Alicante 2 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See, & Eat
Planning your Alicante 2 day itinerary and not sure where to start? You’re in the right place!
I’m a travel blogger that lives in Spain, and I actually studied abroad in Alicante–so I know the city well and still love coming back.
With its sunny beaches, historic old town, and surprisingly good food scene, Alicante is the kind of place that’s easy to fall for.
This Alicante itinerary shares the top things to do, local places to eat, and simple tips to help you make the most of two days without overpacking your schedule.
Here’s how to spend a weekend or 2 days in Alicante without missing the highlights.
Alicante 2 Day Itinerary
Here’s a breakdown of my 2 day Alicante itinerary, covering the Alicante must-see sights while still giving you time to hit the beach.
Day 1: Santa Barbara Castle & El Barrio
Day 1 in Alicante is all about exploring the historic old town and checking off many of the top spots when it comes to what to do in Alicante.
Alicante Day 1 Itinerary at a Glance:
- Breakfast
- Mercado Central
- Santa Barbara Castle
- La Casita de las Macetas Azules
- Explore El Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Calle de las Setas (Mushroom Street)
- Drinks at Vino Y Mas
- Dinner at Nou Manolin
- Carrer Castaños
Breakfast
Start your first day in Alicante with breakfast at a local restaurant. Some of my favorite spots are Sip and Wonder, Madness Specialty Coffee, and JevoleCoffee.
You can also opt for churros con chocolate at Cafeteria Churrería Calderón, which is my favorite spot for churros in Alicante!
It’s also located right next to Mercado Central, which is up first on the itinerary.
Mercado Central
After breakfast, head to Mercado Central (Central Market) to get a feel for everyday life in Alicante.
At this indoor local market, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood and jamón to fruit, cheese, and pastries across two floors.
Don’t miss the outdoor flower stalls in the back–they’re so colorful and full of local charm.
Santa Barbara Castle
Next, make your way towards Santa Bárbara Castle, which sits high above the city and is pretty much Alicante’s most famous landmark.
I’d definitely recommend hiking up to the top if you’re able–it’s free to enter and this is where you’ll find some of the best panoramic views in town.
There are a few different entrance points and it’s a mix of stairs and uphill climbs. And about halfway up you’ll find my absolute favorite spot at the end of a wooden walkway!
Once you finally make it to the top, there’s lots of different remnants to explore including lookout points, old cannons, and dungeons.
There’s also a little café and bar where you can relax and take it all in.
Tip: If you’re not up for the hike, you can take the elevator up to the top for a few euros. The entrance to the elevator is right across the street from Postiguet Beach.
La Casita de las Macetas Azules
After exploring the castle, make your way down into El Barrio de Santa Cruz (known simply as “El Barrio”).
This historic neighborhood is located right beneath the castle and there are stairs that lead from the castle right down to it.
Then head to La Casita de las Macetas Azules, which is tucked along Calle Dean Zaragoza. This little white house covered in blue flower pots is absolutely adorable and is one of Alicante’s most Instagrammed spots.
There’s usually a line so be prepared to wait a bit to take photos and be sure to drop some spare change in the donation box if you can.
Explore El Barrio de Santa Cruz
Afterwards, wander around the surrounding El Barrio neighborhood, which is the most photogenic part of Alicante.
You’ll find the cutest whitewashed houses with potted plants and brightly colored doors–and you’ll probably find yourself stopping to snap photos at nearly every turn!
You can also check out the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas or the Basilica de Santa María, which are two of the most famous churches in Alicante.
It’s easy to get lost in the narrow streets, but that’s part of the fun–just take your time and see where the alleys lead.
Tip: El Barrio is also an excellent place to grab lunch. It’s a busy area and there are many different types of restaurants with outdoor seating.
Calle de las Setas (Mushroom Street)
Later in the afternoon or early evening, head to Calle San Francisco (also known as “Calle de las Setas” or “Mushroom Street”), which is one of the most popular places to visit in Alicante.
This quirky street is lined with oversized cartoon mushrooms and feels like something out of a children’s book.
It’s totally weird and random but it’s something you’ve got to see when in Alicante!
Drinks at Vino Y Mas
Then head to Vino Y Más, which is a cute wine bar right on Mushroom Street.
It’s got barrel tables with both indoor and outdoor seating and they’ve got a solid selection of Spanish wines and some snacks.
It’s a great place to grab drinks and will likely be pretty busy with the traffic on Calle San Francisco.
Dinner at Nou Manolin
For dinner, I’d highly recommend making a reservation at Nou Manolin, which is one of the top places to eat in Alicante, known for its tapas and fresh seafood.
The downstairs bar area is casual and always lively, while the upstairs is more formal if you’re looking for a sit-down meal.
It doesn’t open until 8PM and there will most likely be a line to get in! On my last visit, I got there around 7:45PM and was able to get a seat at the bar.
Carrer Castaños
After dinner, experience Alicante’s nightlife on Carrer Castaños, which is right around the corner from Nou Manolin.
This busy street is packed with bars, restaurants, and cafés. It comes alive after dinner, and the outdoor seating fills up fast.
Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails or just want to people-watch, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your night.
Day 2: Beach Day
Day 2 in Alicante is all about relaxation and getting to experience some of Alicante’s best beaches.
If you’re visiting in the winter or aren’t interested in the beach, check out my full list of the top things to do in Alicante for other activity ideas!
Alicante Day 2 Itinerary at a Glance:
- Breakfast
- Explanada de España
- Marina
- Playa del Postiguet or Playa de San Juan
- Drinks at Whisper Cocktail Company
- Dinner at Taverna del Racó del Pla
Breakfast
Grab breakfast to kick off your second day in Alicante.
You can try out one of the other restaurants I recommended above–Sip & Wonder, Madness Speciality Coffee, or JevoleCoffee.
Soho Parc is also a cute spot in an outdoor plaza surrounded by humongous trees.
Explanada de España
After breakfast, head to the Explanada de España, which is one of the most beautiful and iconic spots in Alicante.
This seaside promenade is lined with colorful mosaic tiles and rows of swaying palm trees that will instantly put you into vacation mode.
It’s where locals hang out and they even have wooden chairs along the promenade where you can take a seat to people-watch or sip a cafe con leche.
It can get busy so I’d definitely recommend visiting earlier in the morning to get the best photos!
Alicante Marina
From the Explanada, it’s an easy walk across the street to the Alicante Marina, where you’ll find yachts, sailboats, and waterfront cafés.
There’s also an elevated dock that stretches out behind the Melia Alicante hotel, which is a nice place for a walk on a sunny day.
You can also get some nice views of the coastline from this lookout point.
Playa del Postiguet or Playa de San Juan
After checking out the marina, it’s time to hit the beach!
If you want to stay close to Alicante city center, Playa del Postiguet is right at the base of the castle and on the other side of the marina.
It’s a nice beach but it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.
If you’ve got more time and want clearer water and more space, take the tram or a taxi north to Playa de San Juan.
This is a more residential area about 30 minutes north of downtown Alicante and the beaches there are way more widespread.
No matter which beach you go to, make sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, and beach gear. It’s kind of a bring-your-own-beach-blanket kind of vibe.
Tip: If you go to Playa de San Juan, have lunch at Daksa, Casa Julio, or Casa Domingo–these are some of the best paella restaurants in Alicante!
Drinks at The Whisper Cocktail Company
After the beach, get cleaned up before heading out for the night.
I’d recommend hitting up The Whisper Cocktail Company, which is a stylish little spot known for its creative drinks and speakeasy vibe.
The bartenders really know their stuff, and the cocktails are just as pretty as they are strong. It’s a great place to start your evening before heading to dinner.
Dinner at Taverna del Racó del Pla
Next, head to Taverna del Racó del Pla for dinner.
This spot is a bit more low-key and traditional, but the food is incredible–think rice dishes, seafood, and hearty local flavors.
It’s super popular with locals, so it feels a bit more authentic than some of the more touristy spots.
How to Get Around in Alicante
Getting around Alicante is super easy, especially if you’re staying in or near the city center.
The main attractions, beaches, restaurants, and neighborhoods are all within walking distance, so you likely won’t need any transportation for most of your trip.
The only time you might need to hop on public transit is if you’re heading to Playa de San Juan, which is a bit further out.
You can either take a taxi (use the FreeNow app to book one on demand) or hop on the tram, which leaves from the Plaza Luceros, Mercado Central, or Castello stations.
Tram tickets can be purchased at the automated machines, and they accept both cash and credit cards.
Tips for Visiting Alicante
Here are a few Alicante travel tips to make the most of your visit:
- Be prepared for a slower pace: Alicante is all about slowing down, walking around, and enjoying the beach. While I’ve included the top highlights in this itinerary, be prepared to just take it easy.
- Visit the Explanada early: The Explanada is wayyy less crowded in the morning and perfect for a peaceful stroll or photo session before the day heats up.
- Check out the beaches in San Juan: Take the tram or taxi up to Playa de San Juan–it’s wider, quieter, and has clearer water than the main beach in downtown Alicante.
- Skip the touristy restaurants on the Explanada: They’re overpriced and not the best quality. Head a few blocks inland for better food and local spots.
- Take the elevator to the top of the castle: If you’re not up for the steep walk, there’s a convenient elevator near the beach that costs just a few euros and gets you right to the top.
- Pack sunscreen and beach gear: With so much sun and beach time, you’ll definitely want to pack lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, plus a towel and swimsuit if you’re planning to swim.
Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Alicante Spain
I hope this Alicante 2 day itinerary helps you plan an easy and enjoyable trip filled with great food, local charm, and a little beach time.
I think two days or a weekend in Alicante is just enough time to get a taste of what makes this coastal city so special, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
And if you’re not much of a beach person or want to switch things up, be sure to check out my full guide on the best things to do in Alicante–it has tons of ideas for museums, food tours, day trips, and cultural spots you might enjoy.
Whether you’re here for the sunshine or the history, Alicante is a city that’s easy to love. Enjoy your trip to Alicante!
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