Discover the Magic of Alicante: A Guide to the City's Top Sights and Hidden Gem
Alicante is a vibrant coastal city located on Spain's Costa Blanca in the province of Valencia. With nearly 350,000 residents, it is the second largest city in the Valencia region after Valencia city. Thanks to its enviable location on the Mediterranean Sea, Alicante enjoys a warm, sunny climate year-round.
The city has been a popular tourist destination for decades, attracting over 6 million visitors annually. Its miles of beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, museums, shops, restaurants, and energetic nightlife make Alicante an appealing vacation spot.
Some of Alicante's top attractions include the Barrio de Santa Cruz neighborhood, the Castillo de Santa Barbara medieval fortress, and the grand Avenida del Teatro performance hall. The city also boasts a lovely palm tree-lined esplanade overlooking the harbor, where visitors can relax at seaside cafes.
With its sunny weather, laidback vibe, and abundance of sights and activities, Alicante is the perfect city to explore as part of a trip to Spain's gorgeous Costa Blanca region.
Old City Centre
The Old City centre is home to many museums and historic buildings that showcase Spanish history and culture. You'll need to spend a few days exploring this area to take in all it has to offer.
The Nativity Scene Museum on San Augustin Street features hundreds of nativity scenes from around the world. This free museum is fun for kids and Christmas lovers, and remains popular even during the summer tourist season.
Don't miss the Concathedral of San Nicolas de Bari, recognizable by its large blue dome. The cathedral entrance contains a towering black marble sculpture of Saint Nicholas. As the seat of the Bishop of the Province, this cathedral holds religious significance.
For evening entertainment, visit the grand Avenida del Teatro. This expansive theater features imposing Roman-style columns at its entrance. You can catch a variety of shows and plays within its interior.
Castle of Santa Barbara
The Castle of Santa Barbara is one of the largest Medieval fortresses in Europe. It was built by the Moors in the ninth century on Mount Benacantil, overlooking Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea.
The castle has a long and fascinating history. It was an important stronghold during the Christian reconquest of Spain in the 13th century. Over the centuries, it has been occupied by the Moors, Christians, and Spanish royalty.
Today, visitors can explore the castle's towers, ramparts, dungeons, and exhibits. One of the highlights is climbing to the top of the highest tower for stunning panoramic views of Alicante, Postiguet Beach, and the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. From this vantage point, it's easy to understand why the Moors chose this strategic location for the castle.
In addition to the architecture and views, the castle houses an impressive display of Spanish sculpture spanning several centuries. Works by baroque master José de Mora and 20th century sculptor André Lambert are among the collection. Archaeologists have also uncovered Bronze Age artifacts on the grounds of the castle, providing a glimpse into ancient life in the region.
With its sweeping views, centuries of history, and sculpture collection, the Castle of Santa Barbara is an unmissable attraction when sightseeing in Alicante. Allow several hours to wander through this magnificent medieval fortress.
Nightlife in Alicante
Alicante has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the night life. The Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Old Quarter is a great place to experience the city at night. The area has a Medieval style feeling, with cobblestone streets and buildings dating back centuries.
The Old Quarter comes alive at night, with people filling the streets and squares, going from bar to bar. There are countless pubs, bars, and nightclubs throughout the winding alleys. You'll find everything from Irish pubs to dance clubs bumping electronic music late into the night.
Some of the most popular spots include Bar La Tasca, known for its delicious tapas and wide selection of beers and wines. Nearby, Bar El Coscorrón offers live flamenco shows and performances by local bands on weekends. For a more upscale lounge vibe, head to Siddhartha Lounge Bar with its Buddha decor, creative cocktails, and occasional DJs.
No matter your taste in nightlife, you'll find an energetic scene in the Old Quarter. The fun lasts late into the night here, with most bars staying open until 3 or 4am. It's the perfect area to experience Alicante after dark, soak in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy some delicious drinks and entertainment.
Beaches in Alicante
The beaches are one of the biggest attractions in Alicante. The Costa Blanca has the longest summer season in Spain and is considered to have the best beaches and weather for enjoying the sun.
There is a scenic promenade near the main beach that is lined with palm trees. Along the promenade you'll find several sidewalk cafes which are perfect for sitting, eating, and soaking up the beautiful weather.
Some of the most popular beaches include Playa del Postiguet, Playa de San Juan, Playa del Coco, and Playa de la Albufereta. The soft golden sand and calm blue waters make these beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, and water sports.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Alicante's beaches can be enjoyed even during the off-season months. While summer is peak season, the weather is pleasant and warm enough for beach days well into fall and early spring.
