Things to Do in Alicante
Discover Alicante | 7 Beautiful Places You Shouldn’t Miss
A magnificent hilltop castle, charming historic streets, a beautiful marina and a palm-lined promenade. Alicante has so much more to offer than the airport where your Costa Blanca holiday begins! Many holidaymakers fly into Alicante and travel straight to Moraira. And while we certainly understand the excitement of reaching your holiday villa, the city itself is well worth exploring.
Wander through the Old Town, visit the colourful Central Market, admire the views from Santa Bárbara Castle or enjoy a drink overlooking the Mediterranean. And the best part? Many of Alicante’s attractions are within walking distance of each other.
We’ve been living on the Costa Blanca for many years, and we’d love to share our favourite places to visit in Alicante, along with a few practical local tips.
1. Santa Bárbara Castle | The Best Views of Alicante
High above the city, on Mount Benacantil, stands the impressive Castillo de Santa Bárbara. This historic fortress is one of Alicante’s most famous landmarks, with origins dating back to the Moorish period. But for us, the highlight is the view.
From the castle walls, you can admire Alicante’s marina, its sandy beaches, the surrounding mountains and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. It’s a wonderful place for photographs!
Our tip: you don’t have to walk all the way up. There’s a lift opposite Postiguet Beach that takes visitors towards the castle. A separate lift fee may apply.
Opening hours vary throughout the year, so check the latest visitor information before travelling.
Visit the official Santa Bárbara Castle website.
2. Barrio de Santa Cruz | Alicante’s Charming Old Quarter
At the foot of the castle lies Barrio de Santa Cruz, one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Alicante. Here, narrow streets wind between whitewashed houses decorated with colourful flowers and traditional Spanish tiles. You’ll discover little stairways, attractive doorways and unexpected views towards the sea. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where you can simply wander without following a particular route. And that’s exactly what we’d recommend.
Our tip: wear comfortable shoes. Santa Cruz is built on a hillside, and some of its streets are steep and uneven. During the warmer summer months, we’d explore this area in the morning or later in the afternoon.
3. Mercado Central | Experience Everyday Spanish Life
If you love discovering local food, make sure you visit Alicante’s Mercado Central. This beautiful covered market is filled with stalls selling fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, fruit, meat and traditional Spanish products. The colourful displays, busy atmosphere and wonderful smells make it a fascinating place to explore. It’s also a lovely opportunity to experience a little of everyday Spanish life, away from the more touristy waterfront. Perhaps you’ll even discover something delicious to take back to your holiday villa!
Our tip: visit in the morning. The market normally opens from Monday to Saturday and closes in the afternoon. The regular market is closed on Sundays.
4. Explanada de España | Alicante’s Famous Promenade
The Explanada de España is one of Alicante’s most recognisable attractions. This beautiful promenade runs alongside the harbour and is lined with tall palm trees. What makes it particularly special is the pavement. Millions of small marble tiles form a striking wave pattern, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a lovely place to stroll, stop for a coffee or simply sit in the shade and watch the world go by.
We particularly enjoy the atmosphere towards the end of the afternoon, when the city becomes lively again and people gather on the terraces. For us, a walk along the Explanada is an essential part of visiting Alicante.
5. Alicante Marina | Boats, Restaurants and Mediterranean Views
Just beside the Explanada lies Alicante’s attractive marina. Here, sailing boats and impressive yachts sit alongside a waterfront filled with restaurants, cafés and terraces. It’s an enjoyable place to spend a little time, especially if you love boats. Alicante also has a long association with international sailing and has hosted major ocean-racing events. But even if sailing isn’t your thing, the marina is well worth a visit.
Our tip: combine a walk around the harbour with a drink overlooking the water. The views back towards Santa Bárbara Castle are particularly attractive.
6. Playa del Postiguet | A Sandy Beach in the City Centre
One of Alicante’s loveliest surprises is that you can combine sightseeing with a relaxing afternoon at the beach. Playa del Postiguet lies right beside the city centre, at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle. This wide sandy beach is popular with both locals and holidaymakers. You can enjoy a swim, relax in the sunshine or take a walk along the beachfront promenade.
Travelling with children during the summer? Bring your swimming things! After exploring the city, an hour or two at the beach can be a lovely way to finish the day.
7. Calle de las Setas | Alicante’s Colourful Mushroom Street
Looking for something a little unusual? Then visit Calle de las Setas, especially if you’re travelling with children. Officially called Calle San Francisco, this pedestrian street is decorated with large, colourful mushroom sculptures and playful decorations. It has an almost fairy-tale atmosphere and is a popular spot for family photographs. The street is located in central Alicante, so it’s easy to include while exploring the shops and surrounding streets. It won’t take long to visit, but it’s certainly one of Alicante’s more amusing attractions!
