15 Days in Alicante: The Ultimate Beach & Adventure Travel Itinerary (2026)

Day 1 in Alicante: Slow Start on Postiguet

Landing for 15 days in Alicante with Beach & Relax, Adventure & Nature, Family Friendly in mind, you'll want to shake off travel fatigue, get your bearings, and start easy. Today, it's about embracing the Mediterranean rhythm—no rush, no pressure, just the city’s heartbeat and a first taste of sand between your toes.

Morning

Ease into Alicante with a lazy walk along Playa del Postiguet, the city’s main urban beach.

• Beach walk — The promenade is lively but never overwhelming, and the water's right there for a morning dip. Watch for the tile mosaics underfoot.
• Santa Bárbara Castle tour — If you’re up for a gentle climb or want the elevator (it’s worth the few euros), the views over the port are unbeatable. Skip the midday sun.

Breakfast or brunch: Sip some café con leche and order the tostada con tomate y jamón at Sip and Wonder Coffee House, Mercado neighborhood. They roast their own beans and the vibe is unpretentious. Reserve a table or try a guided food tour if you want to sample more.

Afternoon

The city’s seafront doesn’t get more chill than a siesta after lunch.

• Harbor cruise — Go for a slow cruise or catamaran sailing. The breeze is a relief, and you’ll see Alicante from an angle most tourists skip. Don’t bother with overpriced snacks on board—bring your own.
• Explanada de España walking tour — The palm-lined avenue is perfect for people-watching, gelato in hand. Look for the local chess players and street musicians.

Lunch: El Portal Taberna & Wines, Centro. Order the arroz meloso or the red tuna tartare. Locals come for the rice, but the seafood is just as strong. Book here.

Evening

• Rooftop drinks at La Milagrosa — The city’s best castle view at sunset, plus decent cocktails and zero pretension.
• Tapas crawl in Barrio Viejo — Hop between tapas bars with a local guide, or just follow your nose into the ones that look busiest.

Dinner: Nou Manolín, Centro. Ask for their grilled sepia or prawn carpaccio. This is where locals go when they want the real deal, and the bar area is as fun as the dining room. Reserve here. Or for a more hands-on night, join a cooking class to learn how to make paella the Alicante way.

Alicante: Paseo Marítimo Nights

After dark, Alicante’s seafront comes alive—locals and families wander, buskers play, and the air smells like sea salt and churros. This is Alicante’s real living room.

• Concerto Alicante — For jazz and Latin nights, this is the spot where even the bartenders seem to know the musicians.
• Livanti Gelato di Sicilia — The pistachio is the one to beat, and the line moves fast.

Day Trips from Alicante

Worth considering only if you want to swap city noise for something quieter.

• Tabarca Island — 1 hour by ferry. Crystal-clear water, fresh seafood, and no cars. Bring snorkel gear and book the boat early in season via GetYourGuide or join a small-group tour for a no-fuss experience.
• Elche (Elx) — 30 min by direct train. Home to the world’s largest palm grove and an odd but fascinating shoe museum. Book via Omio.

Day 2 in Alicante: San Juan Sand & Slow Food

Waking up later, today’s about the long beach at San Juan and trying some proper rice dishes outside the city center. San Juan’s beaches stretch for kilometers, and the mood is less chaotic than Postiguet. This is where locals actually lounge.

Morning

Nothing beats sand between your toes and the sound of waves after a slow breakfast.

• San Juan Beach experience — Rent a sunbed or just sprawl on your own towel. There’s plenty of space, and the water’s usually calmer here. Avoid the overpriced front-row chiringuitos unless you love paying for location.
• Stand Up Paddleboarding — Gentle waves make this beach ideal for trying SUP. Most rentals are by the hour, and you don’t need to book far ahead.

Breakfast or brunch: La Más Bonita, San Juan. Order the açai bowl or huevos rancheros. Their terrace is never too loud, and service is actually friendly. Reserve a table or try a food tour if you want to taste more.

