Places to visit during a rainy trip to Alicante
Alicante in November is a great place to catch some last minute sun before enduring bleak English winter weather. Yet it may not always plan out that way! In 2019 those were my exact thoughts, but out of the three days I visited, it rained for two of those. Not just a few light showers but heavy rain with strong winds. It felt like it was the first rain the area had seen for months, it poured! But that didn’t stop us from exploring.
[Before I go on I would like to state that due to the current situation in the world, I can not guarantee these places are still open and most will probably be running slightly differently. If you do travel please be sensible, cautious and safe.]
So first, what to do when it rains; my thoughts are coffee shops and brunch spots. In no particular order here are a few places we found.
Madness Speciality Coffee – This place is a coffee snobs haven. Order from their mind-blowing menu of opportunities, it seems like they have every method of brewing coffee as well as an extensive list of the types of coffees available. If that’s not enough they have a choice of coffee bean too. [I wasn’t even sure what half the methods were, Moka pot anyone?] This spot is just a few minutes walk away from Marina and set in a picturesque area.
Baker & Co. – This small cafe was a great brunch stop. The menu is a long list of different packages and meals available ranging from five – fifteen euros. From pastries to buddha bowls, overnight oats and if you are a bagel fan, this may be one of the only places where you can get one. [That’s coming from a source who lived there for a good while.] Most items can be ordered separately but I would definitely get a package as many contain the option of a fresh juice or coffee.
Sip & Wonder – Coffee House is a little out of the centre but a great little find! It can get quite busy, we visited twice as the first time it was full so we got coffee to go. The menu has a nice selection of hot and cold drinks for all the family as well as a brunch menu. All produce is sourced from local farmers and at markets. It has a great community vibe, definitely a popular space for students and freelancers to work. Plus each week they host a selection of classes and events.
A few other food stops;
- Sale & Pepe Barrio Pizzeria – A simple little spot in the centre for good Italian dishes. It is mixed within many other tourist restaurants therefore the prices are slightly higher than the smaller places.
- Urban Wine – This is a shop and bar for sourcing and enjoying some great Spanish Wines. With a whole wall from the front to the back of the shop lined with Reds, Whites, Roses and other Spanish liquors it is a great stop. Plus they have a small menu to have something to accompany your wine. Pair a local red with a cheese board, containing all local and regional cheeses, nuts, grapes and some unconventional sugared sweets.
- Boca de Vin – A wonderful quaint Gastro Bar found in the heart of the bar scene. It has a super cosy atmosphere. The inside is split for dining and drinks tables. With a large selection of premium spirits it doesn’t feel like a small town bar. The menu contains whiskies from Scotland, rums from all over the Caribbean, a nice selection of classic cocktails as well as an aunate range of Spanish red wines.
Things to see and places to go…
Visit Santa Barbara Castle, at the top of Mount Benacantil. It has been overlooking the centre of Alicante for over a thousand years and has been classed as a point of cultural interest since the sixties. Either take one of many paths up to the Castle or catch the lift close to Postiguet beach. I believe there is a fee but it covers you for both journeys. I would recommend taking it up and walking back down, as the views are incredible. Time it just right and you can watch the sun slowly fading over the town. The castle itself is free.
Enjoy an afternoon stroll along the harbour and onto the Explanada de España. Here many local artisans and creatives sell their works as well tourist nic-nacs and novelty items. Pass by Casa Carbonell, a local historical landmark built around 1922 before heading onto the promenade by Postiguet beach.
I’ve personally not been but further on in Cap del L’Horta area, there are what seem to be some great little viewpoints even if they do have some odd names. Viewpoint of the Smooth-Hound looks out over San Juan beach and the viewpoint of the Swordfish has access to the ocean via the rocks but seems a popular spot for sunbathers. Both can be found on google maps even though neither has a distinguished location.
If it is architecture, culture and history you wish for, take a lovely walk around the Barri Vell – Santa Creu. Here you’ll find beautiful windy paths which can lead you to Basílica of St Mary of Alicante, a beautiful 16th century church, the Museum of Fine Art and hidden on the paths up to the mountain is the Barrio de Santa Cruz. It’s highly decorated little houses were once the Muslim Quarter to the city. Alicante was once ruled by the Moorish who brought oranges, rice, arts and their architectural style to the area.
Transportation
Getting from the airport to the city is pretty easy depending on your style. I prefer the bus option. Catch the C6 bus which runs seven days a week from 7am to 10pm, it’s around €4. I always make sure I have some coins for the bus as many will refuse to take notes.
Second option is the train, however there is no train or tram station at the airport, a bus or taxi would be required, so unless you’re going further afield I would not recommend it. Lastly is the taxi option, it is the quickest but the most expensive plus the worst for the environment.
Once you’re in the city there are trams, local and regional buses as well as Uber and taxi options. Plus, like other major Spanish cities, there are plenty of cycle paths or widened paths for cyclists. Making it another great way to get around but do be careful it’s not the flattest of places in some areas.
Just a few little extras
Like many cities Alicante has been inhabited by many different civilisations including the Romans, Greeks, Visigoths and the Moors.
The Latin name is the “City of Light”, given by the Romans.
Although the two main languages of the region are Spanish and Valacian, Alicante’s population contains over 10% foreigners.
Popular destinations including Valencia, Benidorm and Altea are all great day trips via a car or even sit back and catch the train, from Alicante.
