What to see in Alicante and the surrounding area on your own for a few days of rest? Consider all the best attractions with photos and descriptions, where you should definitely visit together or take a walk with children. We will find out the prices for excursions and which ones to book in the first place in order to see much more than the local agencies offer. We will draw up a map of the location of tourist sites for planning the route in our guidebook.
Acquaintance with the sights of Alicante in Spain is traditionally combined with a beach holiday. The coast of the Costa Blanca is a favorite resort place for Russians. Those who love noise and fun come here, but there are activities for fans of measured pastime. A list of popular tourist spots will help you brighten up your leisure time and plan your vacation so that there is enough time for everything.
Castle Santa Barbara
From what to see in Alicante, first of all, we note this monument, which will be interesting in any weather and season of the trip. The building was erected on a hill called Benacantil in the 9th century. The fortress was built to protect the settlement and offers views of the surroundings.
If you look at the mountain on which the castle is located from the beach side, make sure that its outlines are similar to a human face. Therefore, you can hear the second name of the hill - "the face of the Moor".
Boulevard Esplanade
The Alicante promenade is visited by all guests of the resort. It was built on the site of a dam in the last century. Marble was used to pave the road, more than 6 million tiles were required. Palm trees grow along the edge. This is a great place for photo shoots; taking a walk in the evening here will be the right choice. The languid shine of lanterns, quiet conversations and distant sounds of music will help you to fully enjoy your vacation.
It will be interesting for you to learn about the grandiose structure, how Hotel Gran Sol... Therefore, it will be possible not only to walk around the most beautiful place in the city, but also to settle here.
Santa Cruz quarter
In the area you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the architecture typical for the state. Snow-white houses, decorated with colorful tiles and decorated with flowers, create an impression of comfort and tranquility. An ideal place for leisurely walks.
Following through the block, you will find yourself in the Old City of Alicante.
Parc de la Hereta
Located near Santa Cruz. Occupies an area of 7 hectares. People come here to take a walk and enjoy the silence. Hundreds of trees are planted in the park: olives, oaks, pines, various shrubs. This combination distinguishes the place and makes it different from others.
Luceros Square
The famous Luceros square is included in the list of the best attractions in Alicante in all travel guides for independent tourists. A chic stone fountain and an abundance of seething greenery attract both adults and young vacationers. The life of office workers is concentrated here and there are two demanded highways.
Modern Art Museum
Significant monument. The collections were housed in a 17th century building. The pride of the treasury is the collection of the famous painter Eusebio Semperu. Also here are the masterpieces that belong to the hand of P. Picasso, J. Miro, S. Dali. The expositions are of particular value, the cities know about this museum all over the world.
- Detailed information is presented on the official website of the institution: www.maca-alicante.es/.
Museum of Fine Arts
If you don't know what to do in Alicante, check out the museum collections. The collection of paintings and sculptures is housed in the Lumiere Palace. It is a monument from the 18th century. The building itself is of interest to connoisseurs of beauty. It houses the works of Emilio Valera, painters who are considered followers of the Valencian School, as well as masterpieces of contemporary painters and sculptors.
- You can find out about the timetable, exhibitions, ticket prices on the website: www.maca-alicante.es/.
Fortress of San Fernando
Another free place to visit in the Spanish city is the San Fernando Fortress. The rounded shape of the buildings and clear lines beckon holidaymakers. The fortress was built in the 19th century (from 1809 to 1812) to defend against Napoleon's troops during the war years and has still retained its grandeur and great importance for the city and the country as a whole.
Although this is not a popular attraction in Alicante after the fortress of Santa Barbara, it is worth a visit here, especially in the evening at sunset of the outgoing day. The observation deck offers a fascinating view of the sea. By the way, there is a good park nearby where you can take a walk with children and just relax together.
Water museum
An interesting institution. Dedicated to water that gives life to everything on the planet. You will find the institution near the entrance to Ereta Park.
The region where Alicante is located is prone to droughts. It becomes clear why residents are respectful of the sights.
The collections are dedicated to water. There are old wells on the territory of the museum. They were equipped in the 19th century. Now the reservoirs are not used, but the guide will tell an amazing story related to the events taking place in the city.
- Find it at Calle Villavieja 8.
Archaeological Museum
The building previously housed a hospital. As a museum institution, it began to be used only in the new millennium. The fund of the treasury includes about 100 thousand storage units. The museum is equipped with modern interactive equipment (for which it received an international prize). This will allow you to get acquainted with all the exhibits and find out detailed information about them.