Afternoon

By now you’ll want to move as little as possible. The beach’s north end is where the crowd thins out.

• Beach volleyball — Free to join most afternoons if you approach the groups at the courts near Av. Costa Blanca. Families welcome and rules are relaxed.
• Bike rental — Cruise the seafront bike path, or pedal into the residential area for quieter scenes. Bring water: shade is rare.

Lunch: Casa Julio, Playa de San Juan. Order arroz a banda or calamares. This is where generations of Alicantinos come for lunch—no frills, just great rice by the sea. Book here.

Evening

• Chiringuito Xiringuito Ton-Tin — Casual live music, cheap sangria, and kids run wild while parents relax. Go barefoot if you want.
• Seafront walk — Catch sunset over the water. The promenade is safe, even after dark.

Dinner: La Vaca, San Juan Playa. Try the grilled ribeye or the vegetarian paella. The meat is better than you’d expect this close to the sea, and it’s not a tourist scene. Reserve here. Or join a cooking class for a family-friendly night.

Alicante: Rice and Fire

Rice is serious business here. Out in San Juan, you’re closer to the source—paella, arroz a banda, and even black rice get the spotlight. Skip anything with chorizo; real paella here never has it.

• Rice Tasting Tour
• Market visit and paella class

Day Trips from Alicante

Today’s too good for a trip outside the city. Save the day trips for when you’re itching for a change of scenery.

Day 3 in Alicante: Mercado Mornings & Mountaintop Vistas

Switching gears, the Mercado Central area buzzes with locals shopping and gossiping. Today’s about color, smells, and a little elevation—literally and figuratively.

Morning

Start in the thick of it: the city’s main food market.

• Mercado Central Food Tour — Try cheeses, jamón, and seasonal fruit. Vendors are happy to chat if you make the effort (and buy a little).
• Tapas at the market — The tiny bars tucked inside the market are cheap and lively. Stand at the counter and ask what’s freshest.

Breakfast or brunch: Sip and Wonder Coffee House, Mercado. Go for a cortado and a slice of carrot cake (yes, really). The staff knows their coffee, and it’s a world away from the hotel buffet. Reserve a table or join a food tour for more market bites.

Afternoon

Head uphill for a little peace and panoramic views.

• Hike Cabo de las Huertas — Technically it’s a coastal walk, but the rocky trails and hidden coves feel miles from city life. Bring water and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
• Photography tour — Great if you want to learn where the best city panoramas are. You’ll see parts of Alicante most visitors never find.

Lunch: D’Tablas, Centro. Order the tabla mixta (mixed sharing board). It’s cheap, fun, and the beer comes in tiny cañas so it never gets warm. Book here.

Evening

• Santa Bárbara Craft Beer — Small but mighty beer list, with a few local brews you won’t find elsewhere.
• Tapas crawl Centro — Ask at the bar for the day’s best, and never order more than two at once—that way, food is always fresh.

Dinner: Cervecería Sento Rambla, Centro. Order the Sento sandwich and the foie gras montadito. It’s a standing-room-only type of place, loud and fast, but the food punches above its weight. Reserve here or book a cooking class for a social dinner.

Alicante: Terrace Culture

Locals love their terraces. In the Centro you can linger for hours over a drink—no one’s pushing you to leave. Order something small and take your time.

• Terraza Marmarela
• El Corte Ingles Rooftop Bar

Day Trips from Alicante

If you want to see a different side of Costa Blanca, today’s a good day.

• Guadalest — 1 hour by car. The mountain village is absurdly scenic, but the drive is twisty. If you want to hit multiple stops (like the Algar Waterfalls), renting a car via Discover Cars is smarter. Book a day tour via GetYourGuide.
• Villajoyosa — 35 min by tram. Colorful houses, a calm beach, and Valor chocolate factory. Easy on public transport. Book via Omio.

