City breaks in Alicante: why the Costa Blanca’s classiest spot is on every traveller’s wishlist
- Peregryn travel writers
- Jan 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Often overlooked as a gateway to the coast’s popular beach resorts, cis actually a wonderfully authentic Spanish city and a charming travel destination in its own right. Located on Spain’s Costa Blanca, in the southern part of the Valencian Community, it's a compact city that can easily be explored on foot.
Short breaks in Alicante are perfect for everything from sampling the incredible local cuisine with long lazy lunches on sun-strewn terraces to basking in the Mediterranean splendor on some of the cleanest beaches in Spain. With a pretty, whitewashed old town, a great restaurant scene and golden sands, there's so much on offer in this splendid Costa Blanca city.
What to visit in Alicante
Santa Cruz
Alicante’s historic old town district demands to be explored. Known as El Barrio to locals, here you’ll find pretty narrow streets, whitewashed buildings decorated with tiles and balconies dripping with flowers. The old town is encircled by, medieval walls and home to some of Alicante’s best art galleries. Scale the steps to the town’s viewpoint, the Mirador de Santa Cruz, for an epic panorama that takes in the coastline and the famous Castillo de Santa Barbara.
Speaking of which, a visit to Alicante wouldn’t be complete without exploring Santa Barbara Castle – one of the oldest fortresses in Europe. Built by Moors during the time of Islamic rule in Spain then taken over and developed by the Castilians, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world and offers an incredible glimpse into the history of the region.
Foodies should head straight to Alicante’s Central Market, a sumptuous showcase of local seasonal produce, including the finest seafood, meat, cheese, and bread from around the region. The building that houses the market is an architectural marvel in and of itself, with an eye-catching modernist-inspired design.
A palm-lined promenade that runs parallel to Alicante’s main port, the Explanada is a hallmark of the city, with its iconic tricolor wave-style mosaic tiles. Throughout the year you’ll find all manner of markets, from hippie stalls selling handmade trinkets to bustling outdoor food markets, and in the center of the stretch is La Concha, an open-air auditorium that hosts large cultural events.
Museums
There’s far more on offer in Alicante than just basking in the Mediterranean sun. Away from the sun kissed paradise of the city’s beaches, you’ll find a variety of wonderful museums. The MACA Contemporary Art Museum is perhaps the main draw, with artworks from the likes of Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, but there’s also the magnificent Gravina Fine Arts Museum and the fascinating Alicante City Museum, which charts the city’s history from prehistoric times.
The best beaches
With an array of stunning golden beaches along its coastline, Alicante is the perfect destination for a beach holiday. Here are some of the best on offer.
Playa de San Juan
Alicante’s most famous beach, Playa de San Juan, is located to the northeast of the city. It’s a scenic stretch of soft white sand offering the perfect serene setting and lots of beach sports activities. The beachfront contains some of the city’s best luxury hotels and resorts, together with some of the best places to eat in Alicante.
Platja del Postiguet
The most popular Alicante city beach for city-dwellers, this is the ideal beach for relaxing and soaking up the sun in the centre of the city. Overlooked by the stunning Mount Benacantil and the Santa Barbara Castle, you’ll find golden sand, calm waters, sun loungers and excellent beach facilities, together with some enticing cafés and restaurants.
Cabo de la Huerta
For a wilder coastal experience, Cabo de la Huerta is the beach of choice. Consisting of a stretch of coastline peppered with rocky inlets and secluded coves, this natural paradise is the perfect showcase of Alicante’s serene side. It’s a little way outside the city, but easily reachable by bus or tram.
Isla Tabarca
A tiny island oasis with spectacular surroundings, a visit to Isla Tabarca is a truly unique experience. A former pirate refuge, it’s steeped in a fascinating history, and its natural beauty is a thing of wonder. Catch a boat from Santa Pola port – it’s the only way to get to the island – and prepare yourself for a captivating island getaway.
Where to stay in Alicante
In recent years, Alicante has enjoyed a luxury hotel boom and there are now a range of excellent accommodation options for discerning travelers to choose from. Ranging from chic hotels to beachfront resorts, here are some of the best places to stay in Alicante.
A chic boutique hotel located in a neoclassical building near the port of Alicante, Casa Alberola is just a short stroll away from the city’s main shopping area, and its best restaurants and bars. Rooms are styled in navy, white, and blue for a typical Mediterranean vibe, while the floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views over the marina.
Offering five-star luxury in a former 16th-century Dominican convent, Hospes Amérigo brings stylish minimalist design and first-rate relaxation. The rooftop spa is the perfect tonic after a day wandering around the city, while the hotel’s restaurant serves up traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
A selection of beautifully furnished, spacious apartments in central Alicante, with wonderfully attentive service, the Arenal Suites are perfect for city break ttravelers The location is unbeatable – a 5-minute stroll from the beach and right in the heart of Alicante’s old town. The perfect mix of modern facilities and old-fashioned charm.
Best places to eat in Alicante
This colorful coastal city is a foodie’s paradise. There’s a strong gastronomic scene in Alicante, with a mix of Mediterranean, Spanish and international cuisines that offer an array of amazing culinary experiences.
From Michelin-star restaurants and beachfront venues and old-school tavernas and romantic hideaways, here are some of the best places to eat in Alicante.
Twinkling golden lights, black and honey hues, and interior palms create a spectacular ambience, one that’s in keeping with the phenomenal flavors on offer. One of the best restaurants in Alicante, El Portal’s chefs are masters of seafood and salted fish dishes, using the best locally sourced ingredients, and infusing everything with an indelible creative flair. The herring marinated with guacamole, passion fruit and mango is sensational.
Located in the heart of Alicante’s port, with terrific views of the coast and Mount Benacantil, Monastrell is all about simple food, cooked and prepared to perfection. Unfussy relaxing interiors speak to the unpretentious nature of the food, which is a superb showcase of the flavors of Alicante. Highlights include red mullet with saffron-flavored carrot purée and black rice with cuttlefish.
A glamorous gastrobar with interiors that evoke an old school alchemist store, Bar Manero charms you with its ambience, then proceeds to tantalize your taste buds with the likes of caviar and king crab on sourdough toast, and salted cod with fried tomato and red pepper comfit.
One of the hottest restaurants in the city right now, Moments in a beachside gem. The food puts innovative twists on traditional dishes, notably the delectable grilled octopus, while the decor is a fabulous fusion of New York and Paris. Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea mean that you’ll want to while away the hours.
Halfway up Mount Benacantil, on the way to Santa Barbara Castle, you’ll find La Ereta – an elegant, modern restaurant with dishes that will take you on a Mediterranean taste adventure. There are no standard menus here; instead, you’ll be led by the tasting menus, giving you an exquisite insight into the eclectic nature of Alicante cuisine.
Located on Alicante’s emblematic Paseo de la Explanada, Terre is a contemporary, light-filled space serving up delicious local dishes with a focus on seasonable, sustainable dishes. The seasoned rice, grilled red tuna and the 100% acorn-fed grilled Iberian ham Pluma are all out of this world, as is the wine selection.
City breaks Alicante: so much to discover
Alicante is an underrated Costa Blanca destination – a delightful mix of old-fashioned class and modern innovation, with blissful beaches, magnificent natural beauty and a laid-back charm that’s hard not to fall in love with. It’s little wonder it’s becoming one of Spain’s most popular city break destinations.
Are you interested in other Costa Blanca getaways? If so, you won’t want to miss our guide to a weekend break in Benidorm, a firm favorite that offers everything from fine dining to blissful tranquility.
