Alicante Allure: A 3-Day Guide to Sun, Stone and Sea (2025)

Alicante is often dismissed as merely a gateway to the package holiday resorts of Benidorm or the golf courses of the Costa Blanca but to bypass the city itself is a mistake. This provincial capital is a sophisticated, historic and deeply Spanish city that offers a lifestyle many can only dream of. It is a place where the sun shines for over 300 days a year and where the light has a sharp, crystalline quality that turns the sea a brilliant turquoise.

The city is dominated by Mount Benacantil with its fortress looking down over the marina and the old town. Below it lies a mesh of narrow streets, grand boulevards and a waterfront that is the envy of the Mediterranean. It is a city of "tardeo" (afternoon socialising), of spectacular rice dishes that rival the paellas of Valencia and of a relaxed pace of life that is infectious.

Alicante glowing under endless Mediterranean sun.

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that combines the cultural depth of a historic port with the relaxation of a beach destination, a trip Alicante is the perfect choice. This expert-crafted 3 days in Alicante itinerary is designed to show you the real city. It balances the history of the castle with the salty breeze of the island excursions and the gastronomic delights of the central market. It is the definitive Alicante travel guide for planning your journey detailing exactly what to do in Alicante during your unforgettable Alicante weekend itinerary.

Day 1: The Castle in the Sky and the Old Quarter

Day one is dedicated to the icons of the city. We will conquer the mountain that defines the skyline, explore the oldest neighbourhood and walk on millions of marble tiles.

Morning: Santa Bárbara Castle

Start your day by looking up. The Santa Bárbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. You can walk up through the Parque de la Ereta but for a more relaxed start head to Postiguet Beach and take the lift carved inside the rock face.

Once you reach the top you are greeted with a 360-degree panorama that is simply breathtaking. You can see the entire coastline stretching away to the north and south, the island of Tabarca floating in the haze and the mountains of the interior. Explore the dungeons, the old hospital and the parade ground. The history here goes back to the 9th century and the strategic importance of this height is immediately obvious. It is windy, bright and the perfect place to get your bearings.

Lunch: Tapas in El Barrio

Descend from the castle into the Santa Cruz neighbourhood (El Barrio). This is the oldest part of the city and it feels like a village in Andalusia. The streets are steep, stepped and lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colourful flower pots and ceramic tiles.

For lunch lose yourself in the narrow streets around the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás. This area is packed with tapas bars. Order a Marinera. This is a quintessential Alicante tapa consisting of a crunchy breadstick loop topped with Russian salad and a salty anchovy. It is the perfect balance of textures. Follow it with some grilled sepia (cuttlefish) or patatas bravas.

Afternoon: The Mosaic Walk

After lunch walk down to the Explanada de España. This is the city's living room. The promenade is paved with over six million marble tiles in a wave pattern of red, cream and black. It is lined with four rows of towering palm trees that provide shade and a tropical atmosphere.

Walk the entire length of the promenade from the port to Canalejas Park. You will see locals sitting on the benches reading newspapers, artists selling their paintings and musicians playing. Stop at the Casa Carbonell, a striking white modernist building that looks like a wedding cake. It is a symbol of the city's wealth during the First World War.

Evening: The Port and Sunset

Continue your walk into the Marina. The port of Alicante is a seamless extension of the city. Walk along the raised breakwater for a view back towards the city as the sun begins to set. The castle glows gold and the lights of the casino and the yachts reflect in the water.

For dinner stay in the port area or head back slightly into the city near Calle Castaños. This street is famous for its nightlife and dining. Try a local wine from the Alicante DO region such as a Monastrell red which is robust and fruity.

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Santa Bárbara Castle Lift	10:00 AM – 11:30 AM	€2.70	£2.30	Opposite Postiguet Beach. Castle entry is free.
Santa Cruz Neighbourhood	11:30 AM – 01:00 PM	Free	Free	Steep walking required.
Lunch – Tapas	01:00 PM – 02:30 PM	€20.00 avg	£17.00 avg	Try D'Tablas or similar.
Explanada de España	03:00 PM – 04:30 PM	Free	Free	Iconic promenade walk.
Port Walk	05:00 PM – 06:30 PM	Free	Free	View of luxury yachts.
Dinner – Calle Castaños	08:00 PM	€30.00 avg	£25.50 avg	Lively "Tardeo" street.
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	Walkable	0	0	City centre is compact.

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Day 2: Island Escape and Maritime History

Day two takes you off the mainland. We will travel to the only inhabited island in the Valencia region and enjoy the crystal clear waters of a marine reserve.

Morning: Ferry to Tabarca

Head to the port early to catch the Kontiki ferry to Tabarca Island. The journey takes about an hour and offers lovely views of the coastline. Tabarca was once a refuge for Barbary pirates until the King settled it with Genoese fishermen held captive in Tunisia.

The island is a protected marine reserve. As you arrive the water clarity is startling. It is a paradise for snorkelling. Walk through the monumental baroque gate into the tiny fortified village. There are no cars here and the streets are dusty and silent.

Lunch: Caldero Tabarquino

You cannot visit Tabarca without eating Caldero. This is the island's signature dish. It is a stew made with the catch of the day, potatoes and a rich fish stock served separately from the rice which is cooked in the same broth.

Book a table at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea as soon as you arrive as they fill up quickly in summer. The food is rustic, intense and tastes of the sea.

Afternoon: Snorkelling and Exploring

Spend the afternoon swimming in the bays or walking to the uninhabited end of the island where the lighthouse stands. The landscape is arid and covered in prickly pear cactus. It feels wild and remote.

Take the late afternoon ferry back to Alicante. The return journey often has a party atmosphere on board and the approach to the city with the sun lower in the sky is beautiful.

