Top 11 Best things to do in Alicante Spain (That You Can’t Miss)

Alicante is one of Spain’s most magnificent destinations. It is the capital of eastern Spain’s Costa Blanca region. It has a huge list of attractions suitable for everyone and all ages will find something to enjoy their time. Besides, Alicante has stunning beaches, huge plazas, wonderful parks, castles, museums and other archaeological sites for tourists and locals alike; where they can hang around freely and enjoy their vacation.

Here are our  top 11 best things to discover in Alicante Spain that you can’t miss:

 Alicante Monuments:

1- Santa Barbara Castle:

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Santa Barbara Castle played an important role in the history of Alicante, Spain. The imposing hilltop location on Mount Benacantil is one of the main draws, it has a military purpose and has been a strategic asset as far back as the Carthaginian era. At the 9^th century the Christian Prince Alfonso of Castile invaded the Islamic Alcazar and the victorious battle was on the feast day of Santa Barbara, explaining the castle’s name.

The castle is open to the public, easily accessible as there is a lift takes you directly to the top. Make your way up to the rooftop ramparts for magnificent views. Besides, the castle holds insides the Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA) with 10 exhibition halls covering the history of the city and the castle. There is also a market in the courtyard selling trinkets and handmade souvenirs. Besides, Visitors can see La Torreta, the old keep, the majestic reception hall of Philip II, and the Revellín del Bon Repós rampart.

2- La Explanada de Espana:

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The Explanada de España is Alicante’s Spain most imposing promenade. Known as the Paseo de la Explanada or the Promenade Explanada created by architect Jose Guardiola Pico in 1867.. Constructed of 6.6 million reds, cream and black tiles, which give a stunning mosaic wave pattern lined with palm trees and runs parallel to the marina.

The Explanada de España is the perfect place for a saunter any time of day. It’s particularly refreshing in the summer evenings with the cool Mediterranean breeze. Moreover, in this place is where you can find unique souvenirs, tasty treats, and other things to do. Besides, there is a market lines section of the walk where local artisans sell traditional crafts and products.

Furthermore, you will also discover many attratctions along the way. A wide variety of restaurants and some of the city’s historic monuments including Casa Carbonell, the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), and Plaza Gabriel Miró.

3- Basilica de Santa María:

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The Basilica de Santa María is the oldest church in Alicante, Spain. It was constructed in the 13th century by the Catholic monarchs on the site of a former mosque. The building is the pair of bell towers, taking place on each side of the entrance, one was built in the 14th century and the other not until the 18th century. It is also home to a 16th-century baptismal font and a Baroque-style Valencian organ built in 1653.

The building has a Gothic style and reconstructed in the 18th century with a Baroque facade and interior. On the principal front of the exterior, the Virgin sculpture by Juan Bautista Borja stands out as a magnificent model of detailed stone carving.

Be sure, to take a step inside the church to praise the richly decorated sanctuary and the 18th century Rococo high altar.

4- Museum of Contemporary Art:

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The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits an impressive collection of 20th-century Spanish art. It hosted in a Baroque town house, which is the oldest civil building in the Old Town of Alicante.

The museum located in Alicante, Spain and opened in 2011. It presents over 800 pieces of art across three collections of the most famous artists including Juan Gris, Pablo Picasso and Juana Frances, as well as local artist, Eusebio Sempere, whose work was best known for its geometric and optical illusions, with nearly 600 total works on display.

5- Las Hogueras de San Juan:

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The Bonfires of Saint John (Las Hogueras de San Juan) is an annual event, takes place between the 19^th and 24^th June in Alicante Spain. Besides, the event contained an International Folklore, Street Band Parade and a fireworks show culminating in the final event.

The burning of the ninots, which are designed to look like contemporary politicians and celebrities is the most famous part in this festival. The Bonfires of Saint John are the most important part of Alicante culture and probably the best beach party you are likely find in these parts.

6- Archaeological Museum:

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This imposing archaeological museum exhibits the most important periods of history including the classical period of antiquity with Greek, Roman civilization, Iberian culture, and the medieval Ages with an assortment of more than 300 objects.

Another major characteristic of the museum, it exhibits educational information about the archaeological sites of Lucentum and Illeta, as well as the Sanctuary of Pla de Petracos. Moreover, the museum presents behind-the-scenes look at the means, that archaeologists do their jobs through galleries devoted to describing the methods behind the specialties of underwater archaeology, urban archaeology and field archaeology.

 Alicante Beaches:

Alicante beaches are known for its magic of Golden sands, crystal clear waters, pleasant climate and holders of the Blue Flag, which is awarded by the European Union.

7- San Juan beach:

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San Juan beach is well known for its gorgeous sands. It extends less than five kilometers from the Alicante city center. Besides, the beach has been granted a Blue Flag for water safety. Also, suitable for swimming and doing sports.

Moreover, you can spend a full day laying on the beach is perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. As well, the playa provides many services like a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and shops along the beach.

8- Saladares Beach:

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Another imposing beach called Saladares beach. It is the longest on southern coastline of Alicatne, Spain. Its length of 16,000 meters and 50 meters in width. Besides, it has been awarded with the Blue Flag by the European Union.

The large sandy beach does not attract large crowds, which is good to escape from noise and welcome nature and peace. As well, the beach is equipped with lifeguards, watchtowers, toilets, foot showers and parking facilities.

9- Postiguet Beach:

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The Postiguet beach located at the foot of the beautiful Santa Barbara Castle surrounded with beautiful palm trees. Besides, it is a great beach for visitors who like the stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters. The beach is accessible for everyone because there are many forms of public transport like buses and trams that offer routes to the beach.

Alicante Parks:

Most of the parks in Alicante city are old and have unique architectural designs. The city has a large number of theme parks, wildlife parks, and water parks.

10- Ereta Park:

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Ereta Park located in the historic center of Alicante in the Valencia region. This park lies at a height of 83 meters above the sea level. Besides, it is accessible through the attractive Barrio de Santa Cruz, from which you can reach the area via stairs and has a wonderful walkway from Santa Barbara Castle to the old town.

Moreover, as you walk, you will see how the park is transforming from lower to more urban parts. You will arrive at an area with olive trees, pine area, Plaza de la Ereta, an oak area and scrub as typical Mediterranean vegetation.

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11- El Palmeral Park:

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El Palmeral Park is the largest park in Alicante, Spain. Located right in front of the sea with magnificent views. Besides, inside the park you can walk around the palm trees, work out on the exercise machines, which are scattered around, or entertain the kids in the play-park area and praise the lakes, waterfalls and fountains.

Of course, the park does not only contain the palm trees, but there is also a large variety of plants,  like cacti and flowers. Moreover, the Park is equipped with services such as toilets, a little kiosk to buy food, and drink. This is a calm place to relax and enjoy nature far away from the city.