Alicante — The Heart of the Costa Blanca

If you want to experience a little more of the city life on the Costa Blanca, Alicante is an easy place to start

Alicante — The Heart of the Costa Blanca

If you want to experience a little more of the city life on the Costa Blanca, Alicante is an easy place to start. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante combines a historic old town, a medieval castle, a beautiful waterfront, a city beach and plenty of places to eat, drink and explore. From Orihuela Costa, it is an easy day trip and a great way to see a different side of the region.

A City With History

Alicante has a history stretching back thousands of years. The city has been influenced by Iberian, Roman, Islamic and Christian cultures, and traces of that history can still be found throughout the centre. The most recognisable reminder is Santa Bárbara Castle, sitting high above the city on Mount Benacantil. The fortress has its origins in the medieval period and occupies a strategic position overlooking Alicante and the Mediterranean. Today, it is one of the city’s main attractions and offers spectacular views across the bay.

Santa Bárbara Castle

The castle is a good place to begin your visit. You can reach it on foot, but there is also a lift inside the mountain accessed from near Postiguet Beach, making the climb much easier. Once at the top, take some time to walk around the different parts of the fortress and enjoy the views. On a clear day, you can see across Alicante, the coastline and the Mediterranean. The castle also gives you a good idea of how the city developed around its natural harbour and coastline.

Explore the Old Town

From the castle, you can make your way down through the historic centre. The Santa Cruz neighbourhood is one of the most picturesque parts of Alicante, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, flowers and steep lanes climbing towards the castle. Further down, you will find historic squares, churches, cafés and restaurants. It is a part of Alicante that is best explored slowly, without trying to see everything at once.

The Explanada and the Mediterranean

Eventually, the old streets lead you back towards the sea. The Explanada de España is Alicante’s most famous promenade, lined with palm trees and its distinctive wave-shaped mosaic pavement made from more than six million marble tiles. From here, you can continue towards the marina and Postiguet Beach. This is where the city feels particularly Mediterranean — people walking along the waterfront, cafés and restaurants nearby, boats in the harbour and the beach right beside the city centre.

How Long Do You Need?

For a first visit, allow around 5–6 hours. This gives you enough time to visit Santa Bárbara Castle, walk through the old town, explore the Explanada and stop for lunch or coffee. If you want to visit museums such as the MARQ Archaeological Museum, spend more time shopping or simply enjoy the city at a slower pace, Alicante can easily fill a full day.

A Great Day Trip From Orihuela Costa

Alicante is an easy way to experience a different side of the Costa Blanca. Instead of spending the day around a beach resort, you can combine history, architecture, Mediterranean views, shopping, food and city life all in one trip. And you can still finish the day with a walk beside the sea. If you’re staying in Orihuela Costa and want to explore beyond the local beaches, Alicante is definitely worth a day on your list.

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