Alicante Cruise Port Guide Info
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Spain, in the western Mediterranean Sea, the city of Alicante boasts a mild climate, delicious food and wine, great beaches, and a wide variety of historic landmarks. The cruise terminal is located around 2 kilometers away from the city center and for cruise passengers, there is a possibility to either walk to the center (a 20-minute walk) or take a free shuttle bus that will drop you off near the entrance to the Alicante Old Town and Esplanada d’Espanya, a beautiful waterfront promenade and a very popular tourist spot.
From there, you can explore on foot some of the main attractions of Alicante: Castle of Santa Barbara, Playa del Postiguet, Basilica of St. Mary of Alicante, Barrio de Santa Cruz quarter, Mercado Central, and others.
The castle of Santa Barbara is one of the main historic landmarks of the city from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Alicante.
The castle stands on Mount Benacantil, 166 meters above the sea level, and represents a mixture of Arab and Western European influences, as the Arab Muslims controlled this part of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th till 13th century. The best way to get to the castle is by taking an elevator located on the opposite side of the Playa del Postiguet, at the foot of the hill, or by walk (in that case, you need to be able to walk at least 20 minutes uphill).
Another picturesque area to explore is Barrio de Santa Cruz quarter, situated 1 kilometer away from your shuttle bus drop off point. It is the oldest neighborhood of the city, full of colorful buildings and old alleys, charming restaurants and cafes where you can try delicious local wine and tapas.
However, if you prefer a sea view, head back to Esplanada d’Espanya for a leisurely walk along the seafront esplanade and a coffee at one of the cafes tucked in the shade of the palm trees. Last but not least, if you want to soak up some Mediterranean sun and take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Alicante, head over to the famous Playa del Postiguet – a beautiful, sandy city beach popular for both tourists and locals.
This article is written by Adventour Begins for Cruise Dig.