21 Things to Do at Alicante Beach for Fun
Alicante beach, a fantastic family vacation location on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is home to a number of top-notch attractions.
Due to its extensive history, there are numerous fascinating places to see, including castles, historic churches, museums, and natural wonders.
Alicante‘s beautiful Mediterranean beaches, which have plenty of sun, sea, and sand, are a summertime haven for sunbathers wishing to rest and relax.
There are various sandy beaches with fine sand in Alicante and pine trees near Cabo de las Huertas in beautiful beaches in Alicante. Golden sands are seen near Sunrise Beach.
During the summer, the Explanada de Espaa, with its thriving beach bars, outdoor dining options, and dynamic nightlife, serves as the city’s beating heart and soul.
Planning a trip yet? Let’s find out what the best activities in Alicante Beach are.
Alicante Beach
Alicante is one of the most underrated cities in Spain. The city is not only simple to navigate, but it is also jam-packed with great activities and restaurants!
Our advice is to stay in Alicante for longer than the typical 24-hour period that visitors take. Try to stay in the city for at least 3 nights; 5 nights is preferable.
The renowned Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante is where you’ll find some of the city’s best views, along with the bustling Central Market & a stunning harbour from which you can take a boat to a remote offshore island.
1. Cruise on a Boat
You can take a boat cruise from Alicante Harbour to an offshore island like Tabarca Island or go snorkelling in Cabo de Huertas’ blue seas.
View Alicante from a new angle while unwinding on a plush boat as it cruises through the tranquil seas surrounding the city.
You’ll also be escorted along the nearby coastline to visit some secret beaches. The view is quite gorgeous, so be sure to bring your camera!
Adventure on a catamaran or take this fantastic 6-hour afternoon trip near Tabarca Island.
2. The Santa Barbara Castillo
You may take a 25-minute walk from the central business district to Castillo de Santa Barbara, but you should avoid doing it during the hottest part of the day because it has a strenuous uphill climb at the end.
Just so you know, you can park near the top if you have a car in one of the parking lots. To enter the Castillo of Santa Barbara is free.
The views up here are breathtaking at 166 meters above sea level!
The Castillo was constructed at the end of the ninth century, and over time, Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman archaeological relics have been found here.
It is filled with history & such a great way to spend.
3. Santa Cruz Neighborhood
The oldest portion of the city is located in this adorable and vibrant neighbourhood.
Santa Cruz neighbourhood, tucked under Benacantil Hill. As you ascend the winding streets of this neighbourhood to Castillo de Santa Barbara Castle, you’ll feel as if time has stood still.
When locals go to one of the many tavernas in the Barrio for tapas & drinks at night, the scene is vibrant.
Since it is primarily a residential area, you might witness residents chatting on their doorsteps or taking care of their plants.
One of the nicest things to do in Alicante is to stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz.
4. Downtown Market Near Playa de San Juan Beach
The Central Market of Alicante is a landmark in the city centre of Alicante. For decades, it has served as a gathering place for local farmers, fishermen, and flamboyant stall owners.
It’s the ideal location to truly experience daily life in Alicante because most of the city’s restaurants purchase their produce here every day, and people come here just to stock up as well. In my opinion, it’s among the nicest things to do in Alicante!
Most of the household goods, dairy, and meat stalls are on the first floor. Vegetables and seafood are available for purchase on the second floor.
Do you realize that there are more than 300 stalls here?
There are several excellent restaurants in the market as well. For ham, cheese, and egg sandwiches, visit Cafeteria Anamar, or for coffee, try Salzillo.
5. Take a Wine Tour
A little village in the Vinalopo region is well known for making the sweet dessert wine named Fondillon and is about 45 minute’s drive from Alicante.
This wine has been aged for ten years and has a powerful, distinctive flavour. The grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Garnacha are also grown in this region.
You will tour a vineyard and learn how wine is made while on this afternoon tour, as well as tasting some fantastic wine.
You can pick grapes off the vines and sample them if you schedule the visit for the harvest season (September and October).
Additionally, you will get the chance to check out the bodega. Olive oil, bread, and cured meats are also provided as snacks throughout the tour.
6. Visit the Adjacent Guadalest Valley
The picturesque village of Guadalest, one of the most well-liked tourist spots on the Costa Blanca, is about an hour’s drive from Alicante.
