Things to Do in Alicante
Complete guide to activities and sights: Santa Bárbara Castle, Algar waterfalls, golf, the Explanada promenade, day trips, and family activities.
What should you do in Alicante?
Alicante and the Costa Blanca perfectly combine city life, beautiful beaches, rich history, and nature experiences. The main attractions are Santa Bárbara Castle (a 1000-year-old Moorish fortress boasting panoramic views), Explanada de España (the iconic palm tree promenade), Playa del Postiguet and Playa San Juan (spectacular blue-flag sandy beaches), the Algar waterfalls (breathtaking cascades 1 hour north), golf courses (20+ courses within 30 minutes), and amazing day trips to Benidorm, Guadalest, and Tabarca island.
First-time visitors should spend 1 day exploring the city center (the castle, the old town, and the Explanada), 1 day relaxing at Playa San Juan beach, and 1 day taking a day trip (to Algar, Guadalest, or Tabarca). Benidorm is perfect for families with kids (theme parks!), while avid golfers will want at least 3-4 days to play across several courses.
Santa Bárbara Castle: Alicante's Iconic Fortress
Santa Bárbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara) sits 166 meters above sea level atop Mount Benacantil and is one of Spain's best-preserved Moorish fortresses. The castle was originally built in the 9th century by Muslims, later conquered by Christians in 1248, and today houses an excellent museum detailing Alicante's history, alongside stunning panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean, featuring fascinating ruins of barracks, water tanks, and chapels.
Santa Bárbara Castle – a 1000-year-old Moorish fortress offering spectacular views over Alicante
Practical Info: Santa Bárbara Castle
- Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Nov-Feb), 10:00-20:00 (Mar-Jun), 10:00-23:00 (Jun-Sep)
- Entry: Free (Museum €3)
- How to get up: Take the elevator from Postiguet beach (€3.70 return), drive up the back road (free parking), or walk on foot (a 30 min hike – free, but quite tiring)
- Time needed: 1-2 hours (including the viewpoints and museum)
- Best time to visit: Sunset (18:00-20:00) for a truly magical light over the Mediterranean
- Tips: Take the elevator up, and walk down on foot to save money. The restaurant at the top is quite expensive – consider eating before or after your visit.
Why visit: This is unequivocally Alicante's most iconic sight. The incredible view alone is worth the trip – you can see Alicante city, Playa San Juan, Tabarca island, and the entire inland region. It's the perfect activity for your first day in Alicante. Plus, the free entry makes it an incredibly budget-friendly must-do.
City Center: Explanada, the Old Town, and the Marina
Alicante's city center is very compact and perfect for exploring on foot in a single day. The main attractions are:
Explanada de España – the iconic palm tree promenade with its unique mosaic pattern
Santa Cruz – the historical city core packed with tapas bars and beautiful ceramic street signs
Explanada de España: The Palm Promenade
The Explanada de España is Alicante's iconic coastal promenade, composed of 6.5 million colorful marble mosaic tiles arranged in a distinct wave pattern, lined with four rows of tall palm trees and an array of outdoor cafes. The promenade stretches for 600 meters along the harbor, starting from Canalejas Park. This is the absolute social heart of Alicante – locals stroll here every evening (a tradition called the paseo), and the Sunday market (10:00-14:00) is bustling with handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Free activity. It's best in the evening when it's slightly cooler. Grab a coffee at Gran Café Español (a historic cafe dating back to 1872) or an helado (ice cream) at Casa de los Helados.
El Barrio (Old Town) and Santa Cruz
El Barrio represents Alicante's historic heart, characterized by narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, decorative ceramic street signs, and literally hundreds of tapas bars. Stroll through Calle Mayor (the main street), visit the Concatedral de San Nicolás (a beautiful baroque cathedral with free entry), and explore Plaza de Santa María (the city's oldest square). Come evening, El Barrio transforms into the vibrant epicenter of Alicante's nightlife, with lively tapas bars on every corner.
Mercado Central (Central Market)
Mercado Central is Alicante's stunning 1920s Art Nouveau indoor food market, overflowing with fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, jamón, cheeses, and local delicacies. This is where the locals come to do their daily shopping. It is the perfect spot to pick up picnic ingredients or simply sample some Spanish specialties. Open Mon-Sat 07:00-14:30 (closed on Sundays).
The Marina: Volvo Ocean Race Museum
Alicante Marina serves as the official base for the famous Volvo Ocean Race (the extreme around-the-world sailing regatta). The Volvo Ocean Race Museum, located right at the harbor, showcases the race boats and features a highly realistic sailing simulator alongside interactive exhibits. Entry is €5, and it is open 10:00-20:00. An absolute must for sailing enthusiasts and families alike.
Algar Waterfalls: A Nature Experience Inland
The Algar waterfalls (Fuentes del Algar) are a stunning series of spectacular water cascades and crystal-clear turquoise pools located 60 km north of Alicante in the town of Callosa d'En Sarrià. This is undeniably the Costa Blanca's best nature experience – offering pristine water, lush vegetation, and the incredible opportunity to bathe in completely natural pools. It makes for the perfect day trip from Alicante (a 1-hour drive) or from Benidorm (just 20 mins away).
