Alicante old town
Alicante old town offers the perfect combination of relaxation and vibrancy.
The Costa Blanca sand beach, promenade, bars, restaurants, museums, the castle, boat trips and shopping streets are nowhere nearer than when you stay in our appartments in Alicante historic centre.
We provide some suggestions below that we have personally tested.
Also, the following link takes you to the Alicante City Council website where you will find more information for travellers and the latest news.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
ALICANTE WAS NAMED AS THE SPANISH CAPITAL OF GASTRONOMY FOR 2025!
There is a fantastic choice of culinary places in Barrio Santa Cruz and in the centre of Alicante. The closest one - La Taberna Ibérica - is literally 5 steps away from your door if you stay at our La Casita Aguamarina apartment. The tavern is open in the afternoons and has great live guitar music as well.
Breakfast is served from early morning in the many cafes around the apartment.
We share in the following links some options which we have tried and can personally recommend. There are also plenty of others that are absolutely worth trying.
D' Tablas
The perfect place to try local tapas and beer. Extremely friendly ambience.
You may have to wait as it is very popular.
Restaurante El Pont
Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine and excellent cocktails. Reservations are recommended.
Che Ragazzi on La Rambla
Incredible northern Italian cuisine.
Booking a table in advance is recommended.
Beach, marina and promenade
Alicante is inseparable from the Mediterranian Sea and offers clean and comfortable Blue Flag beaches with excelent service.
Postiguet beach
This is the closest beach to the historic centre of Alicante. It has sports facilities, cafés and toilets.
San Juan beach
San Juan beach is definitely worth a visit. It is several kilometres long, well equiped and has very nice local taverns on the promenade.
It can be reached in 25 minutes by tram number 5, which leaves from Porta del Mar.
Promenades
The port of Alicante is huge. It has several promenades along the sea and long piers going far into the sea and around the yacht marina.
All in all, there are kilometres of walkways to accomplish your steps challenge, jogging targets or just enjoy the sea breeze in the bars.
Besides, you find a small luna-park for kids, a casino and the Ocean Race Museum in the harbour.
The Ocean Race Museum
Alicante has been one of the starting points for the Round the World Ocean Race, which has a history of more than 45 years.
The next Ocean Race to start in Alicante is scheduled for 2027, and it is a great attraction for the visitors.
The Museum offers an immersive experience and is of interest to both children and adults.
Old market, museums and St. Barbara Castle
Alicante histrocial centre offers several museums, 2 castles and many other attractions. Most museums are free of charge.
We've tested some of them and share our recommendations.
Mercado Central
Highly recommended as a place to buy fruits, vegetables, fresh eggs, bread, fish and seafood. It is also a perfect place for tasty tapas and a glass of wine at lunch time!
The market is next to the metro station Mercado (very close to our La Casita Aguamarina apartment) and is open daily till 2:30 pm (till 3 pm on Saturday); closed on Sunday.
Fogueres Museum
This museum is a snapshot of the annual Festival of Figures that takes place in Alicante in June. Each of the city's districts creates a huge colourful papier-mâché figure representing a story or an idea. A smaller copy of the best figure is brought annually to this museum since 1980s.
Castillo Santa Barbara
The path up to the castle starts in Barrio Santa Cruz, alternatively you can take a lift which is near Postiquet beach.
The castle is situated on the top of Mount Benacantil, has a rich history and offers spectacular views over the bay and the historic centre.
Santa Cruz
The picturesque district of Santa Cruz is known for its unique colourful architecture and its own historic festivals.
It is located on the slopes of Mount Benacantil. Its historic narrow streets are especially charming at sunset.
Transport and day trips
Airport shuttle bus
The C6 bus runs every 20 minutes between Alicante airport and the seaport, and also stops near the Central Mercado and Luceros train station.
At the airport, the bus station is on the top floor, to the right from the exit. In the port, the bus station is near the Melia Hotel.
All buses are air-conditioned. The tickets can be bought directly in the bus.
TRAM Alicante
The Alicante TRAM can take you as far as to Benidorm.
In fact, this TRAM is a kind of intercity train of Alicante Municipality which reaches other towns on the Costa Blanca.
The underground Mercado station is the closest TRAM station to the historic centre.
Tickets can be bought at the station. The best rates for tourists are offered as a 10 trip card. A group or family can share one card.
Boats to Tabarca
A small archipelago off the coast of Alicante that was once home to pirates and then turned into a fortress.
A short boat ride, sunny beaches, authentic architecture and snorkelling - all you need to enjoy a summer day.