What to See in Alicante in 1 Day: Itinerary, Highlights & Free Tours
Alicante is the lively capital of Spain's Costa Blanca, known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches and rich history spanning over 2,000 years. Santa Bárbara Castle sits atop Mount Benacantil, while the Explanada de España promenade is famous for its colorful mosaic tiles. Alicante combines history, sunshine, and authentic coastal life. Whether you visit for a day or a weekend, this Freetour.com guide will help you find top landmarks, local food, and the best viewpoints, all with helpful tips from locals.
Must-see sights: Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada de España, Barrio Santa Cruz (Old Town), Postiguet Beach
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
Famous for: Santa Bárbara Castle, turrón (nougat), Mediterranean beaches, mosaic promenade
Top tours: Free Tour Alicante Old Town, Free Tour Alicante Essentials, Free Tour Alicante: History and Tradition
Begin your day at Santa Bárbara Castle, which stands 166 meters above Mount Benacantil and offers sweeping views of Alicante. Built in the 9th century during Moorish rule, it is one of the largest medieval castles in Spain. You can reach the top by a scenic hiking trail or take the elevator from Postiguet Beach for €2.70. The castle has three levels: the highest has the 14th-century keep and Bastion of the English, while the middle level features 16th-century buildings like Philip II's Hall. From the ramparts, you can see the city, marina, coastline, and even Tabarca Island on clear days. Don't miss the "Face of the Moor" rock formation, which you can spot from below.
Practical Info: Entry is free. The castle is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The elevator costs €2.70 per person. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here. If you hike up, bring water. It's best to visit early in the morning or at sunset for cooler weather and great views.
Walk the Explanada de España, Alicante's famous promenade of 6.6 million tricolor marble tiles in wavy mosaic patterns. This 600-meter walkway stretches from Plaza Puerta del Mar to Parque de Canalejas and is shaded by four rows of tall palm trees. Casa Carbonell, a striking modernist building with ornate domes, stands at the northern end of the complex. Relax in classic wooden chairs, sipping café con leche or gelato, and watch locals stroll. Here, you experience traditional Spanish coastal life.
Practical Info: The promenade is always open and free to access. Many cafés line the walkway; expect to pay around €1.50-2.50 for coffee. Seating is widely available and shaded areas are plentiful.
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz, the old part of Alicante, where narrow streets are filled with whitewashed houses decorated with bright potted plants. This area feels like an Andalusian village and shows its Moorish roots. Visit the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari and the Basilica of Santa María, and take your time walking the steep, pretty streets for a real taste of local life.
Practical Info: The area is open and free to explore at any time. Streets can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Plan 1-2 hours for your visit.
End your afternoon at Playa del Postiguet, the main beach in Alicante. It has golden sand, clear water, and is close to the city center and the castle elevator. You'll find beach bars serving fresh seafood and great views of Mount Benacantil.
Practical Info: Beach access is free. Several beach bars serve lunch; an average meal costs €12-18. Sunbed rentals are available, with prices listed at the beach.
The MARQ Archaeological Museum is one of Spain's top museums, with hands-on exhibits covering prehistoric, Iberian, Roman, and medieval times. You can also visit the nearby Lucentum site to see Roman ruins, bathhouses, and Islamic graveyards.
Practical Info: MARQ opening hours—Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-7pm (winter), 10am-10pm (summer, June 18-Sept 15). Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. Entry fees: €5 (regular), €3 (Sundays). Lucentum site entry: €3 (regular), €1.50 (Sundays).
Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) showcases 20th-century works by Picasso, Miró, and Dalí.
Practical Information: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is always free.
Alicante's food is shaped by Mediterranean and Valencian traditions. The local favorite is arroz a banda, a rice dish cooked in fish broth with seafood. Turrón, a sweet almond nougat from Jijona, comes in both hard and soft types. Other dishes to try include arroz con costra (rice with an egg crust), esgarraet (peppers with cod), and fresh salted fish.
Mercado Central offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local specialties in a historic building. Expect €10-15 for lunch menú del día, €20-30 for dinner at mid-range restaurants.
