Alicante Travel Guide

Keep the first day close to the waterfront

The Explanada, Postiguet and the old town fit together well for an unhurried first day. Add a castle visit when the weather and your energy suit it, rather than assuming the highest viewpoint must be the first stop after arriving.

An address that looks close to everything can still involve steps. Check the route from the station or bus stop with luggage, and ask your accommodation about access if it sits above the main streets. A short flat walk can be more useful than a shorter steep one.

Choose how to reach Santa Bárbara Castle

The city's castle page gives two different paid transport options: the lift at Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, opposite Postiguet, has a €2.70 general fare; the shuttle bus costs €1.45 per trip. They are not the same ticket.

Walking approaches through La Ereta or around Benacantil are another option. Take the climb at a cooler time if you choose it. Lift hours change by season, and the final ascent and descent happen before the lifts close. Check those times before relying on it for your return.

Give a coastal outing enough time

Use the TRAM network for a specific destination, then work backwards from the return service. Some journeys need a change, and a town's stop may still leave a walk to the beach or centre. Check the current route and any replacement arrangements before setting off.

For a short visit, one outing is enough. A day on the coast and an island excursion both use time you might otherwise spend in Alicante itself. Decide what you most want from the trip before buying several tickets.

Check the full Tabarca journey

For Tabarca, compare the actual departure port, crossing, time ashore and last return. A fare advertised from a different port is not automatically your Alicante fare. Weather can affect sailings, so avoid making the island visit the final essential connection before a flight.

Bring what you need for the day and follow the island's local notices. Swimming plans should fit the sea conditions you find, not just the photographs that made you want to go.

Order lunch with the serving size in mind

Rice dishes can be an enjoyable shared lunch. Ask about the minimum number of diners and whether the quoted amount is per person. If you are travelling alone, look for a menu or portion that fits one person instead of assuming every pan can be ordered in a smaller size.

Use the daily budget below as a starting allowance and replace the room figure with your actual quote. For a longer journey, Valencia makes a natural next stop to compare, with enough time for its own centre and coast.