Alicante is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, and a hotspot for city breaks in the sun. It boasts everything you’d want from a seaside getaway – medieval fortresses, sweeping beaches, and a classic Mediterranean old-town surrounded by whitewashed buildings.
The old part of Alicante, Barrio de Santa Cruz, is an enchanting maze of narrow streets with colorful houses. This is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the city’s history and culture.
1. Terra Mitica Theme Park
At Terra Mitica, you’ll travel back in time to the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Rome, Greece and Iberia. The park combines the most thrilling rides with spectacular shows that will transport you to the world of those cultures.
The park has over 30 thrilling rides that can take you on an adrenaline-pumping adventure. You can choose from thrilling roller coasters, free-fall towers and white water rides.
For a truly exhilarating experience, don’t miss out on the Synkope ride that spins you around on a 120 degree arc. You can also glid along in an Egyptian sarcophagus on the Falls of the Nile, a water rollercoaster that features two dramatic plunges of up to 20 metres.
Terra Mitica also offers several themed restaurants and a large selection of souvenir shops. It’s a great place to spend the day with your family or friends.
2. Santa Pola Zoo
The Costa Blanca is well known for its fabulous theme parks, theatrical shows and wild animal parks. But there's a lot more to do too, and one of the best is the fun-packed Santa Pola Zoo!
This spacious park offers a zoo with global animals and a seasonal aquatic centre complete with pools and water slides. It's a great day out for all the family!
Another popular zoological attraction is Rio Safari, a fascinating park with giraffes, lions, elephants, zebras and crocodiles. Sheltered by 4,000 palm trees it's an idyllic setting for a visit.
Also, don't miss the Archaeological Museum of Alicante or the Maritime & Fishing Museum at Tabarca Island. These museums tell the story of Alicante's history in a very interesting way! They include archaeological artefacts dating back thousands of years.
3. El Postiguet Beach
Located in the city, at the foot of Santa Barbara castle, alongside the port and the famous Explanada esplanade, this beach is renowned for its quality sand, palm tree boardwalk and its cafes.
It is a popular spot for locals to meet, especially during the summer. The sand is a rich golden colour, which gets even more intense when it is wet.
The beach is surrounded by a wide promenade lined with cafes, restaurants and benches to sit and relax. It is also easy to hire sun loungers and parasols.
It is a great place for families, as there is plenty of space to play games and have a good time. There are many public and private parking spaces nearby, as well as accessible public toilets.
4. Explanada de Espana
Embedded in the heart of the city, the Explanada de Espana promenade is one of Alicante’s most popular tourist attractions. It is a palm tree lined street that is paved with over six million marble mosaic tiles which mimic the movement of ocean waves and makes for a relaxing walk along the water’s edge.
- The promenade is home to a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants that offer visitors a chance to take in the view while sipping on a refreshing drink. It’s also a great place to people watch, as locals and tourists come and go.
- The promenade also hosts craft stands, music, and a variety of other activities. The Promenade becomes crowded during the night as well, making it a lively place to visit.