Tabarca Island (22 km, 1-hour boat): Spain's smallest inhabited island is a car-free paradise with clear water for snorkeling, pretty streets, and great seafood restaurants. Boats leave regularly from Alicante port.
Guadalest (60 km, 1 hour): This medieval mountain village sits on dramatic cliffs, and the Castillo de San José offers amazing views. Many tours also include stops in Altea and the Algar Waterfalls.
Altea (50 km, 45 minutes): This coastal town is known for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, and beautiful Mediterranean views.
Free Tour Alicante Old Town — Duration: 2 hours | Starting at Explanada de España 1 (purple umbrella), explore Alicante's Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish history through the Basilica of Santa Mary, Port, Mercado Central, La Rambla, and City Hall. Includes a free turrón tasting and complimentary local craft beer after the tour (excluding Sundays/holidays).
Free Tour Alicante Essentials — Duration: 2.5 hours | Meeting at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, guides in orange with umbrellas lead tours covering the Town Hall, Explanada de España, Portal de Elche Square, Gabriel Miró Square, the old town, the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari, and Santa María Church. Pet-friendly and suitable for reduced mobility.
Free Tour Alicante: History and Tradition — Duration: 2 hours | Focuses on historical evolution and traditional customs including festivals and heritage.
Alicante enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year and has a mild Mediterranean climate. Spring (March-May) is the best time to visit, with temperatures between 18-25°C and little rain, making it the peak season. Summer (June-August) is hot, with temperatures from 30-34°C, great for the beach but less ideal for lots of walking. Autumn (September-October) is also pleasant, with temperatures of 22-28°C and fewer crowds. Winter (November-February) is mild, with temperatures of 12-17°C, lower prices, and cooler beach weather.
Tip: May is the driest month, while March sees the most rainfall. Pack light layers for spring/autumn evenings.
Iberian tribes were the first to settle in the area, drawing Greek and Phoenician traders. The Romans founded Lucentum in the 3rd century BC and turned it into a major port, which thrived between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. The Moors arrived in the 8th century, building a fortress on Mount Benacantil and creating irrigation systems that made the region known as "Hadiqat Al-Andalus" (the Garden of Moorish Spain). They also built El Barrio (Barrio Santa Cruz) below the castle. Castilian forces took back the city on December 4, 1248, which was the feast day of Santa Barbara, giving the castle and city their names. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Alicante modernized, adding the Explanada de España promenade. Today, the city blends its rich history with a lively modern atmosphere and is a favorite spot on the Costa Blanca.
What can you see in Alicante in one day?
Visit Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll Explanada de España, explore Barrio Santa Cruz, relax at Postiguet Beach, and enjoy tapas in the old town.
What are the best things to do in Alicante?
Climb Santa Bárbara Castle, walk the Explanada, explore Barrio Santa Cruz, visit MARQ Museum, relax on beaches, taste turrón, and take a boat to Tabarca Island.
Is Alicante worth visiting?
Absolutely! Alicante offers one of Spain's best mixes of beach resort and cultural city, with a stunning free castle, a lovely promenade, an authentic old town, and great weather all year.
When is the best time to visit Alicante?
Spring (March-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions with warm temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer.
What should you eat in Alicante?
Try arroz a banda (seafood rice), turrón (almond nougat), arroz con costra, esgarraet (peppers with cod), and fresh seafood.
Which free tours are available in Alicante?
Visit Free Tours in Alicante to discover all the free tours available in the city. The most highly rated tours by visitors are the Alicante Tour, Alicante Old Town (2 hours with turrón tasting), Free Tour Essentials (2.5 hours comprehensive), and the History and Tradition tour (2 hours).
How do you get to Alicante?
Alicante-Elche Airport serves European destinations; train connections to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or drive via the A-7 motorway along the Costa Blanca.
What day trips can you take from Alicante?
Tabarca Island (1h boat), medieval Guadalest (1h drive), charming Altea (45 min), pink lagoons of Torrevieja (30 min).