Day 4 in Alicante: Parks, Palms, and Playgrounds

After urban bustle, today’s about green spaces and family-friendly downtime. Alicante’s parks are underrated, and you’ll notice how locals use them for everything from siesta to soccer.

Morning

Start with a local favorite for kids and adults alike.

• Parque Lo Morant — Big lawns, shaded walks, and solid playgrounds. On weekends, local families bring picnics. You won’t see many tourists here.
• Parque de La Ereta — Best for views back over the city, and the café is reliable for a mid-morning snack.

Breakfast or brunch: Brunch Corner, Centro. Eggs benedict with jamón and the house smoothie. It’s always buzzing but rarely overcrowded, especially on weekdays. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

Next, it’s all about palm trees and shade.

• El Palmeral Park — Canals with tiny rowboats you can rent, plus lots of room for kids to run. There’s a small waterfall and plenty of benches for tired parents.
• Parque Canalejas — Giant ficus trees make this shady even at midday. Locals walk their dogs here, and you’ll see chess games in progress.

Lunch: Daikichi, Centro. Try the sushi bento or chicken katsu. Alicante’s best Japanese is tucked away and rarely packed at lunch. Book here.

Evening

• Heladería Borgonesse — Classic spot for after-dinner ice cream, always packed with local families.
• Parque de La Marjal — Let kids wear themselves out chasing ducks or playing in the water features.

Dinner: Infraganti Pizzeria, Centro. Go for the burrata pizza or classic margherita. The dough is slow-fermented, and the vibe is unfussy. Reserve here or book a cooking class if the family wants to get hands-on.

Alicante: Palm Paradise

Alicante’s parks aren’t just for locals; they’re the city’s lungs and playrooms. You’ll see abuelos, teens, and toddlers all carving out their own space.

• Elche Palm Grove Tour
• Family picnic tour

Day Trips from Alicante

If the kids are getting antsy, consider a short hop.

• Rio Safari Elche — 30 min by car. Small zoo with a splash park. If you want to combine with Elche’s palms, renting a car via Discover Cars is easiest. Or book a group transfer via GetYourGuide.
• MUBAG (Museo de Bellas Artes) — 10 min walk. Art, air conditioning, and enough color to keep younger kids happy. Book via Omio.

Day 5 in Alicante: The Albufereta Secret

No need to go far for a change of scene. Albufereta is a small beach with fewer tourists, a residential feel, and a slower pace. If you want to swim, read, or picnic, it’s your spot.

Morning

Start with a tram ride (Line 1 or 3) up to Albufereta.

• Albufereta Beach day — Quiet, shallow water and a local crowd. Families set up for the day, and it’s never as loud as Postiguet or San Juan.
• Snorkeling — Rocky bits at the southern end are full of small fish. Bring your own mask—rentals are rare here.

Breakfast or brunch: Café Bar Noray, Albufereta. Order the tortilla española and a fresh orange juice. It’s a local institution—no frills, no fuss. Reserve a table or join a food tour for more options.

Afternoon

After a swim, stretch your legs on a local hike.

• Serra Grossa hiking — The trailhead is right behind Albufereta. The climb is short and views are worth it. Wear real shoes—no flip-flops.
• Local picnic tour — Bring snacks from a nearby supermarket and eat with the locals under the pines.

Lunch: Casa Pepe, Albufereta. Order the caldero (rice stew) or grilled sardines. It’s simple, cheap, and popular with old-timers. Book here.

Evening

• Chiringuito La Isleta — Sand underfoot, cheap drinks, and a handful of regulars reading the paper.
• Serra Grossa lookout sunset — The only place in Alicante where you might get the whole view to yourself.

Dinner: Restaurante El Cocedero, Albufereta. Order the pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus). The place is low-key, and locals linger for hours. Reserve here or opt for a cooking class if you want to get hands-on with local seafood.

