Attractions of Alicante

Alicante can rightfully 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 highlights: waterfalls, castles, museums, water parks, beaches, and restaurants serving national cuisine that attract tourists from all over the world. In this article, the Alicante.rent team has compiled a list of Alicante attractions that our apartment guests remember the most. We will tell you about them in more detail below.

Beaches and Recreation Areas

Why do people usually come to the sea? That’s right — for the beaches. In Alicante, the beaches are perhaps one of the main attractions that should be visited first. Here you will find warm sand, crystal-clear water, and complete relaxation. We recommend starting with the main city beach — Playa del Postiguet. It is located in the very center of the city. In 2025, it once again received the Blue Flag, which is awarded to places that meet high standards of water quality and safety. Here you can find zones for yoga, volleyball courts, and even mobile bars with freshly squeezed juices. The waves are usually small, so it is safe to swim with children. In the evening, the beach turns into a stage for street musicians playing traditional Spanish flamenco melodies.

Looking for calmer attractions 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 is plenty of space here, even during the high season. The water entry is gentle with soft white sand underfoot and no stones, so you won’t need special swimming shoes.

Playa de San Juan Beach

Attractions in Alicante are not only beaches, but also city parks with thousands of palm trees where you can escape the heat. The Parque El Palmeral deserves special attention. Created in the 19th century, it features ponds with ducks and small waterfalls, creating a feeling of wild nature in the middle of the city. Last year, new walking routes with information boards were opened here, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna. Another interesting place is Parque Lo Moro — its trails lead to rocky coves with crystal-clear water. At every turn, you are greeted by breathtaking panoramic views. Many unique plants grow here that are characteristic of this climatic zone only.

Park in Alicante

Waterfalls

You cannot visit Spain and miss the waterfalls of Alicante. About an hour and a half drive from the city is one of the most picturesque natural complexes in the region. Tourists can see cascading waterfalls with clean mountain water, swim in designated areas, and walk along ecological trails. Visiting the waterfalls is a great alternative to beach relaxation on a hot day. We recommend visiting the Algar Waterfalls and the water cascades on the Vinalopó River. You can find more information about them in a detailed article on our website.

Historical Attractions

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

It is also worth visiting San Fernando Castle. It was built in 1809–1812 as a defensive fortress against Napoleon’s troops. The location is in the city center, and its observation decks offer views of picturesque landscapes. You can take a walk here, enjoy the peace and quiet. Be sure to see Guadalest Fortress. According to historical records, it was built by the Moors in the 11th–12th centuries. Its tourist nickname is “Eagle’s Nest.” From its viewpoints, you can enjoy panoramic views of the emerald reservoir, the Orduña House (a 17th-century historic noble mansion), and the ruins. Tour guides also recommend visiting such Alicante castles as: Baños de la Encina (with a museum inside), Villena, and Sax (located on a narrow rock).

One of the striking examples of unique Baroque architecture that has survived to this day is the Alicante City Hall, located in an 18th-century palace. On the ground floor of the building, there is a reference point for the height of all geographical objects in Spain. Interestingly, the City Hall itself is located just over 3 meters above sea level.

When talking about attractions in Alicante and its surroundings, it is worth mentioning the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The building looks quite austere from the outside, but its interior hides real treasures. Among them is the oldest organ in the Valencian Community, created back in the 16th century.

The Basílica de Santa María is another religious building from the same period. The Gothic-style facade decoration immediately catches the eye. The portal with the image of the Blessed Virgin, created by sculptor Juan Bautista Borja, stands out particularly among the architectural details.

Castle in Alicante

Alicante has many museums that allow you to get acquainted with the history, art, and traditions of the region. From archaeological finds to works of contemporary art — here you can find a variety of exhibitions for every taste. One of the most popular is MACA. It is housed in a civic building erected in 1685. The museum presents a collection of 20th-century artworks, most of which were donated to the museum by the artist Eusebio Sempere. You can also find works by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, and other equally famous authors. Entry to the museum is completely free.

An interesting museum is located in the Palacio Gravina palace, near the City Hall. It houses a collection of local 19th-century artists. Admission is free.

Museum in Alicante

What to See in the Surroundings

Many historical, natural, and other interesting places are located in Alicante itself, and there are also many attractions nearby. For example, Tabarca Island. It is small and located about ten kilometers from the coast. This place has a rich history and is considered one of the best spots for snorkeling and diving.

A beautiful corner created by nature itself is the Canalobre Caves. They are located approximately 23 kilometers from the city center. Their highlight is that the main chamber reaches a height of 70 meters. The caves are open to visitors. Here you can see impressive caverns and dome-shaped vaults that were formed over millions of years by the action of water.