All About Alicante – Complete Travel Guide
Introduction to Alicante
Alicante, known historically as Laqant or Al-Laqant (from the Latin Lucentum), is a captivating coastal city with over 7,000 years of history. Situated in the south of the Valencian Community, it is the capital of Alicante Province and a major Mediterranean port. As of 2024, Alicante’s population was approximately 358,720, making it the second-largest city in the Valencian region and the 10th largest in Spain.
Why Visit Alicante?
Alicante is an attractive Spanish city with:
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Santa Barbara Castle
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Historic old quarter (El Barrio)
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Beautiful long waterfront promenades
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Numerous free museums
READ THIS WONDERFUL ARTICLE - Alicante, Montaditos and Fun by Benidorm Seriously member R Colclough
Top Things To Do in Alicante
1. Explore Alicante’s Suggested Routes
To get the best out of Alicante in a short time, follow these routes:
✅ Downtown area – top brand shopping, fashion, events, and diverse restaurants
✅ Poeta Quintana Street & Central Market – alternative commerce and fresh local products
✅ San Francisco Street (Mushroom Street) – quirky street with large mushroom sculptures
✅ Maisonave & Seneca Square – popular for fashion franchises, independent stores, and department stores
✅ Art Area (Calle Mayor & Villavieja) – includes the MACA Contemporary Art Museum and local craft shops
2. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus
🚌 Dates: 31 March – 8 December 2025
Stops at 12 main attractions, including:
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Plaza del Mar
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Santa Barbara Castle
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Archaeological Museum
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Central Market
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Marina and old town
💶 Prices: Adults €10, Children (4-12) €5, Over 65’s €7
🕙 Runs hourly from 10am-6pm with commentary in six languages. Disabled access available. Only small dogs held in arms are permitted.
3. Mount Benacantil & Santa Barbara Castle
🗻 Mount Benacantil rises 544ft above sea level, offering stunning city views. The south-west slope has the famous “Moor’s face” rock formation.
🏰 Santa Barbara Castle atop the mount is one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses. Highlights:
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La Torreta (14th century) – the oldest area
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16th-century buildings – Salón Felipe II, guardhouse, parade ground, Reina bastion
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18th-century lower enclosure – Revellín del Bon Repós
Access by lift opposite El Postiguet beach, on foot, or by car from the north side.
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4. Jorge Juan Staircase
Located on Avenida General Marvá, these historic steps lead to Doctor Rico Park, Monte Tossal woodlands, and Castillo de San Fernando. The hour-long trail has picnic areas, benches, and panoramic views but is not wheelchair accessible.
5. Alicante Port & Explanada de España
🛳 Alicante Port is now a major cruise hub with seafood restaurants, modern bars, and nightlife.
🌴 Explanada de España Promenade is lined with 6.5 million marble tiles, palm trees, cafes, and local craft stalls – one of Spain’s most beautiful promenades.
6. Visit the Most Photographed Street in Alicante – Mushroom Street (Calle San Francisco)
Known locally as “Calle de las Setas,” this quirky street is lined with giant mushroom sculptures, making it one of Alicante’s most photographed spots. Redesigned in 2013 to attract families, it quickly became a local favourite. It’s located in the old town area and ideal for a fun, colourful stroll.
7. El Barrio – Alicante’s Old Quarter
El Barrio is the historic neighbourhood beneath the Santa Barbara Castle. Its narrow, steep streets are filled with vibrant old buildings. During the day, explore its charming architecture and authentic Spanish atmosphere. By night, it transforms into the city’s lively nightlife hub, full of tapas bars, pubs, and clubs.
Alicante’s Iconic Churches
7. San Nicolás Co-Cathedral
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Location: Plaza Abad Penalva, 1
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Built: Construction began in 1600 in the Herrerian Renaissance style.
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Highlights:
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Latin cross floor plan
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45m high blue dome (cupula)
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Capilla de la Comunión (Communion Chapel), a Spanish baroque masterpiece
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Recently restored for the ‘Light of Images’ exhibition
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Opening Hours:
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Monday–Saturday: 11.30 am–12.30 pm & 5.30 pm–6.30 pm
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8. Santa María Basilica
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Location: Plaza Santa María
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History: Alicante’s oldest church, built in the 14th century on the site of the city’s largest mosque. Rebuilt in the 15th century after a fire.
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Features:
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Baroque façade with asymmetrical towers
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Virgin Mary sculpture by Juan Bautista Borja
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Rococo main altar and baroque organ from 1653
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Opening Times:
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Mon–Sat: 10:00–19:00
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Sundays: 14:00–19:00 (last entry 40 min before closing)
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2025 entrance fees for Santa María Basilica in Alicante:
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General (18–64 years): €6
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Seniors (65+): €5
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Youth / Students (13–17 years & youth/university card up to 25): €4
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Groups (20+), Disabled: €4
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Schools: €3
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Museums and Art Galleries to Visit in Alicante
9. Provincial Archaeology Museum (MARQ)
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Location: Plza. Dr. Gómez Ulla, Alicante
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Exhibition: From Dec 2024–May 2025, featuring 600+ exhibits on Alicante’s history.
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Highlights:
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Palaeolithic to Modern history displays
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Innovative audiovisual presentation
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European Museum of the Year Award (2004)
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Opening Hours:
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Monday: 9:00–14:00
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Tue–Sat: 9:00–19:00
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Sun & Holidays: 10:00–14:00
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Entry:
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General: €5
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Reduced: €3
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10. Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA)
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Location: Next to Santa María Basilica
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Building: Oldest civil building in Alicante, built in 1685.