Alicante: Where the Locals Actually Go

Albufereta is the rare spot where you’ll see more Spanish than English or French. Laid-back, imperfect, but real—and not a tourist trap in sight.

• Albufereta local tour
• Barraques de Albufereta history tour

Day Trips from Alicante

If you’re craving a more dramatic landscape, today is a good excuse.

• Altea — 1 hr by tram. Its whitewashed old town is a totally different vibe, and the pebble beach is never crowded. Book via Omio.
• Calpe — 1 hr by car. Hike the Peñón de Ifach for ridiculous views. If you hate switchbacks, rent a car via Discover Cars. Or book a guided tour via GetYourGuide.

Day 6 in Alicante: Urban Art & Old Quarter Stories

Let’s dig into the side of Alicante that most beach-goers ignore: the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Today’s for murals, steep alleys, and stories that don’t make the guidebooks.

Morning

Santa Cruz is alive with color, even before the city wakes up.

• Street art walking tour — Local guides take you past murals and installations you’d miss on your own. Some are new every year, so there’s always a surprise.
• Santa Cruz history tour — The neighborhood is a maze, and stories come alive if you ask questions.

Breakfast or brunch: La Folie Café, Santa Cruz. Order the homemade granola or a croissant and cold brew. Friendly staff, no tourist menu, and the terrace is shaded all morning. Reserve a table or try a food tour for variety.

Afternoon

Take time to get lost in the alleys—this is the only part of Alicante where that’s a good thing.

• Photography workshop — You’ll leave with the best vacation photos you’ve ever taken.
• Local bodega tour — Duck into tiny wine cellars for a glass of Fondillón, Alicante’s legendary sweet wine.

Lunch: Sale & Pepe, Santa Cruz. Try the risotto or the daily pasta. Family-run, with a menu that changes based on what’s fresh. Book here.

Evening

• Live flamenco at El Túnel — Small venue, passionate performances, and better sangria than you’d expect.
• Bar de la Plaza — Grab a vermouth and watch life go by in Alicante’s most colorful square.

Dinner: La Taberna del Gourmet, Centro. Go for the ibérico pork and any of the fresh seafood starters. Upscale but never stuffy—this is where Alicante’s foodies eat. Reserve here or join a cooking class.

Alicante: Fondillón After Dark

There’s no better place to discover Alicante’s unique sweet wine, Fondillón, than in the old quarter. It’s complex, historic, and only made here.

• Fondillón wine tasting
• Bodega visit

Day Trips from Alicante

Only go today if you’re itching for a wine-focused day out.

• Pinoso — 1 hr by car. Known for its wineries and slow pace. Rent a car via Discover Cars if you want to visit multiple bodegas. Or book a guided wine tour via GetYourGuide.
• Jijona — 45 min by bus. The birthplace of turrón (nougat). Factory tours available. Book via Omio.

Day 7 in Alicante: Boat Day, Local Bays

Halfway through, you’ll want a change of pace. Nothing beats a day on the water—private boat or group catamaran, it’s up to you. You’ll discover rocky coves and the kind of water that Instagram filters can’t improve.

Morning

Harbor wakes up slowly, but boat tours get you out before it’s too hot.

• Catamaran cruise — Swim stops, music, and snacks. Families, couples, and solo travelers all mix here.
• Guided kayak tour — Ideal for hitting the rocky bits near Cabo de las Huertas. Book ahead if you want a spot.

Breakfast or brunch: La Terraza del Puerto, Port Area. Try the tostada with jamón and a fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s open-air, casual, and you can watch boats come and go. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

Back on land, the harbor area is full of pop-up markets and street vendors.

• Fish market visit — See the catch of the day—everything from red prawns to tiny local squid. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a fish auction.
• Harbor market tour — Local honey, salt, and crafts—great for gifts without the tacky souvenir markup.