The beaches are easily accessible from the city center. Whether you're looking for a lively beach with amenities or a quiet cove, Alicante has a beach experience for every style and taste.
Shopping in Alicante
Alicante offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from small boutiques to large department stores. The old city and harbor areas are filled with charming shops selling everything from souvenirs to fashion. Walking along the cobblestone streets, you'll find stores tucked into historic buildings.
One major shopping destination is El Corte Ingles, a large Spanish department store chain with a location in Alicante. Inside, you'll find beauty products, clothing, housewares, electronics, and more. It's a great one-stop shop.
For a more artisanal experience, browse the stands along the waterfront boardwalk. Local craftspeople sell their handmade goods like pottery, jewelry, and textiles. It's a nice place to pick up some unique mementos.
On the outskirts of the city, the massive Panoramis Shopping Mall caters to every taste. With over 150 stores, it's akin to malls in the United States. Shop brands like Zara, Mango, and Massimo Dutti. The mall also features a food court and a cinema. An added bonus is the beautiful view of the harbor from the mall's terraces.
No matter your shopping style, you'll find places to explore and spend in Alicante. Between major retailers, family-run shops, and stalls along the sea, it caters to all interests. The old city's winding streets are perfect for wandering from store to store.
Plaza Nueva Alicante Aquarium
The Plaza Nueva Alicante is a small aquarium located in the heart of the city, surrounded by palm trees and a modern display. This urban oasis provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of sightseeing.
The aquarium's tanks showcase the diverse marine life found along the Costa Blanca coastline. Schools of silvery fish glide through the water, while sea turtles paddle lazily about. In one tank, you can get up close to the tentacles of jellyfish as they pulse through the water. Seahorses wrap their tails around coral and seaweed, camouflaging themselves.
Outside the aquarium, families relax on benches beneath the shade of palm trees. A modern, sleek fountain bubbles nearby, providing ambient sounds of flowing water. The plaza's tranquil atmosphere makes it the perfect place to take a break during a long day of exploring Alicante. Let the stress melt away as you watch the aquatic ballet happening within the aquarium's tanks.
Royal Regatta Club
The Real Club de Regatas, or Royal Regatta Club, is one of the top social clubs in Alicante located along the harbor promenade. This prestigious sailing club has been around since the 1880s and has hosted regattas and races for over a century.
The clubhouse features a beautiful whitewashed facade overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Inside you'll find various dining areas, event spaces, and nautical-themed decor. There's both indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy the views.
One of the highlights is that members of the Spanish Royal Family have been known to visit the Royal Regatta Club over the years when they are vacationing in Alicante. While there's no guarantee you'll spot royalty, you may get lucky during your visit to the club area. Even without a royal sighting, it's still worth passing by the club to admire the architecture and seaside location when exploring Alicante's harborfront.
Getting Around Alicante
Alicante is a very walkable city, especially in the historic city center and along the waterfront promenade. However, the city also offers excellent public transportation options for getting to farther flung destinations.
The Alicante tram system is fast, efficient, and inexpensive. Trams run along the coastline as well as to inland destinations. Purchase tickets at machines located at each tram stop before boarding.
For travel within the city center, consider joining a walking tour. Knowledgeable guides will take you to top attractions while sharing history and insider information. Tours last 1-2 hours and depart from the tourist office. Private and group options are available.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber are readily available, especially around high traffic areas like the airport, train station, and cruise port. Ensure the vehicle has proper licensing displayed before entering. Estimated fares are shown on the taxi meter. Tipping is not required but appreciated.
Walking remains the best way to explore Alicante's charming cobblestone streets, historic plazas, and colorful neighborhoods. Just be sure to bring comfy shoes! The mild climate makes walking a pleasure most months of the year.
Alicante is a vibrant coastal city with history, culture, beaches, shopping, and nightlife. It's the perfect destination for a Spanish vacation. The highlights include exploring the medieval Old City and Castle of Santa Barbara, relaxing on the sunny beaches along the promenade, and enjoying tapas and drinks in the lively Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood.
I'd recommend spending at least 3 full days in Alicante to take in the main attractions. With a week you could also take some day trips to nearby towns or spend more time lounging on the beautiful beaches. The city is very walkable so you don't need a car, though the tram system is also handy for getting around.
Alicante offers something for everyone - families, couples, groups of friends. It provides a convenient and exciting gateway to the Costa Blanca region of Spain. Don't miss out on this vibrant, sunny slice of Mediterranean culture and beauty on your next Spanish holiday.
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