Best Tours in Alicante: Castle Adventures, Island Escapes & Local Flavors

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Santa Bárbara Castle towers 166 meters above Alicante on Mount Benacantil – one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses built in the ninth century.

Boat trips to Tabarca Island are very popular and they leave conveniently right next to downtown. What is nicer during the summer heat than being on the water, preferably under a shade and a cold drink in hand?

There are also tons of different kinds of places located close to Alicante, so read more to find out which one(s) would interest you the most. Don’t forget to check out our Alicante guide for more info on this beautiful city.

Santa Bárbara Castle and Old Town Historical Tours

My Top Pick. Guided tours reveal details you’d miss exploring solo. The Santa Bárbara Castle has lived through nine centuries of occupation – Muslim origins through Christian reconquest to Civil War reconstruction. The fortress is quite big with a few very nice spots that took me a few visits to find so in addition to interesting stories the guides will also be able to help you to discover them.

Apart from the typical more informative guided tours Viator and GetYourGuide also organize wine tasting & tapas or even craft beer tasting at the castle, so check those out as well. I

The best times to go to the castle are the shoulders seasons. Winter time I would prefer to go during the sunny hours, and durint the summer I would actually go there either very early, or 1-2 hours before the sunset to avoid the queus and the heat.

The Old Town tours typically start at Plaza de Carmen, winding through medieval streets before castle access. The museum inside displays archaeological finds from Roman Lucentum and medieval trading artifacts. On clear days, you’ll spot three provinces from the ramparts.

The old town section covers the triangular area between Rambla de Méndez Núñez and Explanada de España. Guides point out the cathedral’s baroque facade, 16th-century town hall, and former Dominican monastery (now Hotel Hospes Amérigo). Many tours include the Archaeological Museum near the central market.

Best times: October through March (daily 10:00-20:00), when temperatures stay comfortable for uphill walking. Summer tours run until midnight but start before 10am to avoid afternoon heat.

Tabarca Island and Coastal Boat Tours

Spain’s smallest inhabited island sits 22 kilometers offshore – a former pirate hideout turned nature reserve. Boat tours depart from Alicante’s marina, taking 45 minutes each way through Mediterranean waters.

The island is just 1800 by 400 meters, perfect for exploring on foot. Highlights include 18th-century fortifications, a lighthouse, and crystal-clear snorkeling spots around the rocky coastline. The village has three restaurants serving local seafood, though prices reflect the remote location.

Snorkeling on the island is actually very good, and most tours include snorkeling equipment and beach time. Some add stops at Postiguet Beach or coastal caves near Santa Pola. The return journey provides views of Alicante’s skyline with Santa Bárbara Castle prominent above the city which will help you snap amazing photos and videos you can then share to your friends and family.

Book through GetYourGuide for guaranteed departure times. Weather can cancel trips October through March, so check conditions before booking. Summer tours sell out quickly – advance reservations recommended.

Tapas and Market Food Tours

Alicante’s food tour scene centers around three areas: Carrer Castaños near the theater, Calle San Francisco (aka Mushroom Street), and Calle Mayor by the cathedral. Food tours typically hit 4-5 stops over three hours, mixing traditional tapas bars with local markets.

Mercat Central (Avda Alfonso X El Sabio 10) anchors most tours – two levels of fresh seafood, Iberian ham, local cheeses, and Valencia oranges. Vendors provide tastings of jamón ibérico and Manchego cheese. The back exit leads to flower sellers and restaurant terraces in a small square.

Bar stops include century-old establishments serving horchata (tiger nut milk) and modern tapas places. Expect patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and local rice dishes beyond standard paella. Some tours add wine tastings featuring Jumilla and Yecla regional varieties.

Tours run year-round but avoid Monday mornings when many market stalls stay closed. Evening tours (starting 6pm) capture Alicante’s authentic dining rhythm – restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8pm.

How I Selected These Tours

My recommendations prioritize experiences unique to Alicante’s location and history. Santa Bárbara Castle earned top billing as one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses with unmatched city views. Tabarca Island provides the region’s only inhabited island adventure.

I selected tours with year-round availability and reliable operators. Food tours made the cut for their authentic market (mercado) access and local restaurant connections. Adventure options provide variety for active travelers beyond standard sightseeing.

All selections feature professional guides, though English and other language availability varies by operator. I excluded tours easily done independently (like beach visits) and wrote about experiences requiring local knowledge or special access.

Seasonal Considerations: Best Tours by Weather

October through December brings ideal touring weather with temperatures around 15-20°C. Castle and hiking tours run comfortably without summer heat. Island boat tours operate reliably before winter weather affects sea conditions.

October specifically provides perfect conditions – warm enough for boat trips but cool enough for uphill castle walks. Sea water is still around 20C in case you want to do snorkeling or go for a swim in Tabarca. November temperatures drop to comfortable hiking levels while maintaining sunny days. December brings cooler weather (around 15°C) better suited for indoor attractions and food tours.

Summer tours start early or run late to avoid midday heat. Many operators run sunrise hikes and sunset castle visits July through August. Island tours run throughout summer but book weeks ahead – high season sells out quickly.

Winter months limit outdoor adventure tours but food and cultural experiences run year-round. Market tours actually improve in cooler months when walking becomes more comfortable.

How to Book Tours in Alicante

Book island tours and summer adventures 2-3 weeks ahead through GetYourGuide or Viator for guaranteed spots. Food tours can often be reserved 2-3 days prior, though weekend tours fill faster.

Many operators include hotel pickup from central Alicante accommodations. The tourist office at Rambla Méndez Núñez 41 provides brochures and can recommend local guides for custom tours if you prefer that to reading and booking online.

Klook often has competitive pricing for full-day excursions combining multiple destinations.

FAQ About Tours in Alicante

How long do most Alicante tours last?
Castle and old town tours typically run 2-3 hours. Food tours average 3-4 hours including multiple stops. Full-day excursions to Guadalest or Tabarca Island take 8+ hours including transportation.

Are tours available in English?
Major operators run English-language tours, especially for popular attractions like Santa Bárbara Castle and Tabarca Island. Smaller food tours may be Spanish-only, so confirm language options when booking.

Are there tours available in other languages like French or German?
Yes, but more limited. Check out the availability from GetYourGuide or Viator.

Can I reach tour departure points from Alicante Airport?
Bus C6 connects the airport to city center in 20 minutes for a budget-friendly price. Most tours depart from central locations accessible by this route. Taxis offer a mid-range alternative to downtown meeting points. Renting a car is always a great option, but make sure your accommodation includes parking. Discovercars often offers great deals.

Which tours work best for families with children?
Castle tours (with elevator access) and Tabarca Island trips suit families. The palm grove in Elche provides easy walking on flat terrain. Avoid lengthy hiking tours or late-evening food tours with young children.

Do I need advance reservations?
Summer tours and weekend food tours require advance booking. Island tours sell out frequently April through October. Winter cultural tours often have same-day availability, though booking ahead ensures English-language options.

Are tours wheelchair accessible?
Santa Bárbara Castle elevator provides wheelchair access to upper levels, though some areas remain inaccessible. Tabarca Island tours require boat transfers unsuitable for wheelchairs. Food tours depend on specific restaurant accessibility – confirm with operators.