Lunch: Restaurante Dársena, Port. Order arroz del senyoret (no shells, easy for kids). The terrace overlooks the water, and the waiters will actually explain the rice dishes if you ask. Book here.

Evening

• Sunset harbor walk — Watch the yachts light up and spot the old men fishing off the breakwater.
• Harbor bars — Try a caña and some olives at any of the waterfront spots—no need to overthink it.

Dinner: El Buen Comer, Port. Go for the grilled squid or the fideuà. It’s a crowd-pleaser and you won’t feel rushed. Reserve here. Or, for a family-friendly twist, join a cooking class on board a boat.

Alicante: Harbor After Dark

The port area has a personality shift at night—moody lights, couples strolling, and the odd street artist performing for coins. It’s safe, and there’s always something happening.

• Discoteca Marmarela
• Casino Mediterráneo

Day Trips from Alicante

If you’re a boat junkie, this is the best day for the Tabarca Island trip.

• Tabarca Island — 1 hr by ferry. No cars, wild swimming, and grilled fish that’ll ruin you for city seafood. Book your boat via GetYourGuide.
• Santa Pola — 30 min by bus. Quieter beaches and a salt museum if you’re into oddities. Book via Omio.

Day 8 in Alicante: Museum Mood & Market Finds

Breaking from the beach, today’s about indoor discoveries and local crafts. Alicante’s not exactly a museum mecca, but the ones it has are genuinely good (and rarely packed).

Morning

Let’s keep it easy—no early alarm, just art and air conditioning.

• MUBAG Fine Arts Museum — Spanish art from the Golden Age to the present. Small enough for kids, interesting enough for adults. Free entry most days.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo — Modern art, cool architecture, and a rooftop with city views.

Breakfast or brunch: Sip and Wonder Coffee House, Mercado. Go for their avocado toast with chili flakes and a flat white. They know their coffee, and you’ll see everyone from students to grandmas here. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

The Rambla area is full of small shops and street markets—this is where to buy something with a story.

• Craft market tour — Pottery, jewelry, and local honey stalls pop up regularly along the Rambla. Bargain, politely.
• Chocolate workshop — Alicante’s almond and chocolate traditions go back centuries. You get to taste everything, and kids love it.

Lunch: La Mary Restaurant, Centro. Try the daily menu—starter, main, and dessert for a steal. They do a good grilled dorada. Book here.

Evening

• Vino y Más — Huge wine list, knowledgeable staff, and no rush to finish your glass.
• Live music Old Town — Small venues, mostly Spanish bands, rarely crowded.

Dinner: Cervecería Sento Barrio, Centro. Try the spicy shrimp montadito and a local craft beer. It’s busy but the staff somehow remember everyone’s order. Reserve here or book a cooking class.

Alicante: Late-Night Art Stroll

Art spills out of Alicante’s museums and onto the streets. The old town hosts pop-up exhibitions, and murals change with the seasons.

• Street art tour
• Night market

Day Trips from Alicante

Make time for this if you want a break from the city’s buzz.

• Orihuela — 1 hr by train. Gothic cathedral, Moorish palace, and a real small-town feel. Book via Omio.
• Alcoy — 1 hr by car. Bridges, mountain scenery, and classic pastries. Rent a car via Discover Cars if you want to explore villages nearby.

Day 9 in Alicante: Ifach and Coastal Wilds

You’ve done city, now do coast. The Peñón de Ifach is the Costa Blanca’s "hidden gem"—a massive limestone rock jutting into the sea, climbing it is half the fun, and the views are pure drama.

Morning

Take it slow—no rush for an early start. The tram north is a ride in itself.

• Peñón de Ifach hike — The climb is moderate if you stick to the main path. Bring water and sunblock.
• Calpe beach day — Soft sand, shallow water, and good for families. Locals swear by the chiringuitos for a cheap lunch.

Breakfast or brunch: Café Oltà, Calpe. Go for the Spanish-style toast and a cortado. You’re here for the view, not the service. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

The marina area is full of fish shacks and ice cream stands.

