Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is a city where history, flavor, and Mediterranean charm come together effortlessly. Even if you only have 48 hours, you can still experience the best of the city. Here are 10 essential steps to help you discover Alicante and make the most of your visit.
1. Join a free walking tour Alicante.
Start your journey with the essentials. Our free walking tour Alicante is the perfect introduction to the city and the ideal way to make the most of your first day here.
In just two hours, you’ll discover that Alicante is much more than its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean lifestyle. This free walking tour takes you through the city’s historic center, uncovering centuries of history, local traditions, and the stories behind its most important landmarks.
Along the route, you’ll learn about the people who shaped Alicante, the battles and events that influenced its development, and the cultural heritage that remains alive today. You’ll also gain valuable local insights, including recommendations for traditional restaurants, typical dishes to try, hidden gems, opening hours of major attractions, and practical tips to help you plan the rest of your stay.
More than just a sightseeing experience, our free walking tour Alicante provides the context you need to truly understand the city. By the end of the tour, you’ll know what to visit, where to eat, and how to experience Alicante like a local.
The tour starts at the Tourist Office in the city center and lasts approximately two hours. It is designed to give you a complete overview of Alicante in a relaxed and entertaining way, making it the perfect starting point for any visit.
If you only have a short time in the city, joining a free walking tour Alicante is one of the best ways to discover its history, culture, gastronomy, and local character in a single experience.
2. Taste Alicante’s soul through its local products after you free walking tour Alicante.
To discover authentic local flavors, there is no better place to begin than the Mercado Central. Our advice is to visit around 11 a.m., when the atmosphere is lively but still feels truly local. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market is filled with fresh regional products and traditional specialties.
As you wander through the stalls, you can taste local almonds, dates, loquats, olives prepared in countless ways, and fresh products from the surrounding countryside and Mediterranean coast. It is also the perfect place to stop and enjoy one of Alicante’s favorite aperitif traditions: a handmade vermouth. This aromatic drink, made from wine infused with more than 100 botanical herbs and spices, is traditionally enjoyed before lunch and is considered a true local ritual.
To accompany a vermouth, nothing beats a few gildas — delicious skewers made with olives, fish, and pickled ingredients that create the perfect balance of salty and tangy flavors.
And when it comes to beer, locals often choose another classic favorite: ensaladilla rusa. In Alicante, you will find countless versions of this beloved dish, each with its own local touch and ingredients.
You should also leave room for one of Alicante’s true culinary stars: rice. A local tip — avoid using “paella”. Paella originally comes from Valencia, and in Alicante locals proudly celebrate their own rice traditions. Here, rice is an art form, with more than 100 different recipes to discover. You can find rice with vegetables and meat, rice with ribs, seafood rice, octopus rice, fish rice, and dishes featuring the famous red shrimp from the Mediterranean. Every restaurant has its own specialty, making each meal a different experience and one of the most authentic ways to taste Alicante.
Another local favorite you simply cannot miss is croquettes. In Alicante, there seems to be an endless variety: chicken, Iberian ham, cod, octopus, red shrimp, and many other creative versions that change from place to place.
3. Visit a Renaissance fortress with unbeatable views
Rising above the city is the Castle of Santa Bárbara — one of Alicante’s most iconic landmarks and an essential stop during your visit. Sitting on top of Mount Benacantil, this impressive fortress has watched over Alicante for centuries and offers one of the best panoramic views on the Costa Blanca. From the top, you can admire the Mediterranean Sea, the port, the old town, and on clear days even see far along the coastline.
Beyond the incredible views, visiting the castle is also a journey through Alicante’s history. Although parts of the fortress date back to the medieval Islamic period, much of its current structure was shaped during the Renaissance era as it became a strategic defensive point protecting the city from attacks and invasions.
A local tip: visit in the late afternoon or close to sunset. Temperatures are more comfortable, the light becomes perfect for photos, and watching the city slowly change colors over the Mediterranean is one of Alicante’s most memorable experiences. If you want to save energy, you can take the elevator up and enjoy a relaxed walk down through the Santa Cruz neighborhood afterward.
4. Uncover where Spain’s elevations begin: Alicante City Hall
Did you know that Alicante is home to Spain’s official “cota cero” (sea-level benchmark)? This is the reference point from which elevations across the entire country are measured.
Located on the first flight of steps inside Alicante City Hall, this small marker was established in the 19th century and has played a key role in mapping Spain ever since. It may look modest, but its significance is remarkable, making it one of the city’s most interesting hidden gems.
Next time you visit City Hall, don’t forget to look for it—many visitors walk right past without realizing they’re standing at one of Spain’s most important reference points.
