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How to spend a day in Barcelona, from artisan shops to tapas bars

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is hardly a city you can experience in one day, but this action-packed itinerary provides an introduction to the variety of activities on offer — a taster that will keep you coming back for more.

When it comes to the visitor experience, Barcelona runs the full gamut. This Spanish icon has some of the country’s most important cultural centres and fabled architecture; access to hilltop views and beaches alike; and a culinary scene that straddles the inventive and the traditional. Here’s an itinerary for a day that takes in a bit of it all — from an early-morning hike to a visit to an art museum, and from sunset by the Mediterranean to a mandatory tapas dinner.

8am: Morning hike up Mount Tibidabo

On the ungroomed slopes of the nearby Pyrenees, skiers talk of earning their turns; in Barcelona the same might be true of cocktails. Blow the cobwebs off the previous night’s indulgence, and set yourself up for another day of the same, with an invigorating, hour-long hike along the trails threaded through the foothills of Mount Tibidabo, which overlooks the city. Your target is the summit church, set, incongruously, amid a retro funfair. Depart on the trail that starts at the Tibidabo Funicular base station, then ride the train back to your starting point.

10am: A mooch in the art museum

With its hillside perch on the flanks of Montjuïc hill, grand sweep of steps, and domes and towers inspired by St Peter’s in the Vatican and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya isn’t exactly a model of restraint. That exuberance extends to a collection of (mostly Catalan) art as dazzling as an Iberian sunset. Fortify yourself with a tallat (espresso with a splash of steamed milk) in the cafe tucked in one corner of its vast Sala Oval banqueting space.

12.30pm: Drinks and a bite by the pool

So galvanising was the 1992 Olympics for the city, you’ll still hear it spoken of fondly to this day. The seminal images of the games were divers twisting and piking high above the skyline from the purpose-built facilities on Montjuïc . The site has morphed into an informal open-air bar with a loyal local following. Grab a sangria or Aperol spritz, order a walnut and goat’s cheese salad or jamón ibérico sandwich and take your place in the banked seats from which the crowds once cheered. The two pools below open during the summer.

3pm: Dive into the Gothic Quarter

Fanning out from the 13th-century Catedral de Barcelona and corralled by the thoroughfares of La Rambla and Via Laietana, the Barri Gòtic is an endlessly browsable maze of artisan shops, craft boutiques and indie clothing stores. Narrow lanes and high footfall rule out anything more rushed than museum pace. Search out Sombrerería Obach , a century-old, family-run hat shop specialising in fedoras and traditional Catalan barretinas; and, of 1941 vintage, Granja Dulcinea chocolate shop.

4pm: Coffee in Plaça Neri

If the frenzy gets too much, retreat to Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. It’s an atmospheric little square (more of a trapezoid, in fact), with a central fountain sheltered by a towering rosewood, and an eponymous church whose facade is pockmarked by blast damage from the Fascist bombing raids of the 1930s. Dip into the thick-stoned cool of the Hotel Neri , order a coffee and ask to take it on the compact roof terrace among the terracotta pots and banana plants.

5pm: Hit the beach

It may not feel like it when you’re deep in the Gothic Quarter but one of Europe’s great urban seafronts is just a gargoyle’s spit away. Early evening it’s at its best, as the sun retreats behind Montjuïc and beachgoers disperse. It’s a stroll of a little over a mile along the expansive promenade from the sail-shaped W Hotel at one end to Frank Gehry’s 115ft-high, iridescent Peix (fish) sculpture at the other. The route traces the full expanse of Playa de la Barceloneta, which is studded with wood-framed chiringuito beach bars.

7pm: Tapas at Quimet & Quimet

Behind triple-height crimson doors on a quiet lane a short walk from the centre of the lively neighbourhood of Poble-sec, this is the city’s most sought-after tapas bar. It’s standing-room only in a high-ceilinged room decoratd wall-to-wall with wine and vermouth bottles. The faux bickering between sixth-generation brother and sister Quimet and Neus is a delight, as are the heaped montaditos (open sandwiches); salmon, yoghurt and honey is the pick.

9.30pm: Cocktails at the Nobu

Nul points for nominative inspiration, but Rooftop — set on the 24th floor of the Nobu Hotel in western Eixample — can lay claim to being the city’s loftiest bar. It’s possibly its coolest, too, with soft-lit, low-slung tables, four-poster day-beds and panoramic views stretching from mountain to Med. A signature jalapeño and ginger martini is the best way to round off your day. Check in to one of the hotel’s 259 elegant rooms and suites, and you can return the following morning for a wallow in that inviting pool.

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Essential places in Valencia

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TOP 10 VALENCIA

We propose you the 10 essential places that you can not miss in valencia.

City Of Arts and Sciences Monuments

An impressive city that can be enjoyed both inside and out, whether by watching an opera or 3D IMAX film, or visiting the interactive museum or the largest aquarium in Europe.

Cathedral, Miguelete and Holy Grail

La Lonja (The Silk Exchange) Unesco World Heritage

Barrio del Carmen: A cocktail of history and leisure

Forget about maps and venture into the labyrinthine cobbled streets of this ancient quarter that flourished between the Muslim and Christian walls. Medieval buildings, palaces, frescoes, shops and restaurants you won't be able to resist. 

