Santa Bárbara Castle
Climb or use the lift to explore the hilltop fortress and wide views over the city, port and Mediterranean.
Combine Santa Bárbara Castle, Postiguet Beach and a lively Mediterranean waterfront with ferry connections from Alicante to Algeria.
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Castle views, city beaches and a Mediterranean port at the heart of town
Alicante is one of the easiest Spanish port cities to enjoy as a destination in its own right. The harbour, Explanada de España, Postiguet Beach, old town and Santa Bárbara Castle all sit close together, allowing a ferry stop to become a compact city break rather than simply a transfer.
The castle dominates the skyline from Mount Benacantil and provides the city’s defining panorama. At sea level, the palm-lined Explanada and marina lead naturally towards Postiguet Beach, restaurants and the streets of the old centre.
Alicante’s Barrio de Santa Cruz adds a more intimate side, with whitewashed houses and steep lanes beneath the castle. Museums such as MARQ broaden the cultural offering, while local food and beach life keep the city relaxed for much of the year.
The passenger port is integrated into the urban waterfront. International passenger-and-vehicle ferries connect Alicante with Oran in Algeria, with service intensity varying through the year and selected additional Algerian calls appearing on some schedules.
For onward travel, Alicante has strong rail, tram, bus and airport connections. The TRAM is especially useful for the northern Costa Blanca, while mainline trains connect Alicante with cities across Spain.
Alicante’s main sights are unusually close together, making the city particularly easy to explore before or after a ferry.
Climb or use the lift to explore the hilltop fortress and wide views over the city, port and Mediterranean.
Walk the famous palm-lined promenade between the centre and marina, especially pleasant in the evening.
Take a city-centre beach break directly below the castle and only a short walk from the waterfront.
Explore steep lanes, colourful details and viewpoints in the traditional old quarter beneath Mount Benacantil.
Add deeper historical context with one of Alicante’s best-known museums and archaeological collections.
Consider a local boat excursion to the fortified island of Tabarca when your timetable allows a full or half day.
Browse tours, activities and experiences available in Alicante, along the Costa Blanca and around nearby coastal attractions.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
The Port of Alicante is closely integrated with the city, so ferry passengers remain within easy reach of the centre, waterfront and public transport. International passenger ferries use port facilities on the harbour rather than a remote out-of-town terminal.
Current 2026 passenger-and-vehicle services include sailings from Alicante to Oran and Algiers in Algeria, with the strongest programme during the summer travel season. Exact operators, dates and frequencies vary, so confirm the live sailing shown for your travel date before making onward arrangements.
International passengers should allow time for check-in, security and border formalities. Vehicle travellers need the correct documentation for the vehicle and destination, while foot passengers should confirm the operator’s terminal instructions before arriving at the port.
Alicante combines a walkable centre with useful tram, bus, rail and airport connections across the Costa Blanca and wider Spain.
The Explanada, marina, old town, Postiguet Beach and castle access points are all concentrated in central Alicante.
The TRAM serves beaches and towns north of Alicante, while mainline rail provides useful onward connections across Spain.
Find Alicante rail tickets here...A car gives flexibility for inland villages, coves and coastal towns beyond the core TRAM and bus network.
Central Alicante keeps the port, beach, Explanada, restaurants and castle within easy reach. A beachfront or marina stay can work particularly well around an international ferry departure.
International passenger ferries depart from facilities within the Port of Alicante, which is integrated with the central waterfront.
Current 2026 schedules include passenger ferries from Alicante to Oran and Algiers in Algeria. Availability and frequency vary by operator and season.
Yes. The port is closely integrated with central Alicante and within easy reach of the Explanada, marina and old town.
Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada de España, Postiguet Beach, Barrio de Santa Cruz and MARQ make an excellent first-time itinerary.
Yes. Local passenger boats operate from Alicante to Tabarca Island on published schedules, making it a popular day excursion.
Yes on vehicle-carrying sailings. Book the vehicle accurately and make sure you have all documents required for travel to Algeria.
Central sights are walkable and the city has buses and an extensive TRAM network, plus mainline rail for longer journeys.
Two days is enough for the main city and beach highlights, while three or more days allows a slower beach stay or excursions along the Costa Blanca.
Check live sailing options, passenger fares, vehicle prices and onboard accommodation for your travel dates.