What to see in Alicante?
Discover the most beautiful places in Alicante
Descubre Alicante a través de tus cinco sentidos: sus fabulosas playas, sus impresionantes monumentos y sus impactantes museos son parte del gran atractivo de una ciudad que te invitamos a descubrir. Piérdete por sus calles y descubre los lugares más emblemáticos de Alicante.
DISCOVER ALICANTE
1. EMBLEMATIC SPACES OF ALICANTE
1. Emblematic spaces of Alicante
Discover the most emblematic places of Alicante and let yourself be surprised by its history, uniqueness and beauty.
Santa Bárbara Castle
At the top of the small Benacantil mountain is the most emblematic monument to see in Alicante. The Castle of Santa Barbara dominates the center of the city and the bay of Alicante from the heights.
Its origin is reflected in the curious profile of Mount Benacantil. When you look at it from a distance, it resembles the face of an Arab warrior. That is why it is called “La Cara del Moro”.
The Arab conquerors built this fortress in the 9th century. The place was of vital strategic importance and they would keep it until the middle of the 13th century, when it fell into Christian hands.
In the 16th century, by order of Philip II, it was renovated and later suffered significant damage during the War of Succession. During the Spanish Civil War it was used as a prison by both sides and today it is used to host various celebrations and exhibitions.
You can go up to the Castle of Santa Barbara by car, on foot or by elevator. We recommend that you do it walking, crossing the beautiful neighborhood of Santa Cruz Alicante. You can not leave the city without witnessing a sunset from its battlements: it is one of the most beautiful things to see in Alicante.
It has three enclosures at different heights and from three different periods:
- The highest enclosure (“La Torreta”) is where the Homage Tower is located, and the oldest remains of the fortress, mostly dating back to the 14th century, are found.
- The middle enclosure contains the most important dependencies built in the 16th century, such as the Felipe II Hall, the Guard Corps, the Parade Ground, and the Baluarte de la Reine.
- The lower enclosure dates from the 18th century, and it houses the so-called Revellín del Bon Repós.
La Explanada de España
It is the most famous and emblematic promenade in Alicante. It is a meeting point and a place to stroll and feast your eyes and senses. The ground of the Explanada mimics the sea waves through more than six million ceramic pieces (tiles), stone waves to walk on or sit and rest on a bench or one of the chairs that are placed on the promenade every morning for everyone to sit wherever they please. An old custom that continues to this day. Not to mention that during your walk or rest, four rows of palm trees will accompany your steps.
2. Museums and Cultural Centers
Alicante’s museums are attractive and surprising to complete your experience in the city. Being a sailor and piloting a boat is easy at the Volvo Ocean Race Museum, where you will also experience the extreme challenges of this sea race that starts in Alicante. The MARQ is a 21st-century archaeological museum. The Hogueras Museum is designed for you to experience the excitement of the Hogueras de San Juan Festivities even if you are not in Alicante in June. And there are constant temporary exhibitions in all museums.
MACA – Contemporary Art Museum
In the heart of the Old Town and next to the Basilica of Santa María, the MACA Contemporary Art Museum integrates the oldest building in Alicante, the Casa La Asegurada dating from 1685, with newly constructed buildings. Inaugurated in 2011, it is the heir to the La Asegurada Museum. It exhibits three collections of contemporary art and constant temporary shows.
Volvo Ocean Race Museum
In the heart of the Old Town and next to the Basilica of Santa María, the MACA Contemporary Art Museum integrates the oldest building in Alicante, the Casa La Asegurada dating from 1685, with newly constructed buildings. Inaugurated in 2011, it is the heir to the La Asegurada Museum. It exhibits three collections of contemporary art and constant temporary shows.
Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante
The MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum is the first museum of the 21st century. Its content captivates you and makes you enjoy learning about history in an engaging, visual, and attractive way. In 2004, it received the award for Best European Museum.
MUBAG – Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina
The MUBAG Fine Arts Museum is a museum within a museum. Its funds and the temporary exhibitions it regularly hosts are located in an 18th-century building declared a Historic Artistic Monument: the Gravina Palace. It houses the best of 19th-century Alicante painting.
3. Sea, Beach, and Nature
Alicante Beaches
Alicante has a large number of beaches that are one of its main tourist attractions. Year after year, they receive recognition from the European Union with Blue Flags, giving them well-deserved international prestige, considering them among the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast:
- San Juan Beach
- Coves of Cabo de la Huerta
- Almadraba Beach
- La Albufereta Beach
- Postiguet Beach
- Saladares-Urbanova Beach
- Aguamarga Beach, a beach adapted for dogs.
Tabarca Island
Tabarca’s waters are a Marine Reserve of the Mediterranean for their excellent quality and the biodiversity of their flora and fauna. Tabarca Island is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and is located off the coast of Alicante, eleven nautical miles away and near Cape Santa Pola. In reality, it is more of a small archipelago, also composed of the islets La Cantera, La Galera, and La Nao. It has an approximate length of 1,800 meters and a maximum width of about 400 meters.
Its coasts housed a refuge for Berber pirates in the past. In the 18th century, Carlos III ordered its fortification and the construction of a village to house several families of fishermen from Genoa who were captives in the Tunisian city of Tabarka. The walls surrounding its urban core have been declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble and Cultural Heritage.
How to get there from Alicante The boat trip to the island can be comfortably done from Alicante, Marina deportiva. Paseo Tomás y Valiente. Approximate time: 1 hour.
4. Other Places of Interest
Alicante City Hall
Baroque civil architectural work from the 18th century built on the former City House, by architect Lorenzo Chápuli. At the foot of the main staircase of the building is the “Cota Cero.”
Carbonell House
This beautiful building is located on the iconic Explanada, one of the most distinctive buildings in the city of Alicante. It was built by J. Vidal Ramos between 1922 and 1925.
Principal Theater
Inaugurated in 1847, it is the quintessential theatrical venue. The main façade is in neoclassical style. The interior, designed according to the Italian typology of the time, is divided into three clearly differentiated areas: the lobby, the horseshoe-shaped cavea, and the stage.
Basilica of Santa Maria
It is the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 14th century. It was built on the remains of the Islamic main mosque of Alicante. It consists of a single nave, without a transept, with side chapels between the buttresses.
Co-cathedral of San Nicolás
Construction of the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás began in 1600 to replace a previous building. It is in the Renaissance Herrerian style and is located in the city center.
Monastery of Santa Faz
The Monastery of Santa Faz is located in the Santa Faz district, five kilometers from the urban area of Alicante, and is a Baroque-style religious building.
Alicante awaits you! From our hotel in the center of Alicante, near the City Hall and the Explanada de España, you can have a unique experience and visit the most emblematic monuments of the city. Stay at the former Dominican convent at Hospes Amérigo and enjoy the best local cuisine at the Fondillón Restaurant.
Immerse yourself in the scent of sea salt and head up to our rooftop, from where you can admire the spectacular views of Santa Bárbara Castle. We look forward to welcoming you!”
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