The best things to do in Alicante

What is it? This gorgeous turn-of-the-twentieth-century covered market has an eye-popping collection of stalls that sell everything, from fresh-picked fruit and veg to fresh-fished seafood and more. But perhaps best of all are the counter bars and cafés. They're a cult spot for afternoon tapas with young locals.

Why go? Stock up on picnic goodies and souvenirs (maybe some Iberian ham, olives or cheese – most places will vacuum-pack it for you), or just enjoy a browse through this colourful, local institution. Then relax with some tapas at one of the cafés – the Tapeta del Mercat is a top choice.

Address: Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, 10, 03004, Alicante

Hours: Monday to Friday from 7am to 2.30pm, Saturday from 7am to 3pm, Closed Sunday 

Price: Cost varies by vendor

What is it? Marq is Alicante’s ultra-modern archaeology museum, which brings the city’s history to life with lots of interactive bells and whistles. It’s located near the Roman ruins of Lucentum, on the edge of the city, and handily placed for a trip to the Albufereta beach afterwards.

Why go? This is a great way to get an overview of Alicante’s history, with dramatically lit displays of ancient bones, amphorae, coins and ceramics that make the past come alive. Plus, you also get to see how archaeological digs work.

Address: Plza. del Doctor Gómez Ulla s/n, 03013, Alicante

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, Sunday and holidays from 10am to 2pm, Closed Monday

Price: €5 for general entry, free entry for children under 8 years 

What is it? Take the boat with Kon Tiki Cruceros to the scrubby, windswept island of Tabarca, which was once a pirate lair. The two-kilometre-long island is a marine reserve, and its rocky coastline is perfect for exploring with a snorkel. 

Why go? Pack a picnic and explore this tiny island, a designated marine reserve famous for its crystal clear waters and bird life. Relax at a café in the miniature town, then scramble around the coast to find your own secret cove.

Address: Kon Tiki's meeting point to Tabarca is located at Passeig Màrtirs de la Llibertat, s/n, 03002, Alicante.

Hours: Kon Tiki reopens for the warmer seasons on March 1

Price: €23 per person and free for children under 4 years

What is it? You can take the lift or stroll through the modern Parque de la Ereta to reach this mighty cliff-top castle. Built over a ninth-century Arabic fortress, the current construction dates to the eighteenth century and is home to the city’s history museum. 

Why go? The views from up here are truly extraordinary, and all the more worth it if you’ve opted for the sweaty climb uphill rather than the lift. You can march across parade grounds, soak up the views, and stop for a well-deserved cold drink at the café.

Address: The elevator to the castle is located at Avinguda Juan Bautista Lafora, 03002, Alicante.

If you're hiking or driving, you can find multiple routes on the Santa Bárbara Castle's website here.

Hours: Until Feb 28: Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5.20 pm)

From Feb 28  to June 16: Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm (last entry at 7.20 pm)

From June 16 to Sep 4  : Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm (last entry at 10.20 pm)

From Sep 4 to Nov 14: Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm (last entry at 7.20 pm)

Price: The elevator up costs around €2.50 per person, but castle entry is free.  

What is it? The smaller and most atmospheric of two neighbouring outposts of this popular tapas bar, this tiny spot is always packed to the rafters with a friendly local crowd. Some of the city’s best and most creative tapas are dished up by wise-cracking waiters.

Why go? Get to Cerveceria Sento at opening time to be sure of a spot in one of Alicante’s best-loved institutions. Order the montaditos (slices of baguette with all kinds of toppings), and the award-winning version with beef loin, foie gras and rocket if you’re feeling fancy. 

Address: C/ Girona, 1, 03001 Alacant, Alicante

Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to midnight, Closed Sundays

Price: Drinks and tapas can range from €2 to €25 

What is it? Alicante’s oldest civil building – the seventeenth-century Casa de la Asegurada – has been spectacularly extended and renovated to hold an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art. MACA’s fabulous twentieth-century collection includes works by Miró, Picasso and Dalí.

Why go? The core of this museum’s collection – twentieth-century artworks by all the major Spanish greats – was donated by Eusebio Sempere, whose own extraordinary kinetic works also form a large part of the exhibits. They have recently been complemented by the beautiful paintings of Juana Francés.

Address: Plaza de Santa María, 3, 03002, Alicante

Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, Saturday from 11am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 2pm, Closed Monday

Price: Free entry

What is it? Alicante’s Casco Antiguo is an appealingly higgledy-piggledy maze of narrow, mostly pedestrianized squares and lanes. Its most delicious corner is the Santa Cruz district. It’s charmingly run-down, with steep stairways and alleys winding past colourful houses spilling over with flowers.

Why go? The Santa Cruz neighbourhood is one of Alicante’s most authentic, and its narrow lanes are dotted with atmospheric spots for drinks and tapas. Locals parade with crosses decorated with flowers for the Cruces de Mayo (early May), and its eighteenth-century sanctuary is a focal point of the Easter Week celebrations.

What is it? Alicante’s oldest church sits pretty on a charming square in the old town. Behind its fanciful baroque façade is a vaulted Gothic interior that dates from the fourteenth century and contains a much-venerated sculpture of Santa María. 

Why go? Escape the crowds in the busy little old town and step back in time at this gorgeous basilica. The portal is a masterpiece of Baroque (you can admire it from the terrace of the Sampa Picnic bar opposite), and inside you’ll find a gilded rococo altarpiece and a beautiful white Carrara marble font.

What is it? Alicante boasts a gorgeous coastline with scores of pale sandy beaches to choose from. Playa del Postiguet is the handiest for the city centre, and the endless Playa de San Juan is where you’ll find all the nightlife, but the little Cabo de la Cuarta coves are perfect for escaping the crowds.

Why go? These rocky inlets are not really beaches at all. They are a series of coves fringed with flat rocks where you can spread your towel or slip into the sea. Popular with nudists or anyone who wants to escape the hurly-burly, they’re also a romantic spot to watch the sunset.

What is it? Alicante’s grandest church is a restrained, late-Renaissance affair built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries over the remains of an older church and mosque. It’s dedicated to Alicante’s patron saint, whose statue occupies a lavishly decorated baroque chapel. 

Why go? This beautiful co-cathedral, with a huge dome punctuated by an oculus, was designed by Agustín Bernardino, a disciple of the great Juan de Herrera. It features the master’s pure, graceful lines and lack of adornment – although if that’s your bag, you’ll also find some giddy baroque chapels.

Address: Plaza de, Pl. del Abad Penalva, 2, 03002, Alicante

Hours: Open daily from 8.30am to 1pm, and 5.30pm to 8pm

Price: Free entry