Alicante Cruise Port Guide: What to See, Do & Know Before You Go
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Alicante is a vibrant city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, known for its hilltop castle, historic old town, and wide sandy beaches.
The cruise port sits close to the city center, so cruise passengers can reach the main sights on foot.
I visited Alicante on a cruise stop and had the chance to explore Santa Bárbara Castle, even though the weather wasn’t on my side—it was rainy, but still worth the climb.
In this guide, I cover the Alicante cruise port, how to get around, what to see during your stop, shore excursions, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
🛳️ Alicante Cruise Port Overview
Where the Ship Docks
Cruise ships dock at Muelle Levante, the outer wall of the port, where up to two large ships can dock at the same time. From there, the city center is about 2 km (1.3 miles) away.
Getting to the City Center
A free shuttle bus is provided by the port authority, with drop-off and pick-up at Plaza Puerta del Mar, just outside the port gates.
From the square, you’re in the heart of Alicante. On the left, you’ll see the palm-lined Esplanada d’Espanya and the marina. On the right, there’s Playa del Postiguet, the city’s main beach, and Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on the hill above.
You can also walk into town from the port—it takes about 20 to 25 minutes along a flat and easy route.
Ferry Connections
Alicante also serves as a ferry port, with regular sailings to Oran, Algeria, daily in summer and weekly during the rest of the year.
🧾 Practical Information for Cruise Passengers
Accessibility in Alicante
Alicante is wheelchair-accessible, especially around the port and city center. Most streets are flat, and the main promenade and shuttle drop-off area are easy to navigate with mobility aids.
Currency and Payments
The currency in Spain is the euro (€). ATMs and currency exchange offices are available throughout the city. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Sightseeing Bus – Alicante Turibus
If you prefer not to walk, hop on the Alicante Turibus — a hop-on hop-off bus that covers 10 major stops around the city. It departs from Plaza Puerta del Mar and stops at Santa Bárbara Castle, the old town, Central Market, the Archaeological Museum, and more.
The full loop takes about 50 minutes. Buses run every 30–60 minutes (more frequently when ships are in port), and the tour includes a multilingual audio guide in six languages. The bus is also wheelchair-accessible. You can find more details on Alicante’s official tourism website.
Opening Hours & Local Tips
Many shops close for siesta between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm, though large stores and malls usually remain open.
Most museums and attractions close on Mondays, so plan accordingly if your cruise stop falls early in the week.
Train and Bus Station Info
Alicante Terminal, the main train station, is located about 1.7 km (1 mile) or a 20-minute walk from Plaza Puerta del Mar. It’s served by RENFE trains with routes to Valencia, Murcia, Cartagena, and other regional cities. Check out the timetables on the official RENFE website before your visit.
🚍 Plan Your Stop in Alicante
- 👉 Explore tours and shore activities in Alicante – check available options on Viator and GetYourGuide.
- 👉 Want to explore beyond the city? Compare rental car options in Alicante with Discover Cars
- 🚗 Book a private transfer to/from Alicante cruise port
- 🏨 Find top-rated hotels near the port of Alicante
🧭 Planning more Mediterranean ports?
My Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide covers 45 ports with walking directions, transport tips, and local highlights — all in one place, including Alicante!
👉 Grab your copy here and make every stop count!
🏛️ Top Things to Do in Alicante from the Cruise Port
With the port just a short distance from the city center, you can see a lot of Alicante on foot. Here are the top places to visit during your cruise stop, all within easy reach of the shuttle drop-off point.
Santa Bárbara Castle
Sitting high on Mount Benacantil, Santa Bárbara Castle towers over the city at 166 meters above sea level. It’s one of Alicante’s most iconic landmarks and offers panoramic views of the coast and harbor.
Built in the 9th century during Moorish rule, the fortress was later captured by Alfonso of Castile and named after Saint Barbara. Over time, it was used for military defense, as a prison, and was eventually reopened to the public in 1963.
Today, you can visit La Torreta (the original keep), a small museum, and a few well-preserved military structures from the 18th century. There’s also a café at the top, perfect for a break with a view.
