Is Alicante worth visiting? It surprised us in the best possible way. The city has a genuinely good beach within walking distance of the centre, an old town below a castle, easy tram trips along the Costa Blanca and mild weather outside summer. I spent part of our stay alone with two children and no car, and it was completely manageable.
We know Alicante in the quieter months, including a week at the end of November. We had days around 20°C, sometimes warmer in direct sun, and the children spent hours on the beach. I would personally avoid the hottest part of summer. For me, Alicante works best as an easy off-season city and beach break.
Below are my 14 favourite things to do in Alicante and nearby, plus the practical details I would have wanted before our trip: airport transport, whether you need a car, where we stayed, what worked with children and which famous resort we drove into and immediately left.
My quick Alicante verdict
| Best for | An uncomplicated city break with a beach, castle and easy coastal day trips |
|---|---|
| How long I would stay | Two or three days for the city, five to seven days if you also want beaches and day trips |
| Best time | Spring or autumn. We also enjoyed late November |
| Do you need a car? | No for Alicante, San Juan Beach, Villajoyosa or Benidorm. A car is useful for inland villages and a flexible Costa Blanca trip |
| Good with children? | Yes. We found playgrounds everywhere, used the castle lift and managed part of the stay without a car |
| My honest downside | Alicante is smaller and less monumental than Málaga, but I preferred its city beach and found it less touristy |
Things to arrange before your Alicante trip
- Save my Alicante map with our restaurants, sights and day-trip stops to your phone.
- Compare accommodation carefully. We stayed both in a residential area towards San Juan Beach and in a paid apartment in the centre. My specific suggestions are below.
- Only rent a car if you want inland villages or several independent day trips. We normally compare prices through DiscoverCars.
- For tours and boat trips, download the GetYourGuide app through my link. My code CESTUJZABABKU5 gives 5% off in that app.
What to do in Alicante in 1, 2 or 3 days
| Time | The route I recommend |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Santa Bárbara Castle, Santa Cruz, Basilica of Santa María, Explanada de España, Mercado Central and Postiguet Beach |
| 2 days | Follow the one-day route, then take tram L4 to San Juan Beach. Add MACA or MARQ if you want a museum or need a break from the sun |
| 3 days | Spend two days in Alicante, then choose Tabarca, Villajoyosa or Altea. Choose just one if you prefer a relaxed pace |
With a week, Alicante makes a very easy base. We combined city days with the coast and inland villages rather than changing accommodation every night.
Alicante weather and the best time to visit
I would not choose Alicante in high summer because we prefer to travel somewhere cooler then. At the beginning of April we found pleasant sunshine. At the end of November it was around 20°C, and it felt closer to 25°C in direct sun. People had apparently still been swimming the week before us. A week later, daytime temperatures dropped to around 15 to 16°C in the shade before rising again.
That is our experience, not a weather guarantee. Outside summer, pack layers and plan a mix of beach time and sightseeing rather than building the entire trip around swimming.
Do you need a car in Alicante?
No, not for the city. I spent part of the holiday alone with the children and no car, and we had no problem. Alicante is walkable and the TRAM takes you to San Juan Beach, Villajoyosa, Benidorm and farther along the coast. Use the official TRAM map to plan the route.
We did rent a car for the wider area. DiscoverCars showed Wiber as the best option for our dates. Their office was off-airport, so a shuttle van took us from the terminal to the rental base. We brought our own child seats, as we usually do.
Alicante Airport to the city centre
The direct C6 airport bus is the straightforward option. I would allow roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on your stop and traffic. From 24 July 2026, a single ticket costs €4.70. The operator also lists a separate ten-journey pass, but check the current price and card conditions before buying.
Our return flight left at 7:25 am. We went to the Mercado stop for the first bus shown at 5:06 am, but the display suggested it would not arrive until shortly before 5:30. It did not follow the timetable to the minute, but it arrived and we caught the flight. This is exactly why I would check the live departures before an early flight and leave extra time. C6 also has night services, although intervals vary.
A taxi is the simpler alternative for a family or a very early departure. Ask for the fare for your exact address and time. I would no longer plan on paying less than €20. If you need a child seat, arrange and confirm it in advance. Several readers have shared positive experiences with Cabify.
Where to stay in Alicante
We spent our first five nights in a Home Exchange apartment in a residential neighbourhood east of the centre, towards San Juan Beach. For the final two nights, we paid for this lovely two-bedroom apartment in central Alicante. The centre is my practical choice for a short first visit because you can walk to the old town, market, promenade and Postiguet Beach.
Other options I would compare are Pinzon Studios in the centre, AP Hotel Navas, a design-led option closer to the beach, and Casa Toledo with a terrace in Santa Cruz. Availability and quality can change, so read the newest reviews before booking.
14 best things to do in Alicante and nearby
1. Take the tunnel and lift to Santa Bárbara Castle
The lift to Castillo de Santa Bárbara was the detail that impressed me most. From opposite Postiguet Beach, you walk through a long tunnel into the mountain and reach the lift at the end. It takes you up through the rock to the castle. You do not see that every day.
