Alicante sparkles as one of Spain’s most complete Mediterranean destinations, offering far more than a quick stopover on the Costa Blanca. The city balances centuries of layered history with a modern, walkable waterfront that invites slow mornings and golden evenings. Visitors often arrive expecting beaches, but they leave talking about the castle views, the marble esplanades, and the neighborhood tapas bars where the evening hum starts late.
Understanding Alicante means recognizing its dual personality. On one side, you have the old quarter, El Barrio, with its flower-filled balconies, narrow cobblestone lanes, and the scent of simmering seafood drifting from family-run kitchens. On the other side, the port and the Explanada de España provide a breezy, cosmopolitan energy that connects the urban center directly to the sea.
The city is exceptionally accessible, making it a practical base for exploring the wider province. The Santa Bárbara Castle looms above the skyline, offering orientation for first-time visitors, while the palm-lined promenades below provide a flat, shaded route for strollers and cyclists. Public transport, including a reliable tram system, links the urban beaches with quieter coves further north.
For travelers seeking authentic Spanish culture without the overwhelming scale of Madrid or Barcelona, Alicante strikes a rewarding balance. The local gastronomy, heavily influenced by rice dishes and fresh seafood, reflects a deep connection to the Mediterranean diet. Markets such as the Mercado Central showcase the region’s produce, from salted fish to oranges and almonds, giving food lovers a direct line to local traditions.
History enthusiasts will find layers of Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences woven through the architecture and street layouts. The city’s museums, archaeological sites, and preserved fortifications tell a story of maritime trade and strategic defense that spans more than two millennia. Each corner of the old town reveals a plaque, a hidden chapel, or a restored palace waiting to be explored.
Beyond the city center, Alicante’s geography offers surprising variety within a short distance. Rocky headlands, pine-scented trails, and protected natural parks contrast with the lively urban beaches. This blend of natural beauty and cultural depth makes the city suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and digital nomads alike.
With a mild climate that delivers sunshine through most of the year, Alicante rewards unhurried exploration. Rather than rushing between landmarks, the best approach is to adopt the local rhythm: a morning coffee on a sunlit terrace, a long lunch, an afternoon swim, and an evening paseo along the waterfront. To help you plan that perfect itinerary, here are the essential places to experience.
Castle of Santa Barbara
| Address | Castillo de Santa Bárbara, 03002 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 673 84 98 90 |
Incredible history, massive fortress, and stunning views!
We visited the Castillo de Santa Bárbara right before closing, which was beautiful but required a bit of strategy! Private cars aren’t allowed all the way up to the top, so the main parking is down the hill, about a 10-minute steep walk up. Pro tip: We drove to the top gate to drop everyone off first, and then had one person go back down to park the car, saving us from a grueling uphill trek!
Once inside, the scale of this place is mind-blowing, it feels absolutely massive and completely impossible to conquer. It’s a spectacular example of an Islamic-period fortress, originally built by the Muslims back in the 9th century when Alicante (Al-Laqant) was an important Islamic port. Standing on top of Mount Benacantil, you can completely see why it was a vital strategic stronghold. The views over the city and the Mediterranean are breathtaking. A absolute must-visit in Alicante!
Well worth a visit for the views alone. I'd take the long road there from the beach so I was pretty tired when I got to the top.
I didn't venture to all the chambers, just a few, before settling at the restaurant with a gin and tonic to rest my weary legs and soak up the navy blue Mediterranean contrasted against the gentle yellow sandstone of the castle and the dark green foliage.
Restful. Beautiful. Away from the town's lively hustle and bustle. Thank you, Castillo de Santa Bărbera. Just what I needed. 👌🏻✨️🙏🏻
The castle has been a great experience on many occasions. Very easy to get up, via lift or walk. Has good cafes , museum and more. Beautiful panorama of Alicante.
Nice virwpoint for the city of Alicante and the area. Worth visiting. You have a cafeteria and toilets up there on top. Some routes leading to it are now under renovation so you might need to take a detour. Great for giatory lovers 🙂
Amazing view to the city, 360 degrees panorama from the top of the castle. We went on a Monday and there was no entry fee! It is a 15-20min climb from the city bit totally worth it! In may, you are walking among blooming trees and plants. This is a must see attraction of the city! Don't miss it if you are visiting Alicante!