Algar waterfalls – the Costa Blanca's spectacular water cascades with gorgeous turquoise pools
Practical Info: Algar Waterfalls
- Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (winter), 10:00-20:00 (summer)
- Entry: €4-5 adults, €2 kids (4-10 years), under 4 years free
- How to get there: A rental car is the best option (1h from Alicante, free parking available). Alternatively: bus to Callosa d'En Sarrià (1h 15m) + a 15 min walk, or a guided tour from Benidorm (€30-40 including transport)
- Time needed: 1-2 hours (walking the trail through the waterfalls, swimming, having a picnic)
- Best time to visit: May-June or September – much less crowded than July-August, but the water is still warm enough for swimming
- Tips: Bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes (the bottom is very rocky!), sunscreen, and picnic food. Arrive early (around 10:00) to avoid the big crowds.
Why visit: This is the Costa Blanca's answer to tropical waterfalls. The turquoise water and lush natural surroundings make it perfect for a family swim. You can effortlessly combine this with a visit to Guadalest Castle (just 15 mins away) for a complete full-day excursion.
Golf in Alicante: Spain's Best Winter Golf Destination
Alicante and the Costa Blanca boast 20+ golf courses all within a 30-minute drive, a very mild winter climate (15-20°C in Jan-March), and reasonably priced green fees (€40-90 per round). This makes it Scandinavia's most popular winter golf destination – many golfers travel down here to spend January through March on the greens.
Costa Blanca golf near Benidorm – 20+ championship courses with a wonderfully mild winter climate
Best Golf Courses Around Alicante
| Golf Course | Distance from Alicante | Greenfee (winter) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante Golf | 5 km (15 min) | €40-65 | Closest course, nice parkland style, very accessible |
| Las Colinas Golf & Country Club | 50 km (45 min) | €90-140 | Spain's best course (Top 5), highly exclusive, challenging |
| La Finca Golf | 50 km (45 min) | €55-85 | Championship course, tough design, extremely popular among Scandinavians |
| Vistabella Golf | 55 km (50 min) | €50-75 | Mountain course with spectacular views, technically demanding |
| Villaitana Golf (Benidorm) | 45 km (40 min) | €60-90 | Offers 2 courses (Levante/Poniente), family-friendly resort atmosphere |
Tips: Book your tee-times online 1-2 weeks in advance to secure the best prices. Winter golf (Nov-Mar) is definitely the cheapest and least crowded. Many courses offer excellent packages that combine hotel + golf. Check Leadingcourses.com for great deals.
Alicante with Kids: Family Activities
Alicante is a truly excellent destination for families with kids, thanks to its sandy beaches, massive theme parks, and fun family-friendly activities. Here are the absolute best things to do with children:
Aqualandia – Europe's largest water park featuring the Big Bang (highest water slide), Verti-Go, and a massive wave pool
- Terra Mítica (Benidorm, 40 mins): A huge theme park divided into themed zones representing Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Iberia. Packed with rollercoasters, water rides, and shows. €35-45 adults, €30-38 kids. Open Apr-Oct. Perfect for ages 6-14.
- Aqualandia (Benidorm, 40 mins): Europe's best water park featuring the Big Bang (highest water slide), Verti-Go (free-fall slide), and large wave pools. €35-40 adults, €28-33 kids. Open May-Sep. Perfect for ages 4-16.
- Aqua Natura (Benidorm, 40 mins): A fantastic and more compact water park, often preferred by families with slightly younger children. Located right next to the Terra Natura zoo.
- Aquopolis Torrevieja (45 mins south): A large and highly popular outdoor water park with a wave pool, great kids' areas, and thrilling slides like the "Kamikaze". Open during the summer season.
- Tabarca Island (ferry from Alicante, 1h): A small, delightful Mediterranean island with crystal clear water, great snorkeling, excellent seafood restaurants, and a small beach. Ferry €21 adults, €11 kids (return). The perfect family day trip.
- Playa San Juan Beach (15 mins via TRAM): A beautiful long beach with very shallow water, multiple playgrounds, watersports (SUP, kayak), and beach clubs. Free. Perfect for families with toddlers.
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Kids absolutely love exploring the old fortress, checking out the cannons, and finding secret passages. Take the elevator up (€3.70 return) to save energy. Entry is free. Perfect for ages 5-12.
- Volvo Ocean Race Museum: A fun interactive sailing museum complete with a real sailing simulator. €5 adults, €3 kids. Perfect for ages 7-14.
- Algar Waterfalls: Swim in the natural pools and explore the rushing water cascades. €4-5 adults, €2 kids. Perfect for ages 5-15.
Tip for animal lovers: Be sure to check out Mundomar (marine park) and Terra Natura in Benidorm, or the Rio Safari just outside Elche!
