The Santa Barbara Castle is a 9th-century fortress on top of Mount Benacantil with breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle has three separate areas and a museum of the history of Alicante. You can explore the castle's ramps, towers and secret tunnels by foot, or ride a lift to the top for a nominal fee.
Explanada de España is one of the most famous streets in Alicante, lined with palm trees and tiled with a wave-like pattern in red, cream and black. You can relax on one of its many benches and enjoy the ocean views. From there, head to St.Nicholas Co-Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque church built on top of a mosque. It has a beautiful blue domed ceiling, intricate sculptures, and artwork depicting the St. Nicholas miracle.
Postiguet is the main city beach, located in the heart of Alicante. The golden sand beach has crystal clear waters and is surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants and bars. You can also walk on the seaside promenade to enjoy the sunsets. After you've worked up an appetite, head to Mercado Central, a traditional market where you can taste local products and traditional Spanish dishes like paella, olleta, and arroz a banda.
If you have a 4th day in Alicante, we recommend visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante (MACA) to see works of art by various Spanish artists, from the 20th century to the present day. If you only have 2 days in Alicante, consider combining the Day 1 and Day 3 itinerary. If you have kids, we highly recommend taking them to the Rio Safari Park 30 minutes from Alicante.