Alicante City Guide

Dominating the skyline from atop Mount Benacantil, Santa Bárbara Castle offers a masterclass in Mediterranean history and panoramic coastal views. Below its ramparts lies the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a picturesque neighborhood where whitewashed houses draped in vibrant bougainvillea line narrow, winding streets. Exploring this historic core reveals the city’s soul, blending medieval heritage with a relaxed, traditional atmosphere.

Life in Alicante revolves around its sun-drenched waterfront. The iconic Explanada de España, with its rhythmic wave-patterned tiles, serves as the city’s social spine, perfect for a shaded afternoon stroll beneath towering palms. Just steps away, Playa del Postiguet provides golden sands and clear waters right in the heart of the city, making it an essential stop for both relaxation and people-watching.

For a taste of local culture, the Mercado Central is an architectural gem where the region's finest produce and seafood are displayed with pride. After sampling local flavors, the nearby waters call for exploration; a short trip to Tabarca Island, Spain’s first marine reserve, offers crystal-clear snorkeling spots and a tranquil escape from the urban buzz.

To experience Alicante like a true resident, head to the Mercado Central on a Saturday afternoon. This is the heart of the Tardeo, a local ritual where the market area transforms into a vibrant social hub of tapas and drinks long before the sun sets. It is the perfect way to soak up the city’s infectious energy outside the usual nightlife hours.

Escape the buzz of the Postiguet beach by heading south to Parque El Palmeral. This sprawling green oasis is filled with hundreds of palm trees, hidden waterfalls, and even a small lake for rowing. It offers a serene Mediterranean atmosphere that many visitors overlook in favor of the more central promenades.

For those seeking the best views without the crowds of the castle, a hike up Serra Grossa is a local favorite. This coastal ridge provides panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean and the city skyline. It is the ideal spot for a quiet sunset walk, surrounded by wild thyme and the sound of the waves below.

Alicante is a remarkably walkable city, where the palm-lined Explanada de España and the narrow, colorful streets of the Old Town are best enjoyed on foot. For longer distances, the TRAM Metropolitano is an exceptional way to travel; it is clean, modern, and offers scenic coastal views as it connects the city center to San Juan Beach and further destinations like Benidorm. A comprehensive network of local buses also ensures that every neighborhood is easily accessible to visitors.

Taxis are readily available at ranks throughout the city or can be hailed directly on the street, and ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Cabify are active for those who prefer digital booking. For a seamless arrival, the C6 bus provides a frequent link between Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) and the city center, running every 20 minutes. Between the efficient public systems and the compact nature of the downtown area, getting around is both stress-free and affordable.

Expect to pay approximately €1.45 for a single bus or tram ride within the central zone. The C6 airport bus costs €3.85 per person, while a taxi from the airport to the city center typically ranges from €20 to €25. For quick trips within the city limits, a taxi or ride-share usually costs between €7 and €10.

Alicante offers a diverse shopping landscape, from the high-street fashion found on the bustling Avenida Maisonnave to the charm of the historic center. Luxury seekers should head to the prominent El Corte Ingl)s department stores or the boutique-lined streets nearby. For those hunting for authentic local flavors, the Mercado Central is an architectural gem filled with stalls selling the region’s famous Turrón almond nougat and fresh Mediterranean produce.

If you are looking for local craftsmanship, the city is renowned for its high-quality leather goods, particularly footwear and handbags. Exploring the narrow alleys of El Barrio reveals artisan shops and unique souvenirs. For a modern, all-in-one experience, Plaza Mar 2 provides a wide range of international brands and budget-friendly outlets, ensuring every traveler finds something special to take home.

In Alicante, tipping is viewed as a token of appreciation rather than a strict obligation. At restaurants, it is customary to leave around 5% to 10% of the total bill for exceptional service, though simply rounding up to the nearest euro is common for casual meals or coffee. For small services like tapas bars or taxi rides, leaving the loose change is a friendly gesture that locals frequently practice.

The local currency is the Euro (€), which currently trades at approximately 1 EUR to 1.08 USD. Most establishments accept credit cards, but keeping small coins on hand for tipping ensures your gratitude reaches the staff directly. While service charges are occasionally included in the bill, a small additional tip is a gracious way to acknowledge the warm hospitality found throughout this vibrant Mediterranean city.

The optimal window to experience Alicante is during late spring, from May to June, or in the early autumn months of September and October. These periods offer a perfect balance of warm, Mediterranean sunshine and manageable temperatures, ideal for exploring the historic Santa Bárbara Castle or strolling along the Explanada de España without the intense heat of mid-summer. During these shoulder seasons, visitors enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds and more competitive pricing for local accommodations.

While July and August are the peak months for sun-seekers and offer a vibrant, high-energy environment, they also bring the highest humidity, densest crowds, and premium prices. For those looking for value and tranquility, the mild winter season provides crisp, clear days that are perfect for enjoying the city's renowned culinary scene and coastal walks, all while benefiting from the lowest hotel rates of the year.