Top 5 Alicante Sightseeing Tours: An Honest Review

Top 5 Alicante Sightseeing Tours: An Honest Review

Alicante waterfront promenade with palm trees

So, you’re heading to Alicante. That’s actually a fantastic choice. The city has this, like, amazing feel to it, a mix of sunny beach days and old-world Spanish character. I mean, you could just wander around on your own, and that’s cool too. But honestly, to really get a feel for the place, a good tour is pretty much invaluable. It sort of gives you the stories behind the pretty buildings. You know, you get to see things from a local’s point of view, and stuff. Anyway, there are a lot of options out there, so I’ve kind of gone through them to find the ones that are, you know, really worth your time. These are the experiences that give you a little something extra, something you’ll definitely be talking about when you get back home.

1. The “Secret Spots and Tapas” Walking Tour

Tapas bar in Alicante old town

Alright, first up is a walking tour, but seriously, it’s not just any walking tour. This one is more or less about finding those little hidden corners of Alicante that you’d probably walk right past. I mean, the guide, who is typically a super friendly local, takes you through these narrow, winding streets in El Barrio de Santa Cruz. Frankly, it’s just incredibly charming. You get to hear all these little stories and legends about the city that, you know, a guidebook just wouldn’t tell you. It’s a bit like having a friend show you around their hometown, in a way. The pace is really relaxed, so you’re not rushing from one spot to the next. You actually have time to stop, look around, and sort of absorb the atmosphere of it all.

What’s Special About It?

Okay, so the best part is definitely the food. I mean, at the end of the day, that’s what seals the deal. The tour usually ends at a local market or a traditional tapas bar that’s, like, totally authentic. You get to try some seriously good food—we’re talking jamón, cheese, and local wine. The guide explains what everything is, so you’re not just pointing and hoping for the best. It’s a very social experience too; you get to chat with the other people on the tour and just have a really good time. It’s almost like a perfect mix of sightseeing, history, and a delicious meal all rolled into one.

Anything to Keep in Mind?

Well, it is a walking tour, obviously. So you need to wear some really comfortable shoes, right? The streets in the old town are kind of cobbled and can be a little hilly in places. Also, it’s a good idea to show up a bit hungry, to be honest. They give you a pretty generous amount of food, so you sort of want to have enough room to enjoy it all. This tour tends to be small, so it feels more personal, which is a really nice touch, you know?

2. The Relaxing Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Catamaran cruise along Costa Blanca near Alicante

On the other hand, if walking isn’t really your thing, then a catamaran cruise is just an absolutely brilliant option. I mean, you just get to see Alicante’s coastline from the water, and the view is honestly something else. The boat usually sets off from the marina, and from the get-go, it’s just completely relaxing. You feel the sun on your skin and the sea breeze in your hair. Basically, it’s vacation mode, activated. The crew is often very fun and they play some nice, chill music, creating a really good vibe for the whole trip.

What’s Special About It?

For instance, the boat will typically sail past Postiguet Beach and towards Cabo de las Huertas. The water in this area is incredibly clear and blue. The best part, seriously, is when they drop anchor near a quiet cove. You get to just jump off the boat and go for a swim or do a bit of snorkeling. They usually provide all the gear and stuff. Often, a simple lunch and drinks are included, so you can just float around, have a bite to eat, and not worry about a thing. It’s a really different way to see the Santa Bárbara Castle, you know, looking up at it from the sea. It’s quite majestic, really.

Anything to Keep in Mind?

As a matter of fact, you should definitely bring sunscreen. The Spanish sun, you know, can be pretty strong, especially when you’re out on the water. A hat and sunglasses are a good idea too. The trip usually lasts for a few hours, so it takes up a good chunk of your day. Anyway, it’s so worth it for the relaxation and the views you get. Sometimes the sea can be a little choppy, so if you’re someone who gets seasick, you might want to prepare for that, just in case.

3. An Easy-Going E-Bike Sightseeing Tour

Couple riding e-bikes in Alicante city park

Now, here’s a really clever way to see a lot of the city without getting totally exhausted. An e-bike tour is kind of the perfect middle ground. You still get to be out in the fresh air, like a walking tour, but you can cover so much more ground. The electric motor gives you a little boost, you know, so those hills that look a bit intimidating are actually no problem at all. It’s really fun, I mean, you’re just zipping around the city, from the beach to the city center and through some really lovely parks.

What’s Special About It?

The great thing is that you actually get a very complete picture of Alicante. The guides on these tours are usually super energetic and they take you to a mix of famous spots and some less-known areas. For example, you might ride along the entire length of Postiguet Beach, then circle around the base of Santa Bárbara Castle, and then head into the central market area. You just see so much in a short amount of time. Honestly, it feels like you’ve really explored the city. It’s a very active and engaging way to sightsee, that is for sure.

