Alicante Travel Guide
- About Alicante
Renowned for its long sandy beaches, vibrant festivals and lively nightlife, Alicante is one of Spain’s and Europe’s main holiday hubs with good reason.
This thoroughly Spanish city has a true Mediterranean air. Its wide esplanades, like Rambla de Mendez Nuñez and Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, are perfect places to relax, while its seafront promenades are full of café terraces.
The historical centre is filled with baroque buildings, bearing testimony to Alicante’s past as a major seaport. The city also has a distinct African flavour, with women in caftans and hawkers selling carvings along the seafront.
Situated on the popular Costa Blanca, Alicante’s beaches are packed every summer, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained: from surfing, swimming and sailing to scuba diving, snorkelling and paragliding.
Nearby Tabarca is an island seemingly frozen in time: mostly a protected wilderness, no cars are allowed here, and human civilisation is represented only by a small walled town featuring a beautiful church.
You can also make a day trip to Canalobre Caves, where a collection of impressive stalagmites and stalactites appear to resemble a multitude of forms. Most striking of all is the Castle of Santa Barbara, perched atop Mount Benacantil. One of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, it affords panoramic views of the city and the coast.
Alicante also boasts some of the best nightlife in the region. El Puerto and El Barrio are among some of the liveliest spots come evening, although Esplanada is more popular in summer, as are the kiosks behind Postiguet and San Juan beaches.
Then there are the festivals. The largest is Las Hogueras de San Juan, celebrated every June with spectacular fireworks.
Carnival (February or March) brings colourful parades onto the streets, while the Moros y Cristianos Festival in October has costumed processions that include elephants and camels.
Alicante is both a regional gateway and a destination in its right. But whatever your reason for visiting, you’re bound find a vibrant city in full-on party mood.
- Alicante History
For centuries a vital Spanish trading port, Alicante has transformed into a holiday hotspot.
The first hunter-gatherers moved here from Central Europe between 5000 and 3000BC.
By 1000BC, Greek and Phoenician traders had arrived in Spain. The Greeks named the area Akra Leuke (White Peak).
But by the third century BC, rival armies from Carthage and Rome began to invade and fight for control of the Iberian Peninsula. Alicante was eventually captured by the Romans, who were to rule for another 700 years.
The Moors conquered Alicante in the second half of the eighth century, and the Castilian crown only took it back in 1246. In 1308, it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Valencia. Alicante became a major Mediterranean trading port.
In 1691, under the reign of Charles II, the French Armada bombed the city for seven consecutive days. The War of Spanish Succession followed between 1701-14, in which Alicante’s castle was bombarded by British troops.
During the War of Independence in the early 19th century, the city became the provisional capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. But amid this period of conflict, Alicante slid into decline. It was only by the end of the 19th century that the economy improved.
After the Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936, Alicante was the last city loyal to the Republican government to be occupied by Franco’s troops on 1 April 1939.
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the tourism industry had begun to blossom. Alicante’s climate and beaches were major draws and the construction of new hotels, restaurants and bars benefited the economy.
Although there was industrial decline in the 1980s, the Port of Alicante has managed to become an important stop for cruises, bringing thousands of passengers to the city every year.
Today Alicante is the second-largest city in Valencia and a tourism honeypot.
- Did you know?
Evidence of Alicante’s earliest settlements has been found on Mt Benacantil, where Santa Barbara Castle stands today.
The Roman name for Alicante was Lucentum (City of Light).
Tennis player David Ferrer was born in Xàbia, just outside Alicante, in 1982.
- Weather in Alicante
Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures tend to be between 20°C (69°F) and 30°C (87°F) in August, while January temperatures hover between 6°C (43°F) and 16°C (62°F). September to October are the wettest months. The city throbs with tourists from June until September and the beaches are packed too, so it’s best to visit in spring when it’s still warm but a little less busy. Naturally, hotel rooms are much cheaper in winter.
Getting around Alicante
- Public transport
TAM
Telephone: +34 902 106 992
Website: www.alicante.subus.es operates Alicante’s public transport.
Alicante is a relatively compact city and its major attractions are all within walking distance. However, a reliable bus service does operate in and around the city. Bus 9 goes to San Juan Beach every 20 minutes from the railway station. You can buy single tickets from the driver or passes for discounted travel from kiosks, Caja Rural de Alicante offices and TAM ticket offices. The buses run frequently from morning until night and some services extend into the early hours at weekends. City transport passes known as Mobilis are available. Public transport in Alicante also includes five
Tram Lines
Telephone: +34 900 720 472
Website: www.tramalicante.es that connect all the main areas of Alicante and its suburbs with Benidorm, Altea and Denia.