• Boat tour Calpe — Short cruises along the coast. You’ll see cliffs and coves you can’t reach by car.
• Snorkeling Calpe — Rocky coves with clear water. Rentals available on the promenade.

Lunch: Restaurante Baydal, Calpe. Order the arroz del senyoret or the grilled cuttlefish. This place is packed with locals—book ahead. Book here.

Evening

• Seafront bar Calpe
• Old Town Calpe walking tour

Dinner: El Andaluz, Calpe. Try the grilled octopus or the seafood paella. Family-run, old-school, and always friendly. Reserve here or join a cooking class.

Calpe: Rock and Sea

Peñón de Ifach is the Costa Blanca’s most recognizable landmark. Climb it if you want bragging rights; photograph it if you want postcard shots.

• Rock climbing Ifach
• Ifach guided walk

Day Trips from Alicante

This is a full-day adventure and worth renting a car if you want to hit more than just the main rock.

• Denia — 1 hr by car. Castle, old town, and the best prawns on the coast. Rent via Discover Cars or join a food-focused tour via GetYourGuide.
• Benidorm — 1 hr by tram. Total contrast: skyscrapers, British pubs, endless beach. Book via Omio.

Day 10 in Alicante: Santa Faz & Tapas Tasting

Today’s about tradition and taste. Santa Faz, just north of Alicante, is a tiny town with a famous monastery and the kind of local bars where the menu is verbal.

Morning

Start with a gentle bus ride or bike up to Santa Faz.

• Santa Faz Monastery tour — The relic is odd, but the story is worth the guide’s explanation. Dress modestly.
• Santa Faz local market — Only open some mornings, but great for cheese and olives. Ask for “queso fresco.”

Breakfast or brunch: Panadería La Magdalena, Santa Faz. Try a coca de mollitas (local savory pastry) and a café solo. Cheap, filling, and very local. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

Head back to Alicante—tapear (tapas hopping) is the local art form.

• Tapas tour Centro — Join a local, or make your own route. Order one drink, one tapa, and move on—don’t camp at one bar.
• Vermouth tasting — The city is full of tiny bars that pour their own blends. Try one sweet, one dry.

Lunch: Bodega La Fuente, Centro. Go for montaditos—mini sandwiches with wild toppings. The anchovy and pepper is a classic. Book here.

Evening

• Live music tapas bars — Some nights, there’s a band or flamenco act in the back room.
• Night walk Centro — Best way to work off a heavy meal is just to stroll.

Dinner: Restaurante Piripi, Centro. Try the arroz al horno or the grilled fish. The place is energetic and the portions big. Reserve here or join a cooking class.

Alicante: Night of Tapas

Alicante’s tapas culture is as much about the pace as the food. Never rush, never order more than you can eat in a few bites, and always ask the staff what’s new.

• Guided tapas crawl
• Vermouth bar tour

Day Trips from Alicante

Skip it today—Santa Faz is the day trip.

Day 11 in Alicante: Coves, Cliffs, and a Touch of Adventure

Enough city—today’s about rocky coves and natural swimming pools. The Cabo de las Huertas headland is where the adventurous locals go to jump, swim, or just sunbathe in peace.

Morning

Pack a towel, snacks, and plenty of water—you won’t find many shops out here.

• Kayaking Cabo de las Huertas — Paddle around cliffs and find natural “jacuzzi” pools. Book a guided trip if you’ve never kayaked in open water.
• Snorkeling — Water clarity is excellent. Locals show up early, but there’s room for everyone.

Breakfast or brunch: Café Bar Noray, Albufereta. Try the coffee and grilled tomato toast. You’re fueling up for adventure. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

Find a shady spot under the pines or a rock ledge for lunch.

• Coastal walk tour — Trails hug the edge of the cliffs. Bring shoes with grip—the rocks get slippery.
• Paddleboard class — For newbies or anyone who wants a more relaxed adventure.

