15 Best Things to Do in Alicante Beyond the Beach (2026 Guide)
I remember the first time I stepped off the Alicante airport bus, squinting into that relentless Mediterranean sun, my suitcase wheels clattering over uneven pavement. Everyone raved about the beaches—Postiguet’s golden stretch, the endless blue—but after a few days of sunscreen-slathered lounging, I craved something more. Alicante, this scrappy port city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, has layers that go way beyond the sandcastles and sangria. If you’re looking for standout experiences away from the shore, you’re in for a treat. These spots pull you uphill, into labyrinthine alleys, and out to rugged valleys where history hums and flavors explode. I’ve wandered them over a dozen trips, from bleary-eyed mornings chasing coffee to sunset hikes that left my calves screaming. In 2026, with smoother buses, new trails, and festivals ramping up post-pandemic, it’s prime time to dive inland. Here’s my unfiltered rundown of 15 must-dos—grab sturdy shoes, a water bottle, and let’s go.
1. Summit Santa Bárbara Castle for Epic Views
Oh, Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Perched like a sentinel on Mount Benacantil, this fortress has lorded over Alicante since Moorish times, rebuilt by the Spanish in the 1700s. It’s a perfect way to start exploring the heights: take the free Panorama Lift from Plaza de los Luceros (it whisks you up in seconds, no huffing required), then wander the ramparts. Last spring, I timed it for golden hour—the city sprawled below, ferries dotting the bay like toys, the salty breeze whipping my hair. Inside, dungeons echo with grim tales of prisoners scratching names into walls; upstairs, cannon emplacements offer selfies with a side of vertigo. Don’t miss the underground cistern—cool, dripping, and mysteriously lit, it feels like a scene from an Indiana Jones flick.
I spent three hours here once, nursing a café con leche from the on-site bar, watching paragliders circle. Pro tip from a guy who’s slipped on the steps: wear grippy soles. It’s not just a view; it’s Alicante’s beating heart, 700 meters above the bustle.
2. Wander the Barrio Santa Cruz Old Town
Alicante’s old town is a painter’s fever dream—whitewashed houses tumbling down from the castle, bougainvillea exploding in pinks and purples. Start at the castle base, snake through Plaza de Santa María, and end at the seafront for an effortless walking route. I once did this solo on a rainy afternoon, dodging puddles under candy-striped awnings, the air thick with jasmine and distant paella sizzles. Peek into patios like the one at Calle Bailén 2—hidden oases with fountains trickling. Hunt for quirky doors (number 12 on Calle San Rafael is my fave, etched with faded saints), then refuel at a tiny bar with house vermouth. It’s raw, unpolished charm—no chain stores, just locals haggling over figs. In 2026, expect pop-up art installs during summer nights. Spend a full morning; it’s free, timeless, and left me humming flamenco tunes for days. The streets narrow to whispers, forcing you to slow down, breathe deep. Pure magic.
3. Dive into the Central Market
Nothing screams “dive deep” like the Mercado Central de Abastos—a riot of senses with fishmongers hollering over glistening sardines, spice stalls wafting cumin and saffron, ladies slicing jamón so thin it dissolves on your tongue. I arrived once at 9am, jet-lagged and starving, and let a vendor named Paco guide me—fresh oysters from Tabarca (€2 each), plump olives marinated in garlic, and the creamiest arroz con leche I’ve ever slurped. It’s not touristy; locals elbow for the best tomatoes.
Bargain hard, sample everything, and don’t skip the fruit juices squeezed on the spot. I left with a €10 haul that fed me for two days. It’s chaotic, alive, utterly addictive—beats any beachside café.
4. Take a Day Trip to Guadalest
Hop a bus 60km north (1hr, €5 round-trip from Estación de Autobuses, Av. Loring, 4). This eagles-nest village clings to a rock spike, castle ruins piercing the sky. I went on a whim in October, when almond trees dusted the valley white. Park outside (traffic’s tight), climb through the tunnel into a plaza of flower pots and fountains. The castle (€4 entry, 10am–7pm daily) houses a quirky museum—old torture devices, doll collections that creeped me out deliciously. Lunch at Mesón Novak: rabbit stew that melted like butter. Views? Endless sierras, turquoise reservoirs. Back by dusk, buzzed on mountain air. 2026 brings better EV charging. It’s postcard-perfect but feels secret, a palate cleanser from city heat.
