from downtown, stretching 7 kilometers with golden sand. You can play volleyball, take children to designated play zones, or walk the boardwalk where local cafes serve horchata and ice cream.
Walking Through the Old Town
The Santa Cruz neighborhood's steep streets wind between white houses decorated with hanging plants and ceramic pots. Inside the 14th-century Basilica of Santa María, you'll see Gothic arches alongside a Baroque altar covered in gold leaf. The 1921 Central Market building combines art nouveau architecture with daily life - local vendors sell fresh fish, vegetables, and cured meats under stained glass windows from Tuesday to Sunday.
Local Food Scene
Rice forms the base of many local dishes. Try arroz a banda, cooked in fish stock, or arroz negro, blackened with squid ink. The Central Market sells local wines from Alicante's wine region and Jijona turron, a hard nougat made with local almonds. Small taverns in the Old Town serve tapas throughout the day - look for red prawns from the bay and salazones (locally cured fish).
Getting Around Alicante
You can walk to most places in the center within 20 minutes. The tram runs north to the beaches and suburbs, while city buses connect to the airport and nearby towns. Bike lanes cover the waterfront and city center - rent bikes near the marina or along the Explanada. The C6 airport bus runs every 20 minutes during the day, with stops at the main plaza and train station.
Festivals and Events
During the Hogueras de San Juan festival in June, large paper-mâché sculptures appear throughout the city before being burned in nighttime ceremonies. The week includes street parades, folk music performances, and bonfires on the beach. Summer evenings bring concerts and films to the castle grounds, while local artists and craftspeople set up stalls along the Explanada.
