Alicante, Spain
Welcome to Alicante, a vibrant gem on Spain's sun-drenched Costa Blanca. This historic port city effortlessly blends ancient history with beautiful sandy beaches and a lively Spanish culture, making it a favorite stop for cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises. Passengers are drawn to its easily walkable city center, the commanding medieval castle overlooking the sea, and the charming old town. Alicante offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration right at your fingertips.
For more information on Alicante, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Alicante City Guide
Topping the list of must-see sights is the magnificent Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara), perched on Mount Benacantil. Reachable by an elevator or a scenic walk, it offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. Just below the castle lies the historic Barrio Santa Cruz, a picturesque old quarter with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and vibrant flowers. No visit is complete without a stroll along the iconic Explanada de España, a beautiful palm-lined promenade paved with over 6 million marble tiles in a wave pattern. All these attractions are within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
A popular day trip is to the stunning medieval village of Guadalest, perched dramatically on a mountaintop about an hour's drive from the port. This historic-artistic monument offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's past. Another fantastic option is the city of Elche, located approximately 30 minutes away. It is famous for its vast Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the largest in Europe and offers a unique and serene landscape to explore.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
The cruise terminal at the Port of Alicante is conveniently located just a short distance from the city center. Ships dock directly, so no tendering is required. It's approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the terminal to the heart of the city and the beautiful Explanada de España. Many cruise lines offer a complimentary shuttle bus service to the port exit, which shortens the walk significantly. Taxis are also readily available at the terminal for those who prefer not to walk.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
The official currency in Alicante, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (€). While major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and tourist sites, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or market stalls. US dollars are not accepted for transactions. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, including near the port area, making it easy to withdraw Euros.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
Alicante is considered a very safe city for tourists, and it's generally safe to explore independently. As in any popular tourist destination, visitors should exercise normal precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like the promenade, markets, and public transport to avoid pickpockets. There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. Sticking to well-lit main streets after dark is always a sensible practice.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. The main cruise season from spring to autumn features hot, dry summers and mild, pleasant spring and fall months. Summer temperatures typically range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with very little rainfall. Visitors should pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Even in the shoulder seasons, the weather is generally warm and sunny.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
The main attractions in Alicante's city center are easily accessible on foot from the cruise port. For destinations further afield, taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal and are reasonably priced. The city also has an efficient public bus network (TAM) that can take you to local beaches and neighborhoods. For a scenic coastal journey to nearby towns like Benidorm or Altea, the modern Tram system is an excellent option. Ride-sharing services like Cabify also operate in the area.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
Alicante offers a variety of shopping experiences. For high-street brands and the large department store El Corte Inglés, head to the Avenida de Maisonnave. The charming streets of the old town are perfect for finding unique boutiques, artisan shops, and souvenirs. Local specialties to look for include high-quality leather goods, especially shoes, and the famous Spanish nougat called Turrón. For an authentic local experience, visit the Mercado Central to see a vast array of fresh produce, seafood, and Spanish delicacies.
Last updated on February 10, 2026
Begin your culinary journey with an immersive visit to a local market, where you'll select fresh ingredients and experience Alicante's vibrant culture. Learn authentic techniques from a local chef in a hands-on class preparing traditional tapas and paella. This complete experience includes wine pairings and a communal meal, making it an educational and social event for all skill levels.
Indulge in a curated selection of five exquisite Alicante wines, from robust reds to aromatic whites, guided by expert sommeliers. Each wine is perfectly matched with one of five artisanal tapas, designed to complement and enhance the flavors of each variety. Enjoy this harmonious and gratifying experience in an intimate and elegant atmosphere, where all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive to the magnificent Canelobre Caves, located 700 meters above sea level. On a guided visit, you will explore this impressive 145-million-year-old geological wonder and discover its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Learn about the cave's history, including its use during the Spanish Civil War, before a bonus visit to the historic village of Busot.
Taste your way through Alicante on a private food tour that takes you away from tourist traps and into the heart of the local culinary scene. Join an expert guide for a scenic walk through the city's narrow streets, combining sightseeing with sampling a variety of local delicacies. This fun afternoon of exploration offers a true taste of local life and can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Immerse yourself in a unique and hyper-realistic virtual reality experience that is very rare in Europe. In the new game "Invasion Alicante," the city itself becomes the backdrop for an epic battle. You and your team must work together to save the world from a thrilling alien invasion.
Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this 3.5-hour guided shore excursion ensures a comfortable and stress-free exploration of Alicante. Your walking tour covers the historic city center before ascending to the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle for breathtaking panoramic views. The tour concludes at Postiguet Beach, with clear instructions for your on-time return to the ship and free time to enjoy the city.
Get off the usual tourist trail and experience Alicante's authentic nightlife on a food tasting tour. Your experienced guide will lead you to three of the most authentic tapas bars in the city. Here, you will sample delicious cuisine loved by the locals and benefit from your guide's expert knowledge.
Experience Alicante like a local on a gastronomic tour starting at the historic Central Market. You will visit 10 different food stalls, some over 100 years old, tasting a variety of regional products from fresh fish to handmade sweets. This delicious experience allows you to meet local producers and learn the tradition behind each product while supporting small businesses.
