aventuro
Spain
Things to do in Alicante
387 attractions · Spain
Photo: H.Helmlechner, CC BY-SA 4.0
Valencian Community, Spain · 38.350, -0.483
About Alicante
Alicante is a historic port city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, defined by the imposing Castillo de Santa Bárbara which overlooks its Mediterranean coastline. The city serves as a cultural hub where the ancient origins showcased at the Archaeological Museum of Alicante meet modern architectural achievements like the ADDA. Visitors frequently traverse the urban center to reach the sands of Playa del Postiguet or appreciate the religious heritage of the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau. It remains a key maritime gateway, successfully blending its function as a working harbor with a sophisticated leisure and tourism infrastructure.
Good to know
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Alicante's city center features the Explanada de España, a promenade paved with over 6.6 million marble tiles arranged in a wavy mosaic pattern.
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The city celebrates the Hogueras de San Juan, a festival involving the construction and subsequent burning of elaborate papier-mâché sculptures on the night of the summer solstice.
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During the Spanish Civil War, Alicante served as the final stronghold for the Second Spanish Republic, with the port acting as a significant site for exile.
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The local 'Turrón de Alicante', a protected geographical status almond nougat, has been produced in the surrounding region for centuries using Moorish-influenced techniques.
Plan your visit to Alicante
Best time to visit
May, June, or September, when temperatures are mild and the city avoids the peak heat and extreme crowds of July and August.
How many days
3 days, allowing enough time to explore the historic center, visit local museums, and take the short tram ride to coastal sites.
Getting around
The city center is highly walkable, while the TRAM Metropolitano d'Alacant efficiently connects the coast and nearby inland suburbs.
Where to stay
Stay in the El Barrio or the Ensanche-Diputación districts for proximity to the historic sites, dining, and public transport links.
Budget
Mid-range; while dining and activities are competitively priced, accommodation costs fluctuate significantly during the summer peak season.
Highlights of Alicante
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Castle of Santa Barbara
This 9th-century fortress offers panoramic views of the entire bay and the city skyline from Mount Benacantil.
Archaeological Museum of Alicante
The museum utilizes interactive digital displays to narrate the evolution of the city from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Platja del Postiguet
This popular city beach is located directly at the base of Mount Benacantil, providing easy access to the sea from the urban core.
Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau
This cathedral features a notable 18th-century organ and a cloister built upon the remains of a former mosque.
Teatro Principal de Alicante
This neo-classical theatre hosts a diverse calendar of performances ranging from opera to modern dance in an ornate 19th-century setting.
ADDA (Auditorio de la Diputación de Alicante)
This state-of-the-art concert hall is renowned for its acoustic precision and modern architectural design.
Parque Canalejas
This historic park is home to one of the oldest and largest rubber trees in the city, providing substantial shade in the heart of the district.
Basilica of St Mary of Alicante
This site contains a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, housing a significant golden altarpiece.
Top things to do in Alicante
The 387 most popular places in Alicante.
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Natural attractions Known locally
La Pineda de Bonavista
La Pineda de Bonavista is a localized urban pine grove located on the outskirts of Alicante, serving as a neighborhood g...
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Temples Known locally
Parroquia de San Vicente Ferrer
Parroquia de San Vicente Ferrer is the primary Catholic parish church located in Plaza de España within the municipality...
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Historical places Known locally
Finca Torre Juana
Finca Torre Juana is a historic estate featuring a 16th-century defensive tower, currently serving as a hub for innovati...
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Beaches and ponds Known locally
Platja de l'Almadrava
Platja de l'Almadrava is a sheltered, narrow cove situated in the Cabo de las Huertas area of Alicante, Spain. The beach...
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Venues Known locally
La Bouche - The Show
La Bouche - The Show is an entertainment venue located in Alicante, Spain, situated on Calle Foguerer Romeu Zarandieta....
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Playgrounds Known locally
Infantil PEKESAURIOS Park
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Temples Known locally
Parròquia de Sant Joan Baptista
Parròquia de Sant Joan Baptista is a vibrant Catholic parish church located in the Benalúa neighborhood of Alicante, Spa...
