Alicante
Plan Alicante with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step out of your hotel in Alicante in the early morning and the Explanada de Espana is just waking up. The wavy red, black and cream mosaic of the promenade stretches beneath rows of tall palms, sailing boats rock in the marina, and above the city the walls of Santa Barbara Castle glow honey-gold on the rocky summit of Mount Benacantil. A café owner wipes down tables, the sea is calm and blue, and the smell of fresh bread and coffee drifts through the old quarter.
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Alicante Day Tours
View all Alicante Attraction Tickets
View allAlicante at first sight
Alicante has been a port for more than two thousand years, settled by Iberians, Romans and Moors, who left the name Al-Laqant and their mark on its castle and lanes. Today it is the lively capital of the Costa Blanca, with golden beaches right in the city, a whitewashed old quarter climbing the hillside, a warm Mediterranean climate almost all year, and mountain villages, waterfalls and islands within easy reach.
Why include Alicante in your itinerary?
- A beach city with a castle. Few places combine a sandy beach in the heart of town, a palm-lined seafront promenade and a medieval fortress on a cliff above it all. Santa Barbara Castle offers some of the finest views on the Spanish Mediterranean.
- Sunshine nearly all year. Alicante enjoys mild winters and long, bright summers, making it a pleasant escape in any season, whether for the beaches of Postiguet and San Juan or for walks through the old quarter and the hills inland.
- The best of the Costa Blanca on your doorstep. From Alicante you can sail to the tiny island of Tabarca, explore the mountain village of Guadalest, wander the white streets of Altea and swim beneath the Algar waterfalls, all in easy day trips.
Signature experiences in Alicante
Santa Barbara Castle and the Old Quarter
Ride the lift carved inside Mount Benacantil from Postiguet beach up to Santa Barbara Castle, then wander its ramparts, cisterns and courtyards with sweeping views of the coast. Walk down through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, with its flower-filled balconies and steep steps, past the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas. Our local guides share the city's Iberian, Roman and Moorish story along the way.
A Boat Trip to Tabarca Island
About an hour by boat from Alicante harbour, Tabarca is the only inhabited island of the Valencian Community, a tiny walled village surrounded by a protected marine reserve. Walk its old gates and church, swim in clear turquoise water and enjoy a seafood rice dish by the shore before the return trip. We arrange round-trip boat tickets, ideal for a relaxed day at sea from spring to autumn.
Guadalest, Altea and the Algar Waterfalls
Inland, the village of Guadalest perches on a rocky crag with a castle, a bell tower and a turquoise reservoir far below. On the coast, Altea charms with whitewashed lanes and a blue-domed church, while the Algar waterfalls tumble into cool natural pools among orange and loquat groves. Our guided day tours combine all three with comfortable transport and time to swim and explore.
Parasailing and the Bay from the Sea
For a different view of the city, take off from a speedboat and float high above the bay on a parasailing flight, looking down on the castle, the marina and the long sweep of beaches. The boat trip itself is a pleasure, with the Mediterranean breeze and the skyline behind you. Our team arranges flights with experienced, licensed operators, suitable for beginners and families with older children.
Flamenco and Spanish Traditions
In the evening, feel the passion of a traditional flamenco show, with soulful singing, guitar and the rhythmic footwork of the dancers in an intimate setting. By day, the historic bullring near the city centre houses a museum of costumes, posters and traditions that explains this controversial part of Spanish culture. We arrange tickets for both, letting you discover Spanish heritage at your own pace.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Alicante
The Explanada and the Port
The seafront around the Explanada de Espana and the marina is the most iconic part of the city, with palm-lined promenades, cafés with terraces and Postiguet beach a few steps away. Hotels here offer sea views and easy walks to everything. It is lively and safe day and night, and the evening stroll along the waterfront is a local tradition.
El Barrio and the Old Quarter
Climbing the slopes beneath the castle, the old quarter is a maze of narrow streets, colourful houses, churches and small squares. The Santa Cruz neighbourhood is especially picturesque with its flowerpots and steps. It suits travellers who love atmosphere and history; streets can be busy in the evenings at weekends, so quieter side lanes are best for sleeping.
The City Centre and Mercado Central
The modern centre around the Rambla, Avenida Maisonnave and the Central Market is the shopping heart of Alicante, with department stores, boutiques and local restaurants. The market itself is a feast of fruit, fish and spices beneath a modernist hall. Hotels here are practical and well connected, close to the train station, trams and buses.
Playa de San Juan
North of the city, Playa de San Juan is a long, wide sandy beach backed by apartments, hotels and a seafront promenade. It is perfect for families and beach lovers who want space and calm water. The tram connects it with the centre in about twenty minutes, and the coastal hills of Cabo de la Huerta offer rocky coves for swimming and snorkelling.
How long to stay in Alicante and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend three to four nights in Alicante. One day for Santa Barbara Castle, the old quarter and the Explanada, one for a boat trip to Tabarca, and one for Guadalest, Altea and the Algar waterfalls. A fourth day allows time on the beach, a parasailing flight or an evening flamenco show.
How to pair it
Alicante pairs naturally with Valencia, about two hours away by train, for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and historic centre. The palm grove of Elche, a world heritage site, lies about half an hour away. Madrid is reached in around two and a half hours by high-speed train, and a longer journey can continue south to Murcia and on to Granada.
