Alicante is a charming city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, renowned for its sunny weather, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or entertainment, Alicante has something for everyone. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Alicante to make your trip unforgettable.
1. Visit Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community
Tabarca Island is a small island located about 11 km off the coast of Alicante. Once a haven for pirates and fishermen, this place is now a tourist destination. You can take a round-trip ferry ticket from Alicante and explore the island’s history, nature, and gastronomy. Someone can visit the 18th-century fortifications, the San Pedro y San Pablo church, the lighthouse, and the museum. You can also enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the marine reserve, where you can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive with colorful fish and coral.
2. Experience the thrill of paragliding over Alicante
Paragliding is one of Alicante’s best things to do if you are looking for an adrenaline rush. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the stunning views of the sea, mountains, and landmarks while soaring over the city on a tandem paragliding flight with an experienced instructor, feeling the freedom of flying like a bird. You can choose from different flight durations and locations, depending on your preferences and weather conditions. You can also capture your fantastic experience with photos and videos.
3. Have fun at Aqualandia, one of the largest water parks in Europe
Aqualandia is a water park that offers fun and entertainment for all ages. It has over 20 attractions, ranging from gentle slides and pools to extreme rides and rapids. You can enjoy the wave pool, the lazy river, the splash zone, the jacuzzi, and more. You can also try some of the most exciting attractions, such as Verti-Go, the highest capsule slide in the world—Big Bang, a series of four kamikaze slides; or Niagara, a vast waterfall. If you book your tickets online, you can skip the line and have a great time at Aqualandia.
4. Sail along the coast of Alicante on a catamaran cruise
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Alicante is to sail along its coast on a catamaran cruise. You can relax on board and admire the city’s scenery, the beaches, and the cliffs. You can also stop at some of the best spots for snorkeling and swimming in the clear water. People can book a 3-hour coastal catamaran cruise with snorkeling equipment included and enjoy a refreshing drink and snack on board.
5. Discover the wildlife of Terra Natura, a zoo with more than 1500 animals
Terra Natura is a zoo that recreates different habitats worldwide, such as America, Asia, Europe, and Pangea. It has more than 1,500 animals and 200 other species, some endangered or threatened. You can see lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos, monkeys, bears, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and more. You can also learn about their behavior, diet, and conservation through interactive exhibits and shows. Buy tickets online to skip the line and have fun at Terra Natura.
6. Explore Santa Barbara Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe
Santa Barbara Castle is one of the most emblematic landmarks of Alicante. It is on top of Mount Benacantil, overlooking the city and the sea. The castle was built in the 9th century by the Muslims and later expanded by the Christians. It has several towers, walls, dungeons, courtyards, and rooms that tell the history of Alicante. Explore Santa Barbara Castle’s secrets and legends on a guided tour.
7. Taste some of the best wines in Spain at Bodegas Mendoza Winery
Bodegas Mendoza Winery is a family-run winery that produces some of the best wines in Spain. It is located in Alfaz del Pi, about 45 minutes from Alicante. It has over 80 hectares of vineyards that grow different varieties of grapes, such as Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. You can book a wine-tasting tour and visit the winery, the cellar, and the tasting room. You can also sample some award-winning wines and learn about their production process and characteristics.
8. Visit Elche and Hondo Natural Park, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Elche is a city that has a rich cultural and natural heritage. It is famous for its palm grove, the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The park has more than 200,000 palm trees of different species and shapes. It is also known for its Basilica of Santa Maria, where the Mystery Play of Elche, a medieval drama, is performed yearly. Hondo Natural Park is a wetland that hosts many flora and fauna. It’s home to more than 300 species of birds, such as flamingos, herons, ducks, and eagles. You can book a day trip from Alicante and visit Elche and Hondo Natural Park with a guide.
9. Explore Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls, two of the most beautiful places in Alicante
Guadalest is a picturesque village perched on a rock above a reservoir. It has a medieval castle, a museum, a church, and a bell tower that offers stunning views of the valley and the mountains. It is also known for its handicraft shops and gastronomy. Algar Waterfalls are a series of cascades and pools that flow along the Algar River. The lush vegetation surrounding the area offers a refreshing escape from the heat. You can swim, sunbathe, or picnic in this natural paradise. You can book a day trip from Alicante with a guide and explore the Guadalott and Algar Waterfalls.
10. Enjoy Mundomar, an animal park with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and more
Mundomar is an animal park that focuses on marine and exotic animals. It has more than 80 species of animals, such as dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles, otters, lemurs, parrots, and more. You can see them in their natural habitats and learn about their behavior, diet, and conservation through exhibits and shows. You can also interact with some of them by swimming with dolphins or feeding lemurs. Buy Mundomar tickets online to skip the lines and enjoy a great day of learning and fun.
Conclusion
Alicante offers a variety of attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. You can enjoy its culture, nature, history, gastronomy, and entertainment in many ways. Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner, with your family, or with your friends, Alicante will satisfy you. You will have an unforgettable trip you will remember for a long time. So what are you waiting for? Book your favorite tours and travel activities now and discover this fantastic city like never before.