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Travel InformationAlicante Cruises, Spain
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A palm-lined promenade packed with waterfront cafés. Whitewashed houses freckled with fuchsia geraniums. World class museums stacked with futuristic attractions. That’s Alicante in a nutshell, a buzzing city crowned by a fairytale fortress. Of course, this corner of Spain has another string to its bow. Swathe after swathe of powder-soft sand. That’s right, Alicante’s your gateway to the Costa Blanca, where the sun seems to shine permanently on opal-white beaches.
- Get your fix of history in Murcia. This city’s origins can be traced back to 800AD, so you’ll find a timeline’s worth of architecture here. Don’t miss the 15th-century Santa Maria Cathedral or the 11th-century Castle of Monteagudo.
- Check out the town of Villajoyosa and pay a visit to the famous Valour Chocolate Factory. You’ll be given a tour of the chocolate-making process, and get the chance to sample some of the treats yourself.
- Take a wander along the Explanada de Espana, one of Spain’s prettiest promenades, stopping for a coffee along the way.
- Get to know Alicante itself. Take a look at the Castle of Santa Barbara, which is the biggest Medieval fortress in Spain, or pick a harbour side café and people watch over an iced coffee.
- Make the 45-minute journey to Benidorm, where you can relax on Malpas beach, just by the harbour, or navigate the maze of cobbled streets in the Old Town.
SHORE EXCURSIONS View all excursions
Benidorm On Your Own
To most people, Benidorm is the Costa Blanca. It’s been a major player on the holiday scene for a good while now, and after a day here you’ll see why. The city is less than an hour away by coach, and when we arrive, we’ll leave you to explore on your own. Head for the famous Levante Beach, rated among Europe’s best. Or plump for a bit of people-watching at one of the cafés along the promenade. Lining the beach you’ve got the high-rise hotels that Benidorm’s famous for. The skyline here is all skyscrapers looming in spiky clusters. But behind them, you’ll find the old town. Think cobbled streets, whitewashed little houses and noisy tapas bars. There’s plenty in the way of shops, too, from chic boutiques to market stalls groaning under the weight of souvenirs.
Guadalest
Set in the foothills of the Sierra de Aitana mountains, Guadalest holds the title of the Costa Blanca’s prettiest village. The first thing you’ll notice is its whitewashed belltower. It’s set high up on the summit of the mountain, next to the entrance of the Portal de San Jose tunnel. Even today, the tunnel is the only way of getting to and from the village. Once you’re through, you’ll set off on a walking tour. It was built by the Moors over a thousand years ago and there are plenty of old treasures to check out. Wander through the little streets towards Orduna House. This charming place was built by the rich family after a 17th-century earthquake wiped out their house. Nowadays, it’s a fascinating museum. Take a look round the pantries, kitchen and recpetion area – they’re built half into the rock. And make sure you head out to the gardens where you’ll find the barn and stables.
Alicante Bike Tour
For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our bike tours. This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.