Alicante
Things to Do
Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events
Photo by Ludovic Gauthier on Unsplash
Quick facts
- Alicante was named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2025, highlighting its culinary significance.
- The Central Market in Alicante is a vibrant venue for fresh produce and local delicacies, open daily except Sundays.
- Playa del Postiguet is one of the most popular beaches in Alicante, featuring a promenade and various water sports.
- The Hogueras de San Juan festival, celebrated in June, is a major cultural event featuring bonfires and fireworks.
- Alicante boasts 17 Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing its high-quality dining options.
Things to Do in Alicante
Alicante, a vibrant city on the Costa Blanca, offers a plethora of activities and experiences for those considering a move or already living here. From its rich culinary heritage to beautiful beaches and cultural events, Alicante is a city that caters to diverse interests.
Alicante's gastronomy is a significant draw for residents and visitors alike. The city was named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2025, reflecting its commitment to high-quality culinary experiences.
Rice Dishes: Rice is the cornerstone of Alicante's cuisine, with over 300 local recipes. Specialties include:
Arroz a Banda: Rice cooked in fish stock, served with seafood.
Arroz con Costra: A baked rice dish topped with a crispy egg layer.
Olleta Alicantina: A hearty stew featuring rice, lentils, and pork ribs.
Turron: This traditional nougat, made with at least 60% almonds and 10% honey, is a must-try. Look for it at local confectioneries and markets.
From people who live there
Moved to Alicante recently? — we'll credit you on this page.
More about Alicante
Healthcare
Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors
Admin & Documents
Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations
Housing
Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices
Cost of Living
Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI
British Community
Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits
Integrating Locally
Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise
Daily Life
Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office
Schools & Families
State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular
Planning a move to Alicante?
Start with a Move Readiness Review — clear written guidance for your route, documents and next steps.
Request a review