7 free things to do in Alicante, Spain. Perfect for budget travelers!
Alicante isn’t a super popular tourist destination in Spain, but it’s one of my favorites.
This coastal city is so unique, interesting, relaxing, and overwhelmingly gorgeous. I spent a few days here during my solo trip through Spain and had the most incredible time!
It is so easy to see Alicante on a budget!
Every worthwhile attraction in Alicante is within walking distance, so you never need to take public transport or have a rental car.
And, most of the best things to do in Alicante are free!
I was able to climb two mountains, explore a castle, swim in the ocean, meander through adorable local neighborhoods, walk along the pier, visit all the famous churches, and still have time to get ice cream TWICE.
And I barely spent more than 10 Euros.
So for budget travelers in Spain, I highly recommend you visit this stunning and affordable city on the Mediterranean!
Here are 7 free things to do in Alicante, Spain.
7 Free Things To Do in Alicante, Spain
From hiking and swimming, to sightseeing and eating, you can fully experience the beauty of this charming Spanish town on a budget. Here are the top free activities in Alicante, Spain!
1. Watch the Sunset from Castillo Sant Ferran Park
This small hill located just north of the town center is the perfect place to watch the sunset in Alicante.
It takes about 15 minutes to climb the hill, then you can relax in the greenery of Castillo Sant Ferran Park and stroll through the old ruins of Castell de Sant Ferran.
This is a lovely free activity in Alicante. Bring some snacks and hike up for a perfect sunset viewing spot over the city.
2. Wander Through Barrio de Santa Cruz
At the foot of Mount Bencatil lies Barrio de Santa Cruz, the most picturesque little neighborhood you’ll ever see.
The tightly packed homes are decorated with colorful flowers and tiles, making it an insanely scenic spot that you can just stroll through for free.
3. Visit Castell Santa Barbara
One of the best free things to do in Alicante is explore the old ruins of Santa Barbara Castle.
This old fortress is located on top of Mount Benacantil, a small mountain within the city.
It takes about an hour to climb to the top.
Bring lots of water because it can get hot, especially in the summer!
From the top, you can gaze out from the castle walls and see some breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city below.
4. Browse the Local Foods at Mercado Central
Like most Spanish cities, Alicante has a central market full of fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheese and meat, and other delicious treats.
It is free to wander through the market. But of course, you need to spend money on the food.
However, this is actually the best place to eat in Alicante on a budget.
Rather than buying each meal of the day at a restaurant, stock up on some fruit, veggies, cheese, deli meats, and fresh bread at the local market.
This will cost you a fraction of the price of an expensive meal, and it’ll last you longer. Plus, the food from the market is so delicious.
I recommend snacking on stuff from the market for breakfast and throughout the day. Then treat yourself to a nice dinner in the evening!
Read next: My Ultimate List of 50 Budget Travel Tips
5. Walk Along the Alicante Harbor
The Alicante Harbor is completely lined with big, fancy boats.
It’s fun to just walk along the marina and imagine what it would be like to own an expensive boat like that.
You also get a nice view looking back on the city from the end of the pier, so this is a nice peaceful free thing to do in Alicante.
6. Visit the Churches
Spain is a predominantly Catholic Christian nation, so there are churches galore.
The churches in Alicante are stunning, with exquisite architecture and a powerful sense of faith radiating from within.
Basilica Santa Maria, Concatedral de San Nicolás, and Ermita de San Roque are among the most visited churches in Alicante.
7. Relax on the Beach
Another amazing thing about Alicante: it’s a city but it also has a beach!
It’s so nice to escape the city streets and relax on the warm sand and swim in the ocean.
Playa Del Postiguet is the main beach right near the city center.
Sunbathe and swim during the day, or visit the beach in the evening to watch the sunset.
Where To Stay in Alicante on a Budget
Now that you know some of the free things to do in Alicante, you should find a place to stay during your visit.
Budget travelers are probably very familiar with hostels, and luckily there are a few good ones in Alicante.
I stayed at X Hostel when I visited in 2016. Back then it was the city’s only hostel!
This hostel isn’t available anymore, but now there are some more good options.
Hostal Numero Trece is the best option. It has over 340 good reviews and an 8.7 rating out of 10 on Hostelworld! Plus a dorm room is only 21 Euros a night.
View Hostal Numero Trece on Hostelworld for more details!
Thanks for reading my list of 7 free things to do in Alicante!
Here are some other quick travel tips for visiting Spain on a budget:
- Bookaway is a great website for finding cheap transport around Spain.
- Most travelers don’t need a visa for Spain, but it is worth checking iVisa.com just to make sure.
- You should definitely get travel insurance before you head overseas. I personally love Squaremouth Insurance because you can search for custom plans. For example, I only like to travel with emergency medical coverage, and I was able to find that with them.
For more of my travel articles around Spain, check out these links:
7 Reasons To Visit Madrid, Spain
The 6 Best Day Trips from Madrid
12 Best Things To See In Barcelona
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I want to go there!
You should someday! I loved it!