Special tourist trams also exist. These include: ‘Tren Arqueológico’ archaeological train covering the MARQ archaeological museum, Lucentum and L’Illeta dels Banyets (in El Campello); ‘Tren Ambiental’ taking passengers into the countryside; ‘Tren Cultural’ cultural train connecting outlying districts and towns; ‘Tren Senderista’ ramblers’ train connecting with the starting points for excursions; and the night tram that runs in July and August to major nightlife spots.
- Taxis
Reliable companies include
RadioTele Taxi
Telephone: +34 96 510 1611 , +34 96 525 2511
Area Taxi
Telephone: +34 96 591 0591
- Driving
Driving in Alicante is generally problem-free. The Explanada de Espana along the seafront is a good reference point, as it connects to the centre of the city and most of the major routes. Parking can be a problem but there are two large car parks available – one near the Meliá Hotel, and one near the Panoramis shopping mall, both near the harbour.
- Bicycle hire
You can hire bicycles and scooters from
- Trek Bicycle Alicante
Address: Av. de Aguilera, 14, 03006 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 9 656 41569
Website: www.trekbikes.com
- Car hire
Benefit from Travoley’s great deals available all year round for a seamless car hire experience in Alicante. Travel your way by choosing from our collection of brand new cars. Whether you are looking for car rental in Alicante as part of a vacation, or renting a car for a special event, you will be sure to find a car to suit your needs from our wide range of economy and luxury models.
In order to hire a car, drivers must be at least 21 years old, depending on company policy. All drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit.
Our simple booking system makes it easy to reserve online before you go, offering flexible short- and long-term rental, all at great prices with no hidden charges, so when you arrive all that’s left is to discover the best of this exciting city.
In partnership with Get Your Guide
Book popular activities in Alicante
Things to see in Alicante
Attractions
- Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Castle of Santa Barbara)
Dating from the 9th century and Moorish in origin, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara is the most emblematic construction in Alicante. Located on the summit of Mount Benacantil at 166m (544ft) above sea level, the castle is built in several fortified levels. On its slopes, archaeological remains from the Bronze, Iberian and Roman ages have been found. The rooms of the castle were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The castle also features a museum showcasing archaeological remains from around the city. Guided tours are also available.
Address: Castillo de Santa Bárbara, 03002 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 67 384 9890
Opening times: Daily 10:00-23:00.
Website: www.castillodesantabarbara.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Alicante Town Hall
A fine example of baroque civic architecture finished in 1760, Alicante’s Town Hall is flanked by twin towers. Of interest inside are the Blue Room, the Plenary Room and the chapel. On the first step of the stairway on the first floor is a small metal disc indicating sea level, which is used as a reference point for measuring the height above sea level in all other parts of Spain. A new neighbouring building contains an exhibition of archaeological remains discovered in the area.
Address: Plaça de l’Ajuntament, 1, 03002 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 96 690 0886
Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:00-14:00.
Website: www.alicante.es
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari (Cathedral of St Nicholas of Bari)
Built in the Renaissance style of the Spanish architect Juan de Herrera, this is one of the most important buildings in the Old Town. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross. Of special interest inside are the cloister, adorned with baroque doors, the altar, the communion chapel and the 45m-high (147ft) dome. Below the cupola is the Capilla de la Comunión communion chapel, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish baroque. The interior has recently been restored to celebrate Valencia’s artistic heritage.
Address: Plaza del Abad Penalva, 2, 03002 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 96 521 2662
Opening times: Mon-Sun 07:30-13:00 and 17:30-20:30.
Website: www.concatedralalicante.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Church of Santa María
This is the oldest church in Alicante and was built in the gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the ruins of what was once the main mosque during the Moorish occupation. The basilica had to be rebuilt following a fire in the 15th century. Its baroque facade is topped by two asymmetrical towers – one built in the 14th century and the other in the 18th century. Highlights include the doorway with its image of the Virgin Mary by sculptor Juan Bautista Borja, an 18th century rococo altar and a Valencian baroque organ from 1653.
Address: Plaza Santa María 1, 03001 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 68 114 0483
Opening times: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:00.
