With over 8 million tourists a year, Alicante has become one of the favourite destinations for tourists looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean. It is a city that combines history, beaches, high-quality cuisine and a unique climate all year round.
If you’re here, it means you’ll soon be packing your bags to visit Alicante. So, to make your itinerary easier, we’ve prepared a three-day route for you to discover Alicante, where you’ll get to know the must-see places in the city of the Hogueras, without rushing and making the most of your time.
Day 1: historic centre, castle and seafront promenade
We will devote this unique day to delving into the history of Alicante, visiting places that tell tales of battles and take us back into the city’s past.
Morning – Santa Bárbara Castle
To make the most of the morning and avoid the crowds, our first stop will be Santa Bárbara Castle. It is located at the top of Mount Benacantil, at an altitude of 166 metres. It is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain.
To get there, you can walk or take the lift from the beach (€2.70 per person (free for those over 65 and children under 5)).
General admission to the castle is free, and you can visit it Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (April to September) and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (October to March).
Midday – Santa Cruz neighbourhood
After visiting Santa Bárbara Castle, walk down to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, the most authentic and picturesque part of the city. Here you can enjoy cobbled streets, white façades decorated with bougainvillea and blue flower pots. A real Mediterranean postcard.
Some of the places you shouldn’t miss in this neighbourhood:
- The Chapel of Santa Cruz
- San Rafel Street
- Co-cathedral of Saint Nicholas, just five minutes from the Santa Cruz neighbourhood
This tour ends at Alicante’s Town Hall Square, a Baroque building dating back to the 18th century, where you can find the famous ‘Cota Cero’ (Zero Point), the official reference point for sea level in Spain.
Afternoon – Explanada de España and port
After a cultural morning in the old town, enjoy the afternoon in Alicante gazing out at the sea. The best way to start feeling the Mediterranean with you is at the Explanada de España.
This iconic promenade, built in the 19th century on the old seawall, is decorated with more than six million marble tiles that form a wavy mosaic in red, black Marquina and ivory cream. The optical effect is reminiscent of the movement of the sea and makes the avenue one of the most photographed floors in Spain.
Next to these tiles, you will see many palm trees. Well, it is often said that there are 360 in total, one for each day of the year.
From the Esplanade, you can directly access Alicante Marina, one of the liveliest in the Mediterranean. Here, the atmosphere changes slightly: it is more nautical, more open, with the sound of masts and the smell of saltpetre.
Stroll along the pier observing yachts and sailboats, which are especially beautiful at sunset when the golden light reflects off the water. It is one of the best times of day to take photographs.
When dusk begins to fall and Santa Bárbara Castle lights up on Mount Benacantil, the view is simply unforgettable and will put the finishing touch to your first day in Alicante.
Day 2: culture, museums and beaches
On the second day, we will explore Alicante’s culture, visiting its museums and learning about the city’s history and all the art it has to offer.
Morning – Must-see museums
- MARQ (Archaeological Museum): one of the best archaeological museums in Europe, with interactive exhibitions. General admission to the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) costs €3 for the permanent exhibition. There is a combined ticket for €8 that includes the museum and the archaeological sites (Lucentum, La Illeta).
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA): ideal if you like modern art. Admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Alicante (MACA), located in Plaza Santa María in the historic centre, is free. It is one of the city’s main museums, specialising in 20th-century and contemporary art, and does not require payment for admission.
Midday – Central Market
When it comes to aperitifs, few places better reflect the gastronomic essence of the city than Alicante’s Central Market. Opened in 1922, its Valencian modernist-style building is impressive both inside and out, with its large dome and natural light.
Many stalls offer quick tastings, and some have small bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer accompanied by traditional tapas.
As soon as you exit, you will find Plaza 25 de Mayo, a small historic square that commemorates events from the Civil War. It is a good first stop to get your bearings and take photos of the market building.
The next stop will be Plaza de los Luceros, considered the nerve centre of the city. Its famous sculptural fountain symbolises light and the sea, and is a meeting point for local celebrations and events. Several main avenues converge here, so there is always a lively atmosphere and lots of activity.
From Luceros, head down shopping streets such as Alfonso X el Sabio and Maisonnave, where urban activity is concentrated: shops, cafés and terraces frequented by locals. It is an ideal area to experience the daily rhythm of Alicante beyond tourism.
You will arrive at the popular Calle San Francisco, known for its giant sculptures of colourful mushrooms. This pedestrianised section is one of the most original and photographed in the city.
Afternoon – Beach: choose between Postiguet or San Juan depending on your travel style
After exploring the historic centre and enjoying the local cuisine, the afternoon is the perfect time to experience one of Alicante’s greatest privileges: having quality beaches just a few minutes from the city centre. Depending on your time, preferences and travel pace, you can choose between two main options:
- Postiguet Beach: Ideal if you are looking for convenience and proximity Located literally at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, this is the urban beach par excellence. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, making it the best option if you don’t want to use public transport.
- San Juan Beach: Ideal if you prefer space and a relaxed atmosphere Located about 20 minutes from the city centre by tram or car, it is one of the most highly rated beaches on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Its enormous expanse of fine sand means you can always find space, even in high season.
Day 3: excursion and local experience
On the third day, we will go on an unmissable morning excursion that surprises all visitors and, in the afternoon, we will explore the city in search of souvenirs and typical products to take home with us as a little piece of Alicante.
Recommended excursion – Tabarca Island
Set aside half a day to visit the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. It takes about 45–60 minutes to get there by boat from the port. Stroll along its walls, swim in its crystal-clear waters and try the famous caldero tabarquino, a traditional fish and rice dish.
Boat trips from Alicante to Tabarca Island cost around €24–€27 per adult (return).
In Tabarca you can see:
- Historic walls and gates
- Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
- St Joseph’s Tower
Also, don’t hesitate to take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. The island is surrounded by a protected marine reserve.
Afternoon – Shopping and local atmosphere
When it comes to aperitifs, few places better reflect the gastronomic essence of the city than Alicante’s Central Market. Opened in 1922, its Valencian modernist-style building is impressive both inside and out, with its large dome and natural light.
Many stalls offer quick tastings, and some have small bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer accompanied by traditional tapas.
As soon as you exit, you will find Plaza 25 de Mayo, a small historic square that commemorates events from the Civil War. It is a good first stop to get your bearings and take photos of the market building.
The next stop will be Plaza de los Luceros, considered the nerve centre of the city. Its famous sculptural fountain symbolises light and the sea, and is a meeting point for local celebrations and events. Several main avenues converge here, so there is always a lively atmosphere and lots of activity.
Desde Luceros baja por calles comerciales como Alfonso X el Sabio o Maisonnave, donde se concentra la actividad urbana: tiendas, cafeterías y terrazas frecuentadas por locales. Es una zona ideal para sentir el ritmo cotidiano de Alicante más allá del turismo.
You will arrive at the popular Calle San Francisco, known for its giant sculptures of colourful mushrooms. This pedestrianised section is one of the most original and photographed in the city.
Afternoon – Beach: choose between Postiguet or San Juan depending on your travel style
On your return to Alicante, spend the end of your trip buying typical local products: nougat, wines from the province, salted fish or handmade ceramics.
Three days in Alicante are enough to fall in love with the city: history, sea, gastronomy and culture combine to create the perfect holiday destination. If you plan your itinerary well, you can enjoy a complete experience without rushing, leaving you plenty of time to savour the true Alicante lifestyle.