Plan a CruiseAlicante's modern cruise terminal is well-organized and serves as an excellent gateway to this vibrant Costa Blanca city. Depending on your ship's size, you may dock within walking distance of the port gates, or a free shuttle bus will transport you to the Volvo Ocean Race Museum, which is just a two-minute walk from Alicante's beautiful promenade. The 700-meter pier can accommodate two large ships simultaneously.
Alicante offers a blend of historic charm, beautiful beaches, and a bustling port area. The city sits at the foot of the impressive Castle of Santa Barbara, and its historic quarter boasts interesting architecture. The Explanada de España is a popular recreational area. Be aware that July and August are the hottest months in Alicante.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking: From the cruise terminal, you can walk to the promenade beside the marina in about 15 minutes. Smaller ships may dock close enough for a direct walk to the port gates. Shuttle Bus: For larger ships, a free shuttle bus is provided, taking you to the Volvo Ocean Race Museum. From there, it's a two-minute walk to the promenade, which is lined with cafes and restaurants. Castle Santa Barbara Elevator: An elevator to Castle Santa Barbara is conveniently located not far from the port. It costs €2.80. Be prepared for potentially long lines on hot days. There is no entrance fee to the castle itself. Turibus (Hop-on/Hop-off Bus): This specialized bus offers a guided tour in three languages with stops at all major tourist sites. A ticket costs €10 and is valid all day, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. The Turibus operates from 10 am to 6 pm, with a frequency of every 30 minutes when cruise ships are in port (even in winter, which is an exception). Stops include Plaza del Mar, Archaeological Museum, Santa Barbara Castle, Central Market, and the main shopping area (Maisonnave).
Attractions and Activities
Here are some top activities for your day in Alicante:
- Explore the Promenade and Volvo Ocean Race Museum: Start your day with a stroll along the beautiful Explanada de España, a traditional recreational area. The Volvo Ocean Race Museum is located in the bustling Port Area and offers a fascinating, family-friendly, and free tour through the history of the prestigious round-the-world sailing race. It's right by where the shuttle bus drops off.
- Visit Santa Barbara Castle: This 13th-century fortress sits on a hilltop over 500 feet above the city, offering magnificent panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean. You can reach it via an elevator (cost €2.80) located near the port, or walk up for free (though the elevator is recommended on hot days). There is no entrance fee for the castle itself.
- Wander through the Historic Quarter: At the foot of Santa Barbara Castle, you'll find an interesting religious and civil architectural legacy, including the Church of Santa Maria. This area is perfect for leisurely strolls.
- Relax on the Beach: There's a beach conveniently located right by the port exit, behind the Melia Hotel. Alicante features long stretches of beach perfect for sports or sun tanning.
- Day Trip to Elche (approx. 30-60 mins drive): Discover the historic quarter of Elche, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage palm tree grove and unique cultural festivals like "Domingo de Ramos" and "The Mystery of Elche." Elche also offers nature reserves and renowned gastronomy. This would require a taxi or organized tour.
- Mountain Village of Guadalest (approx. 1.5 hours drive): Head about 65km (40 miles) north into the mountains to Guadalest. This very scenic village boasts a couple of interesting small museums. The drive itself offers either a direct main road or a more scenic route. This trip is best done via an organized tour or rental car.
- Isla de Tabarca (boat trip): For a pleasant day trip, consider a boat ride to Tabarca, an island located 15-20km south of Alicante. Daily boats run in summer, with less regular sailings year-round from Alicante and Torrevieja.
Dining
Alicante is renowned for its delicious and varied rice dishes, which take center stage in the local cuisine. The sea provides fresh fish prepared in countless ways, while the countryside offers incomparable fruits and vegetables. Don't miss out on the exceptional baked goods, particularly the "turrones." Many cafes and restaurants can be found along the promenade and within the city center.
Shopping
- Rambla de Méndez Núñez: This is the traditional and vibrant shopping area of the city, offering a good choice of shops and a glimpse into local life.
- City Center Streets: Between The Rambla and Avenida de Frederico Soto, you'll find a mix of individually owned shops selling shoes, jewelry, fashion clothes, and home decoration items, interspersed with cafe bars and restaurants.
- Shopping Hours: Most shops and businesses operate Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Larger shopping centers and department stores typically open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm uninterruptedly, and sometimes open on Sundays. In coastal areas during high season, shops may stay open past 10:00 pm.
Safety
Alicante is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions against pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, are always advisable. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Spanish is the official language. While English may be spoken in major tourist areas, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful. For emergencies, dial 112; service is available in Spanish, and often in English, French, and German in tourist regions.