Aerial view of Alicante, Spain
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Cruise to Alicante, Spain

Situated on the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Spain's eastern shore, the lively city of Alicante is rich in Moorish and Spanish history. It's perched at the base of the ancient fortress Castillo de Santa Barbara, where you can climb or take an elevator to explore the castle during your Spain cruise. Wander through the narrow lanes and colorful houses of the Old Town, then head toward the seafront on the Explanada de Espana, a marble-laid promenade. Relax on the golden sand of Playa del Postiguet beach. A few streets over, at the foot of Mount Benacantil, you'll find the Basilica de Santa Maria with its distinctive twin towers — Alicante's oldest church, it was built in the 13th century when the Spanish reclaimed the city from the Moors.
National Language Spanish
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Alicante

The Santa Barbara castle with a view of the city of Alicante, Spain in the background

Conquer a Fortress

The Santa Barbara castle with a view of the city of Alicante, Spain in the background

The Santa Barbara castle with a view of the city of Alicante, Spain in the background

Conquer a Fortress

Climb the ancient fortress Santa Barbara Castle, built atop rocky Mount Benacantil, which provides amazing views of the countryside and a look at the area's history inside the Museum of the City of Alicante within the castle. You can also drive up or take an elevator from Postiguet Beach.

A narrow street between homes in Alicante, Spain

Beat of the Barrio

A narrow street between homes in Alicante, Spain

A narrow street between homes in Alicante, Spain

Beat of the Barrio

El Barrio, the historic center of Alicante, has narrow cobbled streets and Spanish-style apartments decorated with flowers, as well as interesting shopping and a handful of museums. Its pedestrian streets are made for strolling. It's also the neighborhood to go to for tapas and cocktails.

Coastal homes on a small cliff in Alicante, Spain
Coastal homes on a small cliff in Alicante, Spain

Off-Coast Exploration

Ride a boat over to Tabarca Island, a tiny island 11 miles from Alicante's port whose waters make up a protected marine reserve and provide excellent snorkeling. The island also features a small, picturesque community of whitewashed houses with blue shutters.

A bowl of seafood paella
A bowl of seafood paella

Local Cuisine

Meals in Alicante center around white fish, shellfish, local produce, olive oil and rice. Try the city's take on paella, made with local Bomba rice, red prawns and clams. Cruise to Alicante and sample esgarrat, which brings together sweet red peppers with salted cod and garlic. For dessert, you must try turron, a tasty local sweet made with honey, almonds and the locally produced Fondillon wine.

Leather shoes for sale at a market in Spain
Leather shoes for sale at a market in Spain

Shopping

Shady Rambla de Mendez Nunez is lined with cafes, bars and family-run shops selling the Alicante's famous leather shoes, bags and more. Stalls at nearby Mercado Central farmer's market sell local wines, fresh fruit, produce and spices. Take home Alicante's celebrated local preserves and salted fish when you cruise to Spain.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Choose fresh seafood at Pesca al Peso market; you can pay and then come back for it after it's cooked.
2 The Alicante Tram, which runs along the Costa Blanca coastline and through the hills, offers incredible views.
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