Things To Do in Alicante
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Alicante Attractions
With its wide, palm-lined avenues, this town was made for walking -- and that's just what you'll do! The magnificent Explanada d'Espanya, extending around part of the yacht harbor, includes a promenade of mosaic sidewalks under the palms. All the boulevards are clean and lined with unlimited shopping options. Alicante is known for its parks, gardens, and lines of palm trees, and it boasts several old plazas, some paved with marble.
High on a hill, the stately if decrepit Castell de Santa Bárbara (tel. 96-526-31-31) towers over the bay and provincial capital. The Greeks called this fort Akra Leuka (White Peak). Its original defenses, erected by the Carthaginians in 400 b.c.e., were later used by the Romans and the Arabs. The fortress has all the medieval castle accoutrements, including a moat and drawbridge, huge cisterns, powder stores, dungeons, and high breastworks. The ramparts offer panoramic views over land and sea. Five rooms are devoted to the free Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante(daily 10am–2:30pm and 4–8pm). The castle is accessible via elevator from the Explanada d’Espanya (2.10€ per ride); otherwise, you can drive or walk to the top for free—a paved road off Avenida Vásquez de Mella leads directly to a parking lot beside the castle. In summer the castle is open daily from 10am to 10pm; in winter, daily from 10am to 8pm.
It is also possible to drive to the top. A paved road off Avenida Vásquez de Mella leads directly to a parking lot beside the castle. If you drive, admission is free.
On the slopes of Castillo de Santa Bárbara behind the cathedral is the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Forming part of the Villa Vieja (Old Quarter), it is a colorful section with wrought-iron window grilles, flowers, and a view of the entire harbor.
Many people come to Alicante for its sparkling beaches, including El Postiguet (pictured at top) in the city center.
- Landmark
Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari
Tucked into the warren of streets of Alicante's atmospheric Old Town is this emblematic Cistercian Gothic church, which recently celebrated its 500th anniversary. Begun in 1600, the cathedral is stark and sober on the outside but distinguished by a beautifully restored interior, the… - Museum
Museo the Ocean Race
At the port, interactive exhibits in this high-tech museum detail the thrilling history and complex technology behind the ocean race formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race. Alicante has been the start point of the so-called “Everest of sailing” since 2008. Visitors have… - Art museum
Museu de Arte Contemporáneo Alicante
Alicante isn’t all ancient. Facing Iglesia Santa María, housed in the baroque Casa de la Asegurada (originally constructed in 1685 as a granary), this contemporary art museum features works by Miró, Calder, Cocteau, Dalí, Giacometti, Gris, Picasso, Tàpies, Chagall, Kandinsky, and…
Alicante Shopping
Despite the hurly-burly of tourism that unfolds around you at almost every street corner, there are many worthwhile shopping opportunities. Some of the best involve handmade artifacts -- ceramics, hand-tooled leather, woodcarvings, ornamental boxes, candleholders, and small-scale mosaics.
Alicante Nightlife
Alicante is a great city for socializing. One of the town’s densest concentrations of watering holes lies adjacent to the port. Night owls wander from one bar to the next along the length of Muelle del Puerto (aka the Explanada d’Espanya). There are at least 20 spots that rock through the night. Alternatively, barhop on the narrow streets of Alicante’s Villa Vieja. Some of the most sociable streets are Calle Laboradores, Calle Cien Fuegos, and Plaza Santísima Faz.