Website: www.basilicaalicante.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
- Fogueres Festival Museum (Bonfire Museum)
This museum explores the evolution of one of Alicante’s most important festivals, the Hogueras de San Juan bonfire celebration held in June. Visitors can see collections of ninots indultados (the effigies that escape the flames), mock bonfires and typical costumes, as well as an audiovisual hall showing clips of previous festivals.
Address: Rbla. de Méndez Núñez, 29, 03002 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 96 514 6828
Opening times: Tue-Sat 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00.
Website: www.alicanteturismo.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
- MARQ (Archaelogical Museum of Alicante)
Situated in the former Hospital de San Juan de Dios, this Alicante museum contains an important collection comprising pieces from Palaeolithic times to the Middle Ages, offering an educational experience.
Address: Plza. Dr. Gómez Ulla, s/n. 03013 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 96 514 9000
Opening times: Tue-Sat 10:00-22:00.
Website: www.marqalicante.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- MUBAG (Fine Arts Museum)
An 18th-century building, located in Alicante’s Calle Gravina, MUBAG houses the main artforms from the Alicante area, from the Middle Ages up to 1920. The collection is put into context using period furniture and textiles.
Address: Carrer Gravina, 13, 15, 03002, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 96 514 6780
Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00.
Website: www.mubag.es
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Museo de Belenes (Nativity Scene Museum)
A fascinating collection of work exploring the enduring Spanish tradition of constructing model nativity scenes. Housed in a traditional Alicante home, typical of the city’s Old Quarter, this curious museum boasts not only Christmas dioramas from Spain and the local work of the Association of Belenists of Alicante, but also a collection from around the Western world.
Address: Calle San Agustin 3, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 20 22 32
Opening times: Tue-Fri 10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-14:00.
Website: www.belenante.com
Admission Fees: Free
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
- MACA (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante)
In the historical centre of the city, Alicante’s Museum of Contemporary Art is located in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria monument. It occupies space inside the city’s oldest surviving civil building, a former jail that dates back to 1685. Today the museum consists of three permanent collections of approximately 800 pieces of modern art.
Address: Plaza de Santa Maria 3, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 213 156
Opening times: Tue-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-14:00.
Website: www.maca-alicante.es
Admission Fees: Free admission
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Tourist Info Alicante
Address: Marina Deportiva, Mlle. Levante, 6, 03001 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 177 201
Opening times: Daily 10:00-19:00.
Website: www.alicanteturismo.com
Things to do in Alicante
- Watersports or keep fit on the sands
Another attraction of San Juan is the fitness facilities, which include watersports areas and spots on the beach to use exercise machines and weights. Every main beach offers a free training circuit for a wide variety of exercise routines. During the holiday season, a team of physiotherapists offer advice. You’ll find two great exercise parks in Denia, while Benidorm hosts exercise classes on the beach.
- Go hiking in the mountains
The Alicante Mountains are within easy reach of the city. These limestone mountains stretch up to 1,558m (4,600ft) and provide a wonderfully varied terrain for hikers and walkers. Enjoy rugged peaks, narrow ravines, deep gorges and razor-sharp ridges as well as terraced valleys, dotted with small villages, plus remnants of its Moorish, Roman and Iberian past.
- Golf by beaches and ruins
Alicante has two golf clubs close to the centre:
Alicante Golf : is a 18- hole, 72-par course designed by Severiano Ballesteros only five minutes from the centre, close to the San Juan beaches. It also features a practice area, with a natural grass driving range and a short game area, set against the backdrop of ruins of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC.
Website: www.alicantegolf.org
El Plantio Golf Course: Surrounded by gardens, this luxury resort is home to two golf courses, is a 5 minute drive from the beach and just 3 km from Alicante. In its facilities you can find restaurants, private free parking, playground, gym and a golf school. It has two outdoor swimming pools with sun terrace to soak up the sun in Alicante. The senior stylish apartments are equipped with air conditioning, heating, satellite TV, dining room and a modern fully equipped kitchen. The Plantio Golf Resort offers 24 hour reception, daily cleaning and the possibility of a shuttle service to airport and city center.