Entry is free on foot, with a small fee if you use the elevator.
🚶 How to Get to Santa Bárbara Castle:
- On foot – Several walking paths lead to the top. The climb is steep, so it’s best for those with a moderate level of fitness.
- By elevator – The lift is located near Postiguet Beach, on Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora.
- By minibus – A local shuttle runs from Plaza del Doctor Gómez Ulla (next to the MARQ Museum). This option is not ideal for cruise passengers as the stop is on the opposite side of the hill.
- By Turibus – The hop-on-hop-off tourist bus stops right near the castle entrance.
Esplanada d’Espanya
One of the most scenic promenades in Spain, Esplanada d’Espanya runs along the waterfront, right next to the marina. It’s lined with palm trees and paved with over 6 million marble tiles arranged in a distinctive wave pattern.
The promenade begins at Plaza Puerta del Mar, near the striking Casa Carbonell, and stretches about 600 meters to the Monumento a Canalejas, a statue honoring a politician who helped shape modern Alicante.
Along the way, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, benches, and plenty of shade — perfect for a stroll or a quiet break with views of the port, especially around sunset.
👉 Explore Esplanada d’Espanya tours and activities
Alicante Old Town (El Barrio – Santa Cruz)
Also known as El Barrio or Santa Cruz, Alicante’s old town sits at the base of Mount Benacantil, not far from Santa Bárbara Castle.
This historic quarter is full of narrow, winding streets, steep staircases, and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful tiles, flower pots, and balconies.
The area is lively, with plenty of tapas bars, small squares, and viewpoints offering stunning views of the city and the bay.
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to walk uphill through the Santa Cruz district.
Within the old town, you’ll also find major landmarks like the Concatedral de San Nicolás with its striking blue dome, Alicante City Hall, and museums such as MUBAG (Gravina Museum of Fine Arts) and MACA (Contemporary Art Museum).
Don’t miss the Basilica of Santa Maria, the oldest church in the city, built between the 14th and 16th centuries in Valencian Gothic style, on the site of a former mosque.
👉 Join a guided walking tour to explore Alicante’s old town highlights
Playa del Postiguet
Alicante is known for its beautiful beaches, and the closest one to the port is Playa del Postiguet. This sandy Blue Flag beach is just a few minutes’ walk from the port entrance and is a great spot for a quick swim or a relaxing break.
The beach is clean, safe for swimming, and backed by a palm-lined promenade with a few bars and cafés. You’ll also find the elevator to Santa Bárbara Castle right across from the beach.
Central Market of Alicante (Mercat Central)
Located about 1 km (0.6 miles) or a 15-minute walk from Plaza Puerta del Mar, Alicante’s Central Market is one of the city’s liveliest spots.
Spread over two floors, this indoor market is packed with stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, meats, seafood, and local delicacies. It’s a favorite with both locals and visitors.
The back of the market faces Plaza 25 de Mayo, named in memory of the tragic bombing that took place here during the Spanish Civil War in 1938. In front, you’ll find a small flower market and a cozy tapas bar serving regional bites.
👉 Join a guided food tour to explore the best of Alicante’s market scene
🌄 Best Shore Excursions and Day Trips from Alicante
If you decide to explore beyond Alicante, these are some of the most popular shore excursions and places to visit:
Elche
Located about 27 km (17 miles) or a 30-minute drive southwest of Alicante, Elche is best known for El Palmeral — a vast palm grove with over 300,000 trees dating back to the 10th century. This unique oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a peaceful walk among centuries-old palms.
Other highlights include the 12th-century Altamira Castle, now home to the Elche Archaeology and History Museum, the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Town Hall, and the charming Raval quarter, Elche’s old town.
If visiting in mid-August, don’t miss the Mystery Play of Elche, a medieval sacred drama recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance.
Tabarca Island
Isla de Tabarca is a small archipelago located about 20 km (12.5 miles) south of Alicante, just off the coast of Santa Pola. Once a haven for Berber pirates, the island is now part of a Mediterranean Marine Reserve, known for its clear waters and rich marine life.
