Why Alicante is the Spanish city you need to visit
That changed recently when I finally gave Alicante the attention it deserved. Instead of passing through the airport en route to somewhere else, I decided to stay put and see what this port city had to offer. And I'm so glad I did.
A couple of friends joined me for a four-night stay in a self-catering apartment right in the heart of the city. The 'walkability' of Alicante was a big draw, and within minutes of dropping our bags, switching to shorts, t-shirts and sun hats, we were headed straight for the marina.
It didn't disappoint. The route took us along the Explanada de España – a third-of-a-mile-long pedestrian promenade best known for its 6.5 million mosaic tiles. Those carefully laid swirling red, black, and cream marble tiles mimic Mediterranean waves and provide a vivid welcome to the city. Towering palm trees offer welcome shade, while a steady stream of Instagrammers and tourists capture its photogenic charm.
Explanada de España (Image: P Samson)
The marina itself is spotless and well-maintained, lined with hundreds of yachts and speedboats and a generous helping of tapas bars and seafood spots. Despite the prime location, prices were surprisingly reasonable. A good paella came in at under €10 a head, and wines by the glass started around €5 – noticeably cheaper than many UK equivalents. Alicante was growing on me – and fast!
Next stop was the city beach, Playa del Postiguet, just a short stroll from the marina. This long, golden stretch of sand sits right on the city's doorstep and is hugely popular, offering all the beachside essentials as well as beach bars and cafes for snacks and shade during the 30°C heat.
But we were keen to venture beyond the city walls, and the recently revamped tram system made it easy. A 20-minute tram ride – costing about £1 return with a multi-trip ticket – took us to San Juan Playa. One guide had claimed it was 'arguably one of the best beaches in Spain.' As our eyes devoured the stunning vista we weren't inclined to argue.
San Juan is blissfully peaceful, with wide stretches of soft white sand and crystal-clear water. It's a quieter neighbourhood, free from towering hotels, and the beach certainly had a laid-back, elegant feel. The multi-coloured lifeguard towers even reminded me of those iconic counterparts on Miami's South Beach.
Peter on San Juan beach with Miami style lifeguard tower (Image: P Samson)
The promenade behind the beach was dotted with small cafes and restaurants, all doing a brisk trade by early afternoon. We liked it so much we came back again – and again. Great food, good value, and a proper holiday atmosphere guaranteed to deliver a dose of much-needed relaxation.
So we got into a vibe of San Juan by day and Alicante by night. Back in the city, we explored El Barrio, Alicante's charming old town. As dusk fell, the narrow, winding streets filled with life as bars and restaurants buzzed into action. One quirky highlight was Calle de las Setas – Mushroom Street – which, as the name suggests, is decorated with oversized mushroom sculptures and cartoonish buildings, installed in 2013 to revitalise the area. It's now one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially by families and social media fans.
Of course, we had to sample some mushroom risotto after that – and the version we tried at Terra Prosecco Restaurante in the city centre was excellent. While the fare was Italian style the setting was wonderfully Spanish. The eatery is on the ground floor of the truly majestic Palacio Salvetti, constructed in 1887 for a wealthy family, and although the upper levels are now a hotel it's regarded a true architectural gem on the city's landscape.
Dining out in general in Alicante was a real treat, not just for the flavours but surprisingly the prices. With so much competition between eateries, it seems a mini price war has broken out – and we tourists are the clear winners.
An early morning stroll through the city revealed a different, quieter side. In the soft light, the majestic Castillo de Santa Bárbara loomed above from its perch on Mount Benacantil.
The 18th-century baroque-style Town Hall looked equally impressive and hidden nearby is a small building showcasing archaeological remains from medieval Alicante.
The Mushroom Street in Alicante (Image: P Samson)
I also passed the grand Teatro Principal de Alicante, just a stone's throw from our apartment. With its elegant neoclassical façade, it's a striking example of the city's cultural heritage. The building's morning calm was in sharp contrast to the evening when crowds thronged towards the entrance for the performance of the day.
As we packed up to leave, I couldn't help but feel a tad sheepish. For years, I'd dismissed Alicante as a transit point or second-tier option – but how wrong I was. The city had more than earned its spot on my 'revised' Spanish favourites list. In fact, it might just have overtaken some of the usual suspects.
I now see that Alicante has it all: a vibrant marina, beautiful beaches, affordable dining, easy transport, and a walkable city centre steeped in history, architectural splendour and culture. It's relaxed without being sleepy, lively without being overwhelming. The only question now is: why did it take me so long to visit?
TRAVEL NOTES:
Peter flew from Glasgow to Alicante with Jet2.com. There are direct flights from other Scottish airports.
Accommodation was in the BN Suites Teatro in the city centre. An air-conditioned two-bedroom apartment cost £190 per night. Bookable via https://bnsuites.com
A 10-journey tram trip card cost around £5. Tourist cards offering unlimited travel at a discounted rate for 24, 48 or 72 hours are also available.
A full day ticket for Alicante's hop-on, hop-off tour bus – called Turibus – costs 10 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children.
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