Website: www.elplantio.com
- Lounge on paradisal beaches
Postiguet beach, at the foot of Santa Bárbara castle, has lovely sand, a palm tree lined boardwalk and numerous cafes. This, together with its proximity to the Old Quarter, makes this beach one of Alicante’s most well-known attractions. There are other smaller beaches too, such as Almadraba beach and Albufereta beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in the province is San Juan, with over 7km (4.5 miles) of spacious, wide beach and fine sand stretching from El Campello right through to the Cabo de las Huertas headland.
- Sample regional wines
You’ll find a number of tours in the Alicante area that take you wine tasting, with some terrific tipple bottled in this part of Spain. One of the must-see spots for wine lovers is the spectacular Jalon Valley, where you’ll be led through beautiful vineyards and orchards. One of the best wine producers also offering great tours is
Bodegas Xalo
Address: Carretera, s/n, 03727 Xaló, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 966 480 034
Website: www.bodegasxalo.com
Alicante tours and excursions
Alicante tours
- Bus tours
The Turibús is run by Alicante’s tourist office and offers audio guides in three languages, and tours the city hourly. A ticket is valid all day so you can hop on and off as many times as you like. There are stops at all the popular tourist sites: Plaza del Mar, Archaeological Museum, Santa Barbara Castle, Central Market, Luceros, Renfe Station, Maisonnave (the shopping area), the Theatre and the Rambla.
Telephone: +34 96 514 9219
Website: www.alicanteturismo.com
- Walking tours
Aguitur is the Tourist Guide Association, employs official guides offering a wide variety of Alicante tours in more than five languages, including walking tours around the main city attractions, galleries and museums, as well as panoramic bus tours, boat tours and customised tours.
Telephone: +34 634 580 675
Website: www.guiasoficialescv.com
Alicante excursions
- Altea
Located less than an hour’s drive north in the direction of Valencia, Altea is set on a small hill overlooking a stretch of coastline. The restricted tourist development is centred on the seafront and the town has retained its character and charm. The old village on the hill is a picturesque one, with its blue-domed church and white houses, all decorated with beautiful flowers. There’s also a pretty promenade if you fancy walking to the neighbouring town of Albir. There’s a train that leaves almost every hour from Alicante to Altea.
Telephone: +34 965 841 300
Website: www.altea.es
- Isla de Tabarca (Island of Tabarca)
The Island of Tabarca is in fact a natural monument, and is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Country. It is 20km (11 miles) from Alicante. The waters around the island are now listed as a marine reserve. The island has an important set of fortifications, an 18th-century church and the Castle of San José. Tabarca was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1964. Boats departing several times a day from Muelle de Costa 2. The journey to the island takes about 30 minutes.
Telephone: +34 965 149 219
Website: www.alicanteturismo.com
Shopping in Alicante
Alicante’s shopping scene has improved in recent years and offers everything from excellent shopping centres and malls to markets.
- Key areas
The heart of the shopping district is in and around Avenida de Maisonnave. Here you can find a vast array of shoe shops, boutiques and specialist shops. Other more traditional centres are the Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, as well as La Rambla, Calle del Teatro and Calle Gerona. You can find a good selection of turrón (nut nougat), the local delicacy, at Turrones Teclo, Calle Rafael Altamira 13. El Barrio, the old quarter, also teems with shoppers.
- Markets
The Central Market on Avenida Alfonso el Sabio is not to be missed. It is open Monday to Friday 0730-2030, and Saturday 0730-1500. For the freshest fish get there early, but it also sells fruit, vegetables, cheese and meats. The biggest street markets in Alicante are Campoamor, Carolinas, Benalúa and Babel. On Sunday mornings, stamp collectors and antique enthusiasts congregate in the flea market held in the Town Hall square. The Esplanade is the ideal place to purchase arts and crafts, leatherwork and costume jewellery from street stalls, which spring up during the summer only.
- Shopping centres
Spanish department store El Corte Inglés has two malls in the city – one offering fashion and the other household appliances and food. They are located on Avenida Federico Soto and Avenida de Maisonnave. Alternatively, check out Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2, Avenida de Denia; Centrol Comercial Panoramis, Muelle Poniente 6, near the harbour; Centrol Comercial Gran Via, Calle de José García Selles; and Bulevar Plaza, Avenida de la Estación.
- Opening hours
Most shops in Alicante open at 09:30/10:00, closing between 13:30/14:00 for lunch and reopening from 17:00 to 20:00 on weekdays. On Saturdays they generally only open for half a day and on Sundays remain closed. However, several larger stores stay open all day, including Saturdays.