Entry to the castle itself is free and the lift currently costs €2.70. We were tempted to walk down along the walls, but we did not risk that route with the pushchair. Opening hours change by season, so check the official castle information before going.
2. Let the children loose on Mushroom Street
Calle San Francisco is better known as Mushroom Street. Giant mushrooms, tiny mushroom houses and slides are spread along the pedestrian street. It was clearly created with children in mind, but it also turned a previously overlooked street into one of Alicante’s most photographed spots.
3. Wander through Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the part of Alicante I would choose for an unhurried walk: small white houses, pots of flowers, steps, tiny squares and views between the streets. We had good coffee at Swallow Espresso Bar near Plaza del Carmen, where there was also a nice playground. Continue to the Basilica of Santa María.
Directly opposite the basilica is MACA, Alicante’s contemporary art museum. Its collection includes artists such as Miró, Dalí and Picasso, although the works on display can change. Admission is free and the museum is closed on Mondays. Check the current MACA opening hours.
4. Walk along Explanada de España at sunset
The palm-lined Explanada de España has Alicante’s famous wave-pattern mosaic. I would walk here towards sunset and continue along the water. You can ignore the tourist stalls if they are not your thing, as we did. Make a short detour to Plaza Gabriel Miró, a small square under huge old trees that feels almost like a miniature jungle.
5. Eat at Mercado Central before it closes
Do not leave the central market until late afternoon. We found the back of the market a good place to eat during the day. I recommend arriving in the morning. Mercado Central lists weekday opening from 7 am to 2:30 pm, but confirm the current market hours, especially around holidays.
6. Spend time on Postiguet Beach
City beaches often disappoint me, but Postiguet did not. It is long, wide, has light-coloured sand and children’s playgrounds, and you can walk there from the centre. It is enough for an easy beach afternoon, although I would still make time for San Juan Beach.
7. Visit Elche for palms and shade
For a family day trip, I recommend Elche, also called Elx. Parque Municipal has palms, ponds, water features and a playground in the shade. It was a pleasant change after several beach days because the children could run and we could stop for coffee.
Take Cercanías line C1 from Alicante Terminal to Elx / Elche Parc. Do not choose the more distant Elche AV station by mistake. The TRAM travel pass does not cover this Renfe train. If you want another garden, Huerto del Cura is a separate paid attraction. You can book Huerto del Cura tickets on GetYourGuide.
8. Take tram L4 to San Juan Beach
San Juan is the beach to choose when you want much more space. Tram L4 runs from Alicante towards the beach, with Londres and Av. Benidorm among the useful stops. Near the beach, we ate at Fa&Ne, run by an older couple. The prices felt local and the food tasted authentic and good.
A zone A single ticket currently costs €1.45. Child rules differ between FGV’s own tickets and integrated TAM tickets, so check the exact product before travelling. For FGV tickets, children under ten can travel free with a fare-paying adult, up to two children per adult. Carry proof of age and buy or validate the ticket according to the station equipment.
9. Decide whether Benidorm is really for you
You can reach famous Benidorm on tram L1. We drove there, looked around and left almost immediately. We did not like it. The high-rise skyline reminded me of Dubai and it felt too touristy even at the end of November. Some people will want to see it precisely for that atmosphere, but it would not be my priority.
10. Drive inland to Castalla
The inland villages have a completely different mood and restaurants felt cheaper. In Castalla, our three-course menu cost €12. We ate at Nou Trinquet and ordered gazpacho and paella, both prepared in a mountain style. We left a little wiser after discovering that gazpacho is not always made with tomatoes and paella is not always red.
Castalla was almost empty, to the point of feeling slightly spooky. The three-level Playmobil-themed playground was a hit. The castle was closed and the path looked poorly maintained during our visit, but we found several lovely viewpoints and a park below it.
11. See the colourful houses of Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is known for rows of colourful houses close to the sea. We parked near the beach, which was excellent and had several playgrounds. For a rather luxurious breakfast, I had eggs Benedict at El Palacete, a boutique hotel and café overlooking a small church square.
The funny detail was the sequence of escalators from the beach up to the main shopping street. I think we rode three of them. Children will enjoy the ride, and at the top there is another multi-level playground in a shaded park.
You do not need a car for Villajoyosa. Take TRAM L1 towards Benidorm and get off at La Vila Joiosa, then walk downhill to the sea. A shared BONO 10 can be used by validating one journey per paying passenger, but make sure you buy it for the correct zones. A city-only zone A pass is not enough for the entire trip.
Add the free Valor Chocolate Museum
Villajoyosa is also home to the Valor Chocolate Museum. The tour is free and includes a tasting. Book ahead because capacity is limited. Weekday visitors can reserve online or try the ticket machine at the entrance, while Saturday tickets are online only. It normally closes on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays. Select the tour language when booking and confirm the latest details on the Valor museum website.
