Sightseeing & Landmarks in Alicante

The Castle of Santa Barbara, located in the centre of Alicante, is one of the biggest mediaeval fortresses of Spain. This important landmark of the city stands on the top of Mount Benacantil from where it offers fabulous views of the city. When the castle is viewed from the El Postiguet beach, one can see a strange projected part in the shape of a human face known as the ‘Moor's Head’.

The Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA), housed inside the Castle of Santa Barbara, introduces visitors to various Spanish quests through different historical periods. On display are archaeological materials, sculptures and busts of famous Spanish people.

Address: 03002 Alicante, Spain
Tel.: +34 965 92 77 15

The St Ferdinand Castle is a counterpart of the Castle of Santa Barbara, which was built on Tossal hill, in the beginning of the 19th century, as a defence against French advances. However, the castle turned out to be of no use. Today, a tourist attraction, the ornate doorway and parts of the castle are still worth a watch.

Address: 03005 Alicante, Spain.

St Mary's Church also called as Basilica of Santa Maria was built in a gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is one of the major attractions in Alicante. The church has been constructed over the ruins of a former Moorish mosque. The place has a richly decorated Baroque facade, noteworthy among them being an image of the virgin by sculptor Juan Bautista Borja. Also worth appreciating, is the 18th century Rococo main altar and Bautismo, Comunión, Inmaculada and chapels.

Address: Plaza Sta. María, 1, 03001 Alicante, Spain.

The Co-cathedral of Saint Nicolás of Bari (Valencian: Concatedral de San Nicolas) was built throughout much of the 17th century in renaissance and baroque style. It is located in the old town close to the town hall. It has a wonderful blue dome and a beautiful garden surrounding it. Part of the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, the co-cathedral was raised to the title of cathedral by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Address: Plaza del Abad Penalva, 2, 03002 Alicante, Spain.

The Canelobre Caves situated in Busot, a tiny town 23 km away from Alicante, are one of the highly recommended tourist attractions. These caves are located at an altitude of approximately 700 m from the sea level, on the northern slant of the ‘Cabezón de Oro’ mountain ridge. The rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites in the caves will definitely leave you fascinated.

Address: Busot, Alicante, Spain.

Ayuntamiento is the town hall of Alicante, housed in a baroque building and located right behind the La Explanada Park. The fascinating features of the town hall are the plenary room, a chapel and long twin towers measuring up to 35m. The town hall also houses a statue by the famous Spanish sculptor 'Dali'. Another interesting object to be found here is an instrument that is used to measure the height above sea level in other parts of Spain.

Address: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1, 03002 Alicante, Spain.

The Tabarca Island is located at a distance of 11 nautical miles from Alicante. These waters surrounding the isle have been declared Mediterranean marine nature reserve. The island has the distinction of being the smallest and a permanently inhabited island of Alicante. It is a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the pristine waters surrounding the island.

The Mount Benacantil, containing pine and eucalyptus trees is undeniably the green lung of the city. It is said that this green area fulfils the need of oxygen for the entire city. In addition, at a driving distance of 20-30 minutes from the city one can find several parks that provide some fantastic entertainment options for a family day out.