Great Things to Do in Alicante
Sand, boats and castles dominate this diverse terrain in Spain
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The province of Alicante is packed full with some of Spain’s best seaside resorts, with Benidorm, Torrevieja and its namesake capital among the buzzing towns. Replete with seafood restaurants and lively bars, the region is a popular draw for Brits and other Northern Europeans escaping their grey abyss for something a little bluer and warmer. And that’s not to mention the beaches that straddle these towns, their white, sandy strands becoming magnets for lobster-like lovers of the Costa Blanca. And all the while, our impressive homes sit quietly, watching, waiting and revelling in their own beauty. They afford views from clifftop settings, and slide into the most charming of villages, calling out to you to choose them for your stay. But top quality homes isn't the only string to our bow here at Plum Guide, because we also love doing the hard work in finding the best things to do on your holidays, so you don't have to. Here, we’ll take a look at things to do in Alicante, from beaches and aquariums to castles and parks.
Visit the historic castles
View of a castle from the harbour in Alicante, Spain
These places were built for royalty, so they’re just about at your level. You’ll fit in well, as you discover the elegant chambers and corridors of the 16th-century hilltop Castillo de Santa Barbara, which affords unobstructed vistas of Alicante city. The Castle in Guadalest is more remote, and seems to balance precariously at the top of a rocky pillar. Last but not least, take a trip to the Denia Castle and Archaeological Museum for more brilliant views.
Moscatel and Sunshine, Plum Guide home in Alicante, Spain
Explore the natural parks
We suppose that most parks are natural, but the ones in Alicante make a point of stating that in their names. Get your hiking boots on and take on the picturesque trails of the Parque Natural de Penyal D'Ifach (just don’t try to pronounce it). You’ll pass through caves and tunnels in the rock face overlooking the bay of Calpe. Meanwhile, the summit of the Parque Natural del Montgó in Denia will take about two hours to reach from the Jesus Pobre entrance.
Singularity, Plum Guide home in Alicante, Spain
Relax on the beaches
Try not to burn; everybody’s free to wear sunscreen, as Baz Luhrmann wrote via Mary Schmich. Remember that? Cue some nostalgic Googling. Where were we? Ah yes, stroll along the wooden promenade beside the bars and market of La Mata Beach in Torrevieja. Playa la Granadella is a gorgeous pebble beach in view of rugged mossy cliffs. Other top sandy stretches include Playa del Arenal, Playa de Levante, and Guardamar Moncayo Beach.
Blue Eternity, Plum Guide home in Alicante, Spain
Take a trip to Benidorm and see the old town
Church tower in Benidorm, Spain
In the UK, Benidorm is now synonymous with a broad comedy TV show, as well as being known for its intense nightlife. But dig a little deeper by day, and you’ll come across one of the most enriching things to do in Alicante. As you explore what is known as the Casco Antiguo de Benidorm - which stands on the setting of the old Benidorm Castle - you’ll find crumbling plazas and the blue-domed church that rises above the skyline.
Rosemary Rocks, Plum Guide home in Alicante, Spain
Treat yourself to some tapas
What we didn’t mention about Benidorm's old town is that it is one of the best places you can go for tapas. But here, you’re supposed to call it by its Basque name, pintxos (strange, because we're far from Basque Country). Try the seafood and bits and bobs on offer at the Pintxos Aurrera and delve through the Zona Pintxos. As for fine dining in the province of Alicante, enjoy the upscale setting of El Xato in La Nucia, and tuck into the steak at the Templo Restaurante in the centre of the city of Alicante. Other top eateries in the region include La Finca, Aticcook Bruno Ruiz and Beat.
Allow for some family fun
So, you’ve dragged your kids to exclusive restaurants, crumbling old town ruins and mountainous hikes. It’s their time now, and there are all sorts of things to do in Alicante for families and kids. Watch the dolphin show with them at the Mundomar complex, which also has parrots and sea lions. Take the kids on the rides of their lives in the Terra Mitica, with its gravity-defying roller coasters, and visit the Terra Natura and Aqua Natura wildlife parks to see the animals. Browse all of our family friendly rentals in Alicante. Explore all of our homes in Alicante.
