Alicante is often dismissed as a resort town, but beneath the package-tour surface lies an authentically Spanish city of elegance and grit. It smells of the sea and the hot stone of the Santa Bárbara Castle that looms over everything. The Explanada de España is the city’s living room, a promenade paved with 6 million marble tiles in a wave pattern, shaded by palm trees.
The light here is sharp and unrelenting—it is the “Costa Blanca” (White Coast) for a reason. Alicante is famous for its nightlife (“El Barrio”) which is rowdy and goes until dawn, and its rice dishes. Do not ask for Paella here; ask for Arroz a Banda (rice cooked in fish stock) or Arroz del Senyoret (Gentleman’s rice—peeled seafood so you don’t dirty your hands).
The vibe is working-class pride mixed with Mediterranean leisure. The Tardeo (afternoon partying starting at 4 PM) is a local invention. It is a city where you can hike a fortress in the morning and swim in the city center beach (Postiguet) in the afternoon.
To enjoy Alicante, buy some Turrón (nougat) from Jijona, drink a Horchata, and watch the world go by on the Explanada. It is unpretentious and fun.
The perfect plan for Alicante:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Castle & The Promenade
- Morning: Santa Bárbara Castle. Take the elevator up. The views of the coast are endless. Walk down through the Santa Cruz neighborhood (white houses, flowers).
- Afternoon: Explanada de España. Walk the waves. Lunch at La Taberna del Gourmet. High-end tapas.
- Evening: El Barrio. The old town streets. Dinner at La Ereta (fine dining with a view) or casual tapas on Calle San Francisco (The Mushroom Street).
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Market & Beach
- Morning: Mercado Central. A beautiful modernist building. Buy local cheese and Turrón.
- Afternoon: Postiguet Beach. It’s the city beach. Crowded but convenient. Or take the Tram (L3) to San Juan Beach (bigger, nicer). Lunch: Arroz a Banda at Casa Julio (San Juan).
- Evening: Puerto Deportivo. The marina. Drinks at Sohail. Watch the yachts.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Island Trip
- Morning: Ferry to Tabarca Island. It’s a marine reserve. Snorkel in crystal water.
- Afternoon: Eat Caldero (fish stew) on the island. Explore the tiny walled village.
- Evening: Return to Alicante. Heladería Borgonesse for ice cream.
Weather
Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot, crowded beach weather. 30-35°C. Great nightlife.
Spring/Autumn: Ideal. 25°C. Water is warm in Oct.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Very mild. Sunny.
Local Customs
1. Tardeo: Locals party on Saturday afternoons (starting 1 PM) rather than late night. Join them in Calle Castaños.
2. Rice: Eat rice for lunch. Never dinner.
3. Siesta: Very real here. Shops close 2-5 PM.
History & Culture
A historic Mediterranean port. Hamilcar Barca (Hannibal’s father) established a fortress here. The Moors called it Al-Laqant. It was conquered by Castile in the 13th century. The Santa Bárbara castle has seen bombardments from the French and English. Today, it’s a service-based economy, but the deep port roots remain.
Getting Around & Safety
Tram: Excellent. Takes you north to San Juan beach and Benidorm.
Walking: The center is compact.
Elevator: Use the elevator opposite Postiguet beach to get to the Castle. It costs a few Euros but saves the hike.
Info for Nomads
Great for nomads who want beach life + city vibes + lower costs than Barcelona. Airport is well connected.
Workation Vibe
Good fiber.
- Madness Coffee: Industrial design, great coffee, good wifi.
- Sip and Wonder: Brunch spot, very nomad friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it just for British tourists? +
Benidorm (nearby) is. Alicante city is very Spanish. It has style and history.
Is the food good? +
Yes. Alicante has multiple Michelin stars and arguably the best rice in Spain (better than Valencia, say the locals).
Is it safe? +
Yes, very safe.