Top 5 places to cover in an Alicante day tour
01 Castle of Santa Barbara
One of the best places to capture the Alicante sunrise or sunrise, Castle of Santa Barbara is an old giant fortress that brings Alicante alive with a panoramic view of the city. Tourists can climb on foot or just use the lift via Postiguet beach. This hilltop Alicantian castle stares right into the deep blue eyes of the Mediterranean sea as it sits calmly 166 meters/ 545 feet high over Mount Benacantil. After going through destructions and repairs, this Arab Medieval structure is now a blend of Arabic & European touches. Santa Bárbara Castle with tall towers, mysterious dungeons and breath-taking views is a not-to-be-missed attraction.
02 Postiguet Beach
Families with children or couples on a romantic Alicante trip would find Postiguet Beach a lively area with sand, beach, food and lots of sun. Postiguet Beach is surrounded by some amazing local bars, lounges, restaurants and when you are done enjoying the sand and sea, you could easily visit attractions located at a walking distance from this beach. The Santa Barbara Castle, Plaza de Gabriel Miro and Explanada de España are all 5-10 minutes away. Postiguet Beach, unlike Saladar Beach, isn’t empty, quiet and less crowded which should be your destination if you seek isolated beach walks, but Postiguet enjoys the benefit of being in the centre and near all major places thus falling right on your itinerary.
03 Casco Antiguo
Casco Antiguo is what you need to get to know Alicante culturally and locally. Also known as El Barrio, Casco Antiguo is located on the hillside of the old town and has some of the most gorgeous houses painted with bluish and greenish doors and windows, all aligned together as a narrow steep street cuts through them taking you on a wonderful walkway. Being in the old town, this is where you find the medieval white walls, town hall, the cathedral and local art museum. It is highly recommended that you try the local restaurants and food delicacies from this side of Alicante.
04 San Fernando Castle
Located at quick 3KM drive from the city center, San Fernando Castle is a charismatic and historical fortress, on a hilltop, that oozes 18th-century architecture. Overlooking the Parque el Tossal, this Castle was originally created for protecting the city but today its ruins act as a wonderful place to admire city landscape, the aerial view of the houses and a great adventure for walkers. The hiking to the castle is surrounded by vibrant floral and lining of trees. The playground and cafes on the way are a great stop for families with kids.
05 Mercado Central
Mercado Central or Central Market is funfair for food lovers and shoppers. Located upper side of Alfonso el Sabio, this large market is the perfect place to find fresh vegetables, fruits and the exotic Alcatian seafood like crabs, lobsters, fish and squid. This is also a good place to cherish regional and local specialties. Mercado Central, built in the year 1921, has Valencian Modernist decorations with a grand staircase and is one of the most popular spanish markets that deserves a place in your city day-tour itinerary.