Best time to visit Alicante and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Alicante is from April to June and from September to October, when days are warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant and the city is less crowded. July and August are hot and busy, ideal for beach holidays. Winters are mild and bright, perfect for sightseeing, and June brings the famous Bonfires of Saint John festival.
The daily rhythm
Alicante follows a relaxed Spanish rhythm. Mornings are for the castle, the market or the beach. Lunch is the main meal, served from about two o'clock, followed by a quiet afternoon when some shops close. Life returns in the evening along the Explanada, and dinner is late, often after nine, especially in summer.
On-the-ground logistics in Alicante
Arrival
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) lies south-west of the city, usually about twenty to twenty-five minutes by road from the centre. Murcia International Airport (RMU) is about an hour away. High-speed trains from Madrid arrive at Alicante station in the city centre. We arrange private transfers from the airport or the station that meet you on arrival and take you directly to your hotel.
Getting around
Central Alicante is compact and easy to explore on foot, from the Explanada to the old quarter and the market. A modern tram network links the centre with Playa de San Juan and continues along the coast towards Benidorm and Denia. Buses and taxis are reliable. For the mountain villages and waterfalls inland, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the easiest option.
Local etiquette tip
People in Alicante are friendly and relaxed. Greet with buenos dias or a simple hola when entering shops. Cover up with a shirt and shorts away from the beach, and dress modestly in churches, with shoulders covered. Meal times are late, so plan around them. Speak calmly, respect quiet hours in residential streets and always ask before photographing people.
Must-do things in Alicante
- Ride the lift up to Santa Barbara Castle for views of the coast
- Stroll the wavy mosaic promenade of the Explanada de Espana
- Wander the flower-filled lanes of the Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Swim at Postiguet beach in the heart of the city
- Take a boat to the walled island village of Tabarca
- Visit the clifftop village and castle of Guadalest
- Swim in the natural pools beneath the Algar waterfalls
- Explore the whitewashed old town of Altea
- Browse the fruit, fish and spice stalls of the Central Market
- Watch an evening flamenco show in the city
Do’s and don’ts in Alicante
Do
- Do wear sun protection, even in spring and autumn
- Do try a traditional seafood rice dish by the sea
- Do book Tabarca boats and day trips early in summer
- Do adapt to late Spanish lunch and dinner times
- Do carry a light layer for cool winter evenings
Don’t
- Don't walk around town in swimwear away from the beach
- Don't leave bags unattended on the beach or at café terraces
- Don't try to fit Tabarca and the Algar waterfalls into one day
- Don't expect shops to stay open in the early afternoon
- Don't photograph people without asking first
Alicante at a glance
Plan Alicante with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Alicante.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Alicante?
First-time visitors usually stay near the Explanada and the port, close to Postiguet beach, the old quarter and the castle lift. The city centre around the Central Market is practical and well connected, while Playa de San Juan suits families wanting a long beach. Our team can suggest a hotel and arrange your private airport transfer.
Can Alicante be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
The castle, the old quarter and the Explanada can be seen in a day, but Alicante is best enjoyed with at least three nights, adding Tabarca, the mountain villages and the waterfalls, plus time on the beach. We arrange airport and station transfers, boat tickets and guided day tours to fit your schedule.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Alicante?
Alicante is casual, with light summer clothes the norm. Swimwear belongs on the beach, so cover up when walking through town, and wear clothes covering the shoulders in churches. Greet people in shops, adapt to late meal times and ask before photographing anyone. Our guides explain local customs along the way.
Is Alicante tourist friendly, and is halal food available?
Yes. Alicante welcomes visitors from all over the world, and English is widely spoken in hotels and the centre. Halal food is reasonably easy to find, thanks to Moroccan and Middle Eastern restaurants, kebab shops and halal butchers in the city. Fish and seafood rice dishes are everywhere, and our team can point you to good choices.
Is it safe to travel to Alicante now?
Alicante is generally considered a safe city for visitors, with a relaxed atmosphere along the seafront and in the centre. As in any busy resort, watch out for pickpockets in crowded places and on the beach. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Alicante?
The must-do things in Alicante include Santa Barbara Castle, the Explanada de Espana, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, Postiguet beach, the Central Market, a boat to Tabarca, day trips to Guadalest, Altea and the Algar waterfalls, and an evening flamenco show. Our tours combine these in the best order and timing.
How many days do you need in Alicante?
Three to four days is ideal for Alicante: one for the castle, the old quarter and the seafront, one for Tabarca, one for Guadalest, Altea and the Algar waterfalls, and a fourth for the beach or a parasailing flight. Two days covers the city highlights at a quicker pace.
What can I book in Alicante with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours and attraction tickets, including Alicante Parasailing Flight and Boat Trip, Tabarca Island Round-Trip Boat from Alicante and Guadalest, Altea and Algar Waterfalls Day Trip from Alicante. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Alicante?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Alicante?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Alicante?
Among them: Alicante Parasailing Flight and Boat Trip, Tabarca Island Round-Trip Boat from Alicante and Guadalest, Altea and Algar Waterfalls Day Trip from Alicante. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Alicante?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.