Things to Do in Alicante
Guide to Alicante attractions, activities and day trips: Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada, Algar waterfalls, golf, family activities and the wider Costa Blanca.
Best things to do and see in Alicante
Alicante combines city life, beaches, history and nature. The main attractions include Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada de España, the Old Town and Mercado Central. Add Postiguet and San Juan for beach time, Les Fonts d'Algar for nature, and the wider Costa Blanca for golf and day trips.
For a first visit, three days works well: one day for the castle, Old Town and Explanada; one beach day; and one day trip to somewhere such as Guadalest, Algar or Tabarca. With more time, Benidorm, Altea, Albir and Elche are straightforward additions.
Quick choice
- First visit: Santa Bárbara + Old Town + Explanada
- With children: Playa San Juan + water/theme parks
- Nature: Algar waterfalls or Tabarca
- Golf: Alicante Golf / El Plantío and Costa Blanca courses
- Day trip: Guadalest, Altea/Albir or Tabarca
Santa Bárbara Castle: Alicante's landmark fortress
Santa Bárbara Castle stands on Mount Benacantil, 166 metres above sea level. The fortress has origins in the Muslim period and offers panoramic views over Alicante, the harbour and the Mediterranean.
Santa Bárbara Castle – Alicante's best-known historic sight, overlooking the city and Mediterranean.
Practical information: Santa Bárbara
- 2026 opening hours: 15 Nov–27 Feb 10:00–18:00; 28 Feb–16 Jun 10:00–20:00; 17 Jun–4 Sep 10:00–23:00; 5 Sep–14 Nov 10:00–20:00
- Admission: The fortress itself is free; some activities and exhibitions may have separate charges
- Lift: From Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora opposite Postiguet; standard fare €2.70. Last lift up is 40 minutes before closing
- Other access: Shuttle bus from the Puerta del Mar area, or walk via the Old Town/La Ereta and Mount Benacantil
- Driving: General visitor parking at the castle itself is not permitted; use public parking in the city
- Time needed: About 1–2 hours
Why visit: This is Alicante's clearest must-see. History, views and free admission make it an easy first stop.
City centre: Explanada, Old Town and harbour
Central Alicante is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Explanada, Old Town, market and harbour are all close together.
Explanada de España: the palm-lined promenade
The Explanada de España runs alongside the harbour and is one of Alicante's most recognisable public spaces. Its wave-pattern pavement is made from about 6.6 million tricolour marble tesserae. The promenade is lined with palms and includes La Concha, an open-air auditorium used for concerts and cultural events.
Free activity. Combine it with the harbour, Old Town or Postiguet.
El Barrio and Santa Cruz
El Barrio and Santa Cruz form Alicante's historic core, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, small squares and tapas bars. From here you can continue towards the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás, Basilica of Santa María and the walking routes up towards Santa Bárbara.
Mercado Central
Mercado Central opened in 1922 and remains one of the best places to see local food culture. Official opening hours are Monday–Friday 07:00–14:30 and Saturday 07:00–15:00.
Harbour: Museo The Ocean Race
Museo The Ocean Race at the harbour covers ocean sailing and the international race closely linked with Alicante. Standard museum entry is free. Immersive experiences and guided visits may cost extra, and opening hours vary seasonally; the museum is normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Algar waterfalls: an inland nature day
Les Fonts d'Algar near Callosa d'en Sarrià, around 60 km north of Alicante, is a series of waterfalls, river channels and natural pools. It is a popular day trip and is often paired with Guadalest.
Les Fonts d'Algar – waterfalls and natural pools near Callosa d'en Sarrià.
Practical information: Les Fonts d'Algar
- Season: Open throughout the year; hours vary by date
- Summer 2026: July and August use timed sessions: 09:00–13:00, 13:00–16:00 and 16:00–20:00
- Tickets: Prices vary by season; the official 2026 high-season adult price is €5
- Advance purchase: Online tickets must be bought at least 24 hours before the visit and are recommended at busy times
- Swimming: Allowed; lifeguard service operates at Easter and during the summer season. Water shoes are recommended
- Parking: Free municipal parking is available in the area, alongside private paid parking
Why visit: Algar is a very different experience from the coast. Algar + Guadalest makes more sense as a full-day outing than visiting the waterfalls alone.
