Alicante, Spain

A must-see attraction is the Santa Bárbara Castle, a magnificent fortress perched atop Mount Benacantil. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea and can be accessed via an elevator from Postiguet beach or a short taxi ride.

The Explanada de España is the city's elegant maritime promenade, famous for its distinctive wave-patterned mosaic made of millions of marble tiles. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll under the palm trees.

Explore the charming old town, known as El Barrio or Santa Cruz quarter, with its narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses adorned with flowers, and lively tapas bars. Here you can also find the historic Co-cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari.

For history enthusiasts, the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) offers fascinating exhibits on the region's history and is a short bus or taxi ride from the port.

One of the most popular day trips from Alicante is to the nearby city of Elche, located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes by car or train. Elche is renowned for the Palmeral of Elche, a massive palm grove that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For a scenic mountain escape, many visitors head to the Guadalest Valley, situated about 60 kilometers (37 miles) inland. This picturesque village is famous for its historic castle, which is perched dramatically on a rock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and reservoir. The trip typically takes about an hour by tour bus or car.

The cruise port in Alicante is conveniently situated at the Muelle Levante, very close to the heart of the city. The main city center and popular attractions like the Explanada de España and Postiguet Beach are approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers (about 1 mile) away.

It is a pleasant and scenic 15-20 minute walk from the cruise terminal to downtown along the waterfront promenade. Some cruise lines may also provide shuttle bus services as a courtesy. Ships dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not necessary. The modern terminal area has some basic amenities, including cafes and seating areas.

The official currency used in Alicante is the Euro (€). It is advisable to use Euros for all transactions, as US dollars are generally not accepted in shops or restaurants.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most tourist areas, hotels, and larger stores. For cash, ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are readily available throughout the city, including near the port area, and typically offer competitive exchange rates. Currency exchange offices can also be found, but ATMs are often more convenient.

Alicante is generally a very safe city for tourists, and visitors can comfortably explore independently. The main safety issue to be aware of is petty theft, such as pickpocketing, which can occur in crowded tourist hotspots like the Explanada de España, public transport, and markets.

It is wise to take standard precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and being aware of your surroundings. There are no specific dangerous areas that tourists need to avoid within the main city. Guided tours are an option but are not necessary for safety reasons.

Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. During the primary cruise season from spring through autumn, temperatures are typically warm and sunny, ranging from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F).

Rainfall is infrequent during the summer months. Visitors should pack light clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses, along with essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for evenings or for travel during the cooler shoulder seasons.

Alicante's city center is very walkable, and many key attractions are easily reachable on foot from the cruise port. For destinations further away, the city offers several reliable transportation options.

The public bus system, managed by Transporte Alicante Metropolitano (TAM), is extensive and affordable, connecting the port area with all parts of the city. Additionally, a modern tram network can take you to coastal destinations like Playa de San Juan. Taxis are plentiful, metered, and can be found at a dedicated rank at the cruise terminal or hailed on the street.

Alicante offers excellent shopping opportunities for cruise passengers. The city's main shopping thoroughfare is the Avenida de Maisonnave, which features large department stores like El Corte Inglés, as well as many well-known international and Spanish brands.

For more authentic local products, explore the narrow streets of the Old Town (El Barrio), where you'll find artisan shops selling leather goods, ceramics, and local crafts. A quintessential souvenir is Turrón, a traditional Spanish nougat that originates from the region. Be sure to visit the bustling Mercado Central (Central Market) to experience local life and purchase regional specialties like wine, olive oil, and cured meats. Prices in stores are typically fixed.