3 Perfect Days in Alicante

Effortless arrival from Newquay

We flew out of Newquay which made the whole journey feel incredibly simple. No long stressful drive to a big hub airport: just a relaxed departure and before we knew it we were landing on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

From Alicante airport, we hopped straight on the C6 airport bus into the city. It runs regularly, is excellent value and it dropped us close enough to stroll to our hotel. No taxis, no faff, just an easy glide into holiday mode.  

Staying in the heart of the old town

For this trip, we wanted somewhere with personality rather than a large chain hotel, so we chose Les Monges Palace Boutique Hotel for our three‑night stay.

Tucked away in the old town, it was just the right amount of quirky for us: full of charm, characterful rooms and a lovely atmosphere that made it feel very “Alicante” rather than anonymous and generic. Step outside and you are straight into narrow streets, historic buildings and the gentle buzz of local life.

Breakfast was available at the hotel but we actually chose to skip it. Instead, we loved wandering down through the old town to the marina or seafront each morning, finding a pavement café for coffee and something light while watching the city wake up.

A city best explored on foot

One of the things I loved most about Alicante is just how walkable it is. We barely used any public transport once we were in the centre. You can simply set off in any direction and find something interesting.

We spent hours:

• Rambling through the old town’s winding streets
• Stopping in little plazas for a drink or a snack
• Wandering along the palm‑lined promenade by the sea
• Meandering through residential areas to get a feel for the “real” city

If you enjoy slow travel and discovering places at street level, Alicante works beautifully.

Santa Bárbara Castle and a surprise highlight

No visit to Alicante is complete without heading up to Santa Bárbara Castle, which crowns the city from the top of Mount Benacantil. The climb is rewarded with wide‑ranging views of the harbour, coastline and rooftops below.

What really surprised us, though, was what we found on the way back down.

Instead of returning via the main route to the city, we chose the path that leads down the back of the hill, away from the centre. This brought us to the Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ), the city’s archaeology museum, which ended up being a real highlight of the trip.

The museum is modern, beautifully presented and genuinely fascinating, even if you are not usually a “museum person”. It brings the area’s history to life in a really engaging way and made us appreciate Alicante far beyond its sunny beaches.

The Cathedral of St Nicholas: music, views and quiet corners

Another memorable stop was the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau, the Cathedral of St Nicholas. From the outside it blends into the old streets, but once inside it opens up into a cool, peaceful space filled with beautiful details and a real sense of history.

We took our time wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere, then headed up the bell tower for another wonderful perspective on the city. From the top you can look out over the rooftops and really appreciate how compact and walkable Alicante is, with the sea, castle and old town all within easy reach.

By sheer luck, we were there while someone was practising the organ. The sound filled the whole building and made the visit feel quite special, one of those unexpected travel moments that stay with you long after you come home.

Squares, cafés and local flavour

Alicante is full of little squares and pavement cafés, and we made the most of them. Our days developed a relaxed rhythm: walk, explore, stop for a coffee or a glass of wine, people watch, then wander on to the next little corner.

Beyond the more touristy streets of the old town, we especially enjoyed strolling out towards the other side of the city. If you wander away from the main historic centre and marina, you start to find the places where locals eat and socialise.

One evening we discovered La Vaca, an Argentinian restaurant that became a real stand‑out of the trip. Great flavours, friendly service and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere: exactly what you want after a day of walking and exploring.

Market lunches and quiet picnics

Another favourite experience was visiting the city market. It is a feast for the senses with stalls piled high with fresh produce, cheeses and cured meats.

We bought ingredients for a simple lunch and then headed off to find a quiet square for an impromptu picnic. It felt wonderfully authentic and is such a lovely way to feel part of everyday life in the city.

Beach, marina and sea air

One of Alicante’s great strengths as a city break is having a proper sandy beach right in the centre. After a morning of sightseeing, it is such a treat to be able to kick off your shoes and sink your toes into the sand at Playa del Postiguet.

We enjoyed leisurely walks along the seafront and by the marina, watching the boats and soaking up that soft Mediterranean light. Being able to blend city exploring with sea swims and beach time really did give us the best of both worlds.

Culture, fun and a touch of quirkiness

Alongside the archaeology museum and cathedral, another fun stop was the Museum of Illusions. It is playful, a bit quirky and a great way to spend an hour or two, especially if you enjoy taking photos and having a giggle together.

Alicante is also a very lively city when it comes to festivals and local traditions. We visited in late March, when the temperatures were a very comfortable mid‑20s and the city was preparing for Easter and the “saints’ parade” which brought a real sense of atmosphere and occasion to the streets.

Whenever you go, there always seems to be something happening, whether that is a local fiesta, a cultural event or simply the nightly “paseo” as locals head out for their evening stroll.

Why I would recommend Alicante for a short break

Looking back, Alicante ticked so many boxes for a three‑night escape:

• Easy flights from regional airports like Newquay
• Simple, inexpensive airport transfer on the C6 bus
• Characterful boutique accommodation in the heart of the old town
• A city that is genuinely walkable and relaxed to explore
• A mix of culture, history, beaches and great food
• Comfortable spring temperatures and a lively festival calendar

If you like the idea of wandering through historic streets, lingering over coffee in sunny squares, exploring castles, cathedrals and museums, then finishing your day with a sea view and a good meal, Alicante might be perfect for you too.

If you would like to plan your own Alicante escape, with the right hotel in the right area and a few personal tips tailored to you, I would be delighted to help you bring it to life.