Central Market

Albufera Natural Park

Nature in its purest form, dreamy sunsets, boat trips and disconnection in capital letters. Like an urban oasis surrounded by rice fields and forest: that is the Albufera Natural Park, the place where paella was invented

Valencia's beaches: within the city limits or wild, the choice is yours!

If you like golden sands by the sea.  When you want to bathe in the sun on your towel (always with a good sunscreen) or relax under a parasol with a drink nearby... then your place in the world is the beaches of Valencia. Without doubt the best plan.

Valencia Aquarium Oceanografic

Marina of Valencia

Enjoy in your own style miles and miles of distinguished beaches with blue flags. Relax by contemplating the sea from one of the many restaurants on the promenade or from the avant-garde Veles e Vents de la Marina building.

The best museums where to lose yourself in and enjoy

The 34 museums of Valencia are there to suit all tastes. From the second largest art gallery in Spain at the Museo de Bellas Artes, to the IVAM's modern art, including the Museo Nacional de Cerámica, the Fallero, the Centre del Carme or the Bombas Gens art centre.

Turia Garden Valencia

Tour it by bike or on foot and see the 18 bridges that cross it. A lush 9-kilometer garden that keeps secrets inside: the Gulliver, the Palau de la Música, the City of Arts and Science...

Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de Valencia

Ensanche and Ruzafa

Restaurants, leisure, shops and a lot of culture in the heart of Valencia. The shopping area par excellence, with many places to enjoy the gastronomy

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Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

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Barrio del Carmen and its Palaces

Strolling around its streets is a complete pleasure. El Carmen neighbourhood embraces you with its maze-like streets full of history, palaces, legends and leisure. Visit Torres de Quart and Miguelete to take in the spectacular views. Sit in Plaza del Negrito and have an Agua de Valencia, a typical Valencian cocktail, then continue your walk down Calle Caballeros and you will see how El Carmen will charm you bit by bit. Once it has, it will be one of the loves of your lives. For sure.

Plaza de la Virgen and the cathedral quarter

Do you love history? Learn more about the origins of the Holy Grail in the heart of Valencia. Visit the ancient cathedral, feel the thrill in the Basílica de la Vírgen de los Desamparados and discover cultural treasures such as l'Almoina. Just go to Plaza de la Virgin and wander around its surroundings. Let's go!

Plaza del mercado y Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)

Like a trip to the past where you won’t want to come back: this is how you will feel when you visit Valencia's Central Market. Located in a magnificent pre-modernist building, there are stalls serving top-quality food and a charming je ne sais quoi all around the area's markets. Just in front of the market is Lonja de la Seda, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a must when visiting Valencia, as well as Santos Juanes Church just a few metres away.

Valencia is also all about art. And there are 34 museums! Culture activities are always a great idea as they make us think, feel and consider life from a different perspective. Enjoy the city's history, architecture and master pieces by famous artists from different eras, such as Goya or Sorolla at the Fine Arts Museum San Pío V. Visit the delightful National Museum of Ceramics in the Palace of Marqués de Dos Aguas. If you like contemporary art, you cannot miss out on IVAM, Centre del Carme or MUVIM.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Full of light and flower shops. The Square perfectly summaries the city's essence. It is joyful and full of colour, and its central fountain is surrounded by flowers and people wanting to immortalise the moment. There are majestic buildings nearby, such as Correos, a real treasure, the Estación del Norte train station, or the Town Hall itself that is the heart from which everything flows. Gunpowder and music in Fallas, a great atmosphere all year round, horchata stalls, theatres, restaurants and... lots of charm.

The Valencia's Marina and beaches

It is impossible to think about the city on the River Turia without mentioning the Marina and the beaches. It is a must to take a walk around the new trendy seafaring neighbourhood, El Cabanyal. A paella overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, sunbathing (luckily the sun is out almost all year round), an ice cream or a drink with friends at such a privileged place...these are just some of the cool things you can do in Valencia. Visit the port and see the 19th-century storage facilities (Tinglados), Edificio del Reloj (Clock Building) and Veles e Vents restaurant. You will love watching the sunset on one of the bar terraces.

The Albufera Nature Park

One of our favourite spots is only 10 kilometres away from the city: La Albufera Natural Park. Pure nature, dreamy sunsets, boat rides and being able to completely switch off for a while. Like an oasis surrounded by rice fields and forests. You should visit it if you want to understand the origins of Valencian cuisine. It will be magical. Will you let yourself fall in love with the area?

The Turia Garden

Valencia's green lungs crosses the city with a 9-kilometre long garden. Welcome to the Turia Garden! The old river course from the Turia River is now a large green space full of pedestrians, cyclists and people doing sports. If we go from one end to another, not only can we see true nature in an urban setting, but we can also find great monuments, such as Palau de la Música or the City of Arts and Sciences. It is a remarkable privilege!