Lunch: Merendero El Paraiso, Cabo de las Huertas. Order grilled sardines and a salad. Simple, no menu, just point and eat. Book here.

Evening

• Chiringuito Cabo de las Huertas — Cold drinks, sand underfoot, and zero dress code.
• Sunset spot Cabo de las Huertas — The only place in Alicante where you’ll hear nothing but waves after dark.

Dinner: Restaurante El Buen Comer, Centro. Order the arroz negro (black rice). It’s a local favorite and not on every menu. Reserve here or take a cooking class to learn the secrets of black rice.

Alicante: Life on the Rocks

Cabo de las Huertas is the playground for local teens, families, and fishermen. If you want to see Alicante at its most relaxed, this is where to be.

• Fisherman tour
• Rock jumping tour

Day Trips from Alicante

If you want more adventure, combine with a stop in El Campello (30 mins by tram) for more rocky coves and a beachside lunch. Book via Omio.

Day 12 in Alicante: Villajoyosa Colors & Chocolate

Step out of Alicante for a day. Villajoyosa is a feast for the eyes and stomach—candy-colored houses, old-school chocolate factories, and a beach as mellow as it gets.

Morning

The tram north is easy—grab a window seat.

• Villajoyosa old town tour — The painted houses are an Instagram dream, but don’t forget to look up—laundry lines and potted plants tell you who actually lives there.
• Chocolate factory tour — Valor and Chocolates Pérez both do tastings. Perfect for kids and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Breakfast or brunch: Valor Chocolatería, Villajoyosa. Hot chocolate and churros, even in summer. Don’t overdo it—the portions are big. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

The beach here is never crowded, water is shallow, and the promenade is full of locals.

• Villajoyosa beach day — Rent a sunbed, or just use the public showers and set up with a towel. The sand’s clean and powdery.
• Street market Villajoyosa — Local produce, fish, and crafts. Not touristy—prices are fair.

Lunch: Restaurant Zerca, Villajoyosa. Try the caldereta de pescado (fish stew). They’ve been making it the same way for decades. Book here.

Evening

• Sunset bar Villajoyosa
• Old Town walk

Dinner: Restaurante Hogar del Pescador, Villajoyosa. Order the arroz caldoso (soupy rice) and grilled prawns. Simple, fresh, and the view is unbeatable. Reserve here or join a cooking class.

Villajoyosa: Colors and Cocoa

The town’s name means “Joyful Town” for a reason. The chocolate is legendary, the fishermen’s houses are a riot of color, and the vibe is pure slow-lane.

• Chocolate workshop
• Guided walk

Day Trips from Alicante

This is your day trip—no need to add more.

Day 13 in Alicante: Waterfalls and Mountains

If you’ve had enough sand, today’s about cool water and green shade. The Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls, north of Alicante, are a favorite with locals when the heat gets oppressive.

Morning

It’s a bit of a drive, but nothing difficult if you have wheels.

• Fonts de l’Algar Waterfalls tour — Swim in cool, clear pools. Water shoes are a good idea—the rocks are slippery.
• Nature walk — The area’s green, lush, and a world away from the city.

Breakfast or brunch: Café Algar, Algar. Try the simple bocadillo de jamón and a café con leche. You’re here for fuel, not luxury. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

On the way back, consider a stop in Guadalest—mountain village with castle views.

• Guadalest castle tour — Tiny, packed with odd museums, and the view makes the detour worth it.
• Miniatures museum — Bizarre but oddly addictive for kids and adults alike.

Lunch: Restaurante Mora, Guadalest. Order the local goat cheese salad and arroz de montaña. It’s a view lunch—don’t rush. Book here.

Evening

• Rooftop bar Guadalest
• Nature walk sunset

Dinner: Xorta Restaurant, Guadalest. Try the mountain lamb or the mushroom rice. Family-run, local wines, and not a tourist menu in sight. Reserve here or join a cooking class.

