Alicante for the weekend: 11 most beautiful places for your itinerary
Alicante is a vibrant, sunny city in Spain, on the Costa Blanca. In today’s article with tips on what to do in Alicante, I’ve prepared a list of my favorite places that I recommend including in your itinerary, whether you’re planning Alicante for the weekend or a full week’s vacation. I’m sure you won’t be bored here.
Accommodation in Alicante
Search for accommodation in Alicante by map:
1. Mid-range apartment with its own kitchen
Alicante Center Apart (apartments)
- Highly-rated accommodation for those of you who like to cook and appreciate fresh local food
- It’s also in a great location in the center, so you can walk to most places
>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE HERE <<
2. Pleasant 3* mid-range hotel with breakfast
B&B HOTEL Alicante Centro 3*
- One of the best-rated hotels in Alicante with a great price/quality ratio
- Excellent breakfast including high-quality fresh orange juice
- Close to the station – good connection to the airport (Bus No. 6)
>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE HERE <<
3. Luxury hotel with a beautiful view
Meliá Alicante 4*
I highly recommend rooms with a sea view to make it worth it
- If you want luxury accommodation directly overlooking the sea / harbor
- Close to restaurants and bars in Marina Alicante
- Our personal favorite!
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Alicante for the weekend / What to do in Alicante?
1. Alicante Old Town
In the old town, it’s worth getting intentionally lost in the side streets. You’ll find peace, enjoy the local atmosphere, and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of photogenic spots. You’ll come across tapas bars, small restaurants, and colorful houses in narrow alleys. Simply everything you expect from a Spanish city.
- It’s an ideal trip for the first day, and also a great place for tapas and evening meals.
2. Santa Bárbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara)
The iconic Santa Bárbara Castle on a rock above the city is one of the top tips for what to do in Alicante for a weekend. The biggest reward is the 360° panoramic view of the Costa Blanca, the inland mountains, and the entire city with its harbor. You can walk up for free or take the elevator.
It is one of Alicante’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, coastline, and beaches. Plus, you’ll learn about Spanish history and understand why the castle was so strategically important through the tours.
3. Alicante Promenade (Explanada de España) + Harbor
The most famous promenade in Alicante is an experience in itself. Here you’ll find the iconic mosaic made of millions of tiles, creating a wave pattern that is, in my opinion, most beautiful during the evening golden hour. Add to that street performers, stalls, and a Spanish
atmosphere. Plus, you’re just a few steps from the marina and seaside venues, where you can go for dinner, for example.
The marina promenade is also ideal for a morning coffee, croissant, and a relaxed walk. It’s also beautiful in the morning. Besides pleasant restaurants, cafes, and bars, you’ll come across a nice fountain at the end.
- There are also great views of Santa Bárbara Castle from the marina.
4. Postiguet Beach (Playa del Postiguet)
Postiguet Beach is the best choice for a weekend in Alicante if you want a beach right in the city. It lies directly below Santa Bárbara Castle and has beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s ideal for swimming, relaxing, or sitting with a drink while watching the boats in the harbor.
This main city beach is the easiest choice even for families with children who don’t want to travel anywhere and want everything at hand. It is very accessible (including access for people with limited mobility) and you’ll find great places to eat and drink along the beach.
- I’m sure you’ll also appreciate the wide promenade for running or cycling.
5. Alicante Central Market (Mercado Central)
The Central Market is a great place to taste local Spanish delicacies, and I definitely recommend including this spot in your Alicante weekend. Look forward to fresh local products, scents, colors, and a traditional Spanish atmosphere. Besides the food, the building itself is worth noting, as it is historic and architecturally striking.
6. Basilica of Santa María (Basílica de Santa María)
One of the most iconic churches in the city will delight you with its combination of Gothic foundations and rich Baroque and Rococo details. It’s a great cultural stop if you want to see the historical heart of Alicante.
The basilica is also a pleasant stop right in the city and is ideal to combine with a walk in the center of Alicante. It’s perfect when you want to switch off from the hustle and bustle for a moment and have a short cultural interlude.
- There are quieter squares nearby where you can sit and relax
7. Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ)
If you enjoy history, this is a top choice – you’ll walk through prehistory, Iberian and Roman culture, and the Middle Ages. The museum is modern and interactive. It uses multimedia and other modern elements, which your children will especially enjoy.
8. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art was free during our stay and is close to the center. Great as a quick cultural stop between tapas and a walk through the old town. It’s also good for the midday heat when you want to hide inside for a while.
- Since I graduated in art history, I love these kinds of stops
9. Pink Lake of Torrevieja (Laguna Rosa / Pink Lake)
If a weekend in Alicante isn’t enough for you, I recommend planning a longer stay, renting a car for 1-3 days, and heading a bit along the coast. I recommend visiting the pink lake, which is worth a visit for the unique pink color of the water caused by algae in the salt lake.
We were told that the best time to visit is at the end of summer (roughly mid-August to September) when the colors tend to be most vivid and you often see flamingos here too. We didn’t see them, so we’ll have to come back.
If you want to be sure to see flamingos in the wild, I recommend planning a vacation to the ABC islands in the Caribbean. Bonaire island in particular is their natural home.
- Bonaire – 12 tips on what to see and do + accommodation
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10. The towns of Villajoyosa, Altea, and L’Albir
The small seaside towns north of Alicante are pleasant mainly for their peaceful atmosphere. I recommend heading here if you’ve been here several times and are wondering what to do in Alicante once you’ve explored the well-known spots in the city. In the first one mentioned, visit the local chocolate factory too.
- Personally, I recommend picturesque L’Albir with its very nice seaside promenade.
- The towns are quieter than Alicante, so they’re great when you want to switch off from the city bustle for a while.
- You can get here in about +/- 40 minutes by car along the coast.
Wild beaches along the coast heading north from Alicante
Day trip to Tabarca Island (Isla de Tabarca)
And if you don’t want to rent a car but still want to see somewhere further from the center of Alicante, I have one secret tip for you:
A day trip to the nearby island of Tabarca. A short boat trip awaits you, where you can look forward to a small but picturesque island with a historical atmosphere, a nice beach, and good snorkeling.
Trip to Tabarca Island (Isla de Tabarca)
You can walk through the village, see the lighthouse, and most importantly enjoy the crystal clear water and relax by the sea.
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