The expositions represent the achievements of the peoples. Here you can find exhibits related to the Roman, Iberian culture. A separate room is reserved for the masterpieces of contemporary authors.
- More information can be found on the website: www.marqalicante.com/.
Ocean Race Maritime Museum
The Ocean Race Museum contains many exhibits that support and inspire the annual round the world regatta. Seeing all these elements, you can feel like a full-fledged participant in the competition. We advise you to come here with school-age children, they are the ones who will enjoy sailing on an interactive yacht and spend at least half a day here. By the way, admission is free.
Well, when you leave, we recommend visiting the store, many tourists buy interesting souvenirs here, by the way, prices are reasonable.
Port of Alicante
The oldest attraction in Alicante and the surrounding area with an amazing history of fighting and life at that time. Built in the 15th century.
Due to the existence of the port, the city acquired the status of a significant trade center at that time. Goods from other regions were supplied here, as well as local products were exported. Over time, the port lost its true purpose. Now it is just a beautiful place, suitable for walking.
Ship "Holy Trinity"
The original copy of the legendary ship, which took part in the battles of the North American War of 1779, took part in the hostilities under the command of the Spanish fleet under the English Channel. The last battles for the ship took place at Trufalgar in 1805 and became fatal, with damage it never made it to the port, and sank in a storm.
Now it is located in the port of the city and is closed to visitors. We definitely advise you to see this historical monument and just a beautiful ship with the whole family.
Canalejas Park
The oldest park in the city. Canalejas can be seen in the photo of attractions in Alicante for all tourists who were hiding from the heat. There are benches under each tree, where locals often come.
The author of the project is called Jose Gonzalez Altes. The park was equipped in honor of the revered politician, and he bears his name.At the entrance there is a monument depicting a figure who made a huge contribution to the development of the city.
Ficus of impressive size is considered the decoration of the site. Plant height reaches 20 meters.
El Palmeral park
Alicante's outskirts are adjoined by a park area, which is a palm grove. From here, views of the sea coast open. The guests of the resort are attracted here by the opportunity to visit a beautiful place, organize picnics, and play sports games in the fresh air.
This is the perfect place for family fun. It is very beautiful here: fountains have been installed, flower beds with luxurious flowers have been planted.
Gabriel Miró Square
It bears the name of the famous Spanish writer. The shape of the square is remarkable. It is arranged in the form of a circle. The fountain, equipped at the beginning of the last century, is considered the decoration of the place. This is the work of Vicente Bensula. Guests of the city come here to sit in quiet restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine.
There is also an iconic building in Alicante, which serves as a post office. It is made in the traditional architectural style of Art Nouveau; lovers of interesting architecture are sure to visit.
Basilica of Santa Maria
The Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria was built on the site of an ancient mosque. It is quite modest on the outside and decorated with a gilded altar on the inside. Anyone can visit the basilica every day. Free admission.
House of Carbonel
This object is also included in the list of the main attractions of Alicante. The mansion belonged to a wealthy businessman, a textile manufacturer. The building is considered the most beautiful in the city. It is distinguished by an unusual architectural style, which combines features of the Baroque and the traditions of Valencian modernism.
- You will find a house in the very center of the settlement.
Town Hall (Municipal Palace)
A baroque example of the 18th century. Construction was carried out for a long time, during this period architectural preferences changed: baroque was replaced by neoclassicism. This was reflected in the external appearance of the building. The structure is made in the form of a rectangle. The main façade is 49 meters long. It is decorated with miniature balconies.
Tourists are allowed to go inside. The Blue Room and the Royal Chamber deserve attention.
- The town hall is located in the city center.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
Built on the site of a mosque. The construction took a long time and took almost 50 years. The saint is considered the patron saint of the city; a statue is installed in his honor inside the building. The building and interiors of the cathedral are decorated with marble and jasper. The oldest organ is kept here; the instrument dates back to the 16th century.
The cathedral is located in the very center, you don't have to look for it. The most beautiful shrine is visible from afar.
Central market
The information is useful for tourists who do not know what to see in Alicante on their own. The shopping malls are located in a remarkable building. The author of the project is called Francisco Fajardo Guardiolo. People come here to buy fresh produce: fish, meat products, fruits and vegetables, wines and sweets. They also sell excellent quality jamon.
