Itinerary: 3 Days in Alicante, Spain

If you’re jet-setting off for a sun-fuelled getaway in Alicante, look no further! With three days of pure, bliss-inducing pursuits lined up, this is the ultimate Alicante travel guide.

Straddling Spain’s southeast coastline, Alicante is etched with an enticing history, a delectable dining scene, ancient architecture, and a panoply of the most postcard-worthy beaches on the Mediterranean. Appease your curiosity as you marvel at the magnitude of coves, bays and hidden gems tucked away in this Costa Blanca hotspot. There’s plenty to add to your bucket list, so let’s dive into this 3 day Alicante Itinerary!  

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Alicante Itinerary: Day 1

We’re kicking off day one in Alicante with a mix of old and new. Seize the day roaming the teeming Old Town before enjoying the more local side in many marketplaces. Wind up your day soaking up all the serene sights from the top of the Serra Grossa mountain.

Morning: Old Town

The most authentic way to experience Alicante’s delightful depths is to walk it.

Discover Alicante's Old Town's ancient back streets, quaint homes, and winding alleyways.

Stumble across some of the city’s best-kept secrets, and indulge yourself in a local café.

Afternoon: Markets

With the wealth of villages hosting daily and weekly markets, you can guarantee you’ll find something unique - from fresh, locally-sourced produce to leather bags and hand-made jewellery.

Get an authentic taste of local life and pick the Mercado Central de Alicante, El Verger Antique Market, Torrevieja Market, Jalon Market, or the Benidorm Market.

Evening: Serra Grossa

The soaring Serra Grossa mountain is one of the best things to do in Alicante, especially at this time of day.

Aside from the array of awe-worthy vistas attuned to both sunset lovers and avid exercisers, the Serra Grossa also plays a significant role in the city’s history.

These sweeping vistas will not disappoint!

Alicante Itinerary: Day 2

After a relatively tranquil start to your weekend break, this Alicante itinerary takes up a notch. Splish and splash with a trip to the beach, overlooking views of the city’s most famous landmark, Mount Benacantil. Then, you’ll catch up on all the history and sweeping views at the Santa Barbara Castle before ending your day with a stroll down the Explanada de España. Finally, relish your taste buds with an authentic, tapas-fuelled night out on the town.

Morning: Postiguet Beach

If you’re wondering how to spend 3 days in Alicante, then at least one of them should include a day at the beach.

Coined as the hub of the Costa Blanca, you can bet your bottom dollar these blue water beaches will live up to all the hype.

Relax in Postiguet Beach, soaking up all the sights of Mount Benacantil in the distance.  

Afternoon: Santa Barbara Castle

Perched atop a mountain, the panoramic views from the peak of Santa Barbara Castle are as you could imagine: downright impressive. Sitting amidst a dynamic ensemble of medieval and modern buildings, this romantic spot in Alicante proffers unmatched perspectives.

Exercise enthusiasts can hike up to the top of the hill, whereas aversive hikers can ditch the hard part and drive straight up to the entrance of the Santa Barbara Castle.

Evening: Explanada de España and Tapas

Constructed with more than 6.5 million blue, white, and red marble tiles, Alicante’s Explanada de Espana adds a dash of colour to this vibrant, palm-fringed city. The main boulevard offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a casual stroll.

After exploring the slopes on foot, reward yourself at a local tapas bar with a bubbly cava or vermut rojo. For the perfect pair, order some olives and pan con tomate. In true Spanish style!

Alicante Itinerary: Day 3

Your final stretch of this Alicante travel guide includes the best of the best. Begin your morning entrenched in the city’s rich culture and history at one of the many museums. Then, head off to a heavenly beach for an afternoon you won’t forget before setting sail on a 2-hour catamaran cruise for sunset. It might even leave you thinking that 3 days in Alicante simply isn’t enough…

Morning: Museums

Get lost in the plethora of museums on offer in Alicante. Discover the city’s unique collection of artefacts, ceramics, fine arts, and archaeological finds. If you’re a fan of history, art and culture, then this is one of the things you can’t miss in Alicante.

Choose between the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante or the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG.

Afternoon: Moraira Beach

Situated just one 1-hour from Alicante, El Portet in Moraira is nestled in a rocky cove with whitewashed houses. Highlighting all the paradisal charm of the Costa Blanca’s crystal clear waters, this beach makes for a great spot to swim, snorkel, or doggy paddle your life away. If you cannot venture outside the city, head to one of these top-rated beaches in Alicante: Playa de la Almadraba, San Juan de Alicante or La Albufereta.

Evening: Sunset Cruise

Finalise your getaway in Alicante on the water! Embark on a two-hour sunset catamaran cruise, sailing this sublime coastline.

You’ll get to take a quick dip and snorkel before dining and drinking as you soak up all the ambience.

What better way to end your trip?!

Best Time to Travel to Alicante

June through to September marks the peak seasons, with majorly hot and dry weather.

If you’re a beach fanatic but still want more space, aim for either May or September.

If you’re looking to ditch the hordes of tourists altogether, I’d recommend planning for the springtime, late September – November, or autumn, March to May.

The springtime also offers the opportunity to explore the countryside, where abundant almond trees paint the scene, bringing colourful blossoms and lush life to the landscape. If you’re interested in hiking, then this is the best time to do so.

How to Get from Alicante Airport to Alicante City Centre

The Alicante-Elche Airport is located just 9km southwest of the heart of Alicante.

Both local and interurban buses run to and from the airport and other popular destinations within the Alicante region. The C6 bus costs €3,85 per person and departs out the front of the Arrivals Hall.

Otherwise, you could opt for a taxi to get to downtown Alicante. Your trip will only take around 20 minutes, and you should expect to pay around €25,00 more or less. The leading taxi company operating in Alicante Airport is Radio Taxi Elche.

How to Get Around Alicante

Alicante benefits from a well-organised public transport network, with regular buses and trams.

If you plan on getting around without a vehicle, your best bet is to buy the Bono Móbiles Multiviaje Card, which costs €2,00 and can be topped up. For €8,70, you can get 10 trips; for €26,10, you can get 30 trips.

I’d recommend hiring a motorbike or car to get around Alicante. This is the best option if you plan on day trips to the surrounding cities such as Benidorm and Cartagena.

FAQS

How many days in Alicante is enough?

To experience the culture, cuisine and captivating scenery, spending 2 to 3 days in Alicante is best. Ideally, 4 to 5 days will allow you to explore further or to do day trips to towns like Calpe or Benidorm.

Is Alicante a walkable city?

Alicante’s city centre is very walkable, but many steps and some steep hills are involved.

Is 2 days enough in Alicante?

48 hours in Alicante is sufficient to see the big attractions. You can walk around the Old Town, swim at the best beaches and dine in the gastronomy scene.  

How do I spend my weekend in Alicante?

Walk along the palm-lined promenade, mix up the sightseeing with some water sports and get loose in the nightlife scene. Relish in the flavours of Valencian paella, hang out in the Old Town and head off on a day trip.

If you’re not sure what to see in Alicante in 3 days, then this destination's myriad monuments, awe-worthy beaches, and pleasurable pursuits will not disappoint.

Whether you’re a beach fanatic, a history enthusiast, or an adventure lover, save this 3 day Alicante Itinerary for later!