Day Trips from Alicante
Alicante serves as the perfect base camp for exploring the wider Costa Blanca. Here are the very best day trips:
Guadalest: A Mountain Village on a Cliff
Guadalest (located 70 km north, a 1h 15min drive) is a spectacular white village built on a rocky pinnacle 600 meters above sea level. It features a Moorish castle, a vivid turquoise reservoir, and several quirky small museums (including a doll museum, a medieval torture museum, and even a salt and pepper shaker museum!). It pairs perfectly with the Algar waterfalls (just 15 mins away). Entry to the village itself is free, while the castle costs €4. If you don't have a car, you can take the TRAM to Benidorm and catch a bus (approx. 1.5h total).
Benidorm: The Beach City and Theme Parks
Benidorm (40 mins via TRAM, €3.60) is often called the Las Vegas of the Costa Blanca, famous for its high-rise skyscrapers, 2 massive sandy beaches, a plethora of theme parks (Terra Mítica, Aqualandia, Aqua Natura, Mundomar), and a very lively, British-oriented nightlife. It is the perfect day trip for families looking for thrills, or anyone wanting to experience Spain's most famous tourist hub.
Altea and Albir: The White Villages
Altea (45 mins via TRAM, €4) is a stunning, traditional white village packed with art galleries, an iconic blue-domed church, and an incredibly charming old town. It is best combined with a visit to neighboring Albir (known for its nice beach and beautiful promenade). The ultimate relaxing day trip for art lovers and those seeking a slower pace.
Elche: The UNESCO Palm Tree Forest
Elche (25 km south, 25 mins by train €3) boasts Europe's absolute largest palm grove (Palmeral de Elche) featuring an incredible 200,000 palm trees, officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city also offers a beautiful historic center, a grand basilica, and the famous Mystery of Elche festival (held in August). It makes for a wonderful half-day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the absolute most important things to do in Alicante?
The Must-Dos: (1) Santa Bárbara Castle (unbeatable panoramic views, and it's free!), (2) The Explanada de España promenade, (3) Relaxing at Playa San Juan beach, (4) Visiting the Algar waterfalls (as a day trip), and (5) Exploring El Barrio (the old town) and its many tapas bars. You should plan for at least 2-3 days to see the main highlights.
Is Santa Bárbara Castle worth the visit?
Yes, absolutely! This is unequivocally Alicante's most iconic sight. It offers completely free entry, spectacular views stretching over the city and the sea, and a deeply interesting history. It is best experienced right at sunset. We highly recommend taking the elevator up (€3.70 return) if you want to avoid a strenuous 30-minute hike up the mountain.
How much time do I need to spend in Alicante?
Minimum 2 days: Day 1 = Santa Bárbara Castle + the city center + Explanada. Day 2 = Sun and swimming at Playa San Juan beach. Ideally 3-4 days: This gives you time to add a fantastic day trip to the Algar waterfalls, Guadalest, or Benidorm. Golfers should definitely set aside 5-7 days to ensure they have time to play several different courses.
Is Alicante a good destination for families with children?
Yes, definitely! Playa San Juan has a long, beautiful beach with shallow waters that are perfect for kids. If you head to Benidorm (just 40 mins away), you'll find Terra Mítica and Aqualandia, which are fantastic, world-class theme parks. Trips to Tabarca Island and the Algar waterfalls also make for perfect family outings. Finally, Santa Bárbara Castle is always a huge hit with children who love exploring fortresses.
Where are the best golf courses located in Alicante?
Las Colinas Golf (frequently ranked as Spain's best course, €90-140), La Finca Golf (a very popular championship course, €55-85), and Vistabella Golf (a scenic mountain course with great views, €50-75) are top choices. The course closest to the city itself (which is also relatively affordable) is Alicante Golf (just 5 km away, €40-65). Remember to always book your tee-times online via sites like leadingcourses.com.
How do I get to the Algar waterfalls?
A rental car is by far the best and easiest option (it's a 1-hour drive from Alicante, and parking is free). Alternatively, you can take a bus to Callosa d'En Sarrià (1h 15m) followed by a 15-minute walk, or you can book a guided tour departing from Benidorm (which usually costs €30-40 and includes all transport). Opening hours are 10:00-18:00 (winter) and 10:00-20:00 (summer). Entry is around €4-5.
Can I easily visit Benidorm from Alicante?
Yes! TRAM Line 1 runs directly from Alicante's city center straight up to Benidorm. The journey takes 40 minutes, trains depart every 30 minutes, and a ticket costs just €3.60. Once in Benidorm, you have immediate access to 2 massive sandy beaches, huge theme parks (like Terra Mítica and Aqualandia), and a very lively nightlife scene. It makes for the absolute perfect day trip from Alicante.
Are there completely free activities to do in Alicante?
Yes, plenty! You can enter Santa Bárbara Castle for free, stroll along the beautiful Explanada de España promenade without paying a dime, relax on the Playa del Postiguet or Playa San Juan beaches, wander around El Barrio (the old town), browse the Mercado Central (food market), and visit the Concatedral de San Nicolás entirely for free. You can experience a huge amount of Alicante without spending any money at all!
Updated: February 2026. Please note that opening hours, prices, and availability are subject to change. Always check the official websites before your visit. The data provided here is based on information from Alicante Turismo, official museum and park sites, TripAdvisor reviews, and local knowledge. Images: Unsplash (free for commercial use). Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.