Quick Takeaway
Must-see sights: Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada de España, Barrio Santa Cruz (Old Town), Postiguet Beach
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
Famous for: Santa Bárbara Castle, turrón (nougat), Mediterranean beaches, mosaic promenade
Top tours: Free Tour Alicante Old Town, Free Tour Alicante Essentials, Free Tour Alicante: History and Tradition
1-Day Itinerary in Alicante
Santa Bárbara Castle
Begin your day at Santa Bárbara Castle, which stands 166 meters above Mount Benacantil and offers sweeping views of Alicante. Built in the 9th century during Moorish rule, it is one of the largest medieval castles in Spain. You can reach the top by a scenic hiking trail or take the elevator from Postiguet Beach for €2.70. The castle has three levels: the highest has the 14th-century keep and Bastion of the English, while the middle level features 16th-century buildings like Philip II's Hall. From the ramparts, you can see the city, marina, coastline, and even Tabarca Island on clear days. Don't miss the "Face of the Moor" rock formation, which you can spot from below.
Practical Info: Entry is free. The castle is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The elevator costs €2.70 per person. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here. If you hike up, bring water. It's best to visit early in the morning or at sunset for cooler weather and great views.
Explanada de España
Walk the Explanada de España, Alicante's famous promenade of 6.6 million tricolor marble tiles in wavy mosaic patterns. This 600-meter walkway stretches from Plaza Puerta del Mar to Parque de Canalejas and is shaded by four rows of tall palm trees. Casa Carbonell, a striking modernist building with ornate domes, stands at the northern end of the complex. Relax in classic wooden chairs, sipping café con leche or gelato, and watch locals stroll. Here, you experience traditional Spanish coastal life.
Practical Info: The promenade is always open and free to access. Many cafés line the walkway; expect to pay around €1.50-2.50 for coffee. Seating is widely available and shaded areas are plentiful.
Barrio Santa Cruz & Old Town
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz, the old part of Alicante, where narrow streets are filled with whitewashed houses decorated with bright potted plants. This area feels like an Andalusian village and shows its Moorish roots. Visit the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari and the Basilica of Santa María, and take your time walking the steep, pretty streets for a real taste of local life.
Practical Info: The area is open and free to explore at any time. Streets can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Plan 1-2 hours for your visit.
Postiguet Beach
End your afternoon at Playa del Postiguet, the main beach in Alicante. It has golden sand, clear water, and is close to the city center and the castle elevator. You'll find beach bars serving fresh seafood and great views of Mount Benacantil.
Practical Info: Beach access is free. Several beach bars serve lunch; an average meal costs €12-18. Sunbed rentals are available, with prices listed at the beach.
Major Landmarks & Neighborhoods
The MARQ Archaeological Museum is one of Spain's top museums, with hands-on exhibits covering prehistoric, Iberian, Roman, and medieval times. You can also visit the nearby Lucentum site to see Roman ruins, bathhouses, and Islamic graveyards.
Practical Info: MARQ opening hours—Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-7pm (winter), 10am-10pm (summer, June 18-Sept 15). Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. Entry fees: €5 (regular), €3 (Sundays). Lucentum site entry: €3 (regular), €1.50 (Sundays).
Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) showcases 20th-century works by Picasso, Miró, and Dalí.
Practical Information: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is always free.
Local Food & Markets
Alicante's food is shaped by Mediterranean and Valencian traditions. The local favorite is arroz a banda, a rice dish cooked in fish broth with seafood. Turrón, a sweet almond nougat from Jijona, comes in both hard and soft types. Other dishes to try include arroz con costra (rice with an egg crust), esgarraet (peppers with cod), and fresh salted fish.
Mercado Central offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local specialties in a historic building. Expect €10-15 for lunch menú del día, €20-30 for dinner at mid-range restaurants.
Day Trips & Excursions Near Alicante
Tabarca Island (22 km, 1-hour boat): Spain's smallest inhabited island is a car-free paradise with clear water for snorkeling, pretty streets, and great seafood restaurants. Boats leave regularly from Alicante port.
Guadalest (60 km, 1 hour): This medieval mountain village sits on dramatic cliffs, and the Castillo de San José offers amazing views. Many tours also include stops in Altea and the Algar Waterfalls.
Altea (50 km, 45 minutes): This coastal town is known for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, and beautiful Mediterranean views.