Bioparc and Oceanogràfic

Visit Africa, Japan and even the Arctic without leaving Valencia. It is all possible at Bioparc and Oceanogràfic. If you love nature and animals, you cannot miss out. Whether you are alone or with your family, you will have a great time discovering the world through its fauna. Don't miss out! Tickets to Bioparc and the Oceanogràfic Get 15% off with the València Tourist Card

The City of Arts and Sciences

When the City of Arts and Sciences was opened in 1998, it seemed like something from a sci-fi film, but it is one of Valencia's most important signature buildings. And it is inevitable that this would happen, as Santiago Calatrava's architecture is charming. Hemisfèric, Science Museum, Umbracle, Oceanogràfic, Palau de les Arts, Ágora and the Assut d’or Bridge are seven monumental buildings that make up the City of Arts and Sciences. They are so special that each one will impress you. Discover them all!

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Barcelona is Mediterranean, modernisme, art, design, culture, food… you already knew that. But did you know that the city also loves sport at all levels? The Barcelona that hosted the Olympic Games in 1992 is a city where people take part in sport at amateur and professional levels and women lead the field in every sporting discipline.

23rd April, Sant Jordi. Find out why you'll want to be in Barcelona.

There's one day every year when travellers and visitors to Barcelona feel like they're on another planet. This is a day when Barcelona is suffused with a different atmosphere and it seems that everybody heads to the streets. So if you're planning on coming to Barcelona and your visit coincides with 23rd April, you're in luck! You'll experience the city on what is arguably the Barcelonians' most cherished day.

Museum Night: art in the moonlight

The Barcelona moon bears witness to thousands of magical nights. Although, if you asked it about La Nit dels Museus (Museum Night), it would say that it casts its own peculiar spell, and has a special magnetism that is hard to explain, making it into a night that nobody, whatever their age, should miss.

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Visit Seville and explore the rich, intimate streets of the city , become captivated by the immemorial culture surrounding you, and fall in love with heart of Andalucia . Discover a city brimming with life and history and learn how its evolved through the centuries and inspired the rest of the world. The city of Seville is a welcoming one and will captivate you immediately .

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Why do you have to visit seville, a unique and different lifestyle.

Come to Andalucia and live like a Sevillano. Enjoy the tranquility of the city and wander the streets during the day, taking in the Guadalquivir river, followed by tapas and flamenco as you watch the city come to life.

An Incomparable Historical Heritage

The 22 hundred years of history of this city and its influencers are obvious in its structure and architecture. The Muslim and Christian occupation throughout its history has molded Seville into the accepting and intellectual city it is today. The city itself tells its own story of art, expression, and exploration unlike any other.

Seville and its Cultural Heritage

Seville and it’s geography make it a mixing bowl of people and culture. Influenced clearly by their neighbors to the south, African and Arab accomplishment and influence can be seen throughout all aspects of the city, especially from its inhabitants.

Andalusia a Privileged Natural Environment

There is more to see in Andalucia than just its timeless architecture. The Iberian peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular sites on earth, the most gorgeous surrounding Seville. Journey to the Rock of Gibraltar and through Morocco, or visit breathtaking beauties such as the Alhambra in Granada and the lush Doñana National Park.

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TUESDAY, JULY 2 - 7:30 PM (+)

Free series of performing arts shows in the parks and squares of the city.

THURSDAY, JULY 4 - 7:00 PM

Concert by the winners of the Carles&Sofia International Piano Competition

They will perform works by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov and Granados.

THURSDAY, JULY 4 - 8:00 PM (+)

Jazz a la Fresca

Free jazz concerts on summer nights at the Sunset Jazz Club (Carrer Jaume Pons i Martí, 12). Reservations at [email protected].

More Activities

Outdoor municipal swimming pools are now open!

11/06/24 | The municipal summer swimming pools of the Devesa Sports Zone are open until September 11.

Tocs de Vi de l'Empordà reaches its eleventh edition

22/05/24 | From the 4th to 8th June, Tocs de Vi de l'Empordà returns, with wine tastings from the Empordà region and tastings of local products in Passeig de la Devesa and in unique locations in the city.

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How to get there - transport information

Select the means of transport to see how to get there or how to get around at your destination.

How to get to aeroplane

Seville Airport is 10 kilometres from the city, off the A-4 motorway.

You can get from the airport to the city centre by bus , on the EA line. The trip takes about 35 minutes and costs 4 euros (6 euros return)

By taxi , the journey takes about 30 minutes and has a fixed price of €24.98.

By road you must take the A-4 on a 25-minute journey.

More information

How to get to train

The Santa Justa railway station is very close to the city centre (for example, it’s 2 kilometres or a 25-minute walk from Seville Cathedral).

By public transport, the 32 goes from the station to the old town centre (although you can get other buses from Santa Justa, including the special Airport Bus). The journey takes under 15 minutes.

The nearest metro station is Nervión (1 kilometre away).

There are high-speed trains to Madrid (approximately 2.5 hours), Barcelona (approximately 5.5 hours), Valencia (from 4 hours), and more destinations.

Ticket booking

How to get to bus

There are two main bus stations in Seville

International and national routes arrive at the Plaza de Armas station , right in the centre of Seville.

Regional lines mainly come to Prado de San Sebastián station , also in the city centre.

How to get there by road

From Madrid, the A-4 and A-5 motorways (connecting with the A-66).

From Portugal, the A-49 motorway.

From the Costa del Sol, via the A-92 motorway.

From Cadiz, the AP-4 motorway.