5. Hit the Hiking Trails Nearby
Lace up for Sierra de Aitana or closer Font Roja Natural Park (45min drive/bus). I tackled the PR-CV 8 loop last year—moderate 10km from Barrantes trailhead, through pine groves scented like Christmas, past limestone crags where goats scamper. Summit rewards: 360° views to the sea, wild thyme crunching underfoot. Pack water; it’s arid. Font Roja’s easier family route circles a red-rock peak, ibex sightings probable. No fees, trails marked (download Wikiloc app). New 2026 shuttles from Alicante make it seamless. I stumbled on a hermit’s cave, picnicked on manchego—bliss. These paths strip away pretense; just you, sweat, and silence.
6. Uncover Tapas Bars and Local Gems
Alicante’s tapas scene thrives inland, far from tourist traps. Spots like Nou Manolín (Calle Villegas 3, daily 1pm–midnight) serve croquetas that ooze jamón, paired with fogón gin tonics. I bar-hopped one night: Bodega Las Botas (Calle Capitán Segarra 10, 7pm–late) for patatas bravas with aioli that haunts dreams, then Bar Los Ángeles (Plaza de las Flores) for secret-recipe calamares. Humble spots, sticky tables, raucous laughter. Budget €20–30pp. Locals swear by them; I gained a kilo in heaven. These fuel the soul amid the city’s vibrant core.
7. Explore the MARQ Archaeological Museum
MARQ (Museu Arqueològic) is Alicante’s time machine. I lost hours amid Phoenician jewels, Roman mosaics shimmering under lights, Iberian idols staring blankly. Touch exhibits let you handle replicas—kid heaven. A 2026 exhibit on Costa Blanca digs promises fresh finds. Sensory overload: cool marble floors, whispers of ancient dust. It reframes Alicante as a crossroads empire.
8. Visit the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás
This “Valencian Cathedral” hides Gothic-Renaissance treasures. Golden altarpieces glow, cloister oranges perfume the air. I sat through vespers once, organ swelling—chills. Baroque twists rival Seville. I even dodged a lively wedding party outside, biting into fresh churros from a vendor. Pair with nearby plaza people-watching. Underrated gem.
9. Stroll Rambla Méndez Núñez and Plaza Luceros
Feel the city center pulse along this tree-lined rambla, buzzing with buskers and florists hawking roses that smell like summer. Plaza Luceros’ modernist buildings frame fountains. I nursed horchata here post-hike, watching kids chase pigeons. Evenings bring street artists drawing crowds; I sketched badly once, laughing with a Spaniard over beers. Free, vibrant life at street level.
10. Head to Bioparc for Family Adventures
Great for kids inland: Bioparc Elche (30min south, Río Safari Elche, Partida Santa Lucía, s/n, Elche). Lions prowl glass tunnels, lemurs leap overhead. I took nephews—gorilla chest-beats had us roaring. Ethical zoo, shaded paths. Shuttle from Alicante available.
11. Pay a Visit to Santa Faz Monastery
8km inland pilgrimage site amid orchards (Calle Santa Faz, s/n, Sant Joan d’Alacant). Baroque church glows; May festival’s electric with processions. I hiked up, picked almonds—pure peace. 2026 event bigger than ever. Open daily 9am–7pm, free.
12. Hunt Street Art in Barrio del Barxell
Graffiti alleys off the old town burst with murals of bulls and sea monsters. Self-guided, free. I photographed for hours, chatted with artists over coffee—raw creativity in every corner.
13. Catch Alcoy’s Moors vs. Christians Festival
April adrenaline in Alcoy (1hr bus). Costumed battles, fireworks explode. 2026 edition ramps up the spectacle—don’t miss this inland tradition.
14. Relax in Palmeral Park
Parque de la Ereta offers palms, ponds, castle views. Perfect picnics under shade, a serene inland edge.
15. Discover MACA Contemporary Art Museum
MACA (Calle Giner 23, Tue–Sun 10am–6pm, €6). Bold exhibits—Picasso alongside locals. I geeked out on abstracts matching my hangover mood. Modern vibes inland.
Back in my hotel that first trip, sandy but satisfied, I realized Alicante’s inland soul outshines its shores. Beaches fade; these memories stick. Go in 2026—trails greener, markets fuller. You’ll return changed, humming with stories. Safe travels.