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Collections:
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Works by Miró, Dalí, Juan Gris, Julio González
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Juana Francés Collection
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Eusebio Sempere Collection
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Opening Hours:
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Oct–May: Tue–Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun/Holidays 10:00–14:00, closed Mon
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Jun–Sep: Tue–Sat 11:00–14:00 & 18:00–20:45, closed Mon/Sun/Holidays
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Entry: Free
11. Gravina Fine Arts Museum (MUBAG)
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Location: c/ Gravina, 13–15 (Old Quarter)
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Building: Former Gravina Palace (18th century)
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Exhibits: Art from the Middle Ages to early 20th century
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Opening Hours:
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July–Aug: Tue–Sun 11:00–21:00; Sun/Holidays 11:00–15:00; closed Mon
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Rest of Year: Tue–Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun/Holidays 10:00–14:00; closed Mon
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Entry: Free
12. El Palmeral Park (The Palm Grove)
Located just outside the city centre along Avinguda d'Elx, this peaceful park features over 7,000 palm trees, flower beds, bridges, and a pond with free rowing boats (ID required).
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Facilities: Café, children’s play areas, sports facilities
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Opening Hours: Daily, 9 am–10 pm (winter), 9 am–11 pm (summer)
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Note: No dogs allowed
13. Shopping Centres in Alicante
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Panoramis Shopping Centre – Muelle de Pte., 6
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Gran Vía Shopping Center – Calle José García Sellés, 2
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Puerta de Alicante – Avinguda de Alcalde Lorenzo Carbonell
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El Corte Inglés – Av. Federico Soto, 1
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Plaza Mar 2 – Hermanos López Osaba
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Centro Comercial Fontana – Av. Holanda, 03540 Alicante
📝 Note: Shops do not open every Sunday; check dates locally.
14. Beaches
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Postiguet Beach – Central city beach next to the marina
San Juan Beach – Longest sandy beach (3 km)
La Almadraba Beach – Quiet, ideal for sunset views
Cabo de la Huerta Coves – Rocky coves with crystal-clear waters
Albuferta Beach - Historical area with archaeological significance.
Saladares Urbanova Beach – 5 km from the city centre, with nudist areas
Transport from Benidorm to Alicante
Discover Alicante with Round Town Travel
🚋 Benidorm → Alicante by TRAM (Line 1)
Route & Duration:
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TRAM Line 1 runs between Luceros (Alicante city centre) and Benidorm.
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The coastal journey takes about 70–75 minutes
Frequency:
Trams depart approximately every 30 minutes, from early morning until around 22:00 .
From Alicante (Luceros): first at ~05:34, last around 22:04.
From Benidorm: starts ~07:05, last at ~22:05; departures at xx:05 and xx:35 each hour
Beniconnect ALITREN: €10 to Alicante train station
🚌 How to Get from Benidorm to Alicante by Bus
Operator: ALSA (main carrier for intercity buses in the region)
Departure Points in Benidorm:
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Estación de Autobuses (main bus station, Carrer Francisco Llorca Antón, 6)
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Street stops (Avinguda d’Europa, Av. Rei Jaume I/P.º Acacias)
Arrival in Alicante:
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Estación de Autobuses de Alicante (next to the port)
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Alicante train station (Estación ADIF)
🚗 Driving from Benidorm to Alicante
✅ Distance: ~45 km (28 miles)
✅ Journey time: Approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic
🛣️ Main Route
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Take the AP-7 motorway southbound towards Alicante.
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This is the fastest and most direct route, with less congestion..
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Alternatively, use the N-332 coastal road
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This is a slower, more scenic route passing through towns like Villajoyosa and El Campello.
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Travel time: 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic lights and local traffic.
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📍 Directions (AP-7 option)
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From Benidorm centre, follow signs to AP-7 / Alicante.
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Join the AP-7 heading south.
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Continue until you reach signs for Alicante/Alacant, then merge onto the A-70 ring road towards the city.
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Follow signs for the city centre (Centro Ciudad) or your specific destination (e.g. Luceros, Santa Barbara Castle, Postiguet Beach).
⛽ Useful Tips
✔️ Avoid peak hours (07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:00) to minimise traffic near Alicante.
✔️ Parking:
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Use public car parks near the city centre, marina, or Esplanada.
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Street parking is metered (blue zones) in most areas.
✔️ Fuel stops are available on both AP-7 and N-332 routes.
🌅 Why drive?
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Flexible for visiting beaches, Tabarca ferry port, Santa Barbara Castle, or onward trips to Elche and Santa Pola.
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Saves time compared to tram or bus if you’re on a tight schedule.
Trip to Tabarca Island
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About: Only inhabited island in the Valencia region, known for its marine reserve, history as a pirate refuge, and Genoese settlement.
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Activities:
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Visit the walled town and museum (€2 entry, free for under 12s and over 65s)
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Try “caldero” (local fish stew) in seaside restaurants
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Relax on beaches with clear waters
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Boats: Depart regularly from Alicante marina (approx. 1 hour journey, €19 adults, free under 4). Also accessible from Santa Pola and Benidorm.
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Museum Opening Times:
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Winter: Wed–Sun 11:00–14:00 & 15:30–16:30
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Summer: Wed–Sun 11:00–14:00 & 16:00–18:30
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👉 Find details of other amazing places to visit in this section of our website. - The surrounding area.
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💬 We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to Alicante! If you’ve visited before or have any tips to share, please comment below – we’d love to hear from you.