Mercado Central de Alicante
| Address | Av. Alfonso El Sabio, nº 10, 03004 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 965 14 08 41 |
This is a nice and busy place. You can buy fresh fish, meat, vegetable and fruit in here. The one thing that was not good that someone opened my friend’s bag while we were walking around here amd we didn’t notice it because it was really crowded. So make sure to keep your stuff safe while walking around. 🙂
I love fresh market like this which we don't have back home as it's not popular and people rather go to big supermarkets. So, its refreshing. But I love the most is that, in every corner of a Spanish local market, you can buy your fresh seafood and meat and there is a tiny place in the vegetable market, there is a couple who cooks your food for 4€per plate. Went all my days that I stayed. Called ANAMAR, and for lunch time please, go to her neighbours a handsome chef dressed in neon green, cooks his stuff on his premises and go for the mains and the seasonal mushrooms 🍄 😋
Traditional market for locals selling meat, fish and vegetables. A few little tapas and wine bars inside if you don't mind the smell of fresh produce around you. Also a nice courtyard just at the back with a flower stall and cafe.
Nice sightseeing point for a tourist. We visited on a weekday which the market was not very busy. Other than stalls selling seafoods, meat, veg & fruit, sausages and ham, there were some tapas bars with relaxing and chill vibe. Worth a visit!
A great place to visit for its wide variety of exotic fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. The market is well maintained, clean, and easy to explore. It also has lift access, making it convenient for wheelchair users and baby prams.
MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante
| Address | Pl. Sta. María, 3, 03002 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 965 21 31 56 |
A real gem in Alicante. Beautiful space with an impressive collection and a mix of exhibitions. Definitely worth a visit, even if you have a short time in the city.
Positive remark: free entrance.
And happy for that as it would not have been worth an entry fee. The collection is small and not too interesting. The exhibition of Soledad Sevilla was closed for unknown reasons. Staff seems uninterested at best but some are just unfriendly. Just keeping themselves busy with their mobile phones and occasionally shouting at visitors or neglecting them when they try to ask a question. Not too much explanation available. Half of the toilets were broken down and doors could not be locked.
I visited MACA Alicante this Sunday. A female staff followed and stared at me the whole time only because I’m Asian. She shouted at me rudely when I viewed exhibits, treating me far worse than other visitors. I never touch artworks and abide by all museum rules. This obvious discriminatory behaviour felt like racial prejudice.
The front desk lady was kind and helped me file feedback. I hope the museum trains staff to respect all visitors equally.
Excellent modern art museum, well worth a visit and a highlight of the trip! A range of modern art pieces across multiple floors, free entry and set within a fantastic building. Nothing to dislike.
Amazing that we can access these places for free. Some great art pieces to explore. However the woman on the top floor shouted at me and I still don’t know why. I was sitting down on the visitor seats drinking water from my bottle. Also the toilets don’t have locks on which is weird.
Basilica of St Mary of Alicante
| Address | Pl. Sta. María, 1, 03001 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 633 51 25 21 |
Beautiful, very quiet and rich in art. If your heart is in history of architecture, you will find a lot to enjoy here: gothic walls and windows, renaissance dome and structures, baroque paintings and sculptures. The altar is an example of the Oro de la Conquista times, so very rich and exuberant.
This is a must visit Basilica in Alicante! Beautiful inside and out property.. We really enjoyed the quiet walk and rich history. You can take the spiral staircase all the way up to the bells. Highly recommend visiting this beautiful spot.
We visited the Basilica of Santa María in Alicante and explored it both inside and out. It’s a pleasant and well-kept historic church with a calm, respectful atmosphere. The exterior is simple yet elegant, and the interior feels peaceful, making it a nice stop while walking around the Old Town. Not overly grand, but definitely worth a short visit for its history and setting.
The Basilica of Santa María is absolutely stunning! A must-see landmark in Alicante – its beauty is truly unforgettable.
Get a ticket and a guided visit! The history is very interesting, details and information very well presented. You can also access the bell tower and enjoy the city views. You need at least 45 minutes to complete the full visit and spare some time at the top of the bell tower… no rush.
Platja Postiguet
| Address | Pl. Prta del Mar, 3, 03002 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A nice beach with beautiful fine golden sand and clear, shallow water. It’s a very busy and crowded beach, though, and once you go a little deeper, the water becomes quite cloudy. I’m not sure if that’s mainly because of how crowded it gets, but it’s something to be aware of.