How to get around in bus

Seville’s city buses usually run from 6 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. 

There is a 1 or 3 day tourist card with unlimited travel.

How to get around in metro/tram

A metro line runs through the city.

- Sundays and public holidays: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

You can get a single or return ticket, a money card for buying tickets, or a one-day pass.

There is also a tram line (the Metrocentro or T1 ) that runs along part of the city centre.

How to get around in other means of transport

Seville is an easy city to explore on foot.

Taxis are white with a yellow diagonal stripe. A green light on the roof shows they are available.

It offers a bike hire network with 30 free minutes (requires registration with payment around of €13).

A ride in a horse-drawn carriage and boat tour along the Guadalquivir river are original ways to visit the tourist areas. 

Excursions to nearby destinations

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View some of the most relevant events you will be able to enjoy at the destination.

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20 June 2024 - 14 September 2024

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11 September 2024 - 05 October 2024

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08 November 2024 - 16 November 2024

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Granada Tourist Offices - Services, Location and Opening Hours

Granada Provincial Board Tourist Office

Contact Details

Opening Hours

Tourist Office of the Regional Government of Andalusia

Opening Hours:

Granada Municipal Tourism Office of the City Council

Alhambra Information Point

Offered services.

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• What to visit in Alicante

Practical information

Tourist info offices, transport, tourist guides, other services.

How to get to Alicante

Flights, car hire and other ways to get to Alicante

Accommodation in Alicante

Hotels, apartments, guesthouses, hostels…

Brochures and apps

Discover the city at your own pace

Explanada de España

Alicante beaches

Provincial Archaelogical Museum MARQ

The Central Market

The Town Hall

Tourist guides and guided visits

Cabo de la Huerta coves

Lucentum Archaeological site

Alicante Water Museum and Garrigós Wells

Castle of Santa Bárbara

The Castle of Santa Bárbara played a major role in Alicante’s history. The castle is the city’s hallmark . Visitors can discover its historic halls and water reservoirs , enjoy guided tours , shows and events , as well as grand views of the Mediterranean throughout the year. Read more >>

Tabarca Island

The island of Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Valencian region . It is situated eleven nautical miles away, and is very close to the city of Alicante, facing the Cape of Santa Pola . The island is unique: its transparent waters led to the creation of Spain’s first ever marine reserve. You can enjoy this Mediterranean treasure for a day or for as many days as you like. Read more >>

Some of Alicante’s best tourist attractions are its excellent beaches . Year after year they receive the Blue Flag award by the European Union, which earns them well deserved international recognition. This includes San Juan beach , the Cabo de las Huertas coves , Almadraba beach , Albufereta beach , Postiguet beach and Saladares-Urbanova beach . We also highlight Agua Amarga Doggy Beach and the accessibility services provided on beaches . Read more >>

ACCESIBLE BEACHES:

The city of Alicante offers a free accessible beach service , with recreational-educational areas aimed at people with mental disabilities, as well as a bathing/swimming assistance service for people with reduced mobility during the summer. The accessible areas are located on the beaches of San Juan, Postiguet and in Saladares-Urbanova . Read more >>

WATER SPORTS:

Alicante is the perfect destination for the enjoyment of water sports such as jet skiing, sailing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, competition fishing and waterskiiin­g all year round. You can try your hand at any of these activities by dealing directly with the companies that offer them. Read more >>

Saladares-Urbanova beach

La Albufereta beach

San Juan beach

El Postiguet Beach

Agua Amarga, the ultimate ‘doggy’ beach in Alicante

Accessible beaches in Alicante

La Almadraba beach

Parks and Gardens

The Paseo de la Explanada is one of Alicante’s major landmarks. Other walks and gardens may surprise you however, for their setting and majestic centuries-old trees : we suggest you visit the Plaza Gabriel Miró , the Portal de Elche , or the parque de Canalejas . If you love palm trees , don’t miss El Palmeral (the palm grove). If you enjoying watching a sunrise over the sea, you’ll love the Paseo de Gómis . If you prefer a romantic walk, go to the Panteón de Quijano . Or to simply relax and have a good time, choose any one amongst these parks and gardens.

Read more >>

Monuments and historical buildings

Alicante is home to numerous monuments that reveal a fascinating past, marked by the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a rich history, reflected in its civil and religious buildings . In the old town you will find the Town Hall , the Basilica of Santa María , San Nicolás Co-Cathedral , the Santa Cruz and San Roque hermitages among other buildings of historical interest. From the Explanada , you can admire the Casa Carbonell and in the downtown area, you can see the elegant Post Office Headquarters, or the beautiful fountain of Luceros . You can also visit the Central Market of Alicante, and nearby, you will find the plaza de Toros ( bullring) or the old tobacco factory, now called Las Cigarreras, turned into a wonderful cultural centre.

