Accessibility Tools

Discover Alicante: History, Curiosities and Fascinating Landmarks

Share

If you’re planning to take a Segway Tour through Alicante, get ready to discover much more than just a Mediterranean city with beaches and sunshine. Alicante is history, art, architecture and culture. Every corner we visit during our route has something special to tell. Here’s a complete guide to all the stops we make during the tour and the fascinating curiosities you can’t miss.

🌊 The Port of Alicante

The Port of Alicante is one of the most iconic and oldest sites along the Mediterranean coast. Throughout history, it has witnessed numerous significant events, such as the landing of troops during the War of Spanish Succession in the 18th century or its strategic role during the Spanish Civil War, when it became one of the last evacuation points for the Republican side. Its privileged location made it a key commercial hub since Roman times, and even today it maintains that maritime vitality. Walking along its docks is like walking through centuries of living history.

From its origins as a Roman commercial port, it has evolved into a hub of tourism, sport, and culture. Today, recreational boats, luxury yachts, ferries, and cruise ships all converge here, making it a lively and cosmopolitan area. The port is also full of life thanks to its restaurants, terraces and shopping centers. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Santa Barbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil overlooking the bay.

🏔️ Santa Barbara Castle

Standing 166 meters above sea level, Santa Barbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. Its strategic location means it has witnessed countless stages of history, from the Iberians, to the Romans and Moors, and later the Christian reconquest. Climbing to the castle—either via the panoramic lift or walking trails—is a journey through centuries of heritage. From its towers, you can admire panoramic views of the city, coastline and surrounding mountains. The castle regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

🏴 Ocean Race Zone

The Ocean Race Zone is the nautical heart of the city. Here you’ll find the interactive museum dedicated to this world-renowned regatta, one of the most demanding and prestigious sailing competitions. Alicante has the honor of being the official starting point for several editions, placing the city firmly on the international sailing map. The museum offers an immersive experience where visitors can explore life on board, extreme ocean conditions, and the race’s history. The marina promenade is perfect for soaking in the maritime atmosphere and admiring impressive boats.

🌽 Postiguet Beach

The word “Postiguet” comes from the Valencian or Catalan diminutive of “postigo,” which in Spanish means a small door, usually set within a larger one or a wall. It’s believed that the name refers to a small gate that once provided access from the old city to the sea—exactly where the beach lies today. Originally a secondary and discreet access point to the coast, the name “Postiguet” eventually became synonymous with this beloved beach. Today, Postiguet is one of Alicante’s most popular beaches, but its name recalls that modest medieval gateway locals once used to reach the sea.

Located at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle and just minutes from the old town, Postiguet Beach is one of Alicante’s urban treasures. Its fine sand and calm waters make it ideal for enjoying the sea without leaving the city. It holds the Blue Flag designation for quality and services, and is a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. It plays a starring role in celebrations like the Night of San Juan, when thousands gather to celebrate along the shore. The promenade alongside the beach connects key city points, making it an essential stop on our tour.

🏢 Casa Carbonell

This modernist building, constructed in 1925, is one of the most photographed in Alicante. Located across from the Explanada de España, it was commissioned by Enrique Carbonell, a textile entrepreneur from Alcoy. Legend has it that after being poorly treated at a luxury hotel due to his modest appearance, Carbonell decided to build the most elegant building in the city to showcase his wealth. Its white façade, ornate details, and grand windows reflect the opulence of its era. Though still privately owned today, its architectural majesty makes it a must-see stop on the tour.

🏛️ Alicante City Hall

Built between the 17th and 18th centuries in the baroque style, Alicante’s City Hall boasts a majestic façade flanked by two symmetrical towers. On its steps lies the famous “Cota Cero” (Zero Level), the reference point used to measure elevation above sea level across Spain. This feature makes it a site of scientific and national significance. Nearby, you’ll find a surrealist sculpture by Salvador Dalí titled “The Face of Space,” adding an artistic twist to this institutional square. Visiting this plaza offers insight into Alicante’s political and historical importance.

Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás

Built atop an old mosque, the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás is one of Alicante’s most important religious sites. Its architecture is Herrerian with Renaissance influences, and its 45-meter-tall blue dome is visible from many parts of the city. Inside, you’ll find an impressive main altar and the Communion Chapel, considered one of Spain’s finest baroque examples. It remains the heart of major religious festivities, especially during Holy Week and the city’s patron saint celebrations.

Church of Santa María

The Church of Santa María is Alicante’s oldest temple, constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries on the site of a former mosque. Featuring Valencian Gothic architecture, its baroque façade impresses with Solomonic columns and a central image of the Virgin Mary. Inside, you’ll discover intricate side chapels, a grand altarpiece, and religious artworks of great historical value. The church has undergone several restorations, bearing witness to the city’s evolving cultural landscape.

🏛️ Water Museum

This museum is located near Ereta Park, next to the historic Garrigós Wells. It’s dedicated to the history of water supply in Alicante, a city that has historically faced significant water scarcity. The museum details how rainwater was collected through channels and cisterns, and stored in the Garrigós Wells—galleries carved into the side of Mount Benacantil. These systems were vital during periods of prolonged drought.

Alicante is one of the driest cities in Spain, with average annual rainfall between 300 and 350 mm—well below the national average. In some years, it doesn’t even reach 250 mm. Today, water comes mainly from the Amadorio Reservoir, the Tagus-Segura Transfer, and to a lesser extent, desalination plants. The museum blends history, sustainability and technological evolution, offering a deep dive into how Alicante has adapted over the centuries.

🚗 La Rambla de Méndez Núñez

This main avenue separates the old town from the modern part of Alicante. It links the port with the Central Market and is lined with shops, banks, cafés and busy traffic. Many processions, parades and public events pass through here. While not monumental, its dynamism and connectivity make it an essential artery in the city’s urban fabric.

🌿 Central Market

Alicante’s Central Market is a modernist-style building inaugurated in 1921. Inside, you’ll find the vibrant daily life of the city: stalls brimming with fresh fruits, seafood, cold cuts, and local delicacies. It’s a fantastic place to experience authentic Alicante gastronomy, chat with vendors, and immerse yourself in local flavor. Its elegant façade and central dome also make it an architectural gem.

🌳 Plaza Gabriel Miró

Also known as “Pigeon Square,” this serene plaza is a hidden gem in the heart of Alicante. Towering ficus trees provide shade and coolness year-round. A classical-style fountain at its center adds a romantic touch. Named after the famous Alicante writer Gabriel Miró, the plaza is perfect for relaxing, reading, or simply observing everyday life from a peaceful bench.

🖼️ Explanada de España

This half-kilometer-long promenade is one of Alicante’s most iconic symbols. Its current design, featuring a wave pattern made of over 6,600,000 red, black and white marble tiles, was inspired by Roman mosaics found in nearby archaeological sites. Built in the 20th century on top of the old seafront—using landfills to extend the shoreline—it was conceived as a space for local leisure and connection with the sea.

Local legend says many residents were skeptical the ambitious number of tiles would ever be completed. But today, it’s an essential stop to experience the Mediterranean vibe. Palm trees flank the path, and it’s common to find street artists, markets, ice cream parlors and musicians. Walking along the Explanada is a sensory experience connecting art, history, and the sea.

🚍 Alicante like you’ve never seen it before

This tour doesn’t just show you Alicante—it connects you with its soul. History, architecture, sea, and life come together in a Segway experience you’ll never forget.

📍 Ready to discover Alicante in a unique way? Live this unforgettable experience with us. Book your tour now at: Segway Tour Alicante

Authorized company in Sierra Helada Natural Park