Alicante, Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Blanca gem, is more than just beaches and paella. From secret viewpoints to underground tunnels, this guide reveals must-visit spots, hidden gems, and insider hacks to make your trip unforgettable.
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1. Climb to Santa Bárbara Castle – Best View & Secret Tunnel Access
One of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses, Castillo de Santa Bárbara, offers stunning 360° views of Alicante.
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🔹 Travel Hack: Most visitors take the elevator, but for a more authentic experience, hike up through La Ereta Park—you’ll be rewarded with secret miradors and fewer crowds.
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🛎️ Travel Hack: If you still prefer the elevator, use it for free between 7 PM and 11 PM!
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2. Stroll Along Explanada de España – More Than Just a Walk
Alicante’s most famous palm-lined promenade, paved with 6.5 million mosaic tiles, is an iconic Instagram spot.
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🔹 Interesting Fact: The Explanada is built over a secret underground WWII shelter, which you can visit at the Refugios de la Guerra Civil Museum nearby!
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3. Soak Up the Sun at Playa del Postiguet – But Find a Quieter Beach!
This golden-sand beach is steps from the city center, perfect for quick dips.
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🔹 Hidden Gem: For fewer crowds & turquoise waters, take Bus 22 to Playa de San Juan, Alicante’s real paradise beach!
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4. Discover Alicante’s Old Town (El Barrio) – Don’t Miss Calle San Rafael!
Whitewashed houses, flower-covered balconies, and hidden plazas make El Barrio one of the prettiest historic quarters in Spain.
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🔹 Hidden Gem: Calle San Rafael is a picture-perfect street filled with vibrant murals and colorful doorways—an Instagram dream!
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🛎️ Travel Hack: Most tourists visit in the evening, but for best photos & quiet moments, go before 10 AM.
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5. Try Traditional Alicante Food at Mercado Central – But Know What to Order!
This vibrant market is foodie heaven, selling fresh seafood, jamón ibérico, and local cheeses.
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🔹 Must-Try Local Delicacies:
✅ Dried Salted Fish (Mojama) – Alicante’s “Spanish prosciutto of the sea.”
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✅ Pericana – A smoky sauce made from dried peppers & cod.
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✅ Turrón de Jijona – Alicante’s famous soft nougat, perfect for gifts!
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6. Take a Day Trip to Tabarca Island – But Stay Overnight!
Spain’s only inhabited island is a protected marine reserve, perfect for snorkeling and seafood feasts.
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🔹 Travel Hack: Most visitors leave by 6 PM, but staying overnight lets you experience Tabarca without tourists—pure magic!
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7. Visit the MARQ Archaeological Museum – Alicante’s Secret Underground History
It’s one of Europe’s best archaeology museums, with immersive exhibits on Iberians, Romans, and medieval Moors.
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🔹 Hidden Gem: Buy a combo ticket to visit the Lucentum Roman Ruins—the original city of Alicante hidden in the modern suburbs!
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8. Enjoy the Views from Parque de la Ereta – Avoid the Crowds at Santa Bárbara!
It’s Alicante’s best sunset spot with panoramic city views, without the tourist rush at the castle.
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🔹 Travel Hack: Bring a bottle of local Alicante wine and have a sunset picnic!
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9. Tapas Night in Calle Castaños – Don’t Miss “Tardeo” on Saturdays!
This lively street is packed with tapas bars & cocktail spots.
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🔹 Travel Hack: Alicante has a unique “Tardeo” tradition—every Saturday afternoon, locals party before dinner, turning the area into a daytime fiesta!
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10. Explore the Basilica of Santa María – But See the Gargoyle!
Alicante’s oldest church, built on a former mosque, has a spectacular gold altar.
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🔹 Hidden Detail: Look for the scandalous gargoyle at the entrance—it’s mooning the city!
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11. Hike to the Mirador de la Serra Grossa – The Locals’ Secret Viewpoint
The best hidden viewpoint in Alicante, with panoramic sea views.
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🛎️ Travel Hack: Go for sunrise—you’ll have the whole place to yourself!
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12. Experience Hogueras de San Juan Festival – Alicante’s Answer to Las Fallas
If you visit in June, this wild fire festival features bonfires, fireworks, and giant sculptures burned at midnight.
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🔹 Hidden Gem: Visit the Hogueras Museum year-round to see past festival creations.
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13. Visit the Contemporary Art Museum (MACA) – Free Entry!
This modern art museum houses works from Dalí, Picasso, and Miró—and it’s completely free!
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14. Explore the Canelobre Caves – Alicante’s Underground Wonder
These impressive stalactite caves, 20 minutes from Alicante, are lit up like a cathedral.
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🛎️ Travel Hack: Book a guided tour at sunset—the lighting inside is magical!
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15. Drink Like a Local – Try Alicante’s Famous Fondillón Wine
Alicante is home to Fondillón, a rare aged wine that was served to European kings centuries ago!
🔹 Where to Try: Head to Bodegas Monóvar for a tasting experience.
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Final Travel Hacks to Make Your Alicante Trip Even Better:
✅ Use Public Transport: Buy a Móbilis Card for unlimited bus & tram rides.
✅ Avoid Crowds: Visit off-season (October – May) for better deals & fewer tourists.
✅ Try a Rooftop Bar: The Terraza Sotelo offers stunning city views with cocktails.
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- A Google Map with Alicante’s must-see places, top & local dining spots, best photo locations, and hidden gems available here📍✨
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