Free Walking Tours in Alicante
Free Tour Alicante Old Town — Duration: 2 hours | Starting at Explanada de España 1 (purple umbrella), explore Alicante's Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish history through the Basilica of Santa Mary, Port, Mercado Central, La Rambla, and City Hall. Includes a free turrón tasting and complimentary local craft beer after the tour (excluding Sundays/holidays).
Free Tour Alicante Essentials — Duration: 2.5 hours | Meeting at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, guides in orange with umbrellas lead tours covering the Town Hall, Explanada de España, Portal de Elche Square, Gabriel Miró Square, the old town, the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari, and Santa María Church. Pet-friendly and suitable for reduced mobility.
Free Tour Alicante: History and Tradition — Duration: 2 hours | Focuses on historical evolution and traditional customs including festivals and heritage.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Getting Around: Alicante’s historic center is compact and easily walkable. The TRAM connects the city with nearby beaches; fares are €1.45 for a single trip or €3.85 for a day pass.
- Airport: Alicante-Elche Airport 10km away; Bus C-6 every 20 minutes to center (€3.85); Taxis €20-25
- Meal Times: Lunch is typically served from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; dinner is served from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Beach bars serve food throughout the afternoon.
- Safety: Very safe city with low crime rates
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory. You can round up the bill or tip 5-10% for good service. For free tours, a tip of €10-15 per person is typical.
- Las Hogueras Festival: From June 20-24, the city celebrates with huge bonfires and fireworks. Be sure to book your accommodation early.
Weather in Alicante
Alicante enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year and has a mild Mediterranean climate. Spring (March-May) is the best time to visit, with temperatures between 18-25°C and little rain, making it the peak season. Summer (June-August) is hot, with temperatures from 30-34°C, great for the beach but less ideal for lots of walking. Autumn (September-October) is also pleasant, with temperatures of 22-28°C and fewer crowds. Winter (November-February) is mild, with temperatures of 12-17°C, lower prices, and cooler beach weather.
Tip: May is the driest month, while March sees the most rainfall. Pack light layers for spring/autumn evenings.
Short History of Alicante
Iberian tribes were the first to settle in the area, drawing Greek and Phoenician traders. The Romans founded Lucentum in the 3rd century BC and turned it into a major port, which thrived between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. The Moors arrived in the 8th century, building a fortress on Mount Benacantil and creating irrigation systems that made the region known as "Hadiqat Al-Andalus" (the Garden of Moorish Spain). They also built El Barrio (Barrio Santa Cruz) below the castle. Castilian forces took back the city on December 4, 1248, which was the feast day of Santa Barbara, giving the castle and city their names. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Alicante modernized, adding the Explanada de España promenade. Today, the city blends its rich history with a lively modern atmosphere and is a favorite spot on the Costa Blanca.
FAQ about Alicante
What can you see in Alicante in one day?
Visit Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll Explanada de España, explore Barrio Santa Cruz, relax at Postiguet Beach, and enjoy tapas in the old town.
What are the best things to do in Alicante?
Climb Santa Bárbara Castle, walk the Explanada, explore Barrio Santa Cruz, visit MARQ Museum, relax on beaches, taste turrón, and take a boat to Tabarca Island.
Is Alicante worth visiting?
Absolutely! Alicante offers one of Spain's best mixes of beach resort and cultural city, with a stunning free castle, a lovely promenade, an authentic old town, and great weather all year.
When is the best time to visit Alicante?
Spring (March-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions with warm temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer.
What should you eat in Alicante?
Try arroz a banda (seafood rice), turrón (almond nougat), arroz con costra, esgarraet (peppers with cod), and fresh seafood.
Which free tours are available in Alicante?
Visit Free Tours in Alicante to discover all the free tours available in the city. The most highly rated tours by visitors are the Alicante Tour, Alicante Old Town (2 hours with turrón tasting), Free Tour Essentials (2.5 hours comprehensive), and the History and Tradition tour (2 hours).
How do you get to Alicante?
Alicante-Elche Airport serves European destinations; train connections to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or drive via the A-7 motorway along the Costa Blanca.
What day trips can you take from Alicante?
Tabarca Island (1h boat), medieval Guadalest (1h drive), charming Altea (45 min), pink lagoons of Torrevieja (30 min).
