The colorfully paved, palm-lined boardwalk is the jewel in Alicante’s crown. It runs parallel to the quay wall along the water for around 600 meters. It’s the perfect place to meet for shopping, chatting and relaxing. The boardwalk is also lively in the evenings, with street theater and concerts.

This fortress has crowned Monte Benacantil for more than 1,000 years. It once served as a strategic vantage point over the city and harbor, with a view all the way to the Huerta and the Serra d’Aitana. Today, visitors come to enjoy the stunning panorama. The castle is also home to the Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante, the city museum. The easiest way to reach the Castillo is to take the elevator (ascensor) from Playa del Postiguet on Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora.

The city beach in Alicante is one of the city’s major assets. First, it is actually located in the heart of the city, and second, at just under a kilometer long and 50 meters wide, it is large enough that it never feels crowded, even during peak beach season. The beach is lined with cafés and restaurants, and naturally, street vendors hawk drinks and fruit along the shore.

The five rooms in the archeology museum are laid out in chronological order and display exhibits from the prehistoric era, as well as the eras of the Iberians, Romans and Moors, and from the Middle Ages and the modern era. MARQ was named the European Museum of the Year in 2004 in honor of its modern presentation and vivid displays.

The picturesque historic quarter is one of the most popular destinations in Alicante. Most of its shady alleyways are closed to traffic, and they are still home to traditional little shops and down-to-earth tapas bars. Alicante’s oldest church, Santa María, is situated a little way up the hill; it was constructed on the ruins of what was the city’s largest mosque in the 14th century.

The museum of modern art is housed in a former granary built in 1685, right next to the Basilica of Santa María. The permanent exhibit includes works from Chillida, Picasso, Dalí and Miró, the majority of which come from the private collections of Eusebio Sempere and Juana Francés.

This beautiful art deco building was constructed on the foundations of the former city fortifications in 1911. The domed roof of the rotunda, in particular, is reminiscent of a basilica, but the building was always designed as a food market. The outdoor flight of stairs leads up into the charmingly decorated interior. The market sells local fruit and vegetables, as well as fish, meat, and gourmet and specialty foods.

Above all, Elche is known for its palm grove (Palmera): the largest in Europe. There are more than 1,000 palms on the park grounds, as well as impressively large cacti and Mediterranean plants such as lemon and orange trees. The main attraction is the Palmera Imperial, the imperial palm, which was planted back in the mid-19th century. Today, it is so large and sprawling that its branches require external support.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the coastal resorts along the Costa Brava, pay a visit to the Isla de Tabarca, around five kilometers off the coast of Santa Pola. It used to serve as a hideout for pirates. The water in the sandy coves is blue and clear, and the beach is never crowded with visitors, even during the peak season. There isn’t that much to see here, but there’s no shortage of restaurants and bars. Boats arrive here daily from Santa Pola and Alicante.

Santa Pola, around 18 kilometers south of Alicante, makes for a rewarding day trip. There are countless palm trees everywhere you turn, lending the city an exotic flair. The Fortaleza, constructed in the 16th century to fend off pirate raids, is worth a visit, and the beaches are highly recommended as well. If you have a bit of time, explore the cape (Cabo de Santa Pola) and its beautiful vista, as well as the Salinas Braç del Port, a bird sanctuary with flamingos and herons.

The down-to-earth yet sophisticated cuisine served at Monastrell earned the restaurant a Michelin star (2019). The menu here primarily consists of imaginative seafood specialties and rice dishes. Monastrell is located on the boardwalk, near the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante.

If you want to enjoy fine dining without missing out on the relaxed atmosphere of a bar, Barra de César Anca is the perfect spot for you. Of course, if you prefer dining in a more sedate atmosphere, there are also tables available in the restaurant.

The Pópuli Bistró is located to the northwest of Alicante city center, near the San Juan beach. Take a seat at one of the light-toned wood tables in the spacious rooms located on the grounds of a finca. Mediterranean cuisine dominates the menu here; choose from a broad range of grilled fish or meat dishes, or maybe opt for a rice dish instead.

There are three levels to Piripi: The ground floor is a tapas bar, the second floor houses the dining area, and in the basement is another little bar. The basement bar is more lively than the upper two floors. Sidle up to the wooden counter for subtly spiced meat skewers and vegetable appetizers.

Plates of smoked and salted fish are particularly popular at this little restaurant just off Avenida Alfonso El Sabio. Owner Daniel Alonsa is always coming up with creative new varieties of tapas. Here’s a tip: It’s best to visit this restaurant during the week, when it’s not as crowded as it is from Friday to Sunday.

Desafinado is located in the heart of the nightlife district, near the cathedral. If you’re looking to dance the night away with the locals, this is the place for you.

El Coscorrón is also located near the cathedral. Its decor is as chaotic as it is charming: The walls are completely covered in handwritten notes from guests. There are sometimes concerts on the mini stage, much to the enjoyment of the bar’s primarily young clientèle.

The terrace is an excellent spot to people-watch in the city’s nightlife district. And if the spirit moves you to join in, you can head into the bar to dance. The event schedule occasionally includes concerts.

Baccus is one of the most popular bars in Barrio Santa Cruz. The young crowd dances to chart hits and Latino music on two dance floors.

This enormous club located a little ways outside of Torrevieja is considered the successor of the legendary Pacha. If you want to experience pure insanity, visit on a Friday – that’s foam party night. Oz boasts cutting-edge sound systems, and the party lasts into the wee hours of the morning. It opens at midnight.