Museums and cultural centres

The museums of Alicante are attractive and surprising: they complete your experience of the city. Fun and adventure await you in some of them: at The Ocean Race Museum, you can experience the extreme challenges of this round-the- world sailing tour that sets off from Alicante. The MARQ is a 21st century archaeological museum, offering exhibitions of international interest. The Museo de Fogueres  makes you live the excitement of the “Fiestas de San Juan” bonfires. There is also a constant renewal of temporary exhibitions at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, (or MACA) and at cultural centres such as Las Cigarreras, the old tobacco factory. Read more >>

Gravina Fine Arts Museum MUBAG

Las Cigarreras Cultural Centre

La Lonja del Pescado

Fogueres Festival Museum

The Ocean Race Museum

Bullfighting Museum

The Nativity Scene Museum

Museum of the city of Alicante MUSA

University of Alicante Museum MUA

Contemporary Art Museum MACA

Discover Calpe

Tourist info.

Calpe has 2 tourist offices throughout the year, located in strategic locations in the town and with 2 tourist information points that reinforce tourist attention during the summer.

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SpainMadeSimple.com

Alicante Tourist Information: BEST Things to Do & See

Table of Contents

This page is all about the town of Alicante on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.

It contains useful Alicante tourist information for people intending to visit or holiday in Alicante.

Alicante Tourist Information

In this tourist guide to the tourist resort of the city of Alicante the gateway to the Costa Blanca of Spain we help visitors who are planning a trip with useful and practical advice on many tourism related subjects such as car hire, accommodation, apartment rental, villa rental, hotels, hostels, map, sightseeing, weather, where to go, where to stay, travel information and what to see and do in Alicante.

To make the best of your visit and holiday we cover everything you need to know about Alicante. We also have photos, picture galleries, views, videos and Alicante webcams of Alicante.

If you are thinking of actually living in this region of Spain you will need help for jobs for expats in Alicante .

Alicante Airport

Alicante is a very well-known city primarily because of Alicante airport through which many of the visitors to the Costa Blanca arrive. Alicante has one of the three international airports that service the Costa Blanca.

Alicante is also the capital of the Costa Blanca although it has quite a small population of approximately 300,000.

Strangely enough, most people arrive at Alicante airport and then head out of Alicante at the first opportunity, strange because there are many attractions of the city in particular Alicante has some of the finest beaches in the whole of the Costa Blanca.

Alicante is the busiest of the three hubs on the Costa Blanca, Valencia Airport, Murcia Airport and Alicante Airport provides the gateway for tourists and locals arriving on the Costa Blanca.

Of these three airports Alicante Airport is the busiest owing to the diversity of flights, destinations and carriers it has on offer.

El Altet is located twelve kilometres or eight miles to the south of the city, and although the city of Alicante is not known as a tourist destination in itself, the city does have a lot to offer in terms of beaches, shopping, bars, restaurants, pubs, nightlife, excursions, monuments, museums, parks, as well as good selection of city hotels in all categories and to suit all budgets.

Bus from Alicante Airport to Alicante City Centre

There is a regular bus service going to downtown Alicante every twenty minutes.

The C6 will take people who want to catch the train further afield directly to the train station, bus station for those wanting to catch buses to places such as Benidorm, and the tram station which connects people to some of the smaller sea side resorts as well.

The journey time takes approximately forty minutes at a cost of €3.

Taxi from Alicante Airport to Alicante City Centre

This is the easiest and fastest way to get to Alicante but not the cheapest. The journey time from Alicante Airport to Downtown Alicante is about fifteen minutes depending on traffic.

You can expect to pay €14 for a day fare and if arriving at the Alicante Airport late at night or during a fiesta you can expect to pay €16 for a party of four.

Train from Alicante Airport to the Centre of Alicante

At this moment in time there is no train station at Alicante Airport itself and tourists who want to catch a train to the sea side resorts on the Northern Costa Blanca can take a taxi or catch the C6 bus to the train station in Alicante to be able to travel by train further afield.

Private Transfer from Alicante Airport to Alicante City

There are many shuttle service companies providing transfers from Alicante Airport to Downtown Alicante. The most popular shuttle companies offering competitive rates include Resort Hoppa and Shuttle Direct.

A private transfer with Shuttle Direct costs €10 per person one way for a party of four. This kind of transfer is much like a taxi service with the exception that the transfer is pre booked with the option of using the shuttle service as well on the day of departure.

The travel time to Downtown Alicante from Alicante Airport again would be approximately fifteen minutes

Car Hire at Alicante Airport

Car hire companies include Atesa, Auriga, Avis, Centauro, Europcar, Europa, Gold Car, Hertz, Record, Sixt and Sol Mar.

Costs of hiring a car are dependent on the time of year, model and duration of the rental period. The journey time of course would also be approximately an hour.

You can choose to pre book car hire which is a smart thing to do especially during the busy tourist season or organise the car hire after arriving at Alicante Airport.

As Alicante Airport is so close to the city centre it is up to the individual to either catch the airport bus which is the cheapest, or catch a taxi or even book a private transfer.

Some holidaymakers who arrive on late flights at Alicante Airport do check into the city hotels before travelling further to the villas and apartments which they have booked and find that owing to the late hour that a taxi ride is the best option for them.

Alicante Sights and Attractions

Alicante promenade is also worthy of note. The ‘Explanada de Espana” is lined with palm trees and a great place for a walk in the evening as many Spanish families do.

Also worthy of note is Alicante castle which overlooks the city and surrounding area providing spectacular views. The castle dates from the sixteenth century and is well-preserved.