Curious to discover more fascinating stories and hidden corners of Alicante? Join one of our free walking tour Alicante and experience the city through the eyes of a local guide!
5. Discover Alicante’s museums: art, history, and culture
If you’re planning a free walking tour in Alicante, make sure to leave some time to explore the city’s excellent museums. Many of them offer free admission, making them a great option if you’re looking for things to do without stretching your budget.
One of the city’s cultural highlights is the MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art), home to works by artists such as Picasso, Miró, Dalí, and Alicante-born Eusebio Sempere. Just a short walk away, the MUBAG (Gravina Museum of Fine Arts) showcases the artistic heritage of Alicante Province through an outstanding collection of paintings.
If history is more your thing, don’t miss the MARQ Archaeological Museum. Considered one of Europe’s finest archaeological museums, it takes visitors on an immersive journey from prehistoric times to the medieval period.
You can also visit the Bonfires Museum to discover Alicante’s most famous festival or stop by the Water Museum to learn how water shaped the city’s history.
Whether you’re visiting Alicante for a day or spending a longer holiday here, these museums are a perfect complement to any itinerary.
6. Wander through Santa Cruz Neighborhood:
One of the must-see places in Alicante is the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the oldest part of the city, with a history dating back more than a thousand years. Nestled on the slopes of Santa Bárbara Castle, this charming district has preserved its traditional Mediterranean character.
Its narrow streets, marble staircases, and colorful houses adorned with flower-filled pots give it a distinctive Andalusian atmosphere. Every corner is worth photographing, as the neighborhood is full of charm and unique details that make it one of the most beautiful places in Alicante.
From its viewpoints, you can also enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea. That’s why it’s well worth taking your time to explore every street and discover all its hidden corners.
And, of course, don’t leave without taking a photo at what is probably the most famous house in Alicante, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks and a perfect souvenir of your visit
7. Experience our festivals and traditions
Alicante is a vibrant city where there’s always something to celebrate. Throughout the year, you can enjoy Moors and Christians festivals, Carnival, the colorful May Crosses in Santa Cruz, and the impressive Holy Week processions.
The city’s biggest celebration is the Bonfires of San Juan. For one week, 89 spectacular monuments decorate the streets before being burned on the final night. On June 24th, music, fireworks, and water celebrations fill the city with an unforgettable atmosphere.
If you’d like to discover Alicante’s traditions and find out what’s happening during your visit, be sure to join one of our free walking tours Alicante. You’ll get a great introduction to the city’s history, culture, and its most important festivals and events.
8. Explore nerby Coastal towns.
Alicante is the perfect base for exploring some of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful destinations.
Don’t miss Altea, often called the “Santorini of the Mediterranean.” Its whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, and charming cobbled streets create a unique bohemian atmosphere with breathtaking sea views.
Another must-visit is Villajoyosa, famous for its colorful seafront houses, rich fishing tradition, and delicious fresh seafood. This picturesque town has also appeared in several Netflix productions.
You should also visit Elche, home to three UNESCO World Heritage recognitions and Europe’s largest palm grove, with more than 350,000 palm trees. This incredible oasis offers a unique landscape and is one of the most remarkable places to discover in the province.
9. Enjoy Alicante’s Beaches.
Don’t leave Alicante without enjoying its beautiful beaches. The province boasts 114 kilometers of coastline, home to some of the finest beaches in Spain.
If you don’t have much time, visit Postiguet Beach, the city’s most famous and lively beach. Located in the heart of Alicante, it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a picnic after your free walking tour, or simply soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.
If you have a little more time, head to San Juan Beach, a stunning five-kilometer stretch of golden sand that is easily reached by TRAM. It’s the perfect spot to experience the best of Alicante’s coastline.
10. Dance into Alicante’s Tardeo.
Experience one of Alicante’s most authentic traditions. Every Saturday, locals and visitors gather near the Central Market to begin el tardeo with an aperitif. From there, the afternoon continues with lunch, drinks, music, and dancing.
The heart of the tardeo is Castaños Street, one of the city’s liveliest streets, lined with terraces, bars, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink, meet friends, and dance the afternoon away.
Unlike many other places, the party in Alicante starts early. Bars and clubs open from around 4 p.m., creating a lively atmosphere while the sun is still shining. If you start early you can finish early too, leaving Sunday free to relax and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
These are just few of the many experiences Alicante has to offer in just two days. If you’d like to discover more hidden gems, learn about the city’s fascinating history and get the best local tips, join one of our free walking tour Alicante . We’d love to show you the real Alicante!
