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
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
-
91
Historical places Hidden gem
Lagos de Rabasa
Lagos de Rabasa are two artificial water reservoirs located in the northern outskirts of Alicante, Spain, originating fr...
-
92
Places of interest Hidden gem
Mirador del Veler
Mirador del Veler is a specialized scenic viewpoint located in the residential Cabo de las Huertas area of Alicante. The...
-
93
Historical places Hidden gem
Plaça de la Santissima Faç
Plaça de la Santíssima Faz is a quiet historic square located in the heart of Alicante's Old Town. The square is named a...
-
94
Parks Hidden gem
Plaza Cruz Roja, Alicante
-
95
Museums Hidden gem
Museu de Betlems
The Museu de Betlems in Alicante is a specialized cultural institution dedicated entirely to the traditional art of the...
-
96
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia de Dios Ministerial de Jesucristo Internacional
The Iglesia de Dios Ministerial de Jesucristo Internacional (IDMJI) in Alicante serves as a primary congregation site fo...
-
97
Temples Hidden gem
Parròquia de Sant Gabriel
Parròquia de Sant Gabriel serves as a central hub for the San Gabriel neighborhood in Alicante. It functions as a functi...
-
98
Places of interest Hidden gem
La Aguadora
La Aguadora is a bronze sculpture located within the Plaza Gabriel Miró in Alicante, Spain. Created by the sculptor Vice...
-
99
Temples Hidden gem
Parròquia de la Resurrecció
Parròquia de la Resurrecció is a local Catholic parish church situated in the Benalúa neighborhood of Alicante. The buil...
-
100
Venues Hidden gem
Ajuntament de Sant Joan d'Alacant
The Ajuntament de Sant Joan d'Alacant serves as the municipal town hall for the municipality of Sant Joan d'Alacant in t...
-
101
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia de las Clarisas Capuchinas
The Iglesia de las Clarisas Capuchinas is a historic Catholic church situated in the Casco Antiguo district of Alicante....
-
102
Parks Hidden gem
Plaza Santa Faz
-
103
Temples Hidden gem
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji
-
104
Parks Hidden gem
Parque Perros Gran Via
-
105
Places of interest Hidden gem
Cementiri Municipal
-
106
Museums Hidden gem
Ansaldo Tower
-
107
Parks Hidden gem
Plaza Virgen del Mar
-
108
Parks Hidden gem
Ermita de Montserrat Park
-
109
Historical places Hidden gem
Refugi Plaça Doctor Balmis
-
110
Museums Hidden gem
Casa De La Festa
-
111
Parks Hidden gem
Columnes d’entrada al Bosc Il·lustrat
-
112
Places of interest Hidden gem
Rotonda del Vaixell
-
113
Temples Hidden gem
Parròquia de Sant Francesc Xavier
-
114
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Paseo de las Oceánidas
-
115
Temples Hidden gem
Parròquia de la Santíssima Creu
-
116
Museums Hidden gem
Museo Taurino
-
117
Temples Hidden gem
Mezquita colonia Requena
-
118
Historical places Hidden gem
Cara del Moro
-
119
Places of interest Hidden gem
Niños jugando a saltar el potro
-
120
Temples Hidden gem
Salón del Reino de los Testigos Cristianos de Jehová
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
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.