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68
Places of interest Known locally
Mirador de la Sangueta
Mirador de la Sangueta is a coastal viewpoint in Alicante positioned along Avenida de Villajoyosa. It sits elevated abov...
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69
Parks Known locally
Parque Forestal Monte Orgegia
Parque Forestal Monte Orgegia is a protected forest park spanning the Orgegia hill in the northern outskirts of Alicante...
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70
Places of interest Known locally
Mirador del Alazán
Mirador del Alazán is a scenic viewpoint located in the northern residential sector of Alicante, Spain. Perched at appro...
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Parks Known locally
Parque del Mar
Parque del Mar is a coastal public park situated in the southern outskirts of Alicante, Spain, positioned directly adjac...
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Temples Known locally
Parròquia de Maria Auxiliadora
Parròquia de Maria Auxiliadora is a prominent Salesian parish church located on Carrer Sant Joan Bosco in Alicante, Spai...
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73
Parks Known locally
Presidente Adolfo Suárez Park
Presidente Adolfo Suárez Park is a modern public green space located in the Cabo de las Huertas and Playa de San Juan ar...
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74
Temples Known locally
Parròquia de la Mare de Déu de la Misericòrdia
Parròquia de la Mare de Déu de la Misericòrdia is a Catholic parish church located in the historic center of Alicante, n...
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75
Temples Known locally
Ermita de la Santa Cruz
The Ermita de la Santa Cruz is a religious site situated in the heart of the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood in Alicant...
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Parks Known locally
Alacant town hall square
Plaça de l'Ajuntament is a historical baroque-style square serving as the focal point of Alicante's municipal administra...
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77
Parks Hidden gem
Parque de Lo Morant
Parque de Lo Morant is one of the largest public green spaces in Alicante, covering approximately 33,000 square meters i...
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78
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia Cristiana en Alicante, C3 church
Iglesia Cristiana en Alicante, C3 church is a vibrant contemporary Christian community located on Calle Pintor Rosales i...
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79
Historical places Hidden gem
Monumento a Canalejas
The Monumento a Canalejas is a bronze sculpture honoring José Canalejas y Méndez, a prominent Spanish politician who ser...
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80
Temples Hidden gem
Església del Salvador
The Església del Salvador is a historic parish church located in the municipality of Mutxamel, just north of Alicante. O...
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81
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia El Salvador
Parroquia El Salvador is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the residential neighborhood of Carolinas Altas in Al...
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82
Parks Hidden gem
Parc Manzaneta
Parc Manzaneta is a local neighborhood park located in Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain, centered around Calle Hernán Cortés....
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83
Parks Hidden gem
Les Oliveretes Park
Les Oliveretes Park is a localized urban green space situated on Carrer Poeta Carmelo Calvo in Alicante, Spain. The park...
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Parks Hidden gem
Plaça de la Constitució
Plaça de la Constitució is the central civic square of Sant Joan d'Alacant, serving as the town's primary public gatheri...
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85
Temples Hidden gem
Santa Anna de la Platja de Sant Joan
Santa Anna de la Platja de Sant Joan is a religious sanctuary situated in the El Campello municipality near the Alicante...
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Museums Hidden gem
Patio de Armas
The Patio de Armas is the central, highest courtyard of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, situated atop Mount Benacantil in...
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Parks Hidden gem
Parque para perros
The Parque para perros in Alicante is a dedicated municipal off-leash exercise area located within the urban landscape o...
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Temples Hidden gem
Parròquia de Sant Joan Batiste
Parròquia de Sant Joan Batiste is the central religious landmark of Sant Joan d'Alacant, serving as the town's primary p...
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Temples Hidden gem
Parish of Santiago Apostle
The Parish of Santiago Apostle is a contemporary Roman Catholic church serving the La Albufereta district of Alicante. I...
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Parks Hidden gem
Plaza del Padre Ángel, Ciudad de Asís
Plaza del Padre Ángel is a functional neighborhood park situated in the Ciudad de Asís district of Alicante. The square...
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Alicante on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Alicante?
Aventuro lists 387 curated attractions in and around Alicante, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Alicante?
Castle of Santa Barbara is the most popular place to visit in Alicante right now.
What kind of attractions does Alicante have?
The largest category is places of interest, with 107 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia.
