It goes without saying that Spain is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. In a previous post, we looked at some of the most well respected hotels in Spain but this time we are going to switch our attention to Alicante. Situated along the sunny Costa Blanca coastline, this city is famous for its stunning beaches, fascinating landmarks, and unique activities. So, here’s how to get the most out of your vacation to Alicante…
Explore Castillo de Santa Barbara
One of the best things to do in Alicante is to learn about the city’s rich history. You’ll be off to a good start with Santa Barbara Castle. The 9th century castle has survived countless battles. You can check out some of the exhibits that feature age-old artifacts like weapons and flags from notable wars. The courtyard is also worth a visit, and it even houses a market where you can purchase handcrafted souvenirs. Its main tourist attraction though is the rampart roofs, which provide awesome views of the city.
Walk down La Explanada de España
No trip to a beautiful coastal city is complete without a wonderful stroll along the beach, and Alicante provides this luxury in spades with La Explanada de España. It’s a lovely walkway made out of 6.6 million red, white, and black tiles! It was paved in 1867 and was, in fact, designed specifically for sunset strolls. You’ll walk past palm trees and listen to the soothing ocean waves. There are local stalls along the way which you get food from or again, pick up as many souvenirs as you want.
Sunbathe at Playa de Postiguet
Postiguet Beach is literally and figuratively the hottest beach in town! It’s one of the go-to beaches, and Entertainment Daily reports that celebrities are regularly spotted frequenting Postiguet Beach.
Postiguet attracts massive crowds but it has the room to host them as the entire beach occupies the length of the city! It has crystal-clear blue waters that provide the perfect ambiance to have a relaxing day by the sea.
Savour the dishes

Alicante’s finest dishes include the local rice meals, similar to paella. They are of the highest quality thanks to the abundance of fresh seafood in the area. Look for ‘Arroz a banda’ (rice on the side) or ‘Arroz al horno’ (oven-cooked rice). Then for dessert, try the turrón, a Spanish sweet dish which is similar to a cake made of honey, egg whites, and toasted nuts.
Join the celebration of Las Hogueras de San Juan

Alicante also has no shortage of festivals, and the town fiesta celebrating St. John’s Eve is very unique and certainly unforgettable. The Crazy Tourist suggests timing your visit to coincide with this four-day party which culminates on June 24. The highlight is an event called the Cremà where the residents burn cardboard figures that result in spectacular bonfires.