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If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you absolutely can’t miss spending at least 1 day in Alicante old town. This charming area, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, is a must-see. Alicante Old Town has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or love wandering through picturesque places. This guide will help you make the most out of your 1 day in Alicante Old Town.
Alicante offers a delightful blend of history, beauty, and vibrant energy. I’ve ensured this list includes some ‘simple pleasures’ and won’t have you run off your feet trying to fit everything in!
So, keep reading for the best things to do in Alicante and ensure you make the most out of your 1 day in the city.
Best Things to Do in Alicante Old Town
Alicante Old Town is the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz and is the oldest quarter of Alicante. Wondering through this area you’ll find historic buildings, colourful homes and brightly painted post plants.
Some of the places I’ve included in this list are slightly out of Alicante’s old town area, but as Alicante is a very walkable city, they kind of all blend into one.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
In my opinion, the biggest highlight of Alicante Old Town is the Castillo de Santa Barbara.
This medieval fortress is perched 166 meters above sea level on Mount Benacantil. The fortress offers you a dose of history and also some of the best views in the city.
Castillo de Santa Barbara is open 7 days a week from 10 am, and closing times vary depending on the time of you. You can either hike up if you’re feeling energetic or take the easy route via the elevator that starts across the road from Postiguet Beach. Plus, there’s the option to drive or jump on the shuttle bus. Check out their website for more details on transport.
Once you’ve made it to the top, you’ll need at least an hour to explore the castle’s various levels and corners. There are historical exhibits and plenty of spots to take in the stunning views of Alicante’s coastline. This is the perfect place to get some photos, learn a bit about the local history, and witness Alicante Old Town from above.
Postiguet Beach
After visiting Castillo de Santa Barbara, head down to Postiguet Beach and take some time to chill out by the sea. This beautiful stretch of Alicante’s coastline is the perfect place to enjoy the beach without having to travel far from Alicante’s Old Town. As the beach is right at the foot of the castle, it’s super convenient.
Yes, this is a city beach but Postiguet Beach is known for always being very clean. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for the day, and why not take a dip in the clear blue waters, rest your feet and grab a drink at one of the nearby beach bars?
Basilica Santa Maria
I stumbled upon Basilica Santa Maria while exploring Alicante and was blown away! Even from the outside, it’s gorgeous. So next on your 1 day in Alicante itinerary, I suggest visiting Basilica Santa Maria.
This beautiful church and the oldest active church in Alicante is a must-see for its rich history and impressive architecture. It was built on the site of a former mosque and boasts a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles that I’m sure you’ll find as impressive as I did.
For 6 euros (adult price), step inside to admire the intricate altarpiece and the calming atmosphere. Plus, with the basilica’s ornate sculptures and details, you don’t need to be religious to enjoy this location. It’s recommended you’ll need 40 minutes to see it all.
Basilica Santa Maria is open 7 days a week but has shorter opening hours on Sunday.
Alicante Town Hall
A visit to Alicante wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Alicante Town Hall. This striking baroque building, known locally as Ayuntamiento de Alicante and stands in the heart of the city.
The twin towers above and the green doors at the front will immediately catch your eye as you approach. Depending on how much time you have you may not need to go inside. Either way take a moment to admire the impressive details, from the grand entrance to the beautiful balconies.
But if you’d like to visit the inside of Alicente’s Town Hall you’ll find more than just administrative offices. The Town Hall houses some interesting historical artifacts, and various rooms filled with artwork and elaborate decorations that reflect Alicante’s history.
The opening times of Alicante Town Hall are;
October to June, Monday to Friday: from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm then Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays it’s closed.
From July to September, Monday to Friday: 9.00h to 13.00h and weekends and public holidays are closed.
Fuegos Del Sur Brasería
It certainly won’t be hard to find an excellent place for lunch while exploring Alicante. But I wanted to point out Fuegos Del Sur Brasería, this small restaurant is highly rated and although in a touristy area, still offers a decent price point.
But the main reason I wanted to mention this restaurant is actually because of where it is located. Along a quiet, narrow street lined with small balconies, at the end opens to a square surrounded by palm trees and stunning views of the back side of the Town Hall.
The address of the restaurant is; C/ de Sant Agustí, 1, 03002 Alacant, Alicante, Spain
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La Explanada de España
As you continue to stroll through Alicante Old Town, no visit to the city is complete without seeing La Explanada de España. This iconic promenade, with the ground’s distinctive wavy mosaic pattern made from over 6.5 million marble tiles, is one of the city’s most popular landmarks.