The northern Costa Blanca which reaches Denia in the north , to Orihuela in the south. Alicante is classed as one of the most healthy cities in the world with over 320 days of sunshine a year.

Alicante has a diverse population from the North-African Moroccans to the South-Americans, Spanish as well as a steady influx of tourists.

The busy marina and harbour offers ferry destinations to Alger and Oran in Algeria.

Alicante has what is known as a Mediterranean climate which means long hot summers with very little or no rainfall, and cool sometimes wet winters.

Alicante is known for the Santa Barbara castle, the Santa Barbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe with far reaching views across the city.

Make sure you visit the local market selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other locally-made goods and produce – market day in Alicante is on a Tuesday and Thursday.

The best way to see Alicante is with the Turibus. Alicante is a very busy city with heavy traffic and getting around the city by car can be a daunting experience.

The Turibus tours the city from 10am until 2pm and then from 5pm until 7pm and has an eighty passenger capacity. A ticket costs only €8 (€5 for kids and pensioners) and is valid all day so you can hop on and off as many times as you like.

The bus stops at all the popular tourist attractions such as the Plaza del Mar, Archaeological Museum, Sta Barbabra Castle, Central Market, Luceros, Renfe Station, Maisonnave (the shopping area), the Theatre and the Rambla.

Alicante Beaches

Alicante is also blessed with many beautiful beaches. Here is a list of the most popular ones.

Playa Postiguet is within walking distance from the town center, this beach is popular all year round both with locals and with visitors. The promenade goes along the full length of the long beach and is flanked by palm trees. Good facilities, golden sand, life guards, beach bars and nearby restaurants.

The Cala de la Palmera and Cala Cantalars both form part of the Cabo Huertas rocky cape which reaches out into the deep blue Mediterranean sea, it has crystal clear water, ideal for snorkelling, but no services. Family-friendliest in the summer months.

The Playa de San Juan is Alicante’s longest and best beach, stretching along for more than seven kilometers of fine white sand it has excellent facilities, life guards during the summer months.

It has beach bars, restaurants along its long promenade and a play area for children. This beach is very popular during the summer months so come early.

Just north of San Juan there is the Playa Muchavista which offers the same services and facilities but isn’t as busy in the summer months.

El Campello’s main beach is the Playa Carrer La Mar consisting of small bays with both pebbles and sand. It has a lovely promenade with bars and restaurants. Ideal for families it also has a play area.

The Playa Almadrava is a small sand and pebble beach with no services, life guards or facilities.

The Playa Agua Amarga is situated on the southern side of Alicante and can be seen from the coastal road linking Alicante and the airport.

The Playa Urbanova on the south side of Alicante is framed by apartment complexes and has all the facilities and services. This beach becomes very busy during the summer months and is frequented by the locals and tourists.

The Playa Arenales del Sol is one of Alicante’s finest beaches has dunes and fine white sand is popular with young people with many bars and restaurants close by.

Alicante Tourist Offices (Oficina de Turismo)

Alicante Tourist Office Address: Avenida Rambla Mendez Nuñez 41, 03002, Alicante. Telephone: +34 965 200 000 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 20:00 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 h. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

Alicante Airport Tourist Office (Aeropuerto) Address: Aeropuerto Alicante (Terminal Llegadas T1 L’Altet). 03195. Alicante – Alacant. Telephone: +34 966 919 367 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.visitelche.com Opening Hours/Times: January Hours: Closed Mondays except Monday 21 (open from 09:00 to 16:00 h.) Tuesday, from 09:00 to 19:00 h. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 h. Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00 h. exc. Saturday 19, closed. Sunday and Jan. 1, closed.

Alicante Tourist Office (Renfe) Address: Avenida Salamanca s/n (Junto a la Estación de Ferrocarril), 03005, Alicante-Alacant. Telephone: +34 965 125 633 Email: [email protected] Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00. and from 16:15 to 18:30 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

Alicante Tourist Office (Centro) Address: Calle Portugal 17 (Estación Autobuses), 03003, Alicante-Alacant. Email: [email protected] Telephone: +34 965 929 802 Website: https://www.alicanteturismo.com Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00.

Alicante Tourist Office (Explanada) Address: Avenida Explanada de España 1, Edificio Carbonell, 03002, Alicante-Alacant. Telephone: +34 965 147 038 Email: [email protected] Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00. and from 16:15 to 18:30 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 h.

Alicante Tourist Office (University – Universidad) Address: Soc. Relaciones Intern. Campus San Vte. Raspeig. 03080. Sant Vicent del Raspeig.

Alicante Tourist Office (Playa de San Juan) Address: Avenida de Niza, s/n (Junto Cruz Roja). 03540. San Juan (Alicante-Alacant) Telephone: +34 965 266 106 Email: [email protected]

IMPORTANT ALICANTE PHONE NUMBERS

Town Hall: 96 514 91 00 Local Police: 96 510 72 00 Airport Alicante: 96 691 90 00 Red Cross: 96 525 25 25 Customs: 96 520 76 46 Fire Brigade: 96 598 22 22 Iberdrola: 96 520 21 33 Post Office: 96 521 99 84

Page Summary – This page contains unique content about the beach resort of Alicante, a popular tourist destination on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.

