Alicante, the capital city of the province bearing the same name, welcomes millions of visitors every year. Besides its great weather and long stretches of sandy beaches, Alicante boasts a varied and exquisite gastronomy and enjoys an enormous cultural heritage which, without any shadow of doubt, is worth discovering when visiting the city.
Here are some suggestions on things to do and places to visit in this vibrant city.
The Santa Cruz neighbourhood - known by locals as El Barri de la Santa Creu - is the name given to the city's old town. Here, you will find many places and attractions that are well worth visiting. Due to its many steps and slopes, we recommend getting around by foot. This will allow you to properly discover this famous neighbourhood, where you can meander around its beautiful charming streets to your heart's content.
The old town enjoys a diverse range of shops and recreational opportunities, and is also home to a series of spectacular monuments. These include the Santa Cruz hermitage, the Co-cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari and the City Hall, with the latter being flanked by the remains of the Medieval city wall.
The city's white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters are amongst its most popular tourist attractions. Its beaches are awarded Blue Flag certification every year, which is testament to their excellent quality.
Be sure to check out the Playa de San Juan, Playa de la Almadraba, Playa del Postiguet and Playa de la Albufereta beaches during your stay in Alicante, while also finding the time to explore the Cabo de la Huerta coves and Tabarca Island.
Drawing inspiration from Valencia, Murcia and other Spanish regions, and largely based on “mar y montaña” produce (meaning “sea and mountain”, in Spanish), you must try some exquisite local dishes during your time in Alicante. We recommend sampling a delicious arròs a banda (rice dish cooked in fish stock) or a fideuá (local seafood dish). You could also try an olleta alicantina (Alicante-style vegetable stew) or seafood specialities such as cuttlefish, squid or octopus. You should also try the traditional dish known as ‘gachamigas’ as well as some speciality local deserts, including the area's renowned ice creams and ‘turrón’ nougat.
Alicante boasts a wide range of huge natural parks, which are perfect for spending the day outdoors. In these parks, you can enjoy the wonders of nature in a peaceful and tranquil setting, detached from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
We recommend visiting La Marjal Park, which is located on the Playa de San Juan and offers a series of viewpoints from which you can enjoy gorgeous views over the entire city. Another great option is La Ereta Park, where you can enjoy its beautiful trails and be blown away by the stunning views.