Visitors come for the quiet beaches, rocky coves, and fresh seafood. You can walk around the old fishing village, visit the small museum, and try the traditional “Caldero” fish stew at one of the island’s family-run restaurants.
Boats to Tabarca depart from the Alicante marina, and the ride takes about 1 hour each way. Return tickets cost 23€ per adult and are operated by Cruceros Kontiki (check the schedule here)
👉 Book Tabarca boat trips and guided tours
Guadalest
The stunning mountaintop village of Guadalest (officially El Castell de Guadalest) sits about 61 km (37 miles) north of Alicante, roughly a 1-hour drive from the port.
Famous for the Castle of L’Alcazaiba (also known as Castle of Saint Joseph), this 11th-century fortress was built during Muslim rule and offers spectacular views over the Guadalest Valley.
Wander through the old El Arrabal quarter, filled with cobbled streets, shops, cafés, and small museums like the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Torture Museum, and more. It’s one of the most charming inland villages in the region and well worth the trip.
👉 Book a guided tour to Guadalest from Alicante
❓ Alicante Cruise Port FAQ
How many cruise ships can dock at once?
The port of Alicante can accommodate up to two large cruise ships at the same time. Ships dock at Muelle Levante, a long quay with deep water, just outside the city center.
Is the port within walking distance of the city?
Yes — it’s around 1 to 2 km from the city center, depending on where your ship docks. You can walk into town in about 15 to 25 minutes, or take the free shuttle bus provided by the port, which drops you off at Plaza Puerta del Mar.
Are there lockers or facilities at the cruise terminal?
The cruise terminal offers basic facilities such as restrooms, seating areas, and a tourist info desk. There’s no luggage storage at the terminal, but you may find lockers available in the city.
What’s the best way to get around Alicante?
The city is very walkable, especially around the old town, the castle, and the beach. If you want a more relaxed option, hop on the Turibus sightseeing bus, or take a local taxi or city bus, depending on where you’re heading.
Which day trips are worth taking from Alicante?
Some great options include a boat trip to Tabarca Island, or guided visits to Elche’s palm grove and the mountaintop village of Guadalest. All are within an hour of the port and make for easy half-day or full-day excursions.
🧭 Helpful Resources for Your Mediterranean Cruise
Useful Websites for Visiting Alicante
- Google Maps Location: Find the exact location of the port of Alicante.
- Cruise Ship Schedule: See when ships are in Alicante and plan your visit.
- Alicante Port Authority: Get updated info on port operations and schedules.
- Alicante Tourism Office: Discover more about the top attractions and places to see.
- Local Weather Forecast: Get the latest weather updates to prepare for your day.
More Cruise Ports You Might Visit
The port of Alicante is a popular stop on both Mediterranean and transatlantic cruises, often combined with ports like:
- Barcelona – A major embarkation point with endless sights
- Lisbon – Portugal’s capital and a cultural gem on the Atlantic
- Cádiz – Gateway to Seville and historic Andalusia
- Gibraltar – Famous for its Rock and sea views
- Málaga – Base for trips to Granada, Córdoba, and Marbella
- Valencia – Home to Europe’s largest aquarium
- Palma de Mallorca – Known for beaches and its Gothic cathedral
- Madeira (Funchal) – Lush island with gardens and mountain views
- Marseille – Access point for Provence and the French countryside
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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My wife and I and another senior couple will be arriving in Alicanteon the Celebrity cruise line Infinity ship . I have tried to sign up for any Guadalest Valley and the city tours either by the ship or Viator , but they are sold out , apparently . With your vast contacts , would you know any guide tour that can take us on a prive tour , Four passengers , from the ship?? we will disembark by 8AM and will have to be back no later than% pm . Many thanks for your consideration . Sincerely , Nahum Schneidermann
Sorry for my late reply, somehow I missed this comment. In these situations, please send me an email to katarina@adventoubegins.com
But anyway, unfortunately in Alicante I don’t have anyone I can personally recommend :/
I hope you had a great cruise, though!