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Castillo de Santa Barbara sits atop Mount Benacantil, watching over Alicante and its harbor, as it has for centuries. The castle’s exact age is unknown, but some sources trace its origins back to the ninth century. It’s a great place to take in the layout of the city. While you can walk to the top, you might instead want to splurge and pay the 3 euros to ride the elevator. (Tip: If you are 65 or older, the ride is free.)
Lovely from any angle, Alicante is perhaps loveliest from above. Parks are sprinkled liberally about, and the broad Explanada de España runs along the exquisite harbor. Alicante is a city designed to be enjoyed.
Down at street level, Alicante is home to more than 600 restaurants. Eating is an important part of the experience of life in Spain, especially in Alicante.
Speaking of food, there are various tapas and wine tasting tours you can take. Or you can go on a paella and sangria workshop where you’re brought to the Central Market—the largest indoor market in Spain. There you pick up your ingredients before learning how to make these two Spanish staples.
Alicante is a city of and for boaters of all kinds, who can sail and cruise at any time of year. Even in winter, daytime highs are usually in the low 60s.
So, if you have a boat fetish, Alicante is made for you, as yachts, sailboats, and sea craft of all sorts moor in its harbor. If you aren’t ready to shell out for your own boat, you can charter one or take a day tour to nearby islands.
For the more adventurous, go parasailing, take surf lessons, or charter a boat to explore the nearby caves.