- Souvenirs
Pick up high-street fashion labels, traditional handicrafts, leatherware such as handbags and shoes, and inexpensive jewellery.
Restaurants in Alicante
The Alicante restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over €30)
Moderate (€10 to €30)
Cheap (up to €10)
These Alicante restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including tax and service, but excluding drinks.
Expensive
- Dársena
Cuisine: Spanish
Located in the Marina and with enviable views over the sea, this Alicante restaurant is famous for serving more than 150 different rice dishes (which aren’t all necessarily paella, as the locals will tell you), as well as fresh fish and seafood.
Address: Perfecto Palacio de la Fuente, Muelle Pte, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 207 399
Website: www.darsena.com
- Monastrell
Cuisine: Spanish
Experience a cool culinary experience in a trendy atmosphere at this great Alicante restaurant, combining the best local traditional ingredients with a modern approach to cuisine. The much-loved restaurant has recently relocated to a location closer to the sea, now offering the perfect setting as well as food.
Address: Promenade. Admiral Julio Guillen Tato, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 126 640
Website: www.monastrell.com
- Restaurante La Ereta
Cuisine: Spanish
It’s definitely worth splashing out at this wonderful eatery, which enjoys a fab location next to a castle and serves up delightful cuisine. Chef Daniel Frias is renowned for conjuring up creative dishes, with lots of Valencian touches, amid smart but minimalist surroundings.
Address: Parque de la Ereta, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 143 250
Website: www.laereta.es
Moderate
- El Bocaíto
Cuisine: Spanish
Despite calling itself a ‘cervecería’, Bocaíto is very much a restaurant – an excellent one at that. Expect lots of traditional Valencian food with a wide selection of fish tapas at the bar, and hearty main courses in the restaurant.
Address: Isabel La Católica, 22, entresuelo, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 922 630
Website:www.elbocaito.com
- La Taberna del Gourmet
Cuisine: Spanish
This award-winning tapas outfit has two locations in the city and is the place to come for traditional tapas, albeit served in starkly modern surroundings. With a focus on organic food and classic favours, diners can tuck into a tasting menu including grilled baby squid or scallops or fillet steak.
Address: c/San Fernando No 10, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 204 233
Website: www.latabernadelgourmet.com
Cheap
- D’Tablas Alicante
Cuisine:
Waiters bring large trays of tapas to all the tables every few minutes or so; pick whichever ones take your fancy and pay at the end. This fun, atmospheric restaurant is deservedly popular, so arrive early if you can. There’s also a lunch and dinner menu but the fun is definitely in the tapas.
Address: Calle Rafael Altamira 8, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 966 611 114
- Ibéricos
Cuisine: Spanish
Renowned for serving ibérico produce, this locale with a restaurant at the back and a tapas area at the front is a true Alicante favourite beloved by locals and visitors alike. Don’t leave without trying one of the inventive montaditos – a mini baguette-style sandwich, likely loaded with top-notch Ibérico meat.
Address: Calle Girona 5, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 213 008
Website: www.gourmet-iberico.com
- Restaurante Casa Pepe
Cuisine: Spanish
With a loyal local following, Casa Pepe is a superb restaurant where meals are created using ingredients purchased in the local market that very morning. From salads to marinated sardines to excellent meat dishes, there is plenty to enjoy here. Be sure to book ahead.
Address: Av de Cataluña, 14, 03540 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 154 523
Website: www.casapeperestaurante.com
Alicante Nightlife
There are a large number of nightspots in Alicante offering all sorts of entertainment. El Barrio Antiguo (the Old District) is undoubtedly one of the liveliest areas, with a multitude of bars and clubs where you can drink and listen to live music. In the surrounding streets there are trendy cafés, upscale restaurants, pubs and clubs. Another area is the port of Alicante, which provides a unique backdrop for pubs, open-air bars, clubs, cafés and restaurants. In summer, nightlife shifts to the chiringuitos (kiosks) on the San Juan and Postiguet beaches.
Bars in Alicante
- Barrio Havana
La Havana is one of the most popular bars in Alicante and heaves at the weekends with young revellers. Get there early before everyone else arrives for a guaranteed good night out.
Address: C. Llauradors, 5, 03002 Alacant, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 680 124 977
Website: www.grupoconcerto.com
- Nic
This is the place in Alicante to come to for a gin and tonic – although the other cocktails, including the house creations, aren’t bad either. The interior is sleek and stylish.