Guadalest & Algar: Mountains Meet Water

This is as far from the beach as you’ll get in Alicante province—cooler, greener, and a lot less sand in your shoes.

• Mountain village tour
• Waterfall swimming tour

Day Trips from Alicante

Best with a car, but guided tours are also easy to book for the waterfalls/Guadalest combo. Rent via Discover Cars or join a GetYourGuide tour.

Day 14 in Alicante: Elche’s Palms and Paella

One last short trip—Elche’s palm grove is UNESCO-listed and the town is all about slow afternoons and long lunches.

Morning

Train or bus gets you there in half an hour—no stress, no car needed.

• Elche palm grove tour — Over 200,000 palm trees, with shaded paths and quiet corners. Bring water—the shade helps, but it’s still hot.
• Misteri d’Elx theater tour — The traditional performance is unique to Elche; check if there’s a rehearsal or show while you’re in town.

Breakfast or brunch: Café El Palmeral, Elche. Try the tosta de jamón and a cortado. Views of the palms, and not a tourist menu in sight. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

The old town is walkable—low-key, friendly, and full of local shops.

• Elche shoe museum tour — Oddball but interesting; Elche makes a lot of Spain’s shoes.
• Huerto del Cura botanical tour — See how many palm varieties you can spot.

Lunch: Restaurante Els Capellans, Elche. Paella de verduras (vegetable paella) and a glass of local white. Quiet, breezy, and the service is never rushed. Book here.

Evening

• Palmera bar Elche
• Evening walk Elche

Dinner: Restaurante La Finca, Elche. Go for the tasting menu if you’re hungry, or just the arroz con costra (oven-baked rice). Michelin-starred but not stuffy—book if you want a splurge. Reserve here or join a cooking class.

Elche: Palms and Paella

Elche’s palm park is a cool, green break from Alicante’s beaches. The rice is different here—less seafood, more garden produce.

• Rice tour
• Palms walk

Day Trips from Alicante

This is your day trip—no need to add more.

Day 15 in Alicante: Last Laze, Last Bites

Wrap up easy—today is for your favorite beach (go back to Postiguet, San Juan, or Albufereta), one last market stroll, and a send-off meal you’ll actually remember. No running around—just soaks, sips, and goodbyes.

Morning

Pick your favorite stretch of sand and grab a spot—no need to rush. Watch the locals do their morning swims.

• Beach club lounge — Rent a sunbed or just park your towel one last time.
• Yoga on the beach — If you want to stretch before your flight or train, there’s usually a group on weekends by Postiguet.

Breakfast or brunch: Sip and Wonder Coffee House, Mercado. Order whatever you missed the first time (I go for the French toast). No better way to close out the trip. Reserve a table or join a food tour.

Afternoon

One last chance for gifts, snacks, or people-watching.

• Last-minute market shopping — Mercado Central or Rambla stalls. Grab turrón, saffron, or olive oil for souvenirs.
• Final walk Explanada de España — One last stroll, maybe a photo or two, and soak up the palm trees.

Lunch: El Portal Taberna & Wines, Centro. Order the rice with lobster if you haven’t already. It’s a splurge but worth it for your last meal. Book here.

Evening

• Farewell cocktail bar — The rooftop at La Milagrosa is a classic for a reason.
• Late night gelato — Livanti, always and forever.

Dinner: Nou Manolín, Centro. Revisit your favorite dishes, or let the staff suggest something seasonal. This is the send-off meal locals choose for birthdays and farewells. Reserve here or take a cooking class for a memorable last night.

Alicante: Saying Hasta Luego

There’s a reason people come back to Alicante—easy pace, good food, and beaches you actually want to revisit. Don’t over-plan your last day. The best memories are the ones you didn’t schedule.

• Farewell food tour
• Photo walk