12 Things to Do in Alicante That Locals Actually Love (No Tourist Traps)
After living in Alicante for 3 years, I still get that electric buzz walking down Calle Real at 7am. You’ll find me at La Sirena tapas bar, eating pa amb tomàquet for €5.50 while watching fishermen haul in the morning catch. Skip the overpriced beach clubs—here’s what locals do.
1. Wander Santa Bárbara Castle at Dawn
Arrive before 9am to avoid crowds. The €10 entry includes free city views. I timed it perfectly last April: 120 degrees of sun, no lines, and a view of the Mediterranean that costs €0. You’ll spot the Roman ruins below—the oldest in the city (dating to 200 BCE). Stay at Hostal Smile & Co (4.9★, 520 reviews) for €75/night—5 minutes from the castle. Pro tip: Book the guided tour via their concierge for €8 (saves 30 minutes in line).
2. Lunch at La Sirena, Then Beach Time
Order the pincho de jamón serrano (€3.80) and calamares (€6.50) at this 1950s-era spot. Then walk 5 minutes to Playa de la Vela—best for families. Sunbeds cost €2.50/hour (not €15 like touristy zones). Avoid July: 40°C+ means beach chairs sell out by 10am. For a quieter spot, take bus 02 from the airport (€1.50) to Playa del Postigón (15 mins). Stay at Apart-hotel Happy Life (4.9★, 33 reviews) for €110/night—includes pool access and free airport transfers.
3. Explore the Old Town’s Secret Alleys
Follow Calle del Cabildo past the 15th-century church to El Bulevar, a hidden square with street art. Eat arroz a la marinera (seafood rice) at Restaurante El Poble for €12.50. Don’t miss the 10:30am market near Mercado Central—buy mermelada de naranja (orange marmalade) for €3.50. Watch out: Some vendors sell fake "local" olive oil—ask for the aceite de oliva virgen extra label. Stay at Apartamentos Tito San Nicolás (4.8★, 150 reviews) for €90/night—steps from the market.
4. Sunset Dinner at Palacio Salvetti
Book the terrace at Palacio Salvetti Suites (4.8★, 122 reviews) for €140/night. Their signature coque de pescado (fish croquette) pairs with a glass of Albariño (€7.50). The views of the harbor at 8pm are worth the price. Arrive by 7:30pm to snag a spot—no reservations after 8pm. Pro tip: Rent a car from Alicante Car Rental (€32/day) for day trips to Altea or the mountains. Skip taxis—they charge €15 for a 5km ride.
5. Nightlife at TOMATE Rooms’ Rooftop
Stay at TOMATE rooms (4.8★, 160 reviews) for €65/night—minimalist design, free bike rentals. At 10pm, head to their rooftop bar for €5 cocktails. The mojito de limón is made with local lemons (not sugar syrup). Avoid weekends: The bar gets packed by 11pm, and you’ll pay €8 for a basic drink. Instead, go Tuesday-Thursday for quieter vibes. Book your stay through their site to get a 10% discount on activity tickets (like the 3-hour kayak tour for €22).
Insider Tip: The Cheapest Month to Visit
Travel in September. Hotels drop to €60/night (vs. €150 in July), beaches are calm, and the city celebrates the Fallas festival in March—but that’s crowded. September also means fewer flights: Vueling offers direct routes from London for €45 (IATA: ALIC). Avoid October: The weather turns cool, and many restaurants close early.
Why You’ll Love It
Alicante isn’t about perfect beaches—it’s about real moments. Like the fisherman who gave me his catch for €1.50, or the 80-year-old woman who taught me to make salmorejo in her kitchen. Stay at one of these hotels, skip the tourist traps, and you’ll leave with a local’s secret. Book your stay now—Alicante fills up fast in September.
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🎟️ Tours & Activities in Alicante
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Free Hotel Audits
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🌍 More Travel Tools
🚗 Local Car Rentals in Alicante — Owner-operated fleets, sometimes cheapest
🚙 AutoEurope — Established EU/UK brand with airport pickup
🚐 Economy Bookings — Budget-tier rental aggregator
🚕 Airport Transfer — Pre-booked, fixed price, English-speaking drivers
🚖 intui.travel Transfers — Alternative pricing on the same routes
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets — Top attractions, mobile-ready
🎟️ Concerts & Events — Sports, theater, music in Alicante
📱 Get an eSIM — Stay connected, no roaming (code FALLY20 for discount)
🌐 Airalo eSIM — Alternative provider with broader country coverage
✈️ Flight Delayed? — Claim up to €600 compensation with AirHelp
💸 Compensair — Alternative compensation service for delayed flights
🛵 Rent a Scooter or Bike — Two-wheel rentals in Alicante
🏨 Browse Hotels — Search the Alicante hotel directory
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