There are also taps/faucets where you can rinse the sand off your feet, which is a nice touch. The surrounding area is pleasant too. And just behind the beach, when you’re facing the water, is Santa Barbara, which is definitely worth visiting while you’re there.
Overall, a nice beach, especially if you enjoy a lively and busy atmosphere.
A beach with a castle view 🩷🩷🩷
Beautiful, clean sandy beach, lined by palm trees, that is open to the public for free.
The open, infinite Med sea in front of you, and the gorgeous hilltop Santa Barbara castle to your back. The view of the castle and its "profile" when you're in the water is fantastic!
It's also a pretty safe beach: lifeguard is on shift all day and the beach is regularly patrolled by police (I need to specify that police is not invasive at all and they don't impede your enjoyment). I've seen countless people leave their stuff unattended to go for a swim and, although hesitant at first, I ended up doing the same on many occasions and nothing bad ever happened and nothing went missing.
The sea is clean and welcoming.
Free toilets are available, as well as all kinds of amenities.
Easily reachable on foot, but I've seen several buses stopping there, and I think there are parking spaces available.
The Postiguet beach is an amazing place, especially considering that it's free and practically in the city centre.
I dearly love this beach! It’s clean, sandy, and well-maintained. It can get crowded and noisy during peak season, but you can still always find a spot to lay your towel. If you're looking for solitude, try going in the morning - very few people are there 😉
There isn't much shade, except under the palm trees, but you can always find a shady spot. The prices to rent loungers and sun umbrellas are ridiculously high - it's cheaper to buy your own (and you'll be fine without one, too).
There are free public toilets, but they are in quite bad condition. You're better off bringing your own toilet paper and soap because there usually isn't any. On top of that, some of the door locks are broken. I wish they charged a small fee to keep them better taken care of or used some of that expensive lounger rental money for maintenance.
Anyway, even with these downsides, it's still a great beach.
Playa del Postiguet, the beach next to Alicante’s marina, is a great spot for such a large city. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés around the beach, and it offers a sandy shoreline with enough space to easily find a spot. During high season, and especially when the weather is good, it can get quite busy. It’s very easy to reach from the main strip and is definitely recommended.
Very crowdy in July. The water was dirty with plastics and tampons. The sand was also dirty with cigarettes and very noisy people with loud music...
But this beach is very close to the city center and if you are in a rush and wanna get tan for 1-2h, it is perfect.
Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau
| Address | Plaza de, Pl. del Abad Penalva, 2, 03002 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Phone | 965 21 26 62 |
We all had a great experience visiting this cathedral.
The cathedral is well preserved, as are the religious artefacts. There are many rooms to visit, along with the cathedral itself.
It’s situated in the heart of Alicante.
Beautiful Cathedral in the middle of the town. A great escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy town. It's absolutely beautiful inside and out. I didn't have to pay to go in. Not like my hometown. I did pay to light some candles for my passed love one's. I do this every where I go. It gives me great comfort. Well worth a visit it's absolutely beautiful.
Beutiful cathedral with excellent Aural guide. Some of the best views from the Bell tower. Prayerful space with many beutiful reliqueires of saints Felicity and St Nicholas. The Alters were works of Art.
Nice Cathedral but I think they should warn people about all the steps.
We found it to be quite modern and lacked atmosphere.
The bell tower is very high so a very good level of fitness required.
Some older people were struggling with all the flights of stairs to the first floor.
The Cloisters was in our opinion the best area.
We would advise visiting the beautiful Santa Maria.
There are two entrances. One to the church at ground level which is free, and closes between 13:00-18:00. The other is for the audioguided tour that takes you through the cloisters and allows access to the upper floor of the church and the bell tower for 8€.
The tour was well worth it. You get gorgeous views from the bell tower. Pay attention to Mass times, however, since you can't access the upper floor of the church during Mass.
The spiral staircase up the bell tower was quite steep and narrow. If you have ambulation issues or can't fit in the space of a single airplane seat, you may have issues climbing it.
The ground floor church is not part of the tour, so you would want to visit that part before 1 pm or after 6 pm.
