The Ultimate 2 Day Alicante Itinerary You’ll Only Need
Are you planning to visit Alicante soon? This two-day itinerary has everything you need!
During my trip to Alicante, I was surprised by all the things Alicante and its surroundings have to offer.
This beautiful city in Costa Blanca is home to beautiful landscapes, picturesque streets, interesting museums and art galleries, and exquisite gastronomy.
If you aren’t sure what things to do in Alicante in two or three days, in this blog, you’ll get my full 2-day Alicante itinerary with must-see attractions, places to eat, where to stay and other tips to make the most of your time in this fantastic coastal city.
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2 Day Alicante Itinerary
Day 1
Have breakfast at La Més Coketa
One of my favourite breakfast places in Alicante is La Més Coketa because it has it all: beautiful decor, delicious food, and very friendly staff.
It’s a popular choice among the locals, so it’s a good idea to turn up there when they open if possible. On the breakfast menu, you’ll find savoury options like toast, sandwiches, crepes, and a good sweet selection of cakes and pastries. Drink-wise, they have anything from a cappuccino to freshly squeezed juices.
I’ve tried their savoury toasts like avocado and turkey toast, chai latte and orange juice. Everything was spot on.
📍 Address: C. San Ildefonso, 16, 03001 Alicante, Spain
Walk on Explanada de España
Explanada de España or Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya is a beautiful promenade that is the meeting point for locals and tourists.
It’s home to tall palm trees and beautiful flowers, but its most unique feature is its tiled floor made with marble mosaic pieces in three different colours: red, cream and dark blue. The design of these tiles resembles the waves of the sea.
The explanada is a lively place to stroll or enjoy a coffee or meal on an outdoor terrace.
Explore Alicante Old Town and Barrio de Santa Cruz
The historic centre of Alicante is home to many important buildings like the Basilica of St Mary and the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, which are worth seeing and visiting; however, take some time to wander around the old town to discover picturesque streets, street art and colourful buildings.
Fuente de San Antonio is one of the spots where you can see houses painted in bright colours like blue, red, and orange.
Wandering the old town is definitely one of the best things to do in Alicante (and it’s free!)
📌 Another way to discover and learn about the city centre of Alicante is by taking a tour with a guide. Book a free tour here.
Have brunch at El Palacete Resto & Brunch
Whether you want brunch or a quick stop to grab lunch, El Palacete menu includes toasts, bagels and wraps, as well as hot drinks and cocktails.
The cafe is beautifully decorated and feels very cosy, but the food is good, too. I ordered the chicken and parmesan bagel, which was nicely presented and full of flavour.
The only downside of my meal there was that the service was a bit slow, but it was a bank holiday and more people than usual.
📍 Address: C. San Nicolás, 3, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Contemplate art at Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG)
If there’s a museum you can’t miss during your time in Alicante, it’s the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG. It has temporary and permanent exhibitions that showcase paintings and artwork from local artists.
The right part of the museum is where you’ll normally find temporary exhibitions that range from fashion to nature and music. When I visited this museum, there was an interesting exhibition of paintings inspired by fashion and unique shoes.
The left part of the museum is where the permanent exhibition is. You can discover two floors with impressive art – from paintings that represent life in Alicante in other centuries to objects like fans and tambourines.
Go inside the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante
Basílica de Santa María is the oldest church in Alicante. It was built in the 14th century, where a former mosque used to be. However, it went through a refurbishment in the 15th century because of a fire.
Inside the church, there’s an impressive 18th-century Rococo altar and chapels. It’s a beautiful mixture of architectural styles that makes it worth visiting.
Next to the church, you’ll find a small square and the MACA museum.
Visit MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante
MACA is the abbreviation of Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, which translates to Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante. This museum and art gallery hosts some of the most important pieces of art in the city.
It has one temporary exhibition room and four permanent exhibition rooms, as well as a library. On all the floors, you will be able to appreciate important paintings, sculptures and objects.
If you love art, you need to include MACA in your Alicante itinerary, plus it’s also free.
Take pictures at El Carrer dels Bolets
Do you know that there is a mushroom street in Alicante? Yes, I had no idea of this until I was there and came across this street called El Carrer dels Bolets, also known as Carrer de Las Setas.
It’s interesting to see these giant mushrooms on a street home to restaurants and small independent shops.
Have dinner at D’Tablas
Before my trip, I researched places to eat in Alicante. I must admit I’m a big foodie, and travel and food go together for me. However, my friend came across this tapas place by chance.
If you’re a fan of tapas, this place is for you. Not only is the food cheap, but it’s also delicious. You can enjoy tapas from €1,50, and the concept behind this place is a bit different from other places.
Tapas are served in wooden trays. The waiter goes around the bar with different tapas, and you choose the ones you want. They calculate how much you need to pay according to the number of wooden trays you’ve taken.
📍 Address: Rbla. Méndez Núñez, 8, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Day 2
Grab a quick breakfast from La Masa de Tomasa Bakery
Whether you’re in a rush or you don’t want to spend too much time having breakfast so you can make the most of your day, La Masa de Tomasa Bakery is a fantastic choice.
