For many, Alicante is just an airport to land at, but the city itself is one of Spain's best-kept secrets for a weekend getaway. With its beautiful harbor promenade, historic castle, and fantastic city beach, Alicante has everything you need for the perfect combination of a city break and beach life.
Here is our ultimate itinerary to make the most of 3 days in Alicante.
Day 1: Views and the Old Town (El Barrio)
Start your vacation with Alicante's greatest pride: Castillo de Santa Bárbara. This massive castle sits on top of the mountain right in the middle of the city. You can take the elevator up from the beach and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the coast.
Then walk down the winding paths to El Barrio (the Old Town). Here you will find narrow streets, colorful houses, and some of the city's best tapas bars. Finish the evening with a stroll along the Explanada de España, the famous promenade with the wavy tile pattern.
Day 2: Shopping and beach life
Start your morning at Playa del Postiguet, the beautiful sandy beach located right in the city center. When the sun gets too hot in the middle of the day, it is the perfect time for shopping!
Alicante has excellent shopping, from the popular shopping street Maisonnave to large malls and Primark. Read our complete guide to shopping in Alicante here to find the best spots.
Day 3: Family fun or excursion
Your last day should be spent on an excursion. If you are traveling with children (or just love adrenaline), some of Europe's best theme parks are just a short trip away from the city.
Head to Aqualandia for epic water slides, or Terra Mítica for roller coasters. To avoid the lines, check out our guide to the best theme parks and water parks near Alicante.
🧳 Useful links for your trip
- Where to stay? See our guide to the best areas and hotels in Alicante.
- Traveling from Madrid? You can take the high-speed train directly to the coast. Read about the high-speed train to Alicante here, or search for train tickets at Trainline.
