What to see in Alicante in one, two, or three days

Alicante allows you to combine city life, the beach, gastronomy, and culture without having to travel far. If you stay at L’Àtic Rooms, right next to the Central Market, you can start most of your sightseeing on foot and tailor your itinerary to the time you have available.

This itinerary avoids packing too many stops into each day. Check schedules and potential closures before setting out, especially for the castle, museums, and boats to Tabarca.

Book in Alicante city center
Vista de Alicante desde el castillo de Santa Bárbara

Alicante in 1 day

Tomorrow at the Central Market and the Old Town

Start at the Central Market. The hours published by Alicante Tourism are 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Then, head down toward the traditional city center and enter the Old Town to explore its streets and squares.

Midday at Santa Bárbara Castle

Head up to Santa Bárbara Castle on foot, by elevator, or via the available service. Admission to the site is free, although there may be a fee for the elevator and other services. The City Council publishes different schedules depending on the time of year and recommends checking accessible routes in advance.

An afternoon between Postiguet and the Explanada

Finish your visit at Postiguet Beach and continue along the Explanada de España and the port. It is a pleasant stretch for an end-of-day stroll before heading back to the city center.

Puerto deportivo de Alicante y castillo de Santa Bárbara

Alicante in 2 days

Stick to the first day's itinerary and dedicate the second day to getting to know the city better.

Cultural option

Choose one or two museums based on your interests. The MARQ offers an in-depth look at the province's archaeology. The MACA focuses on contemporary art and is located in the historic center. Check closing days, opening hours, and exhibitions before visiting.

Beach and neighborhoods option

If you prefer a day outdoors, combine a walk through the Santa Cruz neighborhood and Ereta Park with some time at Postiguet Beach. You can also take the tram to San Juan Beach and return to the city center in the late afternoon.

Calle del casco antiguo de Alicante

Alicante in 3 days

Round out your stay with a visit to the Carolinas Market or El Palmeral, an excursion to Tabarca Island, or a day at the beach, depending on the season and your preferences.

Excursion to Tabarca

If the weather is good, dedicate the third day to Tabarca. Alicante Tourism describes Tabarca as the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and places it approximately eleven nautical miles from Alicante. Boat departure times and frequencies vary depending on the season and sea conditions, so you should confirm them with the ferry operator before planning your day.

An alternative without leaving the city

If there is no boat service or you prefer to avoid the boat, use the third day to visit the MARQ, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, and head over to San Juan Beach. This alternative works best on days with wind, rain, or rough seas.