Paseo Marítimo de Alicante
| Address | Av. Conde de Vallellano, 6B, 03001 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Super vibe
Nice place for walking
Very picturesque harbour
Beautiful place to relax
Relaxing 😌
Parc del Tossal
| Address | C. Escultor Bañuls, 03009 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 900 153 862 |
Please keep in mind that the gates close at night with no warning. If you find yourself behind them you have no choice but to climb the fence near the smaller gate and then jump on the small wall (beware of the 20m drop between them) Thankfully a local helped me. Take care guys, leave the gated area before 10:30pm! All in all, nice views and an interesting experience
We visited Parque del Tossal in November on our way up to Castillo de San Fernando and really enjoyed it. The park is green, spacious and well kept, with palm trees, shaded paths and benches that make the walk uphill very pleasant. It feels calm and local, away from the crowds, and offers nice views over Alicante. A great spot for a relaxed stroll before reaching the castle.
A beautiful park located on a small hill overlooking Alicante, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city and the sea. Surrounded by pine trees and walking paths, it’s a peaceful place to relax away from the bustle of the center.
It’s especially nice at sunset, when the city lights start to appear and you can see the Santa Bárbara Castle in the distance. A great spot for a quiet walk or a short hike with a reward at the top, the view is really worth it!
Mount Tossal is an 87-meter-high rocky elevation located northwest of the Spanish city of Alicante – on top of which stands the Castle of San Fernando, in one of the main axes of the Ensanche de la city
The Jorge Juan Institute and Monte Tossal Park are also located on the hill to the southeast, while on its slopes, to the west, is the José Rico Pérez Stadium, as well as the Tourism Development Center and the former railway orphan college.
On the North-East side, the Monte Tossal Park, equipped with MiniGolf, Bowling, Pétanque, Ice rinks and Skateboarding...
On its tracks, car parks, Old Horse Riding, today Municipal Sports Center.
Sports city, municipal swimming pool, advanced training centre.
Rico Perez Stadium.
CASTLE OF SAN FERNANDO, DEFENSIVE FORT
grandiose panoramas of the city in a magnificent setting of greenery and tranquility -
A nice large park area with beautiful views of Alicante, a good place for walking and relaxing.
Mirador Alicante
| Address | C. Dean Zaragoza, 6I, 03002 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Amazing view!! Quite a hike, but mega worth it.
Located within Parc de l’Ereta, the viewpoint offers sweeping views over the city center, harbor, and coastline. Set at a moderate height, it provides a peaceful and relaxing spot away from the busier observation points.
Be prepared to walk. It's well worth it, but there are a fair amount of stairs, and uphill inclines. Some seating and a toilet once you reach the topmost viewing areas.
Nice park with sweeping use over this old part of the city. Lots of orange trees unfortunately the locals have picked any that were within reach.
Amazing space for view. So peaceful and amazing ❤️😌
Parc El Palmeral
| Address | Avinguda d'Elx, 109, 03008 Alacant, Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 900 153 862 |
Wish the water features had been in bur other than that a lovely place to wander round. Play on the swings use the outdoor gym Nd pengeab something fonwar or drink at the kiosk.
We will return and family friendly too.
If you are looking to escape the bustling city center of Alicante and immerse yourself in a serene, tropical paradise, El Palmeral Park is an absolute gem that you cannot miss. The moment you step into the park, you are greeted by a breathtaking landscape featuring hundreds of magnificent palm trees. The sheer beauty of the park lies in its ability to make you feel like you've stepped into an exotic oasis. The contrast of colors is stunning: the deep, vibrant greens of the palm fronds against the brilliant blue of the Spanish sky, all bathed in the warm, golden Mediterranean sunlight. It is a visual feast and a dream come true for photography lovers. What truly elevates El Palmeral, however, is its spectacular use of water. Cascading water structures that add both a refreshing coolness to the air and a soothing soundtrack to your walk. Don't miss the wooden bridges crossing the streams—they offer the best vantage points to admire the reflection of the palm trees in the crystal-clear water.
Nice place for a walk. In the summer season the temperatures are very high, strongly advise the early morning or late evening walk. A restaurant, toilets, cycling ramps all good. In Aug 2026 most of the artificial ponds were emptied. Lots of palms and nice design, car park space along the main road.
Parque El Palmeral in Alicante is a wonderful place to spend time outdoors. It may not be very big, but it truly has everything you need in a park. There are great picnic areas where you can relax, as well as spaces designed for both small children and older kids. Younger ones can enjoy safe play areas, while older kids and teenagers have spots for skating and more active fun.
