Alicante in three days: what to see and how to make the most of your trip

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Alicante is sea, light, and heritage. In three days, you can combine its castle watching over the bay, wander through picture-perfect neighborhoods, walk on fine sand, savor its rice dishes, and take a trip to some of its most iconic landscapes. Here is a clear and practical guide to ensure you don't miss anything important.

Essential Places and Activities

• Santa Bárbara Castle: The great fortress on Mount Benacantil. Go up on foot, by car, or by elevator and enjoy the best 360° views of the city and the coast.
• Explanada de España: The wavy mosaic promenade next to the port, perfect at sunset.
• Santa Cruz Neighborhood: Slopes, flower pots, and viewpoints; the most photogenic corner of the old town.
• Postiguet Beach: An urban beach with calm waters, ideal for a swim between visits.
• Port of Alicante: Stroll through the marina, with a lively atmosphere all day and nautical activities.
• Co-cathedral of San Nicolás: A historic gem with a blue dome, a landmark of the Alicante skyline.
• Central Market: Modernist, vibrant, and tasty; local products to snack on or buy.
• MARQ (Archaeological Museum of Alicante): The province's history presented in a modern and educational way.
• Other essentials: The Basilica of Santa María, MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art), and Canalejas Park for a break under centuries-old ficus trees.

Alicante in Three Days:

Day 1 — Mediterranean Essence: Castle, Old Town, and Port

• Morning – Santa Bárbara Castle Start strong with the castle. Explore its walls, courtyards, and viewpoints; from the top, identify the Explanada, Postiguet beach, and the port to get your bearings for the rest of the trip. If you take the elevator up, you can walk down through Ereta park to the old town.
• Midday – Santa Cruz Neighborhood Get lost in its narrow white streets with flowers and corners overlooking the sea. Head down towards the Basilica of Santa María and continue to the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás to appreciate the contrast in styles.
• Afternoon – Explanada and Port Walk along the Explanada de España among palm trees and mosaics. Cross over to the Port to see boats, terraces, and the maritime atmosphere. If you feel like a beach day, Postiguet is just a step away for a quick swim.
• Evening – Historic Center Return to the city center for dinner. You'll find bars and taverns where you can try local cuisine (it's best to book on weekends).

Day 2 — Cultural and Market Alicante... with a Dip

• Morning – Central Market + MARQ Kick off at the Central Market: fruits, salted fish, cured meats, and bread for an informal lunch. Afterward, take a tram/bus or walk to the MARQ, one of Spain's best archaeological museums for its modern approach.
• Midday – Art and Plazas Head back towards the center via the MACA for a dose of contemporary art. Rest in Canalejas Park in the shade of its monumental ficus trees.
• Afternoon – Beaches Choose your sun plan:
  • Postiguet Beach if you want comfort and proximity.
  • San Juan Beach (more extensive) if you're in the mood for endless sand and a seaside promenade.
  • Cabo de la Huerta Coves if you're looking for snorkeling and quiet spots (bring water shoes).
• Evening – Coastal Stroll Sunset between the Explanada and the port. If you have energy left, go up to one of the viewpoints in the old town to see the city lit up.

Day 3 — Nearby Excursion or Deeper Alicante Dive

You have three great options (choose one based on your interests and the season):

• Option A: Tabarca Island (full day) The only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. Take a boat from the port of Alicante. White streets, crystal-clear water for snorkeling, and a picture-perfect marine reserve. Ideal in spring/summer.
• Option B: Guadalest + Canelobre Caves (mountain day)
  • Guadalest: A village perched above a turquoise reservoir, with a castle and spectacular views.
  • Canelobre Caves (Busot): An underground cathedral of stalactites and stalagmites, impressive at any time of year.
• Option C: Slow Alicante (if you prefer to stay in the city)
  • Route of churches and squares: Revisit Santa María and San Nicolás at a leisurely pace, entering small chapels and squares.
  • Small museums: Local ethnography, temporary exhibition halls, or cultural centers with changing displays.
  • Long coastal walk: Connect Postiguet–Cabo de la Huerta–San Juan if you feel like walking by the sea.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The city center is walkable. The tram and bus connect beaches and museums. The castle elevator saves you a climb on hot days.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (mild temperatures). In summer, schedule visits early in the morning and save time for the beach.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and water (especially if you walk up to the castle or visit the coves).
• Gourmet shopping: Salted fish, Alicante wines, turrones (nougat), and almonds.
• Embrace the local rhythm: Market in the morning, a nap on the beach/in a park, a stroll along the Explanada at sunset.

Flavors You Must Try (No Excuses)

• Alicante rice: A banda (with fish stock), seafood rice, with a crust, or with vegetables; dry and with a good socarrat (the crispy bottom layer).
• Fish and seafood: Squid, red shrimp, grilled octopus.
• Salted fish: Mojama (salt-cured tuna), roe, capellán (dried blue whiting) with tomato and oil.
• Sweet finish: Artisan ice cream and turrón (also available as a cream or ice cream).

End the Trip with One Last View

Before you leave, go up to Santa Bárbara Castle or the viewpoints in the Santa Cruz Neighborhood one more time. With the bay at your feet, you will understand why Alicante is so captivating: blue sea, golden light, and the endless murmur of the city. Three days are enough for a lot... and to make you want to come back.