Lined with palm trees, it stretches alongside Alicante Harbor, on one side are stunning views of the sea and bustling city life on the other.
As you walk along the Explanada, you’ll find plenty of benches to sit and people-watch, market stalls selling all sorts of overpriced souvenirs and charming Spain cafés where you can stop and enjoy a well-deserved drink.
The Mushroom Street
One of the most well-known spots in Alicante city is The Mushroom Street, officially known as Calle San Francisco.
Whimsical is a way I’d describe Mushroom Street, this quirky and colourful street is a hit with both kids and adults. Lined with oversized, cartoon-like mushroom sculptures, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. The playful designs and vibrant colours create a fun and unique atmosphere that’s perfect for getting some fun travel photos.
As you walk down Mushroom Street, you’ll notice that it’s more than just a visual treat. The area is filled with charming shops, cafes, and lively tapas bars, making it a great place to take another break during your 1 day in Alicante.
So, whether you’re travelling with family or just looking to experience something different, The Mushroom Street is a delightful addition to your Alicante Old Town itinerary.
Food in Alicante
Of course, no trip to Alicante Old Town would be complete without savouring some of the tasty local delights. While food is always a highlight when visiting Spain, there are a few special mentions that you should try while in Alicante.
First up is Mejor Cinnamon Roll de Alicante, located on Mushroom Street. If you need a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls will hit the spot. Soft, gooey, and perfectly spiced, these cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food. They have Vegan options as well.
Also, I don’t think you can leave Alicante without eating authentic paella. I’ve heard Valencia is famous for this iconic Spanish dish, but while visiting Alicante I’m sure it’ll be just as mouth-watering. There are options for meat, vegetables and seafood, and remember the prices on the menu are ‘per-person’.
And lastly, you can’t visit Spain without indulging in (more sugar) the famous churros with chocolate. This popular Spanish dessert or breakfast option is perfect day or night. The churros were crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, and dipping them into a cup of rich hot chocolate takes them to another level.
So, make sure to bring your appetite when you visit Alicante Old Town because the food here is amazing!
Avenida De Maisonnave
To change the pace and step away from food & Spanish history, why not enjoy some retail therapy along Avenida De Maisonnave? This bustling avenue is one of Alicante’s main commercial shopping streets and is only a 15-minute walk from Alicante’s Old Town.
Here, you’ll find popular brands like Zara, Sephora, Mango, and Kiko Milano, among many others. Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or stock up on beauty essentials, Avenida De Maisonnave has something for everyone.
Highbar Rooftop Bar Alicante
By far the perfect way to finish in Alicante Old Town is by heading over to Highbar Rooftop Bar for a cocktail at sunset. This stylish rooftop bar offers not only amazing cocktails but also fun vibes and some of the best views in the city.
As the sun sets and the sky is covered in vibrant colours, imagine sipping on your favourite drink with panoramic views of the city below and the impressive silhouette of Castillo de Santa Barbara.
The Highbar had a relaxed, chic atmosphere, with friendly staff, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring Alicante. The bar is located on top of Hotel Odyssey Rooms.
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Suggestions on Where to Stay in Alicante
VillaVieja17 Studio-Apartments
In Conclusion
A day in Alicante Old Town will offer a mix of history, culture, relaxation, and the most delicious food. If 1 day is all you have to spend in Alicante, don’t worry, I promise there’s still so much you can enjoy. From exploring the heights of Castillo de Santa Barbara to unwinding at Postiguet Beach, marvelling at the architectural beauty of Basilica Santa Maria and Alicante Town Hall to strolling down Mushroom Street and La Explanada de España.
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit Alicente and offered plenty of ideas on how to spend 1 day in Alicante old town and the surrounding neighbourhoods. If you’re lucky enough to have longer in Alicante city, I believe 3 – 4 days would be the perfect amount of time to see it all, at a leisurely pace!
Alicante Old Town truly has something for everyone, making it a destination worth visiting and cherishing. So, are you ready to book your trip to this charming corner of Spain?
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
LOVE a rooftop bar after a day exploring👌🏼 great guide!
these photos are stunning! I’m definitely adding Alicante Old Town to my ever-growing list of places I must visit in Spain haha, thanks for this great post!!
I am not really a fan of mushrooms, but Mushroom Street really seems like a can’t miss destination!
The mushroom street sounds really fun. As does having paella in the old town. Beautiful photos of the town.