Golf in Alicante and the Costa Blanca
Golf is particularly relevant for autumn, winter and spring trips. Alicante municipality has two courses, Alicante Golf and El Plantío, with more courses close to the city. Across Alicante province, the Costa Blanca tourism organisation lists 22 golf courses, including two Pitch & Putt courses.
Costa Blanca golf – a year-round option, especially popular outside the hottest summer period.
| Golf course | Area | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Alicante Golf | Playa San Juan, close to Alicante | 18 holes, par 72; designed by Severiano Ballesteros |
| El Plantío Golf | Near Alicante Airport | 18-hole course plus 9-hole par-3; convenient from the city and airport |
| Las Colinas Golf & Country Club | Orihuela Costa | Premium resort course in the southern Costa Blanca |
| La Finca Golf | Algorfa | Large resort course in the Vega Baja area |
| Vistabella Golf | Orihuela area | Useful option for Torrevieja/Orihuela Costa stays |
| Villaitana Golf | Benidorm | Two courses near Benidorm, useful for stays north of Alicante |
Green fees and availability vary substantially by season and tee time. Compare current rates before fixing your golf days.
Alicante with kids: family activities
Alicante works well for families because beaches, the city centre and activities can be combined without long journeys. Benidorm is the main area for theme parks and water parks, while Aquopolis is south in Torrevieja.
Water parks are a popular family option on the Costa Blanca – use the dedicated comparison before choosing a park.
- Water parks and theme parks: Compare Aqualandia, Aqua Natura, Terra Mítica and Aquopolis Torrevieja in our dedicated park guide.
- Tabarca: Boat trip, snorkelling and small beaches make it an easy family day trip.
- Playa San Juan: Long sandy beach with plenty of space and family-friendly facilities.
- Santa Bárbara Castle: The fortress and viewpoints work well with school-age children.
- Museo The Ocean Race: Free standard museum entry; paid immersive experiences are optional.
- Algar waterfalls: Nature and swimming; bring water shoes and follow current safety rules.
Day trips from Alicante
Alicante is a practical base for exploring the Costa Blanca. A car gives the most flexibility inland, while TRAM and rail work for several coastal towns and Elche.
Guadalest
The fortified mountain village is known for its castle and views over a turquoise reservoir. Pair it with the Algar waterfalls for a full day.
Benidorm
TRAM L1 links Alicante with Benidorm. The city has Levante and Poniente beaches plus the area's largest family parks.
Altea and Albir
Altea offers a whitewashed Old Town, galleries and hilltop views; Albir has a seafront promenade and a sizeable Scandinavian community.
Elche
The Palmeral de Elche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and makes an easy half- or full-day trip.
Tabarca
Boat trip, fortified village, small beaches and a protected marine environment. Check ferry times and sea conditions before leaving.
Want to combine several places in one day? A rental car is particularly useful for Guadalest + Algar and the southern Costa Blanca.
DiscoverCarsFrequently asked questions
What are the main things to do in Alicante?
Start with Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada, Old Town, Mercado Central and one city beach. Add Algar/Guadalest or Tabarca if you have an extra day.
Is Santa Bárbara Castle worth visiting?
Yes. Entry to the fortress itself is free and the Postiguet lift costs €2.70 for a standard ticket in 2026.
How many days do I need in Alicante?
Two days covers the centre and beach at a basic level. Three to four days gives you room for a day trip without rushing.
Is Alicante good for families?
Yes. Playa San Juan, Santa Bárbara, Museo The Ocean Race, Tabarca and Algar are strong family options. Use the separate park guide for Benidorm and Torrevieja.
Where should I play golf?
Alicante Golf and El Plantío are closest to the city. Resort courses farther south or near Benidorm may suit a dedicated golf trip better.
How do I get to the Algar waterfalls?
Driving is simplest from Alicante. Official 2026 information recommends advance tickets at busy times, and July–August uses timed sessions.
Can I visit Benidorm from Alicante?
Yes. TRAM L1 connects Alicante and Benidorm. Check the current timetable rather than relying on a fixed journey-time or fare estimate.
What can I do for free in Alicante?
Santa Bárbara fortress, the Explanada, Old Town, beaches and standard entry to Museo The Ocean Race are among the best free options.
Updated: October 2026. Opening hours, prices, transport and seasonal rules can change. Check official sources before visiting. Some links are affiliate links; Solrute may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.