Source: Jesús Alenda
Alicante is a city in Spain. It is the capital of the province of Alicante in the south of Valencian Community. The city has also a historic Mediterranean port. The total land area of Alicante is 201.27 kilometers squared and the population of the city is 328,648 as of 2015. Alicante’s weather has mild winter temperature and hot summers with little rain, so it is okay to visit almost any time of the year.
1. Have a taste of their local food
As we all know paella has been famous as the local dish in Spain but then in the Valencia region, Bomba rice is grown and popular which makes it have a reputation for the best cuisine in the area. You should really try that one. Valencia has an abundance of fresh seafood and tasty fruits and vegetables too. There are various of restaurants for you to go and try these dishes out such as Don Carlos Alicante, Taberna To-Bar, Cerveceria ESTIU Bar, Liberty Kitchen, Fast&Bio, Nou Manolin, Cerveceria Sento, El Portal Taberna & Wines, La Taberna del Gourmet, La Ereta and so much more.
2. Visit the castle of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara castle is a castle with artifacts from the Bronze Age, Iberian, and the Romans. On the 9th century the Muslim has control of the castle in the Iberian Peninsula but on the 4th of December 1248, the castle has been captured by Castilian forces and was named after Saint Barbara. The architecture is still well-preserved. Make sure you get to visit this place as soon as you arrive in Alicante.
Information
- Name: Castle of Santa Barbara
- Address: 6 Ave. de Juan Bautista Lafora, 03002 Alicante, Spain
- Access: 10 away from Fast&Bio restaurant
- Price: $8
- Phone: 96 526 31 31
- Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00AM- 8:00PM
- Website: www.castillodesantabarbara.com
3. Experience the stunning view of Gudalest Valley
If you want to experience a stunning view of the city, then go to Gudalest Valley. Just take the train to Benidorm and get to the Plaza where there are buses to get you to the Valley. Along the way, you will be able to see some fantastic views and shops that you might want to stop over and buy some things. As you reach the valley be prepared to take your camera with you as you will want to capture every moment and every view in the area. It is very relaxing and comforting. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or a cardigan with you, it might be a little cold up there. The valley is open for public and is free.
4. Experience the Alicante Tram
If you want to stroll around the city without having to walk and pay for some expensive guiding tours and would prefer exploring Alicante privately then try getting on the Alicante Tram. You will be able to see fantastic views around the city and who knows you might see something or somewhere you like, you can always stop over and ride the tram again.
5. Do some Room Escape games
If you are into solving mysteries and problem in a great and fun way, then playing room escape games would be a great idea. The city is popular for room escape games and you will also have the opportunity to play with your mates or meet new people around the area and play with them. Some of the room escape games in Alicante are Xcapate, The X-Door Alicante, Secret Hunter – Escape Room, The Code Escape Room Alicante and Locus Fugae.
6. Visit Rambla de Mendez Nunez
Stroll around Rambla de Mendez Nunez at night. There will be stunning lights and great views, around the streets are cafes and souvenir shops as you walk around. It is a famous road just in the heart of Old Town in Alicante. There are trees around for you to take pictures or even take a short break and enjoy the place for a while. The architecture around the area will also leave you mesmerised.
7. Have a swim at the beaches
Of course, who would have forgotten the beaches? Alicante is a busy city but if you want to get away with that then relaxing at the beaches would be a great idea. There are a lot of beaches around the area for you to visit and explore such as Guardamar Beach, Benidorm, San Juan de Alicante, El Portet, Moraira, Santa Pola, Arenal, Calpe, Albir beach, and El Cura, Torrevieja. Some of the beaches are very busy and full of tourist just like Torrevieja but most of them are solemn and quiet.
8. Book some horseback riding tours
If you want to get involved with nature as you explore Alicante then booking a horseback riding tour would be a great idea. They offer horseback riding tours at Rancho La Ofra, they will teach you how to ride the horse properly and how to act on it so no need to get nervous. They will also pick you up from Benidorm station, so you will have no problem with the transportation to and from the ranch.
9. Roam around Calle de Las Setas
Calle de Las Setas is the perfect place to be if you just want to kill time while exploring the city. Small children would absolutely love this street because of the colorful views and attractions around. It’s a good place to just wander around with cafes and restaurants around the street for you to have a quick stop over and have a bite. There are also giant statues and a kids play area that families would surely enjoy.
10. Visit Casa Carbonell
Casa Carbonell is an architectural landmark in Alicante with an amazing story about the owner. He wanted to stay at the hotel next door but was refused because he looked poor and dirty so he built the building twice as large and magnificent as the hotel next to it. You would learn more about it if you visit the place. It is a great architecture with an interesting story.
11. Visit Monte Benacantil
If you want an interesting hike around Alicante then going to Monte Benacantil would be great. After walking through the steep path up to the castle, you would be able to enjoy the amazing view of the city as a reward. There’s even a park at the top of the hill for you to relax and unwind after that striking hike. I promise you every sweat you make would be worth it, another achievement unlocked!
