A quick guide to Alicante
Alicante is one of the largest cities in the Valencian community and a popular tourist destination.
With excellent transport links, it offers easy access to other major Spanish cities and the surrounding communities such as the Marina Alta.
What to do in Alicante
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Castillo de Santa Bárbara castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, which sits atop Mount Benacantil with great views of the city. Visitors can experience theatrical tours, and book tastings for artisanal beers or Alicante D.O. wines.
Fiestas
Saint Anthony
Celebrated from the 13th to the 20th of January, in the San Antón neighbourhood, this festival has been a tradition for over 500 years.
Pilgrimage of Santa Faz
The Pilgrimage of Santa Faz is held on the second Thursday after Easter. The pilgrimage can begin at either the Cathedral of San Nicolás or the town hall, and finishes at the Monastery of Santa Faz.
The pilgrimage is around eight kilometres long and is reportedly attended by over 300,000 people.
San Juan
The bonfires of San Juan kick off Alicante's fiestas mayores in June. Celebrations include parades, cavalcades, live music and local food served in the many racós.
Another popular aspect of the festival are the monuments constructed out of wood and papier mache, which on the night of the 24th are set alight.
Moors and Christians
One of the most iconic celebrations in the Valencian community, the moors and Christians festival features elaborate costumes, parades, historical re-enactments, music and fireworks.
In Alicante, it is celebrated in different neighbourhoods at various times of the year
- 12th - 19th of March in Villafranqueza
- 29th of June - 2nd of July in Rebolledo
- 19th - 22nd of July in San Blas
- 12th - 16th of August in Altozano
- 24th - 28th of August in Miguel Hernández
Museums
Museum of Archaeology
Located in the former hospital of San Juan de Dios, the Museum of Archaeology has eight galleries with interactive exhibits spanning from prehistory to modern times.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art can be found in the oldest civil building of Alicante, La Casa de la Asegurada.
The museum has three permanent collections and approximately 800 works of art from the 20th century, including pieces by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Gravina museum of Fine Arts is in the Palacio del Conde del Lumiares, which is home to paintings and sculptures from the 16th to the early 20th century.
Where to Eat in Alicante
Alicante has a great food scene with options to suit any taste, with a wide variety of local and international options to choose from..
The restaurants below are just a small selection of some Alicante's most popular restaurants.
- Cabaña Grill - a family restaurant serving Uruguayan cuisine
- Falafelmania - vegetarian and vegan menu with eastern inspired flavours
- La Estancia - a traditional Argentinian grill
- Mediterraneum - Mediterranean dishes with locally sourced food
- La Tarberna del Gourmet - Delicatessen and wine bar offering local dishes
Where to Stay in Alicante
Alicante offers a wide range of accommodation to suit different budgets and styles, from affordable hostels to modern hotels in convenient locations.
- The Market Hostel — popular hostel around one kilometre from the beach and close to Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
- Habitaciones Amelia — affordable and stylish rooms near the Cathedral of San Nicolás and the beach.
- Alicante Smart Hotel — newly built, modern hotel close to Castillo de Santa Bárbara and the Archaeology Museum.
- La Milagrosa — stylish hotel less than 500 metres from the beach.
The Surrounding Area
El Campello
A coastal town just north of Alicante, El Campello offers long sandy beaches, a marina, and a relaxed promenade lined with cafés and restaurants. It’s well connected by tram and bus, making it an easy day trip.
Elche (Elx)
Famous for its UNESCO-listed Palmeral (palm grove) Elche is only a short train or bus ride from Alicante. It also hosts the annual Mystery Play of Elche, recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
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