Evening: Plaza de Gabriel Miró

Back in the city seek out a quieter spot for the evening. Plaza de Gabriel Miró is a romantic square shaded by giant rubber trees and centred around a fountain. It is a cool oasis in the city.

Enjoy a lighter dinner here or an horchata (tiger nut milk) and fartons (sweet pastries) if you are still full from lunch.

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Ferry to Tabarca	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	€23.00 (Return)	£19.55	Kontiki Ferry from the port. Book here
Tabarca Island Explore	11:00 AM – 01:00 PM	Free	Free	Marine reserve.
Lunch – Caldero	01:00 PM – 03:00 PM	€30.00 avg	£25.50 avg	Speciality rice dish.
Swimming/Walking	03:00 PM – 05:00 PM	Free	Free	Bring swimwear.
Ferry Return	05:00 PM – 06:00 PM	Included	Included	Return ticket.
Dinner – Gabriel Miró	08:30 PM	€25.00 avg	£21.25 avg	Romantic square dining.
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	€23.00	£19.55	Ferry ticket.

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Day 3: Markets, Museums and Modern Art

Your final day dives into the culture and commerce of the city. We will visit one of the best archaeological museums in Europe and shop for local delicacies.

Morning: The Central Market

Start at the Mercado Central on Avenida Alfonso El Sabio. This modernist building is a temple to fresh produce. It is where the real Alicante shops. The fish counter is a spectacle of creatures from the Mediterranean deep.

Buy some Turron (nougat) to take home. Alicante (specifically the town of Jijona) is the world capital of turron. You can buy the hard variety (Alicante) or the soft variety (Jijona). It is made from almonds and honey and is delicious.

Lunch: Rice in the City

You have had Caldero but now you need a proper Arroz a banda or Arroz con costra (rice with an egg crust). Alicante is famous for its rice dishes which are distinct from Valencian paella. The layer of rice is incredibly thin and the socarrat (burnt bottom) is prized.

Head to a restaurant like El Portal or Nou Manolín if you want a high-end experience or a local arrocería for something more casual.

Afternoon: MARQ and MACA

After lunch take the tram or walk to the MARQ (Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante). This is not a dusty collection of pots. It is a state-of-the-art museum that has won the European Museum of the Year award. It uses technology and dramatic lighting to tell the story of the region from prehistory to modern times.

If you prefer art head to the MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante) located in the oldest civil building in the city next to the Santa Maria Basilica. It houses works by Picasso, Dalí and Miró and entry is free.

Farewell: Rooftop Cocktails

Conclude your trip Alicante with a view. The city has several hotels with rooftop bars that overlook the castle and the sea.

Order an Agua de Valencia (a cocktail made with cava, orange juice, vodka and gin) and watch the lights come on up the slopes of Mount Benacantil. It is a moment to reflect on a city break that offered sun, culture and incredible food.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Mercado Central	09:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Free (browsing)	Free	Av. Alfonso El Sabio.
Lunch – Arroz	01:00 PM – 02:30 PM	€35.00 avg	£29.75 avg	Authentic thin-layer rice.
MARQ Museum	03:00 PM – 05:00 PM	€5.00	£4.25	Plza. Dr. Gómez Ulla.
MACA Museum	05:00 PM – 06:00 PM	Free	Free	Plaza de Santa María.
Farewell Drink	07:00 PM	€12.00 avg	£10.20 avg	Rooftop bar.
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	€1.45	£1.25	Tram to MARQ if needed.

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a stay that places you in the historical and political centre of the city with absolute luxury this hotel is the premier choice.

Eurostars Pórtico Alicante (Book here)

• Location: You simply cannot beat this location. The hotel is situated at Calle Rafael Altamira 19 which is literally attached to the historic Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). You are in the heart of the old town just steps from the Explanada de España and the Postiguet Beach. The Santa Maria Basilica is around the corner. It is the perfect base for exploring on foot.

• Style & Amenities: This 5-star hotel is housed in two restored historic buildings. The interior preserves the original stone arches and ashlar walls while introducing modern, elegant design. It features a rooftop terrace with views of the Santa Bárbara Castle which is perfect for an evening drink. The rooms are sophisticated and soundproofed offering a quiet retreat from the bustling square outside.

• Rates: Reflecting its status as a top-tier hotel in a prime location double rooms typically start around €180–€250 (£153–£212) per night depending on the season. It is an investment in comfort and convenience.

  
  

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your sunny trip Spain is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Transport

• Bus C-6: The airport bus (Line C-6) is the best way to get to the city. It runs every 20 minutes and costs roughly €3.85. It stops at the train station and the Plaza del Mar near the hotel.

• TRAM: The Alicante TRAM is excellent for exploring the coastline (Benidorm, Altea). The city centre is Zone A and a single ticket costs €1.45. The stations like Luceros and Mercado are underground and very modern.

• Walking: The city centre is very compact. From the market to the beach is a 15-minute walk. You rarely need a taxi within the city.

  
  

Currency and Etiquette

• Currency: Spain uses the Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere but having coins for small tips or the bus is useful.

• Siesta: Alicante respects the siesta. Small shops and the central market will close around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM and shops reopen around 5:30 PM. Department stores stay open.

• Dining Times: Lunch is the main meal and happens between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Dinner is late, usually starting after 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM.

• Water: Tap water is safe to drink but can have a strong chlorine taste. Most locals drink bottled water.

• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but leaving 5-10% for good service or rounding up the bill is polite and appreciated.

  
  

Alicante is a city that welcomes you with open arms and a warm breeze. It is unpretentious, historically rich and effortlessly enjoyable. ¡Buen viaje! (Have a good trip!)