From a distance, you might wonder how the village has managed to stay safe while perched high atop a mountain for so many years.
However, the Guadalest Valley may be seen exceptionally well from this high vantage point.
Guadalest Village, which, would you believe it, only has 200 residents, offers two must-see locations.
The first is the 15-foot-long tunnel that must be traversed to get to Guadalest Castle (Castell de Guadalest).
The second is the Penon de la Alcala’s white bell tower, which you may recognize from numerous postcards of Alicante. It appears to be placed precariously on the mountainside.
The village’s cobblestone streets make for fantastic photos.
This 6-hour guided tour is a fantastic way to get to Guadalest from Alicante; it includes entrance to El Castell de Guadalest, time in the village, and the Algar Waterfalls, where you can swim or just observe from the sidelines!
7. Visit Benidorm for A Single Day
High-rise apartment buildings, pubs serving fish and chips made in the UK, and a plethora of karaoke bars can be found throughout the new town of Benidorm, which is situated along Levante Beach.
You’ll probably encounter a lot of individuals dressed in skimpy costumes because Benidorm is known for its hen and stag celebrations. It’s enjoyable, though.
As you might expect, there are many places to stay in Benidorm (more than 2000), and there are so many things to do there that it’s absolutely worth staying there for a night or two.
There are many things to do for youngsters (or big kids), such as Aqua Natura Water Park, Forestal, and Mundomar Animal Park, where you can see dolphin and sea lion shows, and Mundomar Animal Park.
8. Discover the Alicante Archaeological Museum
Alicante has frequently been the focal point of significant historical events as a result of its location in Europe.
Numerous ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Moors, who all formerly lived in this region, have had a significant impact on the city.
The finest place to go to learn about the history of the city is the Archeological Museum.
View amazing objects, many of which are Greek and Roman in origin, that have been gathered over the city’s long history. History buffs should not miss this.
For a trip that will never be forgotten, board a modern catamaran or a vintage sailing yacht.
Discover the small islands that are just waiting to be explored and the calm waters that are just outside the city.
9. Sailing the Seven Seas Virtually at The Ocean Race Museum
For those who don’t know, the Ocean Race is a 45-year-old boat race that travels around the globe.
The Ocean Race Museum in Alicante is the only museum in the world devoted to this historic occasion.
In this exceptional multimedia presentation, learn about the race’s record times, heroes, and legends.
Discover the crew’s daily routine onboard and discover everything there is to know about the cutting-edge ships that are used for this demanding mission. Free entry is offered.
10. San Nicolás Concatedral Santa Iglesia in Bari
The early 17th century saw the majority of this cathedral’s construction. It was built on top of an ancient religious site that once housed a mosque and was created by Agustin Bernardino, a pupil of the renowned Spanish architect Juan de Herrera.
The cloister and other earlier, more gothic-styled portions of the structure belong to the fifteenth century. One of the most outstanding specimens of Spanish Baroque architecture, the Chapel of a Holy Communion is well worth seeing.
11. Visit the MACA Modern Art Museum in Alicante to View Picassos
Significant works by contemporary Spanish painters such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Juan Gris are present in the MACA collection.
Famous Spanish artist Eusebio Sempere amassed a significant collection of works over the course of his lifetime, which even includes some of Sempere’s own creations.
The museum’s location is remarkable since it is Alicante’s oldest civil structure and has served as a city hall, granary, and jail during the course of its more than 400-year history.
12. Embark on a Bike Tour near the Best Beaches in Alicante
A bike tour of the city is among the most entertaining things to do in Alicante. It not only offers access to the less-travelled areas of town but is also one of the most environmentally responsible methods to move around.
Take one of these enjoyable guided tours to learn more about the history and culture of the city from a knowledgeable local guide.
Discover the greatest places to buy, eat, and party in Alicante by visiting the city’s most well-known locations, such as the Old Town, La Explanada, and the Town Hall.
13. Photograph Casa Carbonell
One of La Explanada’s most notable structures is Casa Carbonell, which was constructed by a prosperous local businessman in the early 1920s.
Visitors to the city might have mistaken it for a royal palace or other impressive civic structure, but it was actually built as a residence.
It is a well-liked photo site in the city due to its historic architecture, classical elements, and waterfront position.
Currently, it has offices on the second floor, offices on the ground floor, & luxury apartments just on the top two floors.