Bullfighting arena
Equipped for the favorite entertainment of Alicante - bullfighting in the middle of the 19th century. Alicante Emilio Hover worked on the project. Therefore, you can hear the second name of the site associated with the name of the architect. Outwardly similar to the Colosseum, it is made in the form of a round platform surrounded by spectator rows. It also organizes concerts and celebrations.
The dimensions of the arena are impressive: it can accommodate up to 15 thousand people.
Tabarka island
From what to see in the vicinity of Alicante, we highlight this famous islet located 22 km from the city. Only about 100 people live here permanently, but during the season all guests of the coast come here.
The place attracts tourists with its cleanest beaches, rare species of birds live here, cacti grow. Also on Tabarka historical monuments deserve attention: the temple and the remains of the fortress wall. The fact is that the territory was previously inhabited by pirates, the buildings have been preserved since that time.
- The island can be reached in 40-50 minutes. The cost of the trip will cost 15 euros, for an individual transfer it is more expensive, about 180 euros.
Postiguet beach
Alakan, as the area is called in another way, is attractive to tourists for its beaches. Among them, it is worth mentioning separately the Postiguet beach. It is convenient to combine a visit with sightseeing of historical sights: the castle of Santa Barbara and the port. The beach area is located nearby.
Postiguet is recognized as an ecologically clean place on the Costa Blanca, despite the fact that it is located in the center of the resort. It has a well-developed infrastructure: playgrounds and sports grounds are equipped, rental points operate, bars and cafes operate.
Monastery of Saint Face
Will interest tourists who collect information about what to see in Alicante and the surrounding area on their own. You will find an object 5 km from the city limits. Previously, a skete was located here; the monastery was erected in the second half of the 18th century. A significant relic in the Christian world is kept here - the painting of the Saint Face.
Tradition says that it was with this canvas that the drops of blood were wiped from the face of the nailed Christ. The pilgrimage site still attracts thousands of Christians.
Sights of Alicante on the map
Prices for excursions in Alicante in Russian
If you have a choice of where to go on an excursion, you should definitely pay attention to the sightseeing program. For guests of the city and the country, local guides offer chic options in Russian:
- general sightseeing tour includes the opportunity to learn and see a huge number of monuments and significant places, religious gems and heritage of past years. Such a program costs from 90 € and is carried out four times a week;
- from Alicante to mysterious Murcia, this is a great option for visiting the surrounding area with a fascinating guide. Couples in love and lovers of romance, lovers of silence and natural beauty flock here. Such an adventure costs 200 €.
Where to stay in Alicante?
Video review of interesting places
What to see with children?
Arriving in a wonderful city with a child, you should definitely take care of their pleasant and interesting vacation, we suggest considering the must-see places:
- visit zoo "Terra Natura" will certainly delight the child on vacation. Here you can enjoy communication with natural nature in all its glory. The territory is home to more than 200 species of animals and birds, if possible, you can take pictures with them or feed them;
- modern amusement park "Paula Park" will help you create an amazing program for a fun family vacation with kids. On a huge territory there are more than 30 attractions and entertainment places, wonderful fountains and recreation areas. When choosing what to do in Alicante with children, it is worth planning a visit to this place in the first place;
- fabulous aquapark will allow young vacationers to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Here you can see amazing fish and shellfish, dolphins and whales. Photos and pleasant impressions will always remind you of an amazing holiday in overseas countries;
- real little extremals (of school age) can learn skating on the board... It costs from 130 €;
Alicante is considered the pearl of Spain. Beaches, attractions, entertainment, natural monuments have long been appreciated by Russian tourists. But acquaintance with the resort can be considered completed only after a complete inspection of the listed objects. The rest will be incomplete without excursions.
How to have an inexpensive vacation in Spain?
We recommend using the tried and tested advice that our readers use most often. In order to find great deals on accommodation, tickets and other items when planning your vacation:
- We advise you to economically insure your health and life while traveling through Tripinsurance, the service works only with trusted large insurance companies, which already inspires confidence. You just have to choose the most profitable option, but it's better not to save on health.
- Flights? We advise you to use Aviasales empirically.
- We advise you to install the RumGuru application on your smartphone, so you can choose any living space even upon arrival in the city, it is very convenient on a business trip or during an unplanned vacation in real time to find a free apartment, hotel or hostel.
- You may also find our selection of useful tourist apps useful.
