Are you planning a trip to Alicante or currently enjoying the sunny vibes of this beautiful Spanish city? Then this travel guide is perfect for you, packed with all the must-do activities and delicious dishes to savor while in Alicante, Spain.
How fortunate was I to celebrate my 32nd birthday in Alicante! Over five amazing days, we hunted down Alicante’s best dining spots just for you.
*Disclaimer: Only the very best restaurants in Alicante make it to this list. While we tried several eateries, only the truly exceptional made the cut.
Additionally, you can wander through the picturesque and romantic streets of Alicante, Spain. And don’t worry about getting lost in Alicante’s charming streets; the city is compact and easy to navigate.
Where to go in Alicante?
- Calle de Las Setas – Down this yellow brick road, you are treated to toadstool houses and massive mushroom sculptures
- Explanada de España – You can’t miss it; the boulevard of Alicante remains a sight to behold. With many terraces, restaurants, shops, and numerous performances
- La Aguadora – Explore the romantic charm of Alicante’s parks, with this one being a top pick
- Barrio Santa Cruz – Step into the vibrant world of Barrio Santa Cruz, a colorful neighborhood that’s a refreshing break from the city hustle
- Santa Bárbara Castle: A historic fortress that also offers panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea.
What you need to know about the Spanish food culture as a tourist!
In Spain, the daily eating habits differ from those in other countries. It’s common to have five meals a day.. I mean, as the foodie that I am, is this heaven to me hihi. As we’re used to eating around 6 or 7 PM in the Netherlands, consider having a small snack at this time. In Spain, dinner typically starts at the earliest around 8:30 PM.
- Breakfast (Desayuno): Breakfast in Spain is usually a light meal consisting of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate accompanied by pastries such as croissants or toast with jam or tomato spread.
- Mid-Morning Snack (Almuerzo): Around mid-morning, typically between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM, Spaniards often have a small snack known as “almuerzo.”
- Lunch (Comida): Lunch is the most important meal of the day in Spain and is traditionally eaten later than in many other countries, usually between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. It typically consists of multiple courses, starting with a soup or salad, followed by a main course of meat, fish, or seafood, and ending with dessert or fruit.
- Afternoon Snack (Merienda): The merienda is a light meal or snack eaten in the late afternoon, usually between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Dinner (Cena): Dinner in Spain is typically lighter than lunch and is eaten later in the evening, usually between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM. It may consist of a salad, soup, or a small portion of meat or fish, accompanied by bread.
Where to eat in Alicante?
I break down the 5 Spanish eating habits into breakfast, lunch, and dinner because in most restaurants, you can get both breakfast and mid-morning snacks, as well as lunch and afternoon snacks.
Breakfast in Alicante
- Madness Coffee – the coffee here is 1000/10 ! You can choose between coffeebeans from Colombia, Honduras or Nigaragua
- Mimosa Brunch – a breakfast / brunch spot with Boohoo chic vibes
Lunch in Alicante
- Lizarran – A typical local bar with Pinchos y Vino. Great to swing by between 2PM-5PM
- Beach side restaurants – Enjoying tapas by the beach in Spain is like stepping into a dream.
- Mon Sucrée – A little hidden gem in Alicante. A cozy French spot offering delicous crepes.
- Taberna San Pascual – I mean.. No trip to Spain is complete without eating Seafood Paella.. right?!
Dinner in Alicante
- Bigoli – We stumbled upon this restaurant by accident and immediately booked a table for the night, and we were definitely not disappointed! Their Risotto Quattro Formaggi is simply mwah! chefs kiss!
- Plaza Mexico – Transport yourself to Mexico with the lively atmosphere, authentic Mexican dishes, and welcoming vibes
- Nou Manolín – Nou Manolín is a culinary landmark in Alicante, offering a quintessential Spanish dining experience infused with local flavors and traditions.
- Restaurant La Tagliatella – An Italian restaurant with an adorable and vibrant terrace nestled in the city center.
- Samana – Hidden Asian restaurant in the city center. The interior was just wow, as well as the food!
Good to know:
Transport in Alicante
In Alicante, everything is easily accessible, much like in most European cities.
From the airport, dozens of taxis await to take you into the city (costing between €20-25).
Within the city itself, everything is easily manageable on foot, or for longer distances, you can rent a bike, take the bus, or tram.
One thing to note is that Alicante doesn’t have Uber, but they make use of Cabify instead.
Enjoy your trip to Alicante!!
Don’t forget to check out my lastest post on Instagram!
