Alicante in 48 Hours: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
If you’re wondering what to do in Alicante in 2 days, the answer is more than you might expect. This Mediterranean city combines a historic old town, urban beaches, excellent food and a quality of light that makes everything easier. The itinerary below is organised by zone to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth: two full days, well used, covering everything the city has to offer. From the Castillo de Santa Barbara to the Mercado Central, via the Explanada and a choice of beach or day trip for the second afternoon.
Day 1 Morning — The Old Town and Castillo de Santa Barbara
The morning of day one belongs to the old town and the hilltop. The Barrio de Santa Cruz, with its whitewashed streets and colourful plant pots, is the best way into the city: narrow, quiet before ten o’clock, and full of corners worth photographing without any rush.
From there, a visit to the Castillo de Santa Barbara is non-negotiable. You can walk up via the path along the Benacantil hillside, which takes about 20-25 minutes, or take the free lift located at Postiguet beach. At the top, the views over the bay of Alicante and the coastline make the effort worthwhile. Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the grounds, which spread across several levels and bastions. Total time for this block: 2.5-3 hours.
Day 1 Afternoon — The Explanada and the Seafront
After lunch, the afternoon calls for a more relaxed pace. The Explanada de Espana, with its famous undulating tricolour marble pavement, is the city’s main promenade: palm trees, local life and terraces where you can stop for a vermouth or a coffee before moving on.
From the Explanada, the natural route leads to the Port and La Marina, a regenerated waterfront area with good bars and restaurants alongside the water. If the weather cooperates — and in Alicante it almost always does — a terrace with port views for the afternoon aperitif is one of the most genuine scenes the city has to offer. There is also time to walk over to Postiguet beach, just a few minutes from the centre, and end the afternoon with your feet in the water.
Day 1 Evening — Where to Eat in Alicante
Alicantian food has a very clear identity: rice, seafood and produce from the coast. The city is less well known than Valencia in this regard, but the quality is high and prices are more reasonable. Three reliable options to avoid going wrong:
- Port and La Marina area: a concentration of restaurants with a strong rice and fresh fish offering. More visitor-oriented, but with consistently good options.
- Santa Cruz and the Old Town: smaller restaurants, market-driven cooking, local atmosphere. The right choice for those wanting to step away from the main tourist circuits.
- Calle Labradores tapas route: one of the most lively streets for dinner in a tapas format. Good atmosphere and fair prices.
Whatever the choice, ordering an arroz a banda or a caldero del Mar Menor as the main course is how you eat properly in this city.
Day 2 Morning — Mercado Central and the Benalua Quarter
The Mercado Central deserves an unhurried visit. The building is one of the finest examples of Modernista architecture in the city, built in the early twentieth century, and the interior is filled with colour, the smell of spices and fresh produce from the surrounding farmland and sea. Arriving before ten in the morning guarantees the best selection and fewer crowds. Recommended time: 45-60 minutes.
Just to the south of the market, the Benalua quarter is an enjoyable walk through a residential neighbourhood with a strong character and very little tourism. Its grid-plan streets, nineteenth-century facades and absence of organised circuits make it one of the best spots to take a proper local breakfast at one of its neighbourhood cafes.
Day 2 Afternoon — Beach or Day Trip, Depending on Your Profile
The second afternoon works in two very different ways depending on what you are looking for:
Beach option: Postiguet beach is the most central, easy to reach on foot from the old town. For something larger and more spacious, San Juan beach, about 10 km north by tram, is the locals’ favourite in summer. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
Day trip option: the island of Tabarca, a designated Marine Reserve, is the classic excursion from Alicante. Boats leave from the port and the crossing takes around 45 minutes. The walled village, clear water and snorkelling make it one of the best options in the area. A faster alternative: Santa Pola, 20 km away, with its salt flats and quiet beaches. Estimated time for Tabarca: 4-5 hours as a full excursion.
Practical Tips for Your Alicante Weekend
- How to get there: by AVE high-speed train from Madrid (approx. 2 hours from Atocha) or by plane to Alicante-Elche International Airport, about 10 km from the centre with a direct bus or taxi.
- Best time to visit: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). Summer is ideal if the main goal is beach, though temperatures exceed 35°C in August.
- Getting around: the old town, the Explanada and the urban beaches are all easily walkable. For San Juan beach, the TRAM is the most convenient option.
- Useful app: Google Maps works well for navigation. For the tram, the official TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante app has up-to-date timetables.
- Accommodation: staying in the centre or near the Explanada is the best option for getting around on foot over two days. Libere’s apartments in Alicante are well placed for weekend breaks or longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alicante in 2 Days
What should I see in Alicante in 2 days?
The essentials in 48 hours include the Castillo de Santa Barbara, the old town and the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Explanada de Espana, the Mercado Central and at least one beach. With good zone-based organisation, everything can be covered comfortably over a weekend without feeling rushed.
How long do you need to visit Alicante?
Two full days are enough to see the city’s main highlights. To include day trips to the island of Tabarca or to villages along the Costa Blanca, three or four days is the ideal amount of time.
What is the best time of year to visit Alicante?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. Summer is perfect if the main objective is beach, though temperatures exceed 35°C in August.
How do you get to Alicante from Madrid?
The quickest option is the AVE high-speed train, with a journey of approximately 2 hours from Madrid Atocha. There are also direct flights to Alicante-Elche International Airport, located about 10 km from the city centre.
Where should I stay in Alicante to be well located?
The old town and the Explanada area are the best options for getting around on foot and having everything close by. Libere has apartments in Alicante that are ideal for weekend breaks or longer stays.