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Day trips

Alicante in a day from Torrevieja: castle, Santa Cruz, the Explanada and the central market

Alicante is the big city of the Costa Blanca: a castle on a rock, a whitewashed old quarter beneath it, a palm-lined promenade and a market worth a morning. Fifty minutes from the villa by car or bus, and easy to do on foot once you are there.

Updated October 2026 · Written from Casa Fragata, Punta Prima

In short

  • Drive 50 minutes (AP-7) or take the hourly bus from Torrevieja bus station (about 1 hour).
  • Route: castle by lift from Postiguet beach, down through Santa Cruz, lunch off the Rambla, market, Explanada, beach.
  • MARQ archaeological museum is one of the best in Spain; the modern art museum (MACA) is free.
  • Park at the Plaza de Toros or the port car parks; the centre is pedestrian.

The route

  1. Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Take the lift from the tunnel opposite Postiguet beach (small fee) and walk down. The view takes in the port, the Explanada and the coast to Benidorm.
  2. Barrio de Santa Cruz. Whitewashed lanes, flowers, tiny bars, below the castle. Lunch here or at the tapas bars on Calle Castaños.
  3. Central market. A modernist hall with the best ham, olive, cheese and fish stalls on the coast. Go before 14:00.
  4. The Explanada. The wave-pattern marble promenade under the palms, with the kiosks and the ice cream.
  5. MARQ or MACA. Archaeology (excellent, interactive) or modern art (free), depending on heat and mood.
  6. Postiguet beach for the last swim of the day, or the Rambla for a drink.

Getting there

By car it is the AP-7 to the A-70, about 50 minutes outside rush hour; park at the Plaza de Toros, the port or under the Explanada, €15 to €20 for the day. By bus, regular services run from Torrevieja bus station to Alicante’s bus station by the port in about an hour; from Punta Prima, drive or taxi to Torrevieja first. The airport is on the way, which makes Alicante a good last-day outing before an evening flight.

Beyond a day

The tram from Alicante runs along the coast to El Campello, Villajoyosa (chocolate factories) and Benidorm, a cheap scenic ride. Tabarca ferries also leave from Alicante port, slower than from Santa Pola.

Back by the pool for sunset. Casa Fragata is a private pool villa at Punta Prima, 280 m from the beach, on the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa border. Check availability.
Staying nearby? Casa Fragata is a private pool villa at Punta Prima, 280 metres from the beach, between Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa. Check availability or see the villa.

Common questions

How far is Alicante from Torrevieja?
About 50 km, 45 to 50 minutes by car or an hour by bus.
Is there a bus from Torrevieja to Alicante?
Yes, regular daily services from Torrevieja bus station to Alicante bus station.
Is Alicante worth a day trip?
Yes: castle, old town, market and promenade make a full, easy day on foot.
Is Santa Bárbara castle free?
Entry to the castle is free; the lift from the beach has a small charge.
Where do you park in Alicante?
The Plaza de Toros, the port car parks or under the Explanada; the centre is largely pedestrian.

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