Attractions of Alicante

Without exaggeration, Alicante can be called one of the most picturesque cities in Spain located on the coast. People come here for the sun, the sea, and new experiences. And there is plenty to impress. In addition to the sea air, the region offers unique natural and historical attractions, such as waterfalls, castles, museums, water parks, beaches, and restaurants serving traditional cuisine, which attract tourists from all over the world. In this article, our team at Alicante.rent has compiled a list of the top attractions in Alicante that have been most memorable to our guests. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Beaches and recreation areas

Why do they usually go to the seaside? That’s right, behind the beaches. In Alicante, beaches are perhaps one of the main attractions that you should visit first. It has warm sand, crystal clear water and absolute relaxation. We recommend starting from the main city beach of Playa del Postiguet. It is located in the very center of the city. In 2025, he received another Blue Flag, which marks places that meet the requirements for water quality and safety. Here you can find yoga areas, volleyball courts, and even mobile bars with freshly squeezed juices. Usually there are small waves in these places, so you can safely swim with children. In the evening, the beach turns into a stage for street musicians who play traditional Spanish flamenco tunes.

Looking for quieter sights in Alicante? Then choose Playa de San Juan beach, which stretches for as much as seven kilometers along the coast, making it one of the longest in the entire province. There’s a lot of space here

Playa de San Juan Beach

The sights in Alicante are not only beaches, but also city parks with thousands of palm trees, where you can hide from the heat. The El Palmeral Park, which was created in the 19th century, is especially worth mentioning. It features ponds with ducks and waterfalls, creating a sense of wilderness in the middle of the city. Last year, new walking trails were opened with information boards that provide insights into the local flora and fauna. Another interesting place is the Lo Moro Park, where trails lead to rocky bays with crystal-clear water. Every turn reveals breathtaking panoramic views. The park is home to a variety of unique plants that are specific to this climate zone.

Alicante Park

Waterfalls

You can’t visit Spain without visiting the Alhama Waterfalls in Alicante. Located about an hour and a half drive from the city, the Alhama Waterfalls are one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the region. Tourists can explore the cascading waterfalls with their clear mountain water, swim in designated areas, and hike along the ecological trails. Visiting the waterfalls is a great alternative to spending a hot day on the beach. We recommend exploring the Alhama Waterfalls and the water cascades on the Vinalopo River. For more information, please refer to our detailed article on the subject.

Historical sights

History and architecture enthusiasts will surely be interested in such Alicante attractions as fortresses and castles. We have already talked about the Santa Barbara Castle in other materials, but this is far from the only historical highlight of these places.

It is also worth visiting the San Fernando Castle. It was built in 1809-1812 as a defensive fortress against Napoleon’s troops. The location is located in the center of the city, and its observation decks offer views of picturesque landscapes. Here you can walk, enjoy the peace and quiet. Be sure to see the Guadaleste fortress. According to historical information, it was built by the Moors in the 11-12th centuries. The tourist name is “the eagle’s nest.” From its observation decks, you can enjoy panoramic views of the emerald reservoir, the Orduña house (a historic 17th-century noble house), and the ruins. Tour guides recommend visiting the following castles in Alicante: Baños de la Encina (with a museum inside), Villena, and Sax (located on a narrow cliff).

One of the most striking examples of unique Baroque architecture that has survived to this day is the City Hall of Alicante, which is located in an 18th-century palace. The first level of the building serves as a reference point for the altitude of all geographical features in Spain. Interestingly, the City Hall itself is only slightly more than 3 meters above sea level.

When it comes to the sights of Alicante and its surroundings, it is worth mentioning the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. Although the exterior of the building may appear austere, its interior is a treasure trove of beauty. Among them is the oldest organ in the Valencian Community, dating back to the 16th century.

The Basilica of Santa Maria is another religious building from the same period. The Gothic-style facade is particularly striking. The portal featuring the image of the Virgin Mary, created by the sculptor Juan Bautista Borja, stands out among the architectural details.

Alicante Castle

There are many museums in Alicante that allow you to get acquainted with the history, art and traditions of the region. From archaeological finds to works of modern art, you can find a variety of exhibitions for every taste. One of the most popular among them is MACA. It is located in a civil building erected in 1685. This museum features a collection of 20th century works of art, most of which were donated to the museum by the artist Eusebio Sempere. You can also find works by Picasso, Dali, Miro and other equally famous authors here. You can visit the museum for free.

The interesting museum is located in the Palacio Gravina, near the City Hall. It features a collection of local artists from the 19th century. There is no entrance fee.

Alicante Museum

What to see in the surroundings

There are many historical, natural, and other attractions in Alicante itself, as well as many attractions nearby. For example, Tabaca Island. It is a small island located about ten kilometers from the coast. It has a rich history and is considered one of the best places for snorkeling and diving.

Another interesting natural attraction is the Canelobre Caves. They are located approximately 23 kilometers from the city center. The main chamber of the caves is 70 meters high. The caves are open to the public. There are impressive caverns and domed ceilings that have been formed over millions of years by water.