Discover Alicante's wine country on an exclusive, small-group tour led by a local wine expert. Travel in comfort to a boutique, family-run winery in the scenic Vinalopó region for a guided visit of the vineyards and cellar. Learn how the Mediterranean climate shapes the distinctive wines before enjoying a relaxed tasting of four regional varieties in a personalized setting with a maximum of seven guests.
Explore Alicante's rich history and see how the city has been shaped through the years on an engaging bike tour. Your route covers the colorful Old Town, the city center, the beautiful beach, and the marina. Pedal past dazzling sights including the Central Market and Gothic churches while enjoying impressive views of Santa Barbara castle.
Drive from the coast into the mountains to discover a landscape of historical towns growing from the rock itself. After a stop in the charming town of Polop, you will visit the famous Castell de Guadalest, one of the most visited places in Spain. The tour concludes at the Algar springs, where you can take a refreshing swim in the natural pools and waterfalls.
Enjoy a comfortable drive to an ancient 18th-century estate for a guided tour of its historic winery and farmhouse. You will explore the vineyards and production facilities, learning about the organic wine-making process from grape to bottle. The visit's highlight is a tasting of three distinct wines, followed by a bonus visit to a nearby Gaudí-style church and the 12th-century Castle of Mola.
Discover the history and culture of bullfighting with a visit to the Alicante bullring, a declared Site of Cultural Interest. Your educational tour includes access to all corners of the bullring, from the chapel to the ring itself, plus a visit to the Bullfighting Museum. This fun experience also includes learning how to hold a cape and learning about the bullfighter's costumes.
Enjoy a gastronomic tour that is equivalent to a full lunch, starting at Alicante’s bustling Central Market. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you stroll through the market tasting fresh products like cured ham and seasonal fruit. Afterwards, your fun and experienced guide will lead you to two of the city's great tapas bars to sample different drinks and local specialties.
Explore Alicante’s landmarks and hidden gems on an unforgettable semi-private walking tour. All tours include a visit to the majestic Santa Bárbara Castle for breathtaking views and a discovery of its most fascinating corners. The morning tour visits the Central Market for local delicacies, while the afternoon tour explores authentic bars for their specialty tapas in a small-group setting for a personal experience.
Indulge your senses with a visit to a local factory to discover the art of chocolate making. The tour continues to the famous Guadalest Castle, where you can stroll its charming streets and visit the museum. Enjoy breathtaking views from this historic site for a memorable day of tradition, culture, and flavor.
Discover the best of Alicante on a 3-hour walking tour through its charming city center. Your guide will lead you to all the main landmarks and monuments while also introducing you to local crafts. The tour concludes with a chance to taste local products, including the well-known sangria.
Learn to surf on the beautiful beaches of El Campello, one of the best areas in the Alicante province for sliding sports. Taught by great professionals, this initiation course will provide you with the necessary knowledge to function in the ocean environment. With small groups of two to five students per monitor, you are ensured fully personalized teaching for a unique experience.
This excursion provides round-trip coach transport from designated meeting points for a day in Alicante. After a scenic coastal drive, you will have approximately five hours of free time to explore the city at your own pace. An English-speaking representative will accompany the excursion to confirm timings and meeting points for your convenient return journey.
See all the highlights of Alicante with a local telling you all the ins and outs of the city. This tour is exclusively for you and your fellow travelers, as no other travelers will be joining the group. Please note that this private tour requires a minimum of four travelers, and all participants should know how to ride a bike in a city.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
The cruise terminal is conveniently located close to the city center, making many attractions walkable. Taxis and local buses are also readily available at the port exit for further destinations.
Must-see attractions include Santa Bárbara Castle, offering panoramic views, and the charming Old Town (El Barrio) with its narrow streets and Explanada de España promenade, all within walking distance or a short taxi/bus ride.
Try authentic paella, fresh seafood, and tapas at restaurants along the Explanada de España or in the Old Town. Local markets also offer a taste of regional produce and specialties like 'turrón'.
The local currency is Euro (1 USD = 0.86 EUR). ATMs are widely available throughout the city center, including near the port and major attractions, and are generally the best option for obtaining Euros. Currency exchange offices can also be found, but check rates carefully.
Alicante typically has hot, sunny summers and mild winters during cruise seasons. Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes; a light jacket is advisable for evenings or cooler months.
Postiguet Beach is the main city beach, located just a short walk from the port. For the larger San Juan Beach, you can take a local bus or tram which takes about 20-30 minutes.
Cruise lines offer excursions to places like Guadalest or Elche's Palm Grove. Independent exploration of Alicante's city attractions is very feasible, or you can book local tours for more personalized experiences.
The main shopping areas are Avenida Maisonnave and the streets around the Central Market. Good local souvenirs include leather goods, ceramics, 'turrón' (nougat), and local wines.
The picturesque hilltop village of Guadalest is a popular day trip, as is the city of Elche, famous for its extensive palm grove (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Both are accessible by bus or guided tours.
Alicante's Santa Bárbara Castle, one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses, has a rock formation on Mount Benacantil known as 'La Cara del Moro' (The Moor's Face) visible from Postiguet Beach.
On average Alicante is somewhat affordable compared to other ports. Take a look at the diagram below for the average cost per day by month. Sailings departing from Alicante during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the low seasons of spring and fall.
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