More to Discover in Alicante
If you’ve visited Alicante before, there are plenty of other interesting places to explore. The MARQ Archaeological Museum is an excellent choice for anyone interested in history, while Parque El Palmeral offers palm trees, ponds and shady walking paths. You could also spend a separate day exploring Tabarca Island, known for its historic village and protected marine environment. And if shopping is high on your list, the streets around Avenida Maisonnave offer a wide choice of Spanish and international shops.
Visiting Alicante from Moraira | Getting There and Parking
Alicante makes a wonderful day trip from Moraira. You can drive south via the AP-7 motorway. Depending on traffic and where you’re staying, allow approximately 1 to 1½ hours to reach central Alicante. We recommend leaving your car in a central car park and exploring the main attractions on foot. A convenient option is Interparking Puerto Alicante, beside the harbour. From this area, you can walk towards the Explanada, marina and historic centre. If you’re primarily visiting the shopping streets, a car park near Avenida Maisonnave may be more convenient. Always check the latest parking rates and availability before travelling.
Our Favourite Way to Spend a Day in Alicante
If you’re visiting Alicante for the first time, here’s how we’d plan the day.
Morning | start with the Mercado Central, then wander through the historic centre and Barrio de Santa Cruz.
Lunchtime | enjoy a leisurely Spanish lunch at one of the many restaurants or tapas bars.
Afternoon | visit Santa Bárbara Castle for the wonderful views, followed by a walk towards Postiguet Beach.
Late afternoon | finish with a drink by the marina or a stroll along the Explanada de España.
That way, you’ll discover the best of Alicante without spending the entire day rushing from one attraction to another.
Discover Alicante During Your Holiday in Moraira
One of the things we love most about Moraira is how easy it is to combine relaxation with exploring the Costa Blanca. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a charming coastal town, while Alicante, Altea and many other destinations are within reach for a day out. And after a day of sightseeing? There’s something rather wonderful about returning to your own holiday villa, having a refreshing swim in your private pool and relaxing on the terrace as the evening begins.
At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been helping guests find comfortable and luxury holiday accommodation in Moraira and the Benissa Costa since 2004. We live locally, know our properties personally and are always happy to share our favourite places to visit.
Looking for the perfect base for your Costa Blanca holiday?
Explore our holiday villas and apartments in Moraira.
More Beautiful Day Trips from Moraira
Alicante is just one of the many destinations worth discovering. Why not also explore the whitewashed Old Town of Altea, the beautiful coastline around Jávea or the spectacular mountain village of Guadalest?
Discover our favourite day trips and excursions from Moraira.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alicante
What are the best things to do in Alicante?
The most popular attractions include Santa Bárbara Castle, Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Explanada de España, Alicante Marina and Mercado Central. Postiguet Beach and the colourful Mushroom Street are also worth visiting. Many of these attractions are located close together, making Alicante an excellent destination for a day trip.
Is Alicante worth visiting from Moraira?
Absolutely! Alicante offers a wonderful combination of history, shopping, Mediterranean scenery and lovely restaurants. It’s quite different from peaceful Moraira, which makes it an interesting day out. You can explore historic streets, visit the castle, enjoy lunch by the harbour and even spend some time at the beach.
How long does it take to drive from Moraira to Alicante?
The journey normally takes approximately 1 to 1½ hours, depending on traffic, your starting point and where you park in Alicante. The AP-7 provides a convenient route south. We’d recommend allowing a full day so you have plenty of time to explore the city.
Where is the best place to park in Alicante?
For sightseeing, we’d recommend choosing a central car park near the harbour, the Explanada or the Old Town. Interparking Puerto Alicante is one convenient option close to the waterfront. From there, several major attractions are within walking distance. Check current parking charges before your visit.
Is Alicante suitable for families with children?
Yes! Children often enjoy exploring Santa Bárbara Castle, discovering the colourful mushroom sculptures in Calle de las Setas and spending time at Postiguet Beach. In summer, it’s worth taking regular breaks in the shade and bringing plenty of drinking water. Be aware that Barrio de Santa Cruz has several steep streets and steps.
Can you see Alicante in one day?
Yes, one day is enough to enjoy many of Alicante’s main attractions. We’d recommend combining Santa Bárbara Castle, the Old Town, Mercado Central, the Explanada and the marina. If you also want to visit museums, shop extensively or enjoy a longer beach visit, you may prefer to return for another day.
How do you get to Santa Bárbara Castle?
You can reach Santa Bárbara Castle on foot, by the castle shuttle service or by using the lift opposite Postiguet Beach. The walk uphill is steep, especially during hot weather. Lift charges and opening hours can change, so check the official visitor information before setting off.