14. Visit the Castell de Sant Ferran Ruins
It was built to defend the city from an invasion by land. Records show that the castle was constructed hastily and inadequately, and it soon started to fall apart.
The remains are currently accessible to the public as a city park. Although there is a bit of a walk, the stunning views from the hilltop make it worthwhile.
15. Visit the Villages of Villajoyosa and Altea for the Day
Two of the gorgeous communities in the area are not far from Alicante.
One of the attractions of your stay in Alicante will undoubtedly be a visit to Villajoyosa, with its charming and vibrant architecture and old centre.
Visit a small, family-run chocolate shop and sample some of the local specialities.
Altea’s historic old town, with its winding cobblestone lanes and striking blue-roofed church, is full of charm.
The main square of the hamlet offers stunning views of the mountains and sea beyond. If you’re seeking cultural activities on your trip to Alicante, don’t skip these villages.
16. Take a Paragliding Tour to Float Through the Clouds
The warm Mediterranean breezes, the sun, the sea, and the beach make paragliding in Alicante an amazing experience.
You adrenaline junkies would do well to try this. The benefit of a tandem paragliding trip with an expert is that you may unwind, sit back, and enjoy the scenery.
Float far over Costa Blanca’s brilliantly blue waters & golden sand beaches. Discover the seashore in a fresh and interesting way.
These flights are appropriate for beginners, and even though this may be your first time paragliding, it’s likely not going to be your last.
17. Explanada de España
One of the most well-known areas in Alicante is the palm-lined Explanada de Espaa.
The Explanada is one of the best places to stroll in the city because it runs parallel to the shoreline along the route of the old sea wall.
It includes impressive structures, a marina for yachts, a variety of restaurants, and pleasant sea breezes.
Over 6 million tiles are used to create the walkway’s eye-catching mosaic patterns, which are arranged in the shape of a wave.
Casa Carbonell is one location worth seeing out on the street. Several very old & gnarly-looking ficus trees may be found in Canalejas Park and Casa Lamaignere.
18. Visit the Basilica of St. Mary, The City’s Oldest Church
You’re in luck if you enjoy ancient holy places. The Basilica of St. Mary, which was constructed during the 14th and 16th centuries, is the oldest functioning church in the city.
It has an elaborate baroque front, Gothic arches, and a Rococo altar, among other eclectic design elements.
St. Mary’s is worth a visit despite being a little out of the way because of the serene atmosphere and gorgeous decor.
A sculpture of the Virgin Mary created by local artist Juan Bautista Borja, a pupil of Leonardo Julio Capuz, is shown on the exterior.
19. The Mundomar Offers Sea Lion Swimming
Looking for family-friendly activities near Alicante Beach? Children were considered when creating Mundomar.
The park is home to adorable primates with fur, daring reptiles, and stunning tropical bird species that will captivate everyone.
There are many entertaining animal encounters available. Ever longed to experience life as a dolphin trainer or go swimming with sea lions? Mundomar will take care of you.
Additionally, you can take pictures with the local parrots and create a keepsake that you’ll adore.
20. Visit Elche’s Historic Town and Palm Trees
The “Vila Murada,” or walled city, the old town of Elche, is well-known for its historical significance.
It is worthwhile to take a tour through the old town to see the numerous historic structures, including grand palaces, protective towers, and enigmatic basilicas.
The Palmeral of Elche, the biggest date palm plantation in Europe, is also located in Elche.
While the region was ruled by the Arabs in the 10th century, the first palm trees could have been grown much earlier, during the Roman era.
When looking for enjoyable outdoor activities close to Alicante, consider visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
21. Go to Safari Elche to See Cheetahs
In the centre of Alicante, Elche’s Rio Safari provides an African Savannah experience.
Ride the safari train to observe exotic animals from all over the world. You will be in awe of the park’s enormous, gorgeous carnivores, such as tigers, cheetahs, and lions.
Visit giraffes, hippos, and primates of various sizes up close. The parks orangutans & gibbons are amazing to see, and lemur feeding time is a particularly wild event.
If you have young children, going to Rio Safari is a lot of fun.
Final Note
We have made this detailed guide on Alicante beach. We hope you like it.
There are numerous eateries lining Alicante Beach, which are fantastic for people-watching, but beware—they are more expensive due to their prime location.
Restaurante El Pescador & Taberna del Puerto are a couple of the top eateries in this area.