Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Explanada de España

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting Explanada de España, a vibrant waterfront promenade in Alicante that promises a delightful day out for families! Start your adventure by arriving early to enjoy the cooler morning air. If you"re staying in Alicana, you can easily walk to the Explanada or take a bus or tram to the "Puerta del Mar" stop, which is conveniently located at the beginning of the promenade.

Begin your tour by marveling at the unique wave-patterned mosaic sidewalk made from over 6.6 million tricolored tiles. This artistic wonder is not only a treat for the eyes but also a fantastic spot for a family photo. As you stroll along the promenade, lined with palm trees, you"ll find plenty of charming cafes where you can grab a light breakfast or a refreshing drink.

Next, make your way towards the central kiosks and engage with local artisans selling handcrafted souvenilles and treats — perfect for picking up memorabilia from your trip. The children will be thrilled with handmade toys and local sweets.

Halfway along the Explanada, take a detour to the nearby Museo Volvo Ocean Race (about a 10-minute walk). This interactive museum is dedicated to the world-renowned sailing competition and offers engaging exhibits that are fun and educational for all ages. Admission is often free, adding a budget-friendly highlight to your day.

As afternoon approaches, return to the Explanada and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the sea-facing restaurants. Savor traditional Spanish dishes like paella while enjoying the view of the Mediterranean.

Round off your visit with a relaxing evening at the beach just adjacent to the promenade or catch a live performance or street show frequently held in the Explanada area, providing a perfect cultural end to your family day out!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Casa Carbonell

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day at Casa Carbonell

Morning: Visit to Casa Carbonell

Start your day at Casa Carbonell, located at the beginning of Explanada de España in Alicante. Easily accessible by public transport, you can take the bus to the nearest stop "Puerta del Mar," which is just a short walk from the building. Built in 1925 by architect Víctor Escribano, this striking edifice is a marvel of modernist architecture, perfect for lovers of history and design. Take some time to admire the ornate façade, which is beautifully detailed and makes for excellent family photos.

Lunch Break: Explanada de España

After exploring Casa Carbonell, stroll along the Explanada de España. This esplanade, lined with palm trees and paved with 6.5 million marble floor tiles, provides a scenic spot for a relaxing family lunch. Choose from various cafes and restaurants lining the boulevard, offering everything from local Spanish dishes to international cuisine.

Afternoon: Museo Volvo Ocean Race

A short 10-minute walk from Casa Carbonell, visit the Museo Volvo Ocean Race, located at Muelle 10, Puerto de Alicante. This interactive museum is great for kids and adults alike, featuring exhibits on the history of the round-the-world sailing competition. Entry is often free, making it a budget-friendly option. Kids can engage in interactive displays and learn about marine conservation and the dynamics of sailing.

Evening: Postiguet Beach

End your day with a relaxing evening at Postiget Beach, just a 15-minute walk from the museum. The sandy beach is perfect for families, offering a safe, clean area for children to play and swim. As the sun sets, you might catch local musicians and performers along the promenade, adding a magical ambiance to your visit.

Enjoy your family day out at Casa Carbonell and surrounding attractions, creating memories to last a lifetime!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through history at Santa Barbara Castle, perched atop Mount Benacantil in Alicante, Spain. This iconic fortress offers an ideal outing for families eager to combine education with stunning views.

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at the base of Mount Benacantil. You can either hike up the well-marked trails for a fun and energetic start (about a 30 to 45-minute walk) or take the elevator from Postiguet Beach, located inside the mountain. There"s a small fee for the elevator, but it’s a quick ride up, and children love the novelty.