The park also includes small public gym equipment, which is perfect if you want to stay active during your visit. One of the highlights is the beautiful waterfall and the fountains, which make the whole place feel peaceful and refreshing. The surroundings are full of palm trees and greenery, making it a lovely place to walk around or simply sit and enjoy nature.
Overall, it’s a beautiful park that offers something for everyone. If you are visiting Alicante with kids, this is definitely a must-visit spot.
What an amazing place!!... Free entry, not busy, a place to eat, 7000 palm trees, waterfalls and cats!. Lovely walks around the park, food venue right in the middle with a great selection of food and drinks. Cats appear and some are friendly to you. Waterfall is amazing you can even walk under it. A hidden gem of Allicante, worth a look.
Calle de las setas
| Address | C. San Francisco, 30, 03001 Alacant, Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Such a fun and unusual street in the center of Alicante.
The giant mushroom decorations give this place a playful and almost fairy-tale atmosphere, especially in the evening with the lights on.
I really enjoyed walking here, taking photos and just feeling the relaxed mood of the city.
A charming little street that makes Alicante feel even more unique and memorable.
This is such a unique and artistic spot in the heart of Alicante! Walking down this street feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. The giant, brightly colored mushroom statues make for incredible photos and give the whole area a magical atmosphere.
Kids will absolutely love it here. Beyond the whimsical decor, there is a small playground right on the street, which is perfect for letting the little ones burn off some energy while you soak in the surroundings. It's a must-visit if you’re exploring the city with family.
Highly recommended!
Such a lovely unique little street. Very colourful mushrooms. I've not seen anything like this before so worth going down to visit and for taking photos as well. There was some building and improvements going on so some of the mushrooms 🍄 I couldn't see but still worth going. Loved it.
Very popular with tourists. Family friendly. Lots of ice cream kiosks with great variety - italian, greek, local, etc. Nice to look at. Various tourist outlets, if that is what you want. Narrow street, shade in a hot sunny day.
Calle de las Setas (also known as Carrer Sant Francesc) was originally redesigned to revive and brighten up a previously declining shopping street, creating a playful and family-friendly space filled with giant colorful mushroom sculptures. The idea behind it is actually charming, especially for children.
In reality, though, it felt much more like a tourist photo spot than a truly special attraction. Many of the mushrooms already look a bit worn, and the street is constantly crowded with people just passing through or taking Instagram photos. Because of that, the original creative concept and atmosphere get somewhat lost. It’s pleasant to walk through once, but as a tourist attraction it feels rather overrated compared to the attention it gets.
La casita de las macetas azules
| Address | C. Dean Zaragoza, 03002 Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
If you are looking for a place that perfectly captures the sun-drenched, vibrant spirit of Alicante, look no further than Las Casitas de las Macetas Azules. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by an explosion of life and color that instantly puts you in a holiday mood. A visual little masterpiece of blue color. True to its name ("The Little Houses of the Blue Flowerpots"), the property is a stunning canvas of deep, intense blues contrasted against pristine white walls and lush green plants. The colors are incredibly vivid, making every corner of the property look like a postcard. It’s impossible not to feel cheerful walking through such a brightly beautiful space. What truly sets this accommodation apart is the extraordinary level of care put into it. It is absolutely spotless. Every single blue flowerpot is perfectly placed, the plants are meticulously tended to, and the interior is flawlessly maintained. You can tell that the hosts don't just manage this property—they genuinely love it.
Awesome place, friendly guy too.
Great photo opportunity if you’re visiting Old Town Alicante.
There are hundreds of steps leading up to this place, but definitely well worth the effort.
There’s always a piggyback if the steps are a problem 👍🏼👍🏼😎❤️
Beautiful decorated little street, full of flowers and brightly painted pots, passed this on our way up to the castle, I think like other reviews, it would be best to see it on the way down instead.
I’m going to be very honest, I loved the view, the colours, the view of the place. Be prepared there is a lot of stairs to take. But I promise it’s worth it.
A lovely building set amongst more picturesque houses and quaint old town streets.
Suggested donation tray for having your photo to help up keep the plants.