12. Walk through the white streets of Altea
Altea absolutely deserves a place in a Costa Blanca itinerary. Its white houses, small streets and sea views feel very different from Alicante. Walk along Carrer Ponent, Carrer Agulló or Carrer Bonavista towards the viewpoints, then continue to the church square.
Carrer Sant Miquel is the more touristy shopping street. It led us to Nou Fornet Café, where we stopped for a snack and coffee before walking down to the beach. And yes, we found playgrounds there too.
13. See La Muralla Roja from outside
In Calpe, La Muralla Roja looks like a building from Squid Game. It is privately owned and contains holiday apartments. You can view it from public areas outside, but do not enter the private complex without a booking. Combine the stop with Playa de la Fossa rather than travelling only for a quick photograph.
14. Choose an indoor museum when you need shade
For optical illusions, mirrors and interactive photographs, try Museo de las Ilusiones opposite Canalejas Park at Avenida de Ramón y Cajal 8. It is an easy break from the beach or midday heat. In 2026, adult admission is listed at €15, with different child, student and family rates. Check the current opening hours and timed tickets.
If history interests you more, choose MARQ, Alicante’s archaeological museum. Its permanent exhibition moves from prehistory through Iberian and Roman history. With children, I would look for the underwater archaeology section and the reconstructed part of a Roman shipwreck. Check the official visit information and distinguish between permanent and temporary exhibition tickets.
Alicante with children
Alicante worked very well for us with children. Mushroom Street and the beach playgrounds are the obvious choices, but we also enjoyed El Mundo de los Niños near the port. It is a small amusement area with rides, cars, inflatables, boats and food stalls. You can walk through without buying a ride, and our children had a great time.
For a green break, visit El Palmeral on the southern edge of Alicante near Avenida de Elche. Do not confuse it with Parque Municipal in the city of Elche. Alicante’s El Palmeral has palms, paths, wooden bridges, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Best day trips from Alicante
Tabarca is the easiest island day. Boats from Alicante usually take about one hour, but departures vary with the season and weather. The island has a small fortified settlement, coves and clear water within a marine reserve. You can book a return ferry from Alicante to Tabarca. Check the return time before paying. Outside the main season, also look at departures from Santa Pola.
If you do not want to organise an inland route and several connections yourself, compare this day trip from Alicante to Guadalest, Altea and the Algar waterfalls. If you want a day at sea rather than simple ferry transport, another option is a six-hour catamaran cruise to Tabarca with lunch and swimming.
Alicante or Málaga: which did I prefer?
I visited Alicante at the end of November and Málaga in mid-March. I preferred the beach in Alicante because the sand was lighter. Málaga felt busier, more touristy and more expensive during our trip. Alicante is smaller and Málaga has more major cultural sights, but Alicante felt easier for a relaxed family break.
I would still recommend both. I would choose according to flight and accommodation prices, then decide whether your priority is Alicante’s easy city beach and coastal tram or Málaga’s larger historic and museum offer. If you choose Málaga and want a day trip into the mountains, read my Caminito del Rey guide with ticket and transport tips.
FAQ about visiting Alicante
Is Alicante worth visiting?
Yes. Alicante is a compact city and beach break with a castle, old town, good public transport and easy Costa Blanca day trips. I particularly recommend it outside high summer, when we enjoyed mild weather and fewer crowds.
How many days do you need in Alicante?
Two or three days are enough for the city, Santa Bárbara Castle, Postiguet and San Juan beaches. Stay five to seven days if you also want Tabarca, Villajoyosa, Altea, Elche or inland villages.
Do you need a car in Alicante?
No. The centre is walkable and the TRAM reaches San Juan Beach, Villajoyosa and Benidorm. A rental car is useful for inland villages or a flexible Costa Blanca road trip, but it is unnecessary for a city break.
How do you get from Alicante Airport to the city centre?
Take the direct C6 bus and allow roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and your stop. A single ticket costs €4.70 from 24 July 2026. Check live departures before a very early flight.
Is Alicante good for families with children?
It worked very well for us. We found playgrounds around the city and beaches, used the lift to Santa Bárbara Castle, visited Mushroom Street and managed part of our stay alone with two children and no car.
Which beach is better, Postiguet or San Juan?
Postiguet is best for convenience because you can walk there from central Alicante. San Juan is much longer and more spacious, and tram L4 makes it easy to reach. I would visit both if you have time.
Is Alicante or Málaga better?
Choose Alicante for a smaller, easier beach break and a better integrated city beach. Choose Málaga for a larger historic centre, more major museums and different Andalusian day trips. I enjoyed both, but preferred Alicante’s beach and quieter feel.
I started travelling after finishing secondary school in 2005. Since then, I have studied in New Zealand and lived in Malta, Madeira, Brittany and Porto. I speak English and French, some Portuguese and very basic Chinese. I travel with hand luggage only and used to stay through Couchsurfing; these days, I use HomeExchange. I travel with my two children. Professionally, I am an agile coach, and I also perform improvisational theatre. Read more about me and my work as a Czech travel influencer.