12. Visit churches
Just like all of the other cities in Spain, Alicante has a lot of churches with amazing architectural designs and history. Most of them are very ancient and is well-preserved that up until now is being used. Don’t forget to visit all of them or some of them at least. The churches in Alicante are Santa Maria Church, San Nicolas de Bari Procathedral, Primera Iglesia Evangélica Bautista de Alicante, S. I. Concatedral de San Nicolàs de Bari, Obispado Orihuela Alicante and so much more.
13. Do some parasailing and paragliding
If you are the kind of person who loves adventures and new things then why not try parasailing and paragliding around the beaches of Alicante? There are several gear rentals and tours just around the beaches. Don’t forget to inquire and book yourself now. It would be a great and unique experience as you are exploring Alicante in a new way. The packages also come with a guide to teach you how to do it properly so there’s no need to worry.
14. Experience canyoneering at Tiamuntana Aventura S.L.U
If you are into sports and adventure this will be great for you. Book yourself now for a canyoning trip. This is a moderately dangerous activity so it is preferred that you will be mentally prepared for it if it is your first time. Although, there are a lot of safety stuff to ensure your safety, people along with the tour wouldn’t want someone to delay their trip just because she is scared. So go along and live life to the fullest, take the risk, enjoy the adrenaline.
15. Experience Karting
Experience Karting at Karting Alacant. You will surely have fun with the whole family or a group of people you will be able to meet and race with. The activity is suitable for kids and even first timers. The prices are reasonable and the people around are very friendly. Just take the time off the busy city and enjoy this memorable time with your family and just have fun while you are on vacation!
16. Do some shopping
Of course, who would have forgotten the shopping? There are a lot of ways to shop around Alicante. If you want to shop at shopping malls, there are a lot of shopping malls around the city. If you want a much more traditional way of shopping then the streets around the city are full of souvenir shops and stuff that you would be interested in buying, as well as the restaurants and the cafe’s for you to have a quick bite. You just have everything you need around the city.
17. Play golf
Golf is quiet a famous around the city, if you’ve discovered almost everything in Alicante and you want to spend the remaining time memorably then learning how to play golf or just playing golf would be a great idea. There are two golf courses in the city; Font del Llop Golf Resort and Footgolf Costa Blanca. Just choose one and drive away.
18. Visit San Fernando Castle
A castle that is just in the city. If you are walking around the city, you should be able to see the castle. Walking around it and enjoying the fantastic views is a good way to go. It is also a good playground for the little ones but during summer no bus would be going around the area so walking would be a great way to start. It is free to enter and open to public.
19. Have a picnic at Plaza de Espana
Plaza de Espana is the center of the city and the most famous plaza in the city. It is a square where everything around is wonderful ancient structures that are preserved. It will feel like you are one of those people from the past having a simple picnic right there. A great way to just relax and enjoy the amazing view. The place sometimes is crowded but it wouldn’t hurt to have a short visit.
20. Book some private tours
If you want to exclude the hassle of organising activities, transportation, meals and all of the other stuff during vacation then booking a private tour is probably a good idea. They will be the one to organise the places that you will go, the transportation, the meals and you will also get a lot of information from an expert tour guide. All that is left for you to do is just enjoy the vacation worry-free.
21. Visit museums
If you want to learn more about Alicante and it’s ancient history then visiting museums seems like a good way to go. You will surely learn more than you need, and you will also get to see a lot of artifacts and stuff from the past. Basically, just like living from the past. The museums around Alicante for you to visit are El Museo del Agua, MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante (MACA), Museo de Hogueras, Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (MUBAG), and Museo de Belenes (Nativity Scene Museum).
22. Relax at Puerto Deportivo
If you want to stretch your legs, relax and enjoy the ocean view then Puerto Deportivo is the place to be, there are a lot of restaurants around the area for you to have a bite. This port is unique since it has no bad smell, clean and lovely to walk around as you enjoy the ocean breeze. It is also to lovely to walk around the port during sunset or evening since you will see city lights and the boats which are a great view.
23. Hop around plazas
There are way a lot of plazas/parks around Alicante and each plaza is unique in their own way. Some are very historical, some are very green because of the trees and gardens around it and some are modern. So don’t forget to visit if not all then one of them. The plazas/parks around Alicante are Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2, Moisés Plaza Bernal, Plaza de Toros Alicante, Plaza Canalla, Hotel Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza and Soho Plaza.
24. Watch something in the theatres
If you love theatres and classical stuff then Alicante is the place for you. Don’t forget to wear the best classical dress or suit you have for this activity. What are you waiting for? See what is showing and book your tickets now. The theatres in Alicante are Teatro Principal de Alicante and La Guitarreria Tablao Flamenco. It would surely be a unique way to enjoy your stay in Alicante.
25. Go to family fun city
If you are with your family then Family Fun City is a must. The kids and also the adults will enjoy the carnival and the rides in the area. It is just near the beach so why not have a swim after the fun fay at the fun city. It is best to visit during sunset or at night because the area will just lit up and will look magical.
Have a good trip and travel!