Address: Carrer Castaños 22, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 965 216 320
Website: www.nicalicante.com
Clubs in Alicante
- Magma Club
More than a party, More than a club, Magma Club hosts concerts for a wide range of genres. Welcome to a unique experience.
Address: Carrer Vial Flora de España, 03016 Alicante.
Telephone: +34 660 530 336
Website: www.magmaclub.es
- UPIKUM Club | Discoteca Alicante
UPIKUM CLUB was born in Alicante to offer its guests a unique and exclusive experience. In our club you decide what level to reach. Parties, surprises and unique events to enjoy the Alicante night to the fullest. Discover our parties and book your space at Upikum Club in the best nightclubs in Alicante.
Address: Carrer Coloma, 31, 03001, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 635 452 844
Website: www.upikum.com
Live music in Alicante
- Plaça de Bous d’Alacant
Not everyone who visits Alicante will be interested in the bloody sport that is bullfighting, though local fans will argue that it’s a vital part of Spain’s history and cultural tradition. If you can’t bear to watch, at least you can admire the building, which is one of the finest of its kind in Spain. Live music concerts are also held here.
Address: Plaza de España 7 and 8, Alicante.
Telephone: +34 652 530 788
Website: www.eventosmarenostrum.com
Alicante Food And Drink
Food In Alicante
- Arroz alicantino (Alicante-style rice)
- Arroz a banda (fish and seafood rice): This dish is made by cooking rice in a concentrated broth of fish and seafood, which gives it a deep flavour evocative of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s often served with a generous portion of aioli (a typical Mediterranean sauce made up of the emulsion of olive oil, garlic and mayonnaise). It’s Ideal for seafood lovers and for anyone seeking a nuanced dining experience.
- Arroz con conejo y caracoles (rice with rabbit and snails): This dish offers a unique combination of earthy flavours and soft textures. The rice is cooked along with tender pieces of rabbit and snails, creating a comforting and tasty dish. It’s ideal for people who prefer meat over fish.
- Juicy rice with duck, mushrooms and artichokes: without a doubt, one of the city’s specialties. This variety of Alicante-style rice is a true delight of intense flavours, as it is cooked in a full-flavoured broth together with succulent pieces of duck, mushrooms and tender artichokes. It’s perfect for “spoon food” lovers.
- Arroz negro con sepia y gambas (black rice with cuttlefish and prawns): this dish impresses in terms of both vision and taste. The rice takes on a characteristic black colour thanks to the cuttlefish ink, while the prawns provide a fresh, delicious flavour.
- Arroz con costra (crusty rice)
- Caldereta de pescado y marisco (seafood and fish stew)
- Alicante-style grouper gazpacho
- Olleta
- Pericana (fish and capsicum sauce)
- Esgarrat (red pepper and cod salad)
- Cocas alicantinas
- Langostinos de Santa Pola
- Turrón de Jijona (Jijona-style nougat)
Drink In Alicante
- The Tap Water
- Ruavieja – Spain’s Most Famous Grape Spirit
- Sangria
- Café licor
- Cantueso alicantino
Alicante is more than just a gateway to the wonders of the Costa Blanca: it’s a dynamic regional capital with a very Spanish feel! Most of the interesting sights including the 16th Century castle of Santa Barbara and the Museum of Contemporary Arts, and many of the best places to stay in Alicante, are found in the historic quarter. Many mistakenly think that the city’s accommodation is large beach front properties purely for the bucket-and-spade brigade; whilst it’s true that there are plenty of hotels and apartments to cater for the mass market, there is also a sprinkling of chic design pads which will satisfy even the pickiest of clientele.
Alicante’s impressively lovely city beach, Playa del Postiguet, is right opposite the Casco Antiguo (Old Town), which is below the castle and the Santa Cruz district. Get your bearings by walking along Alicante’s gorgeous seaside promenade, the Parque de Canalejas, and you’ll see many of the city’s highlights. This area also has many of Alicante’s restaurants, cafes and tapas bars. There’s an endless choice with plenty to offer all wallet sizes – just remember, you’re on Spanish time.
Alicante’s proximity to the airport is what gives this provincial capital popularity with the package holiday operators. It is a great destination for a winter-sun city break, but if you’re coming in the busy summer months then be sure to book ahead as the best places to stay in Alicante get quickly filled up!