Alicante is just over 50 km from Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, so if you're looking for a change of pace or want to spend different day, immersed in history and art, choose the City of the Sun for your excursion. 

In this text you will find some useful tips for a one-day visit to Alicante to truly grasp its essence. 

Things to know before going to Alicante

Alicante is the second-largest city in the Valencian Community with a population of over 330.000 people. Rainy days in a year are not more than 37, all the rest time shines the sun. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era when it was known as Lucentum. It later became an important port for commerce during the Middle Ages. 

Today, Alicante is a popular tourist destination, famed for its cultural heritage, beaches, vibrant nightlife. 

How to reach Alicante 

There are several ways to reach Alicante from Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa. But the most convenient way to get there is by car. 

The distance between the cities is 68 km. with motorway AP-7, or 51 km. along N-332.  The journey takes around 40 min. 

By taxi: a taxi journey from Torrevieja to Alicante will take just 40 min., and taxi prices star from 40 $

The travel time from Torrevieja to Alicante by bus is about 1 hour, 15 min. with Costa Azul bus service. The costs around 5-7 $

How To Spend One Day in Alicante

Alicante in one day may sound like a challenge, but in reality, you can see a lot of the main sites in that amount of time! Here are some places should consider visiting:

Start your day early and head to the Santa Barbara Castle. This iconic landmark is located on top of a hill - Benacantil overlooking the city, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean sea. You can either hike up to the fortess or take a lift to the top. The cost: - 2.70 $, children under 4 years and people over 65 climb free of charge.  

Opening times: 10- 20 

Other historical and famous places to visit and see with one day include: Basilica of Santa Maria, MARQ archaeological museum, Contemporary Art museum, Plaza Gabriel Miro, Portal de Elche park. 

Santa Cruz district in Alicante

Santa Cruz District

Next, head down to the historic old town of Alicante at the foot. Stroll throught the narrow streets and admire the colorful builduings. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, a beautifull church that dates bake to the 17th century. Don't miss the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. You can also stop by the Central Market and try some local delicacies - paella or seafood.

Esplanade Boulevard

Esplanade Boulevard

Esplanade blvd is one of the most well-known streets in Spain, it starts from Canalejas square and ends with the house of Carbonell  - the hallmark of the city. This promenade is lined with palm trees, cafes, colorful mosaics. Other historical and famous places to visit and see include the

Postiguet beach Alicante

Postiguet beach

The Postiguet is a popular beach located in the heart of the city, that stretches for about 900 meters. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the soft sand. If you are feeling adventurous try some water sports such as kayaking or wakesurf. 

Nightlife in Alicante

Alicante is widely known for its varied and colourful nightlife. The city offers a large range of options for all tastes and budgets, from bars to live music venues. In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of El Barrio for some tapas and drinks. This area is the most popular for nighlife in Alicante and is home of the best restaurants. 

The list of nighclubs include Sala Stereo, which is known for its indie and live concerts, Calle365 is a large disco club that plays a mix of commercial music, plus Marmarella.

For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of bars and pubs such as El Bunker, Jendrix, El Jaleo, Soda, CasaBlanca, The Little Duke. 

When is the best time to visit Alicante

If you want to decide when to visit Alicante according to the season, without much thinking, the good choice would be any month, but there are special dates:

Winter

Don't forget to read our articles about New Year in Alicante & the feast of Three Kings . During this period fairs are open, fireworks are launched, the whole country celebrates!

Spring

Semana Santa is a holy week before Easter. Daily solemn processions of Church communities. Start from St. Nicholas Cathedral to the Monastery of St. Face.

Summer

Arriving in the summer the luck will be to get on the festival "Bonfires in San Juan" (June 24) - solstice holiday. It is customary to build a fire, dumping unnecessary things into the flame. There is a belief that " instead of a burned thing a person will get a lot of material goods." Sometimes on this day is conducted bullfighting. Fig and tuna tortillas are a traditional dish. The evening ends with a laser show and fireworks.

Autumn

Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) - the Reconquista, the liberation of the Iberian Peninsula from the rule of the Emirate. Colorful carnival surprises with bright costumes, loud music.

In conclusion, spending one day in Alicante is a great way to experience the beauty and charm of this coastal city. From exploring the historic castle to strolling throught vibrant streets and indulging delicious Spanish cusine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing day by the beach, Alicante has it all. So, if you find yourself in this part of Spain, be sure to add Alicante to your itinerary.