Explore the Castle

Once at the castle, delve into its rich history, which dates back to the 9th century during the Islamic rule of Iberia. The castle has seen many battles and reconstructions, most notably in the 16th century. Engage the children with tales of pirates and knights to spark their imagination. Don"t miss the Torre del Homenaje, the MUSA museum (Museum of the City of Alicante) inside the castle, and the panoramic views of Alicante Bay. The museum"s interactive exhibits and educational programs are perfect for children.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic on the castle grounds or dine at the castle’s café, where you can savor local Spanish cuisine while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, explore the ramparts and dungeons. The cannons and battlements are particularly exciting for kids. Participate in a guided tour if available; many are tailored for families and help bring the history of the castle alive in an engaging way.

Evening Wind Down

As the day cools, descend via the paths you came up on, capturing a few last pictures of Alicante from above. Before leaving, stroll through the surrounding Ereta Park to unwind and let the kids play.

This itinerary through Santa Barbara Castle not only promises a day full of adventure but also a memorable learning experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari (Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari)

Why Visit?

If you"re planning a family trip to the charming city of Alicante, Spain, ensure the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari (Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari) is on your itinerary. This stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture is not just a feast for the eyes but also a dive into rich history.

Morning: Visit to the Co-Cathedral

Start your day early by heading to the cathedral located in the heart of Alicano"s old town, easily accessible by public transport—bus lines 21 and 22 stop nearby, or you can take a pleasant walk from most central hotels. The cathedral is open for visitors from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, perfect to beat the afternoon rush. Built between the 15th and 18th centuries, the cathedral features a beautiful blue dome that is iconic to Alicante"s skyline. A guided tour will help your family appreciate the intricate artwork, including the stunning Rococo altar and the cloister built in the Renaissance style.

Lunch Break: Around the Cathedral

Post tour, grab a bite at one of the local eateries around the cathedral. The area is dotted with family-friendly restaurants where you can try Alicante"s famous tapas and seafood.

Afternoon: Explorers’ Time at Santa Barbara Castle

After lunch, take a short bus ride or a funicular up to Santa Barbara Castle, which offers panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle is a great spot for children to explore and learn about the history of Alicante through interactive exhibits.

Evening: Stroll at Explanada de España

Wind down your day with a relaxing stroll along the Explanada de España, a marble-tiled promenade lined with palm trees, just a few minutes" walk from the cathedral area. Enjoy the local ice cream kiosks and the gentle sea breeze as you reflect on your day"s adventure.

This itinerary blends cultural immersion with fun, making your family trip to Alicante both educational and enjoyable!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Port of Alicante

Why Visit?

A family visit to the Port of Alicane is an enriching blend of historical exploration, beach fun, and cultural immersion. Here’s how to make the most out of your day:

Morning: Explore the Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Start your day early by visiting the iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara, towering over Alicante from Mount Benacantil. Easily accessible by car, bus, or even by foot for an adventurous hike up the hill, the castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the castle grounds and learn about Alicante’s history through interactive exhibits — perfect for keeping the kids engaged.

Lunch: Explanada de España

Head down to the exotic Explanada de España for lunch. This lively boulevard, lined with palm trees and paved with over 6 million tricolored marble tiles, offers numerous cafes and restaurants serving delicious Spanish cuisine. It"s just a short walk from the foot of Mount Benacantil.

Afternoon: Playa del Postiguet

After lunch, take a stroll to Playa del Postiguet, located right at the heart of Alicante and easily accessible from Explanada de España. This sandy beach is ideal for families — you can relax while the kids play in the sand or paddle in the shallow waters.

Late Afternoon: Volvo Ocean Race Museum

Located in the port area, a mere 10-minute walk from Playa del Postiguet, the Volvo Ocean Race Museum is a must-visit. This innovative museum offers hands-on exhibits about the world"s premier ocean race, and it’s free to enter. It’s not only educational but also thrilling for children to learn about sailing and oceanography.

Evening: Dine at the Marina

Conclude your day with a meal at one of the restaurants in Alicante"s marina, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. The marina is a short walk from the museum and provides a relaxing end to a fun-filled day.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and modern attractions, making it ideal for a family-friendly exploration of Alicante. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.