Castell de Sant Ferran
| Address | Mont Tossal, 03005 Alacant, Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Nice views from the top of the hill. Free entry, a good place for a morning jogging. Could be cleaned more often.
A good climb up to the lesser of Alicante’s two castles. Unfortunately it was closed due to bad weather when we got there (though the weather was actually fine - lovely by UK standards :))
Not much to see apart from a few antennas; anyway, it was a nice walk. I recommend visiting in the afternoon so the sun doesn't disturb your view over Alicante and the other castle, and you won't have the sun in your camera lense.
We visited Castillo de San Fernando in November and loved it. The walk up is easy enough and the reward is a fantastic panoramic view over Alicante, the harbour and the sea, with a perfect view of Castillo de Santa Bárbara opposite. Much quieter and less touristy than the main castle, it’s a great spot for photos, a relaxed walk and enjoying the city from above.
More like the walls of Sant Fernan, it is a great place for physical activities, we visited it at around 10am and it was perfect, it might get too hot later on the day.
Gombás utca
| Address | C. San Francisco, 03001 Alacant, Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Very quirky, but worth a visit 🇪🇸👍
Amazing😇
The children enjoyed visiting the street. There was a slide and a mushroom house. The attraction is about 300-400 meters long. It was worth visiting just for the children's laughter.
Lots of mushrooms, interesting.
A nice, imaginative place.
Mushroom Street
| Address | C. San Francisco, 42, 03001 Alacant, Alicante |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
An interesting and fun wander through mushroom street in Alicante. Great for the kids, lots of photo opportunities and shopping along the way. Check it out if you're in Alicante!
Lovely shopping street! Great food and bars too
It was very nice amd beautiful but it definitely could be way longer
Fun for a small children reminds me of Dr. Seuss!
Really fun street. The statues are very well done ordinate and diverse.
Insider Tips for Visiting Alicante
Making the most of your time in Alicante comes down to timing, local habits, and knowing where to step off the main tourist trail. The city reveals its true character in the quiet hours of the morning and the lively hours after sunset, so adjusting your daily rhythm will instantly improve your experience. Use these practical recommendations to eat better, move smarter, and avoid the common pitfalls that catch unprepared visitors.
Visit the Santa Bárbara Castle in the late afternoon. The midday sun can be intense, especially in July and August, and the uphill walk to the fortress offers little shade. Arriving after 5:00 PM gives you cooler temperatures, softer light for photography, and the chance to watch the sunset from the battlements. If you prefer not to walk, the lift inside the mountain near Postiguet Beach saves time and energy.
Eat lunch after 2:00 PM and dinner after 9:00 PM. Spanish meal times differ significantly from northern Europe and North America, and many restaurants close between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. To experience the best atmosphere, follow the local schedule. For an authentic midday meal, look for a “menú del día,” which typically includes three courses, bread, and a drink at a fixed, affordable price.
Skip the car if you are staying in the city center. Alicante’s old town is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and often frustrating for drivers due to narrow streets and limited parking. The tram and bus networks connect the main beaches and nearby towns efficiently. If you plan day trips to places like Guadalest or the interior wine regions, rent a car only for those specific days.
Explore the Barrio de Santa Cruz before breakfast. This historic quarter sits on the slopes below the castle and is often crowded with tour groups by late morning. Walking its whitewashed alleys and flower-filled stairways around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM gives you the streets almost to yourself. The early light also creates beautiful shadows and a peaceful atmosphere that disappears once the day gets busy.
Bring cash for small bars and market stalls. While most established restaurants and shops accept cards, many traditional tapas bars, churrerías, and stalls at the Mercado Central still prefer cash for small purchases. Carrying €20–30 in coins and small notes ensures you can stop for a quick café con leche or a cone of fresh almonds without searching for an ATM.
Wear proper footwear for the old town. The polished marble of the Explanada de España is beautiful but slippery after rain, and the cobblestone streets of El Barrio can be uneven. Comfortable rubber-soled shoes with good grip will keep you safe and comfortable during long walks. Leave the new leather sandals for evening strolls along the flat promenade.
Alicante rewards travelers who allow the city to unfold at its own pace. Whether you spend your days hiking to coastal viewpoints, tasting rice dishes by the harbor, or simply watching the ferries leave the port, the city leaves a lasting impression of warmth and ease. The combination of practical accessibility and authentic Mediterranean character makes it a destination worth returning to in every season.