Anything to Keep in Mind?

Obviously, you need to be comfortable riding a bike. The e-bikes are very easy to use, pretty much anyone can get the hang of them in a few minutes. Still, you’ll be riding on city streets, so you just have to be aware of your surroundings. The guides are always very good at keeping the group together and safe, so that’s a plus. It’s probably best for slightly older kids and adults, rather than very young children. You should also bring a bottle of water, just to stay hydrated as you ride around, right?

4. A Day Trip to Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls

Guadalest village perched on a mountain in Spain

Sometimes, you just need a little break from the city, you know? This tour is literally the perfect escape. It takes you up into the mountains just behind the coast, and frankly, the scenery is absolutely stunning. The first stop is typically Guadalest, which is this ridiculously picturesque village that looks like it’s hanging off a cliff. There’s an old castle at the top, and the views from there over the reservoir are just incredible. I mean, the water is this amazing turquoise color. It’s very, very beautiful.

What’s Special About It?

Then, after exploring Guadalest, the tour usually heads to the Algar Waterfalls. And wow, this place is sort of a natural paradise. It’s a series of waterfalls and rock pools where you can actually go swimming. The water is super refreshing, especially on a hot day. It’s just so lovely to be surrounded by all that greenery and the sound of the water. At the end of the day, this trip gives you a completely different taste of the region. You get to see that there’s so much more to the Costa Blanca than just its beaches, which is really cool.

Anything to Keep in Mind?

So, for this one, you should definitely bring your swimsuit and a towel for the waterfalls. Water shoes are also a really, really good idea, because the rocks can be a bit slippery. It’s a full-day trip, so it’s quite a long day, but it’s packed with amazing things to see. The journey up into the mountains involves some windy roads, just so you are aware. But the coaches are comfortable, and the views along the way are part of the experience, anyway. This tour is great for nature lovers, for sure.

5. A Paella and Sangria Cooking Class

Cooking paella outdoors with friends

Okay, finally, for something a bit different, how about a tour where you’re the one doing the creating? A cooking class is a seriously fun and hands-on way to connect with Spanish culture. I mean, you’re not just eating the food; you’re actually learning how to make it. These classes are typically held in a really nice setting, sometimes in a country house just outside the city. It’s just a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere from the start. You get to learn how to make two of Spain’s most famous exports: paella and sangria.

What’s Special About It?

Well, the experience is just so immersive. It usually starts with a trip to a local market to pick out the fresh ingredients. The chef, who is basically your teacher for the day, explains everything, from choosing the right rice to the secret spices that go into a perfect paella. It’s very interactive, and you get your hands dirty, which is part of the fun. Then, of course, comes the best part: you get to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you just helped to create, usually with a glass or two of the sangria you mixed. It’s more than a tour; it’s a skill you can take home with you.

Anything to Keep in Mind?

To be honest, you don’t need any cooking experience at all. The chefs are really good at guiding everyone, step by step. Just show up with an appetite and a willingness to learn. These classes are a pretty social affair, so it’s a great activity for couples, families, or even if you’re traveling solo. It’s an excellent way to meet other people. You’ll spend a good few hours on this, so it’s pretty much a half-day activity, at least. Just be ready to eat a lot, because you definitely will!

A Quick Round-Up

So, there you have it. Choosing a tour really just depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for on your trip. You know, whether you want to explore the history and food on foot, or just chill out on a boat. Anyway, whatever you choose, taking a tour is a pretty good way to make your time in Alicante a little more special.

  • For food lovers and story seekers: The Secret Spots and Tapas Walking Tour is pretty much perfect.
  • For total relaxation and sea views: You really can’t go wrong with the Coastal Catamaran Cruise.
  • To see a lot in a fun, active way: The E-Bike Sightseeing Tour is an absolutely brilliant choice.
  • For a nature escape and stunning landscapes: The Day Trip to Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls is totally worth it.
  • For a hands-on cultural experience: The Paella and Sangria Cooking Class is just incredibly fun.

Booking Information and Prices

Ready to pick your Alicante adventure? You can check out more details, see the latest prices, and reserve a spot using the links below. It’s generally a good idea to book ahead, especially during busy seasons, so you don’t miss out.

1. The “Secret Spots and Tapas” Walking Tour

Read our full review: Alicante Tapas Walking Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Tapas Tour)

2. The Relaxing Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Read our full review: Alicante Catamaran Cruise Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Catamaran Cruise)

3. An Easy-Going E-Bike Sightseeing Tour

Read our full review: Alicante E-Bike Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your E-Bike Tour)

4. A Day Trip to Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls

Read our full review: Guadalest & Algar Day Trip Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Day Trip)

5. A Paella and Sangria Cooking Class

Read our full review: Alicante Cooking Class Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Cooking Class)