Alicante is an ideal destination for a day or two, thanks to its warm climate, lively city vibe, delicious food, and rich history. Getting there is straightforward with multiple train and plane connections via the AVE station and Alicante-Elche Airport. It is a city that won’t drain the wallet, easy to explore on foot, and the old town invites wandering without long stretches between sights.
While Alicante is known for its beaches, sunshine, and festivals, there is plenty to see and do in the city. Here is a practical guide for what to do in Alicante in a day:
1.- Old Town, Alicante Town Hall and “Cara del Moro”
A stroll through the center invites a dive into Alicante’s layered history. The old town is a window into the city’s past and makes for a meaningful inclusion on any list of what to do in Alicante in a day.
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The day can begin at Saint Nicholas Co-Cathedral. Begun in 1600, this Renaissance church sits in the city center. Its Latin cross plan features a portico with two Baroque doors dating from the 15th century, a striking altar, and the 45-meter blue dome. Beneath the dome lies the Chapel of the Communion, a standout example of Spanish Baroque.
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Nearby, the Saint Nicholas Monastery can be reached from Calle Labradores. Inside, visitors can enjoy a serene courtyard and the quiet contrast to the nearby bars and nightlife.
From there, the route continues to the main street and Holy Face Square, tucked behind the Town Hall. Crossing a gate brings you to Alicante Town Hall Square, a grand 18th-century Baroque building erected on the site of the former Casa de la Ciudad by architect Lorenzo Chápuli. Its façade features decorative elements, including Solomon’s columns, and its twin towers frame the square.
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Continuing along Calle Jorge Juan, one climbs to Plaza de Santa María, home to the Basilica of Santa María. This church dates back to the 14th century and sits on the ruins of Alicante’s main Islamic mosque. It has a single nave, no transept, and side chapels between buttresses, a reminder of the city’s layered history.
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The Basilica’s facade, rebuilt after a historic fire, is crowned with Baroque drama and two asymmetric towers, completed in the 14th and 18th centuries. The striking sculpture of the Virgin by Juan Bautista Borja enhances the overall grandeur.
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Close to the Basilica, a tiny street called Calle Luzán offers a perfect vantage point for the silhouette of Santa Bárbara Castle and the famed face of the Moor carved on Mount Benacantil.
2.- Santa Cruz neighborhood
The next stop on a day trip to Alicante is the Santa Cruz neighborhood, one of the city’s most charming areas. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Benacantil and at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, it offers stunning vistas and intriguing streets.
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This is among the oldest parts of the city, originally known as Al-Laqant. Exploring Santa Cruz on the way up promises rewarding views at the top, including the Ermita de Santa Cruz.
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A compact temple built on ancient walls, dating to the 18th century, presents a simple, unassuming silhouette that blends with the surrounding streets.
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May brings the May Crosses festival, when neighborhoods glow with flower crosses. It’s a celebration that fills the streets with color and life.
3.- Alicante Central Market
The Central Market remains a must-see for its abundance of fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, and sweets. Open since 1922, the modernist Valencian building stands as a living testament to local life, even amid the memory of bombing raids in 1938 during the Civil War.
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A lingering reminder from that era can still be seen inside the market, such as a clock that stopped at 11:19 and an anti-aircraft alarm that remains silent.
4.- Fictions adorning the city of Alicante
From the Central Market, descend the Rambla toward the Portal de Elche to see some time-worn tales across Plaza Gabriel Miró and Paseo de Canalejas. These features add character to a day in Alicante.
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The Elche Portal sits along the old city wall from the 19th century. In the past it was known as Plaza de las Horcas, a place tied to justice. Today it is a charming square with a few enduring stories and a central mansion that mirrors the architectural style found in other corners when the square opens.
5.- Esplanade and Postiguet Beach promenade
The day ends in one of Alicante’s most iconic spots: the Esplanade. A stroll along the port side reveals rows of palm trees and a mosaic floor of 6,600,000 colors representing waves. The design mirrors the sea and adds a vibrant finish to the walk.
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The Esplanade doubles as a cultural venue where concerts often take place in the Concha. Along the way, stalls offer local crafts, beads, T-shirts, and traditional finds for those collecting keepsakes. It’s a must-see for anyone spending a day in Alicante.
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The final note on a day in Alicante points to the sea. The city, like the entire province, offers many beaches, and many of them hold blue flags this year for safety and cleanliness. If a single day is all you have, a visit to Postiguet Beach should double as a concluding memory—sun, sea, and the distant silhouette of Santa Bárbara Castle rising from the water.
For what to do in Alicante in a day, a stroll along Postiguet Beach is essential. There, visitors can walk the shore, soak up the sun, and admire the castle from the sea.
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