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Before you go
Your trip to Alicante.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Alicante – Comunidade Valenciana Destination Costa Blanca about 170 km from Valência
How to get there
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Aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC) Elche · 12 km
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Estación de Alicante-Terminal 1 km
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Estación de Autobuses de Alicante 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Check before booking. Alicante–Elche airport is 12 km away, with a bus to the center in about 30 minutes. From Madrid, the high-speed train reaches Alicante-Terminal station in about 2h20; from Valencia, in around 2 hours. The TRAM links the city to Benidorm and the northern coast.
How many days
One day for the castle, the Explanada, Santa Cruz and the MARQ. The second day is for Tabarca island or San Juan beach. With more time, Alicante works as a base for Benidorm and Guadalest.
When to go
From May to June and from September to October the weather is usually good for the beach and sightseeing. July and August are hot. Winter is dry and mild, good for walking, with cold seawater. The Hogueras de San Juan are usually in June.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The center is walkable, there is an elevator up to the castle and the TRAM goes to San Juan beach and Benidorm. The bus connects the airport to the center. A car only helps for inland villages and remote coves.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Alicante
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Morning
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Take the elevator up through the tunnel on Calle Juan Bautista Lafora and walk down through Parque de la Ereta to Santa Cruz.
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Afternoon
Center and Santa María
Have lunch in the center and visit the Basílica de Santa María and the co-cathedral of San Nicolás.
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Late afternoon
Explanada and port
Walk along the Explanada de España, over the wave mosaic, to the marina and Postiguet.
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Evening
Santa Cruz
Dine in the streets of El Barrio, near the co-cathedral, full of tapas bars.
2 days in Alicante
Day 1
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Morning
Castle
Castillo de Santa Bárbara early in the morning, take the elevator up and walk down.
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Afternoon
Santa Cruz and MACA
Santa Cruz neighborhood, Basílica de Santa María and the MACA, the contemporary art museum next door.
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Late afternoon
Postiguet and Explanada
Late afternoon at Postiguet beach and the Explanada, with the castle lit up above.
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Evening
El Barrio
Tapas and wine in the old quarter, in the streets around the co-cathedral.
Day 2
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Morning
Tabarca
Early boat from the port to Tabarca island, with its walled village and marine reserve.
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Afternoon
Lunch on the island
Have caldero for lunch, the typical Tabarca fish rice, at one of the village's restaurants.
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Late afternoon
Return and MARQ
On the way back, if there's time, the MARQ, an archaeological museum, near the TRAM station of the same name.
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Evening
Market and Rambla
Last night along the Rambla de Méndez Núñez and the bars around the Mercado Central.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How to get from Alicante airport to the city center?
There are direct buses from the terminal to the center and the train station, taking about 30 minutes. Taxis are at the exit. By car it's about 12 km.
How to get up to Castillo de Santa Bárbara?
By the elevator that departs from a tunnel on Calle Juan Bautista Lafora, in front of the beach of Postiguet; on foot via Parque de la Ereta; or by car or bus on the opposite side of the hill.
Does Alicante have a beach in the center?
Yes. Postiguet is next to the Explanada, below the castle. The longer San Juan beach is about 7 km away, served by TRAM.
What are the Hogueras de San Juan?
Alicante's main festival, in June, with cardboard monuments in the streets, parades and fireworks. The monuments are burned on Saint John's Night. Check the dates for the year.
Can you do a day trip to Benidorm from Alicante?
Yes. The TRAM takes about 1h10, and direct buses a little less. You can spend the day at the beach and return at night.