Things to do in San Juan de Alicante

For many visitors to the coast of Spain, the Alicante Harbour is the first port of call. When most of Alicante’s maritime industry shifted to nearby Valencia in the 1980s, the city’s harbor precinct was redeveloped for the tourist market. Today, 80,000 visitors disembark at the harbor from cruise ships, ferries and pleasure craft each year. The area surrounding the harbor is busy most of the day, with locals and visitors alike strolling the promenade in search of the perfect restaurant or bar.

Long-time Benidorm residents, families, couples and partygoers all descend upon the glorious setting of Levante Beach (Playa de Levante). This coastal treasure in one of Spain’s busiest resorts is the ideal place to cool off from the hot summer sun and go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Levante Beach is where the sun first shines on the town. Come early to watch the sunrise and stick around to watch the action unfold.

Hang out with locals and dine at waterfront restaurants at Poniente Beach (Playa de Poniente). Stretching west from the Old Town, Poniente Beach has almost 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) of soft golden sand and warm Mediterranean water to enjoy. The beach’s name derives from the Latin word for setting (or west) and this is where you’ll witness the day’s last moments of sunshine in Benidorm.

Those wanting to cool off after a day of exploring Alicante’s treasures will love this stretch of beach. If you’ve always wanted to swim in the Mediterranean Ocean, this is an ideal place to fulfill your dream. Located adjacent to Alicante’s famous harbor precinct, Postiguet Beach can easily be reached on foot from the city, making it an ideal candidate for a quick swim.

The Spanish love their evening strolls. They even have a word for it: paseo. The Explanada de España is the promenade that runs from the busy port region and wraps itself around the coast. Its surface was constructed from more than 6 million marble tiles. The red, white and black patterns represent the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a hive of activity, by day or night, and one of the most popular routes to follow in the city.

The people of Spain are incredibly passionate about their food; it’s a central part of their daily lives. For many residents of Alicante, their day begins at the Central Market, an enormous fresh market in the heart of the city. Covering a huge area, the market has more than 200 stalls on two levels. Most of the wares at the market are fresh produce and meats; however, there are some non-perishable items, making it a great destination to pick up authentic souvenirs. If you’re heading to the beach or planning on climbing Mount Benacantil, a stop at the market on your way out of town is a great way to prepare an inexpensive and healthy picnic and get a taste for local customs at the same time.