This bakery has mouthwatering cakes, biscuits and pastries that are irresistible. You’ll find pastries that you can find in any bakery, like croissants and eclairs, but also traditional sweets of Alicante.
For example, Coca Boba, also known as Coca de Llanda, is a spongy cake that typically includes nuts or raisins, but every grandma has their own secret recipe.
📍 Address: C. Díaz Moreu, 2, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Visit Alicante Market
Alicante Central Market is the biggest in the city. It has two floors with a wide range of products – from fresh and local seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits, and cheeses to flower stalls with bouquets and plants. It’s the best place to do your shopping if you’re staying in an apartment.
The market is open Tuesday to Friday from 7 am to 2:30 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 3 pm.
Discover Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Santa Barbara Castle is a must-see historic building to add to your Alicante itinerary. This 14th-century fortress on Mount Benacantil was a strategic point to defend the city due to its excellent location that overlooks the coast.
The castle grounds are bigger than you probably expected. Walk around the castle, enjoy the different panoramic views of the city and learn about its history and legends by taking a tour. You can easily spend approximately 2 hours exploring the castle.
Before heading to the castle, it’s also worth checking on their website to see if they have any upcoming events. I was gutted when I found out there was a chocolate-tasting tour, and it was sold out.
Entry to the castle is free, but you must pay €2.70 to use the lift.
Enjoy panoramic views from Parc de l’Ereta
One of the best parks in Alicante in Parque de la Ereta (or Parc de l’Ereta in Valenciano). It’s a peaceful park located on the slopes of Mount Benacantil.
It’s surrounded by a good variety of trees and plants, including orange and olive trees, and it has a big attractive fountain, wooden benches and incredible views of Alicante.
Parque de la Ereta is my number one spot to watch the beautiful pastel sky colours of the sunrise or sunset and get a panoramic view of the city.
Go for a walk to the port
The port of Alicante is a lovely place to go for a walk on a sunny day. There isn’t much to do, but you can simply soak up the relaxing atmosphere, contemplate the castle views and stop by the tourism office to get some recommendations on more things to do in Alicante and its surroundings.
Have paella at La Brújula
La Brújula restaurant is one of the recommendations I got from the hotel receptionist, and I’m glad I ended up having lunch there.
The restaurant is in the marina of Alicante, and its specialities are fresh fish and seafood dishes and paella. However, you’ll find a good variety of paellas and kinds of rice – from soupy rice (arroz meloso) to the most well-known seafood paella.
My friend and I opted for the chicken and vegetable paella, and it was one of the best paellas I have ever tried when eating out in Spain, so if you love paella, add this restaurant to your list.
The price of paella is €16 per person, and a minimum of two people is required.
📍 Address: Marina Deportiva Puerto de Alicante, Mlle. Levante, 6, 03001 Alicante, Spain
Soak up the sun at Playa del Postiguet
Playa del Postiguet is the closest beach to Alicante city centre. This beautiful golden sand beach is the perfect place to spend a summer day.
However, with the lovely and sunny weather you can enjoy in Alicante almost all year round, you can walk on the beach promenade, have a drink at one of the beach bars or watch the sunset.
Its beach promenade is always lively, and you’ll see many locals and tourists leisurely walking with family or friends on a Sunday afternoon.
If you’re looking for a good beach bar, I recommend going to Xiringuito Postiguet. It’s a popular option, and it’s lovely. You’ll love its bohemian vibes, swings and sitting with a sea view.
Have dinner at Saona
Saona is a restaurant chain in Alicante, and it offers excellent food – from local dishes like coca and arroz meloso to international dishes like salmon tartar that will surprise you.
The restaurant is decorated in a modern, minimalist style, and it’s the perfect choice for a romantic dinner thanks to the ambience.
Depending on the day of the week you go to Saona, you’ll find different set menus, including a starter, a main course and a dessert. Sundays to Wednesdays are the best days to go to Saona if you want to save some money, as the three courses cost me €12.99.
Staying longer than 2 days in Alicante?
Visiting Alicante for 48 hours or longer gives you the opportunity to see more attractions, which might be a bit further than the city centre, as well as to go on day trips to nearby cities and towns.
Here are some extra activities to include in your itinerary:
Visit Alicante’s bullring
Aside from bullfighting festivals, which I don’t support, the Alicante bullring is an important architectural building that dates back to the 19th century.
Not only does it host bullfights, but also concerts, festivals and even political gatherings. Also, during the festive season, they often install an ice rink, perfect for visiting with friends and family.
You’ll also find the Bullfighting Museum inside the bullring, which you can visit for free.
Explore San Fernando Castle
Alicante doesn’t just have one castle, but two. San Fernando Castle is on Mount Tossal, and although it’s referred to as a castle, it’s actually a fortress with ruins.
There isn’t much to see in the fortress, but visiting for the views is worth it.
