Alicante is a lively and picturesque port city situated on the Costa Blanca of Spain. Its stunning sandy beaches, charming Old Town, and the magnificent Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city make it a must-visit destination. It’s a great city to discover on foot, where you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of the city center, breathe in the fresh sea air, and take a stroll along the beautiful promenade.
This one-day itinerary will allow you to explore Alicante’s top attractions with a self-guided walking tour. You can visit the iconic Santa Barbara Castle, explore the historical buildings in the Old Town, and end the day with a relaxing stroll on the beach.
Santa Barbara Castle
To begin your day in Alicante, a visit to the Santa Barbara Castle is a must. The fortress is an unmistakable feature of the city’s skyline, perched on top of Mount Benacantil. It’s an iconic landmark that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and history, dating back to the 9th century when the Moors built it as a defense against attacks.
Over the years, the castle has undergone various modifications and expansions under different rulers, including the Arabs and Christians. The castle you see today is primarily from the 16th century.
You can reach the castle either by taking the elevator from Playa del Postiguet or hiking up the footpath. While the Spanish sun can be challenging, the hike up is worth the effort. Once inside, explore the castle’s towers, ramparts, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Alicante, and the Serra Grossa mountains.
Opening hours: The castle is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
El Barrio
After visiting Santa Barbara Castle, make your way down to El Barrio, the charming and picturesque Old Town of Alicante. Here, you can stroll along narrow, winding streets and admire colourful buildings and pretty plazas. El Barrio is home to many of the city’s most important historical landmarks, including the Central Market, Concatedral de San Nicolás, Santa Maria Basilica, and the City Hall. You’ll have the chance to explore all of these sights on your self-guided walking tour of Alicante. The Old Town is also a great place to stop for a meal, coffee, or to browse local shops and boutiques.
Central Market of Alicante
Begin your tour of Alicante’s Old Town with a visit to the Central Market, a massive indoor market filled with a diverse range of locally-sourced products. The market is housed in a stunning Art Nouveau structure adorned with striking tilework and stained glass windows. After your climb up to Santa Barbara Castle, take a break here and enjoy a cup of coffee or a quick snack.
Operating hours are from 7am to 2:30pm on weekdays, 7am to 3pm on Saturdays, and the market is closed on Sundays.
San Nicolás Cathedral
After exploring the Central Market, wander through the charming streets of El Barrio to reach the Concatedral de San Nicolás. Though the Cathedral’s exterior may appear a bit austere, its interior is stunning, showcasing intricate stone carvings and colorful stained glass windows. Don’t miss the chance to enter the chapel and witness its beauty firsthand.
Initially, the Cathedral was constructed in the 14th century as a small church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers. It underwent various renovations and expansions over the years, with the addition of the Baroque facade in the 19th century being the most significant change.
Opening hours: 8:30am to 1pm and 6pm to 8:30pm
Santa Maria Basilica
Up next is the Santa Maria Basilica. As the oldest active church in Alicante, the basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. It was built between the 14th and 16th centuries and is a great example of Valencian Gothic architecture, with its grand stone arches and intricate carvings.
You can go inside the basilica to admire its high ceilings, stained-glass windows and ornate decor. The main altar is particularly beautiful, adorned with opulent gold detailing and framed with white columns.
Opening hours: 10am to 1pm and 6:30pm to 8pm
The City Hall
The final destination in your Old Town exploration is the City Hall, located in an exquisite 18th-century building. It boasts a magnificent central dome and clock tower, and the facade is embellished with elaborate sculptures. The entrance to the City Hall is situated on the Plaza de Ayuntamiento, a typical Spanish courtyard with covered walkways where you can find people enjoying a cup of coffee under parasols.
Opening hours: 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday; 9am to 2pm Friday; closed on weekends.
The Explanada De España
You’ll now leave the Old Town behind as you head towards the seafront. Take a stroll down the Explanada de España, a lively promenade paved with colourful mosaic tiles and lined with palm trees.
The Explanada is a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. There are plenty of cafés, bars and dessert places with outdoor seating here, so why not relax with an ice cream, coffee or glass of wine?
The Explanada De España
Next on the itinerary is the seafront, where you’ll leave the Old Town behind and take a leisurely stroll down the Explanada de España. The promenade is lively, adorned with palm trees and colourful mosaic tiles.
The Explanada is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. There are many outdoor cafes, bars, and dessert places along the way, so why not take a break with a coffee, ice cream, or glass of wine?
Playa Del Postiguet
A short walk from the Explanada lies the sandy Playa del Postiguet, where the walking tour concludes. With its clear waters, fine golden sand, and stunning view of Santa Barbara Castle, it’s the ideal place to unwind after exploring the city.
Behind the beach, there is a palm-tree fringed promenade with plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants. I suggest visiting Gomiz, a laid-back beach bar that offers delicious sangria, cocktails, and snacks. Or, if you’re still feeling adventurous, there are plenty of watersports available during the summer, such as parasailing and guided kayaking tours.