Best Travel Guide Alicante | ArrivalGuides.com

AlicanteGuide was updated: 2025-12-23

Different civilisations have passed through these lands, leaving their mark which can be seen in all corners of this emblematic city. All of this adds to the appeal of this modern city with a primary focus on tourism, but also a special interest in industry and commerce. Alicante, situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, offers not only a great variety of services but also a wide range of cultural activities, with its museums, its festivals and its nature areas, in particular the Island of Tabarca; Mediterranean Marine Reserve.

Do & See

The ideal location of Alicante on the Mediterranean coast makes it an attractive destination for beach-lovers, golfers and outdoors enthusiasts, but the city offers so much more than fun in the sun. The old quarter is rife with beautiful architecture, from the cathedral and the cloisters to the town hall and many winding alleys, and a wealth of fascinating museums can keep even the most ambitious visitors busy for days.

Basilica of Santa Maria of Alicante

The Basilica de Santa María, just a short 15-minute walk from the beach, is one of Alicante’s most significant landmarks. Due to its popularity with tourists, a small entrance fee is now required. Inside, the layout is designed for self-guided visits, with numbered stations and audio explanations available in three languages. Built in the Valencian Gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries on the site of a former mosque, the basilica is the oldest active church in Alicante. Its striking Baroque façade, spacious nave, and six chapels make it a highlight for anyone exploring the city.

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Teatro Principal de Alicante

Alicante’s Main Theatre is a neoclassical building that first opened its doors in 1847. Its interior follows the Italian style, divided into three distinct sections: the vestibule, the horseshoe-shaped auditorium and the stage. The theatre has capacity for 1,072 seats. You can either join a guided tour free of charge or attend a play or concert. For details on tours and the programme, it’s best to check the official website. The theatre enjoys a central location, just a short walk from the popular Santa Creu neighbourhood.

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Castell de Santa Bàrbera

A visit to the Santa Bárbera Castle is highly recommended. Located atop Mount Benacantil, at a height of 166 metres, it is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, with unbeatable views over the Bay of Alicante and on clear days you can see all the way to Tabarca Island. Such is its relevance that during the 20th century it was declared a Monument of Historic and Artistic Importance and a Site of Cultural Interest. Here we can also find one of the most characteristic images of the city, a rock formation resembling a man’s profile on the southwestern slope, known as the Moor’s Face, which is best viewed from Postiguet Beach. The Museum of the city in Santa Bárbara's Castle 'MUSA', housed in the Castle itself, was included in its cultural offer and it explains in five theme rooms the history of the city of Alicante and their inhabitants. To descend down from the Santa Bárbara Castle, take the route through Parque de La Ereta, along the mountainside. Its location and views transform it into a place of relaxation as well as a great meeting place. It also has a spectacular restaurant and, on the way down to the old town quarter, you can visit the picturesque, quintessentially Spanish Santa Cruz district. Another attractive option between the castle and the Santa Cruz district is walking along the remains of the walls that surrounded the Castle, which now end in the Santa Cruz district. You can also access the castle via a lift built within the rock face opposite El Postiguet beach.

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Barri Vell Santa Creu — Old Town Quarter

No trip to Alicante would be complete without a stroll through El Barri Vell, the city’s charming Old Quarter. Its maze of narrow streets lies beneath the Santa Bàrbera Castle and is filled with taverns, small shops and local life. Among its most notable landmarks is the San Nicolás Co-Cathedral, an example of 17th-century architecture, though its cloisters date back to the 15th century in Herrerian Renaissance style. Other highlights include the Town Hall, an elegant 18th-century Baroque building, the Santa María Basilica, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Casa de la Asegurada Museum.

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El Castell de Guadalest

El Castell de Guadalest is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Having a stroll through the streets of the village is a real pleasure. San José Castle, Orduña house, the bell tower and the unusual museums will attract your attention. If you like walking in the mountains, El Castell de Guadalest is the perfect place to be in contact with nature and if you are a gastronomy lover, our restaurants offer a combination of traditional dishes and the latest innovations.

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Castell de Sant Ferran

If you’ve already explored the popular Santa Bárbara Castle but are still looking for views of Alicante, especially at sunset, make your way to Sant Ferran Castle. Located within Doctor Rico Park and next to Del Tossal Park, this historic fortress is far less crowded than other city viewpoints, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a quiet break on a bench with a drink and some snacks. Its peaceful atmosphere is part of the charm, but keep in mind there are no shops or vendors nearby, so it’s best to bring everything you need before starting the climb.

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Population:	380,577 (2025)
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	112 Emergencies 091 Police 062 Guardia Civil
Newspapers:	El País: https://elpais.com/espana La Vanguardia: www.lavanguardia.com Información: www.informacion.es Levante-EMV: www.levante-emv.com
Website:	www.alicanteturismo.com www.costablanca.org www.comunidadvalenciana.com www.spain.info
Opening Hours:	Smaller, privately-owned shops are mainly open from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8:30pm. Big department stores, larger chains and shopping centres are open from 10am to 10pm, Mondays to Saturdays. Shops may be closed on Sundays. Most banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 2/2:30pm. Only some branches open on Saturday mornings.
Tourist Information:	Tourist Info Alicante — Puerto Marina Deportiva, Muelle de Levante 6, Alicante (the harbour) +34 965 17 72 01 info@alicanteturismo.com turismo@alicanteturismo.com Tourist Info Alicante — Renfe Avenida Salamanca s/n (Railway Station) +34 965 12 56 33 alicanter@touristinfo.net