Don’t Miss Our Related Alicante Pages…

• Alicante Airport Parking
• Alicante Airport Transfers
• Alicante Car Hire
• Alicante Estate Agents
• Alicante Long Term Rentals
• Alicante Weather
• Alicante Webcams

Main Costa Blanca Guide

About the Author

Mark Eastwood

Main author and owner of SpainMadeSimple.com which was started in 2004 when I first moved to Spain.

Spain Made Simple features expert advice on all aspects of moving to and living in Spain as well as useful tourist information and travel tips.

As well as my own articles we have many contributions from professionally qualified experts in varied occupations in Spain.

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Reader Interactions

Trinidad Garcia says

March 3, 2017 at 2:32 am

Thank You very much for this excellent information ,looking forward to an excellent stay in Alicante and will be homebase for my wife an I . Looking forward to this wonderful trip as it is our first trip to Europe and will begin in Spain and will end in Spain. Again Thank You.

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Election latest: 'Enormous increase' in postal votes - as Starmer faces questions over cabinet rumours

Sir Keir Starmer has spent much of today batting away Tory attacks about how he spends his Friday evenings with his family - but the Labour leader couldn't resist giving his thoughts on one of the tactical conundrums facing England manager Gareth Southgate at the Euros.

Tuesday 2 July 2024 18:30, UK

• General Election 2024

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'Enormous increase' in postal votes

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Disabled people have the right to vote independently and in secret - and local authorities have a legal duty to make sure they can do this.

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We heard a short while ago from SNP leader John Swinney, and we asked him if he can see independence for Scotland within two or three years.

The first minister replied: "Yes, I can.

"About half the population in Scotland want Scotland to be an independent country, and I want to make sure people in Scotland have that choice.

"I can't impose that on them. I just want them to have that choice."

It falls to the UK government to allow for an independence referendum, but the SNP believes doing well at this election and the 2026 Holyrood vote would provide them with a mandate to demand one.

Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have said they are opposed to another referendum in the next parliament.

Asked how he can win back support for the SNP, which has been dropping recently, Mr Swinney replied that anyone who wants independence for Scotland should back his party.

"We need independence because we are suffering just now because of austerity - a decision made in Westminster which is going to be carried on in Westminster.

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Sophy is joined tonight by the Tory migration minister Tom Pursglove and the Labour shadow employment minister Alison McGovern .

On Sophy's panel tonight are:

• Jo Tanner , former Tory adviser;
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Watch live on Sky News, in the stream at the top of this page, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

Watch  Politics Hub  from 7pm every night during the election campaign on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

"There's no point in voting. They're all the same. Nothing ever changes anyway."

In the run-up to general elections past and present, you may have heard various iterations of the above from friends, family, colleagues, and strangers.

Repeated political scandals have seen the public's distrust of politicians and voter apathy increase. At the 2019 General Election, roughly a third (32.7%) of the country didn't vote.

At the link below, we look back at changes brought in by both Conservative and Labour governments that have fundamentally changed day-to-day life in the UK - many for the better.

Tory candidate and ex-minister Andrew Jenkyns has shared and welcomed a video by a former UKIP leader endorsing her to win her seat.

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Ms Jenkyns is on the right of the Tory party and has repeatedly called for the return of former prime minister Boris Johnson.

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Here's everything you need to know so far today:

• Sir Keir Starmer has been batting away Tory attacks about his ambition to keep spending Friday nights with his family if he becomes PM;
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Don't forget, we've got Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge at 7pm.

On the show tonight are Tory minister Tom Pursglove and Labour's Alison McGovern , with ex-Tory adviser Jo Tanner and The Observer's chief lead writer Sonia Sodha on the panel.

Over the last 24 hours, the Tory party has been attacking Sir Keir Starmer for expressing a desire to spend Friday evenings with his family.

The father-of-two said he would continue to have "protected time for the kids" at the end of the week if he were to take over as PM on 5 July.

The Conservatives said he would be a "part-time prime minister", but Sir Keir has hit back, labelling the attacks "laughably pathetic".

He told reporters: "I do carve out Friday nights, as best I can, for Vic (his wife) and the kids and her dad as protected time.

"Her dad's side of the family is Jewish, as people will appreciate, and we use that for family prayers – not every Friday, but not infrequently.

"That doesn’t mean I’ve never had to work on a Friday, of course it doesn't - plenty of times I haven't been able to do it.

"But I've tried to protect that time. I'd like to try and protect it in the future, but I know very well, it's going to be really difficult to do it."

The Labour leader was also asked if he agrees with Lord John Mann, a Labour peer who was appointed antisemitism adviser by Theresa May, who said the comments from the Tory party are "dangerous" and "insidious from those aware" of the cultural significance of Friday evenings in the Jewish faith.

Sir Keir replied: "I would have thought, to anybody, it is blindingly obvious that the Friday night is quite important in some religions and faiths.

"But to be perfectly honest, it's also time that we want to spend as a family."

We've been reporting in recent days on delays in the delivery of postal ballots ahead of the election on Thursday.

Both the government and the Royal Mail have been trying to allay people's fears that they may not get their ballots in time, though some have had to resign themselves to not being able to vote as their ballots hadn't arrived before they went on holiday.

Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive at the Electoral Commission, the independent body which oversees elections, said he'd be "concerned if anyone was disenfranchised" as a result of delays.

He told Sky News there had been an "enormous increase" in people choosing postal voting this year - with some 6.7 million ballots having already been sent to voters, filled in and returned.

"That's more than at this stage of the 2019 election," he said.

Mr Rangarajan admitted the system "is under quite a lot of pressure", predicting the number of postal votes to reach as high as 10 million.

That's partly down to Rishi Sunak having called the election to coincide with school summer holidays in Scotland.

But he did seek to reassure people who want to vote by post and still haven't been able to.

"People can put them in the mail as late as tomorrow, the day before polling day," he said, and still be confident they'll be counted.

With the election just two days away, thoughts are starting to turn to who might be in a potential Starmer cabinet.

Some shadow cabinet members, such as shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, are all but certain to be appointed if they win their seats and Labour win a majority on Thursday.

But rumours are swirling that David Lammy, who has been shadow foreign secretary since November 2021, may not be appointed to the top Foreign Office job.

Sir Keir Starmer was asked about those rumours by the BBC's Chris Mason, but the Labour leader refused to comment.

"I'm not naming a cabinet two days before the election, which isn't won," he said.

"We have to stay focused until 10pm on Thursday, because it will come down to quite narrow margins. The polls don't predict the future."

Certain constituencies are "very, very tight", he said, adding the party has to be "absolutely laser focused as we go into the last few days".

As Rishi Sunak said yesterday, the jobs of prime minister and England manager are similar in that just about everyone has an opinion on how you're doing it.

Sir Keir Starmer is no exception, it seems.

Speaking to the BBC, the Labour leader was asked what he made of a tactical switch made by Gareth Southgate during England's rather nervy 2-1 win over Slovakia at the Euros on Sunday.

The England boss moved Bukayo Saka, a star man for Sir Keir's Arsenal, from the right-hand side to the left to help make room for Chelsea's Cole Palmer.

Sir Keir, a keen footballer and Arsenal season ticket-holder, said seeing Saka play at left-back made him "very nervous".

"He actually did start in his early days at Arsenal playing as a left-back so you could see the logic in it," he admitted.

"But I think he's been one of the major outlets on the right."

England go up against Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

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Benalmádena

The village's municipal area stretches from the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas to the sea, where it occupies a short coastal strip.

Completely devoted to tourism, Benalmadena is one of the most important resorts on the western Costa del Sol, offering a variety of options: firstly, the village itself, located in the upper part of the municipality, featuring traditional architecture which reflects its origins and affording beautiful panoramic views; further down stands a district of great importance, Arroyo de la Miel , where most of the population live, with its wealth of tourist facilities, including an international pleasure park; and, finally, Benalmadena Costa , where most of the facilities for sun and sand tourism are concentrated: hotels, a casino, golf courses, a pleasure harbour etc.

Worthy of note for its originality is Bil-Bil Castle , on the sea front, a curious structure built in Neoarabic style in 1934, now used for cultural purposes by the local council.

The Arabs gave the village its name, which appears to be derived from Banu Al Madena, meaning "sons of the mines", a reference to the important mineral deposits which had been heavily exploited since Roman times; a number of archaeological remains pertaining to this period have been unearthed here, notably a mosaic which can be found in the Alcazaba Museum in Malaga.

Prior to the Moslem occupation, Benalmadena had been colonised by Phoenician merchants.

During Arabic times, the castle was an important defensive structure. After the surrender of Marbella, the Catholic Monarchs turned their attention to Benalmadena, believing that the remaining villages on the way to the city of Malaga would present few difficulties. This was not the case, however, as its inhabitants, protected by their fortress, offered stiff resistance, and King Ferdinand was forced to direct operations himself.

Following its capture in 1485, the castle was totally destroyed and its inhabitants dispersed.

In 1491, the Catholic Monarchs granted a citizen of Malaga, Alonso Palmero, a letter of privilege allowing him to repopulate the area and rebuild the village and its castle under the supervision of the chief magistrate of the aforementioned city.

Benalmadena became a key location in the defence of the coast against the attacks of North African pirates. Remains of three towers can still be found on the coast: El Muelle, Quebrada and Bermeja.

Despite the presence of Roman remains and a mosque in Arroyo de la Miel, a district of Benalmadena, the suburb as we know it today appeared at the end of the 18th century as a result of the hydraulic installations and paper and playing card-producing facilities created by the Galvez de Macharaviaya family, and the presence of a sugar and honey cane factory, the sweet residual waters of which gave the area its name (Arroyo de la Miel translates as the Stream of Honey).

Eminent citizens Ibn Al Beithar who was born in the late 12th century and died in Damascus in 1248. An illustrious apothecary, botanist and essayist, he spent forty years travelling across Europe, Africa and Asia. He also became Saladin's doctor and director general of the Malek Kamil Gardens in Damascus.

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PLACES TO VISIT

• Almería
• Cádiz
• Córdoba
• Jaén
• Málaga

EXPERIENCES

• Active turism
• Conferences and Congresses
• Touristic Routes

TRAVEL PLAN

• Accommodations
• Guided Activities Companies
• Tour Operators and Travel Agencies