Go on a day trip
Alicante is surrounded by incredible cities and lesser-known coastal towns that you can visit in a few hours or a full day. Depending on your travel preferences, you can go on a mini road trip through the inland of Costa Blanca or make one of these day trips from Alicante:
➢ Alicante to Villajoyosa (30 minute drive). Villajoyosa is a beautiful coastal town known for its golden sand beaches and colourful buildings. It’s a lovely town to visit in a day, as there are a few things to do – from relaxing on the beach to visiting museums like Villajoyosa Museum or Valor Chocolate Museum.
➢ Alicante to Benidorm (40 minute drive). One of the most popular towns near Alicante is Benidorm. Although you’ll hear mixed reviews about this resort town, you might want to form your own opinion about Benidorm by visiting it. Some top things to do in Benidorm include visiting Balcon del Mediteráneo, a stunning viewpoint, going to one of its theme parks like Aqualandia or Terra Mitica and chilling at the beach.
➢ Alicante to Altea (45 minute drive). Altea is the prettiest town in Costa Blanca. This whitewashed town is very picturesque and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Coast and Natural Parks. Some of the best things to do in Altea are to explore its historic town, contemplate its views and taste the local food.
➢ Alicante to Murcia (55 minute drive). If you prefer to visit a city, Murcia is an underrated destination in eastern Spain. Despite not being as popular as other cities, there are fantastic things to do in Murcia. Visit Murcia Cathedral and Santa Clara la Real Convent Museum, go to the market or discover unique natural spots near Murcia like Salinas de San Pedro.
📌 If you don’t want to worry about transport and prefer to visit places with a guide, check out this day trip to Villajoyosa and Altea from Alicante.
How to get to Alicante
The easiest and quickest way to Alicante is by flying to Alicante Airport (ALC), which is about 25-minute drive from the city centre.
Once you’re at the airport, you have several options for travelling to Alicante. The first option is taking the Alicante Aerobus (route C-6), which runs every 20 minutes and costs €3.85 one way. The second option is to take a taxi, which will cost you approximately €20, or get a private transfer.
🚗 Are you planning to travel around Alicante? Then, renting a car is a fantastic option. It’ll give you the freedom to explore Costa Blanca’s hidden gems. Check out rental cars with Discover Cars.
Where to stay in Alicante
Occidental Alicante
Occidental Alicante is my top recommendation for where to stay in Alicante. This 4-star hotel is in the heart of the city, a few minutes from Alicante Market, and has a good variety of restaurants and cafes as well as attractions like the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante.
The hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a minibar, and a desk. There’s a daily continental breakfast for a supplement, and a small fridge and shelf next to reception where you can get snacks and drinks.
My friend and I stayed in this hotel, which was perfect for us because of its location. We were happy with the room, and the staff were very friendly; they even suggested what we couldn’t miss and where to eat.
It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a central and comfortable hotel for a few days rather than an all-inclusive or resort-like hotel with plenty of facilities.
📌 Check out availability and rates at Occidental Alicante here
Tips for spending 2 days in Alicante
- Pack the right shoes (trainers). Exploring Alicante on foot is the best way to uncover all the beautiful places you can find across the city. Many places are flat. However, some neighbourhoods like Santa Cruz and parks are on a hill, or you need to take stairs.
- Don’t fall into the trap of eating at touristy restaurants. There are many restaurants that are clearly targeted to tourists – menus are in several languages, the waiter will try to convince you to have your meal at their restaurant, etc. Avoid these places because you won’t eat high-quality dishes, and you’ll pay much more.
- Check out the event calendar before booking your trip. If you’re up for an authentic experience, you might want to visit Alicante when there’s an important celebration going on. For example, the Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos (the Moors and Christians Festival) or the Holy Week.
Map with the places included in this Alicante itinerary
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this Alicante travel blog.
Frequently asked questions about Alicante
How many days do you need in Alicante?
You need at least 2 days to visit Alicante. This gives you sufficient time to explore and visit all the attractions in the city centre. If you want to go on day trips, then you need 4 or 5 days.
What do you do in Alicante when it rains?
There are many museums and art galleries, like the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, that you can visit in Alicante on a rainy day. Other things to do include indulging in delicious cakes and pastries at Santa Gloria cafe and going to Plaza Mar Shopping Centre.
Is Alicante a walkable city?
Yes. You don’t need public transport or a car to get around Alicante’s city centre. Most attractions are very close to each other and within walking distance. You’ll only need transport if you plan to explore nearby towns.
Conclusion on 2 days in Alicante
Spending 2 days in Alicante is a good option because you’ll have enough time to visit all the attractions located in the city centre. However, consider going for longer if you want to explore the beautiful small coastal towns near Alicante.
If you have any questions about visiting Alicante, drop them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to help you.
Enjoy your time in Alicante!
Cristina x
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Top things to check before visiting Alicante
- Compare and book cheap flights to Alicante Airport (ALC) with Skyscanner.
- Are you looking for the best accommodation in Alicante for you? Book accommodation with Booking.com
- Have a look at amazing activities and tours in Alicante and its surroundings with Get Your Guide.
- Rent a car to travel around the Costa Blanca.
- Book travel insurance for your trip; this is a must for any trip!
