Alicante is a city that suffers from a common affliction: it is devoured by its own clichés. The inattentive visitor arrives, confines themselves to the tourist area around Postiguet Beach, eats a frozen, fluorescent-yellow paella on a crowded terrace, and leaves thinking they already know the area. A grave mistake. The real Alicante—the one locals proudly defend—requires stepping away from the tourist-packed streets to seek out experiences with substance, physical effort, and culinary rewards.
If you want to get the most out of the city with a discerning eye and have a memorable day, you need to focus your energy on what’s truly worthwhile. In other words: less pretentious posturing and more connecting with the heart and soul of the city.
Here are the 3 must-do activities you should check off your list on your next getaway.
1. Conquer the heights of Santa Bárbara by crossing the white labyrinth
The first plan isn't up for negotiation. You can't say you've been to Alicante unless you've conquered the summit of the Mount Benacantil, the immense mass of rock that overlooks the Mediterranean.
At its summit stands the Santa Barbara Castle, one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Europe.
To do it right, forget about the convenient elevator that lazy tourists use. The real experience is walking up through the Santa Cruz neighborhood. This little corner is a haven frozen in time: a labyrinth of steep pedestrian streets, endless stairways, pristine white facades, and pots of geraniums that bring the stone walls to life.
Climbing up here takes some legwork, but the reward is breathing in air that smells of jasmine, salt, and the Muslim and Christian history that shaped the city.
Once at the top, in the highest part of the castle known as “el macho,” a 360-degree panoramic view awaits you. From up there, it’s easy to see why ancient strategists chose this rock: you have complete control of the coastline, the harbor, and the medieval town layout at your feet. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset before heading down to enjoy your reward.
2. Experience the excitement of «Tardeo» and the fresh seafood at the Central Market
Coming down from the fortress takes you straight to the second must-do activity: immersing yourself in the human pulse of the Central Market. This early 20th-century building is a Modernist masterpiece that serves as the true heart of Alicante.
Forget about cold supermarkets; here, fresh produce speaks for itself.
Walking through its aisles mid-morning is a feast for the senses. On the ground floor, the fishmongers’ counters showcase the bounty of the local sea: the legendary red shrimp from Dénia, jumping baby shrimp from Santa Pola, and traditional salted fish that capture the essence of the Mediterranean.
On the top floor, the aroma of mountain sausages and select meats from the indoor garden fills the air.
But the real action kicks off on Fridays and Saturdays at noon with the ritual of the «hanging out». Locals gather in the back alleys and squares surrounding the market to enjoy an aperitif outdoors.
The atmosphere is rustic and authentic: sharing simple dishes at the bar, drinking ice-cold beer, and chatting loudly amid the bustle of the square. This is Alicante without filters or commercial frills—the must-visit spot to get the party started before dinner.
3. Worship fire and royal meat in the hidden corner of Bacacay
After burning off some energy conquering the fortress and experiencing the bustling crowds at the Central Market, your day in Alicante calls for a VIP-level culinary finale.
For dinner, don't go to the chain restaurants right on the beach. Walk a couple of blocks toward the traditional downtown area, specifically to the 31 Poeta Campos Vasallo Street, and get ready to step into a temple of carnivorous worship: Bacacay.
This isn't some contrived, trendy restaurant designed for posting posed photos on social media; it's a family-run business led with passion by Alejandro, Laura, and Javier. As you walk down the street, a «a hint of charcoal» "Inconfundible" lets you know that they really know how to cook there.
As you cross the threshold, you're greeted by a a large pile of firewood which reveals that their traditional grill is fueled exclusively by charcoal and wood, with no gas griddles or industrial shortcuts.
The Bacacay experience is a one-way trip backed by its unshakable reputation:
- The atmosphere of the still life: Although from the outside it's an unassuming place that might go unnoticed, inside it's a «An incredible, charming still life» and an intimate, cozy dining room.
- The art of perfect grilling: Its 4.8-star rating on Google reflects a team that doesn't compromise on cooking temperatures. Regular customers sum it up with a powerful phrase: the meat is so tender that «You can cut it with a spoon» and it always arrives at the table cooked to perfection. It is, quite simply, a culinary experience that diners describe as «an absolute 10».
- The Mandatory Feast: The ritual requires that you begin by sharing your Creole empanada with hand-chopped beef or a few gizzards that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside served with their homemade citrus sauce. For the main course, you should go for their grilled gems, such as the Ribeye Steak or the Juicy tripe, all paired with select Argentine red wines that do justice to the intensity of the fire.
Planning a getaway to Alicante means stepping off the beaten path. Conquer the rock, experience the market square, and finish by paying homage to the real fire.
Doing things right takes time, and Bacacay's kitchen is waiting for you to end the day the way it deserves.
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