What to see in Alicante in two days
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.
Two days are enough to discover Alicante’s most iconic locations. However, we recommend taking your time so that you can enjoy the true essence of the city and get a feel for the lifestyle of the local people. Come and enjoy Alicante’s bustling streets, its beautiful beaches, its wide range of museums and, above or else, its bars and restaurants. These are our tips for exploring Alicante in two days.
Itinerary day 1
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Santa Bárbara Castle
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 Benacantil mountain (also known as Cara del Moro), where the views across Alicante, with the port in the foreground, are simply spectacular.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Barrio de Santa Cruz
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 shops.
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
El Palmeral
For lovers of green spaces within cities, this park—with more than 7,000 palm trees and beautiful sea views—is the perfect location to spend the afternoon, especially if you’re travelling with young children.
7:30 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.
Itinerary day 2
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Monasterio de la Santa Faz
This famous pilgrimage site, also known as the Monasterio de la Verónica, is home to one of the three folds of veil with which Jesus Christ wiped his bloody face. According to legend, the Santa Faz has produced several miracles.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Playa San Juan
This is Alicante’s most popular beach, measuring almost 7 kilometres long and 100 metres deep. It has an impressive range of services, besides a broad selection of leisure activities and eating and drinking options. This beach is perfect for spending some time with your family.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Coastal route
Alicante’s coastline is brimming with beautiful beaches and charming coves where you can unwind in the sun, go for a refreshing dip or simply stretch your legs. There’s lots to discover between the Cabo de las Huertas lighthouse and the Playa del Postiguet.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Restaurante El Gosto del Gourmet
Typical Mediterranean cuisine made from quality ingredients. This restaurant specialises in rice-based dishes. It is located just a stone’s throw from the Playa del Postiguet. Besides the good portion sizes, the value for money is unbeatable.
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Alicante Archaeology Museum
The MARQ shines a light on the historical and cultural wealth of the Costa Blanca, showcasing an impressive collection that spans different eras and civilisations. This museum uses audio-visual and interactive tools to explain the exhibitions.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Shopping in Alicante
The streets of the historic centre are brimming with quaint shops, where you can spend a while having a browse. The area between the Avenida Federico Soto and La Rambla is another popular shopping area, particularly on weekends.
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Castillo de San Fernando
Built during the War of Independence in 1813, this castle was originally conceived to serve as a prison and a defensive bastion of the city. However, the castle was never used as Alicante was never occupied by the French army.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Restaurante Open
This restaurant’s working philosophy makes it one of the city’s trendiest venues: in short, the kitchen is completely open to the public. The cooks move around the dining room, allowing the guests to enjoy the flavours and the spectacle in a welcoming atmosphere.