Top 5 things to do in Alicante

Alicante is a municipality in the Valencian Community in south-east Spain. It is a destination that is becoming increasingly popular. This coastal city is a victim of its own success. In 2023, the city saw an explosion in the number of tourists, with 58.7% more visitors than in 2022. And these figures are likely to rise even higher in the years to come. More and more young people are coming to Alicante to enjoy the sun, the Mediterranean Sea and to party. Yet few people know that Alicante is also one of Spain’s most historic cities. It has been the scene of tragic events such as the Los Almendros concentration camp set up by the Nationalists in the late 1930s under Franco’s leadership.

1- Escape on a catamaran

Category: €€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: On this excursion lasting around three hours, you’ll discover the Costa Blanca coastline. You’ll also see Alicante from another, equally surprising angle. On the catamaran, you can enjoy drinks and juices to refresh yourself. An alcoholic beverage is also available, and you can choose between wine, beer and ‘Tinto de verano’, a red wine-based cocktail that is very popular in Spain. Fresh fruit will be available for you to enjoy even more. You will sail to Cap de l’Horta and drop anchor to take advantage of the snorkelling equipment provided by your skipper to explore the seabed.

2- Discover three nuggets from the Valencian region

Category: €€ /Cultural

Description: Leave the hustle and bustle of Alicante for a day to discover three gems located in the Valencia region. To make the most of this day, you’ll leave Alicante early to head first for Benidorm, a town also renowned for its bustle in summer. After this short stop, you’ll head to Guadalest to visit the sumptuous medieval castle overlooking the town. Not only can you visit this 12th-century building, but you can also contemplate the view of the lake below and its turquoise waters. If you feel like it, you can also visit a museum in the town of Guadalest. Once you’ve made your way around the town, you’ll hop back on the bus and head for the coastal town of Altea, with its white houses reminiscent of Santorini in Greece. You will be given a two-hour free visit to Altea. Take the opportunity to grab a bite to eat here, as the tour isn’t over yet. To round off this excursion in the best possible way, you’ll visit the Fuentes del Algar, a magnificent nature reserve with large waterfalls. You’ll be able to swim there while enjoying the exceptional setting.

3- Discover the secrets of Alicante

Category: €€ /Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Accompanied by a local guide, you will visit Alicante and its highlights, starting with the central market. You will be kindly invited to sample some local specialities. Your tour continues to the imposing medieval castle of Santa Barbara, which offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Throughout the tour, your guide will tell you all about Alicante’s history, which spans several centuries. After these many discoveries, you’ll head off to a tapas bar run by your guide’s childhood friend. His bar is reputed to be one of the best tapas bars in the city. You’ll have the chance to try one of the award-winning tapas that are so popular with the locals, accompanied by a local drink.

4- Take to the skies by parasailing

Category: €€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: This is the perfect activity for getting away from it all, whether you’re with family or just friends. Groups of three can be formed for this activity. First, go to the reception area to pick up your lifejacket and board the boat that will take you out to sea. Once you’ve been briefed on how to take to the water, all you have to do is enjoy the scenery. You’ll discover Alicante in a totally unusual way. Admire the Santa Barbara castle that dominates the city and relax during this fifteen-minute flight.

5- Explore the caves of Canelobre

Category: €€€ / Unusual /Cultural

Description: On this excursion, you’ll travel around forty minutes from Alicante, more specifically to Busot, a small village with just 3,500 inhabitants. You’ll discover the Canelobre caves, located near the village. This is the largest cave in Spain. Admire the stalactites that have formed over the centuries. The visit also includes a ticket for the Busot Ethnic Museum. This contains a collection of musical instruments from 145 countries.