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Why you need to visit Alicante - A beautiful City in Spain

The city of Alicante, situated on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is the capital of the Alicante province.  It is a vibrant city full of energy and it is paradise to all history lovers.  We give you a quick travel guide and reasons why you should visit Alicante City in Spain.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Alicante is during July and August (summertime), when you can explore the city with excellent weather. 

The public transport system is very good and you can make use of the tram that will get you to some of the best spots to explore.  However, the most hassle-free way of getting around is on foot or by hiring a car with GPS.

Alicante Spain view of castle

You might want to explore:

  • El Postiguet Beach (Platja del Postiguet):  Take a lazy day on the main beach of the city.  In the summertime, this beach is packed.
  • Near the beach, you’ll find the elevator to Castillo de Santa Barbara (Santa Bárbara Castle is an iconic castle situated on the hilltop).  The entrance is free and you’ll have magnificent views since it is the highest point in the area.  You can also book a paid tour and learn more about the history.  However, do go early as it is a popular tourist spot.  Or… the best yet, go in time to see the beautiful sunset.
  • You can take a short walk (about 20 min), from the Castle back down to the city, while enjoying the views.
Explore the streets of Alicante

Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya / Paseo de la Explanada

Alicante marble street

Here are some of the best streets in Alicante to explore:

  • Calle San Francisco: This lively pedestrian street is located in the heart of the old town of Alicante. It’s known for its charming architecture, colorful buildings, and numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.

  • Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio: This wide, tree-lined avenue is one of the main shopping streets in Alicante. It’s home to a variety of high-end fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and department stores.

  • Calle Mayor: This historic street is located in the heart of the old town of Alicante. It’s known for its charming architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional Spanish shops and cafes.

  • Rambla de Méndez Núñez: This bustling street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s also home to the famous Mercado Central de Alicante, a bustling food market where you can find a variety of fresh seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Paseo de la Explanada de España (Explanada de España) is a beautiful walkway made with more than 6.5 mil marble mosaic tiles.  Here you can enjoy the craft stalls and cafes along the way.

This walkway runs parallel to the port of Alicante and the Paseo de los Mártires de la Libertad, from the Puerta del Mar to the Canalejas park.

Alicante mosaic street

Calle de las Setas (Mushroom Alley)

Alicante Spain Mushroom Street Calle San Francisco

Calle San Francisco is a whimsical street with huge funny face mushroom statues and is the perfect Instagram spot or just a spot where you can be a kid again and take some cute selfies. However, you will also enjoy this walk for its little boutiques and a few interesting tapas bars.

Exploring the streets of Alicante will bring you to interesting places, beautiful photo spots and you might discover a few ‘secret hidden gems’ along the way.

The Old town-Santa Cruz Neighborhood (El Barrio)

This is one of the must-see tourist spots in Alicante.  The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, cocktail and tapas bars, and beautiful streets.  This is also the place where you’ll find those picture-perfect streets with white-washed buildings and flower-filled flowerpots everywhere.  It is a picturesque area that you simply must visit.

5 More places you must visit while in Alicante:
  • The Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Concatedral de San Nicolás) – Baroque Comunion Chapel
  • Basilica Santa Maria (Old Town) – Magnificent entrance and altar.
  • The Town Hall with Salvador Dahli Sculpture.
  • Mercat Central d’Alacant (Mercado Central de Alicante)  The best and biggest Farmers Market in Alicante.  Definitely worth a visit.
  • See if you can spot:  La Cara del Moro  (a rock shaped to a face silhouette of a former ruler.
Alicante Mercado Central
The 4 best town squares In Alicante Spain:
  • Plaza del 25 de Mayo (Mercado Central)
  • Plaza de la Santísima Faz
  • Plaza del Portal de Elche
  • Plaza de Gabriel Miró
6 Museums which is definitely worth a visit in Alicante:

Alicante Provence

Things to do and Places to see

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