What to see in Alicante in 1 day
Alicante, a city that is caressed by the peaceful waters of the Mediterranean, welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Its good climate (it’s sunny most of the time!), delicious local cuisine, cultural identity and historic past make the province’s capital city a real must-visit location.
When asked what to do in Alicante in one day, the answer is a simple one. Despite being a large city, most places of interest are located in the city centre. This means it’s easy to get around by foot and get the most out of its potential.
We recommend taking your time, as this will allow you to enjoy the true essence of the city and get a feel for the lifestyle of the local people. Don’t think twice about taking a stroll around the beautiful historic centre, or topping up your tan on the beach. Here are the main things to see during one day in Alicante.
Itinerary day 1
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
This fortress, which dates back to the times of Moorish rule, is one of the symbols of the city of Alicante. It stands proudly atop the Cara del Moro mountain in the centre of the city, where the views across Alicante, with the port in the foreground, are simply spectacular.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Santa Cruz neighbourhood
This district, lying at the feet of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, is one of the oldest and most traditional districts in the city. All of the streets are decorated with thousands of plants and flowers; in this neighbourhood, you’ll struggle to find a house that doesn’t bear plant pots or images of the Virgin Mary.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Restaurante Monastrell
Distinguished with a Michelin star and led by María José San Román, this avant guard-style restaurant, renowned for its creative tapas, is a guaranteed hit if you’re looking for lunch in Alicante. It has a dining room and a bar.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Paseo de la Explanada
Running parallel to the Port of Alicante, this maritime promenade is one of the city’s most iconic locations. It is characterised by 4 rows of palm trees and iconic mosaic patterns on the floor. At various points along the promenade, passers-by will come across various cafeterias, ice cream parlours and handicraft and souvenir shops.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Playa del Postiguet
The city’s main beach sprawls out beside the Paseo de la Explanada. It has all of the services and commodities expected of a blue flag beach, as well as a designated sports area, playground and a series of beachfront chiringuito bars where you can enjoy a refreshing drink.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Afternoon in the market and surrounding areas
When the sun starts to fall, the terraces and bars come alive. We recommend taking a look around the market, Calle Castaños and the area known as El Barrio for an authentic Alicante afternoon.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Restaurante Nou Manolín
This prestigious, award-winning restaurant is famous for its tapas bar, where clients can order delicious dishes with locally-sourced ingredients. Whether ordering à la carte or from the tapas menu, this restaurant is well worth a visit.