Sightseeing Guide

What to See in Alicante

Explore 10 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Alicante, Spain. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.

10 sights Spain
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  1. Basílica de Santa Maria

    Free 38.34620, -0.47921

    Begun during the 14th century on top of the remains of an old Moorish mosque, construction was completed in the 16th century, and incorporates Gothic and Baroque stylistic elements in its structure. The main entrance to the church is especially notable for its elaborate Baroque decorative elements; inside the Gothic choir and Rococo altar are noteworthy, along with the Baroque organ from 1653.…

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    The exterior still bears traces of bombardment by French forces in the 18th century.

  2. Castell de la Santa Bàrbara

    Oct-Mar daily 10:00-20:00, Apr-Jun daily 10:00-22:00, Jul Aug daily 10:00-24:00, Sep daily 10:00-22:00 Free 38.34887, -0.47815

    On top of Mount Benacantil at a height of 166 metres, there is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, built in the ninth century by Muslims. An amazing view of town and harbour. If you feel fit, the walk from Plaza de Carmen is a sight in itself, through some narrow winding streets.…

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    The castle can also be reached by car, but parking slots are scarce.

    Official website
  3. Lucentum Archaeological Site

    C/ de Zeus, s/n Winter: Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 16:00-18:00, Su 10:00-14:00; Summer: M-Sa 09:00-12:00 19:00-22:00, Su 09:00-12:00 Free 38.36489, -0.43872

    This site, which covers over 7 acres, is the location of the original Roman city which later became Alicante. Although excavation is currently still ongoing, it is open to visitors. Notable features are remains of the defensive walls, Roman baths, and forum, as well as part of the old Muslim cemetery.

  4. Museu d’Aigües d’Alacant

    Plaza Arquitecto Miguel López, s/n Sep-May: Tu-F 10:00-14:00 17:00-20:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00; Jun-Aug: Tu-F 10:00-14:00 18:00-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 Free 38.34669, -0.48041

    The museum is located adjacent to the Pozos de Garrigós (Garrigós Wells), a collection of wells dating from the Moorish period to the 16th century, and in use until 1898. Exhibits in the three-floor modern museum illustrate the history of water resources and distribution in the city and the area.

    Official website
  5. Museu Arqueològic Provincial d'Alacant

    Plaza Dr Gómez Ulla, s/n Tu-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-20:30, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00 €3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions), free (disabled/teachers/journalists/children under 8) 38.35392, -0.47616

    founded in 1932, has avant-garde design and uses modern audiovisual techniques, with more than 80,000 pieces found in local archaeological sites. Shows educational movies about the history of Alicante area from the Stone Age, through Iberian and Roman eras, to the medieval times.

    Official website
  6. Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Alacant

    Plaza de Santa María, 3 Tu-Sa 10:00-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00 Free 38.34642, -0.47963

    On display there are a few works by world-famous artists of the 20th century: Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Julio González, Juan Gris, Joan Miró; as well as art collections by two local artists Eusebio Sempere and Juana Francés.

    Official website
  7. Museu de Belles Arts Gravina

    C/ Gravina 13-15 1 Sep - 30 Jun: Tu-Sa 10:00-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00; 1 Jul - 31 Aug: Tu-Sa 11:00-21:00, Su and holidays 11:00-15:00 Free 38.34559, -0.47956

    This local fine arts museum, housed in an 18th-century palace, has some excellent artworks by Spanish artists, displayed over 3 floors. Take time to watch the video presentation Black and White about historic Alicante.

    Official website
  8. Museu de la Universitat d’Alacant

    Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 Free 38.38080, -0.51200

    Opened in 1999, this ultra-modern museum is devoted to contemporary art and hosts special exhibits as well as concerts and other events.

    Official website
  9. Castell de Sant Ferran

    Dawn to dusk Free 38.35145, -0.49089

    Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress is now the centrepiece of a city park.

  10. Museu de la Ciutat d'Alacant

    Calle Vázquez de Mella s/n Daily 10:00-14:30, 16:00-20:00 Free 38.34923, -0.47770

    Showcases archaeological finds from the city and the region.

    Official website
Traveler Guide

Exploring Alicante: A Guide for Solo Travelers

Alicante is one of Spain's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 10 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Alicante, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.

How to See Alicante Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist

The best way to discover Alicante is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Alicante are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Basílica de Santa Maria and Castell de la Santa Bàrbara, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.

Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Alicante, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Alicante rarely appear on any official list.

Planning Your Sightseeing in Alicante

Before you visit major paid attractions in Alicante, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Alicante's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.

If you're visiting Alicante as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Alicante together for the rest of the day.

Sightseeing in Alicante with Fellow Travelers

Solo sightseeing in Alicante is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Alicante's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.

Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Alicante find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Alicante, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Alicante use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.

What Makes Alicante Worth Seeing

Alicante offers 10 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Basílica de Santa Maria, Castell de la Santa Bàrbara, Lucentum Archaeological Site are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Spain's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Alicante's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.

Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Alicante, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions in Alicante?

Alicante has 10 notable sights including Basílica de Santa Maria, Castell de la Santa Bàrbara, Lucentum Archaeological Site. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.

How many days do you need to see Alicante?

Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Alicante to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Alicante.

Are there free things to see in Alicante?

Yes — many of Alicante's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.

What is the best time to visit Alicante's sightseeing spots?

Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Alicante to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.

How do I meet other travelers to explore Alicante with?

Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Alicante. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Alicante with company.

Is Alicante good for solo travelers?

Alicante is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Alicante so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.

Explore Alicante with fellow travelers

Download Nomax to find travel companions in Alicante, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.

Download Nomax — Free

Available on iOS and Android. Free forever.

Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.