Alicante
Alicante, Spain, is a sun-drenched port city on the Costa Blanca, a place where a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a stunning Mediterranean coastline come together. It is a city that has been able to perfectly combine its ancient past with a modern, cosmopolitan energy. For a cruiser, Alicante is a fantastic destination, offering everything from ancient castles and beautiful beaches to a lively food scene, all within easy walking distance of the cruise port.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock at the Alicante Cruise Terminal. The docks are conveniently located about 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) from the city center. While the walk is manageable, a complimentary shuttle bus is usually provided by the port to take you to the city center. The port can accommodate multiple ships, with a total berthing line of 900 meters.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Alicante Cruise Terminal is a modern and well-equipped facility. It is a permanent building that has been renovated to accommodate the needs of both the shipping companies and cruise passengers.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has a variety of amenities for your comfort. You'll find a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions. There are restrooms, ATMs, and a few small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. The port offers free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. A dedicated shuttle bus service is provided to take you to the city center. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminal.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Spanish. While you will find that English is widely spoken and understood, especially in the main tourist areas, it is a good idea to have a few basic Spanish phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
¿Dónde está? (DOHN-day ehs-TAH) - Where is...?
¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah) - How much does it cost?
💰 Money
The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, and contactless payments are very common. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases from street vendors or for bus tickets. ATMs are easy to find at the port and throughout the city. Be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee for withdrawals. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Spain, but it is common to give a small tip for good service in bars and restaurants.
🚗 Transportation
Alicante's city center is very walkable, and its main attractions are clustered in the city center.
Walking: The best way to explore Alicante is on foot. The walk from the cruise terminal to the city center is about 15-20 minutes along a beautiful waterfront promenade.
Shuttle Bus: The port offers a complimentary shuttle bus service that takes you from the ship to the city center.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The taxis are regulated and use a meter, but it is still a good idea to get an estimate of the cost before you begin your journey. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are also available.
Public Bus: The public bus system is an excellent and affordable way to get around the city. The bus stop is located just outside the cruise terminal.
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: A hop-on-hop-off bus service is also available at the port and is a convenient way to see the city's highlights.
♿ Accessibility
Alicante has an accessibility rating of 6 out of 10. The cruise terminals are modern and accessible, and the walk from the port to the city center is flat and well-maintained. The city center is also largely pedestrian-friendly. The city's public transportation system is also very accessible, with most buses and trams equipped with ramps and low-floor designs.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the city center from the cruise port is to walk or take the complimentary shuttle bus. The walk is a pleasant stroll along the waterfront promenade, and the shuttle bus is a convenient and easy option.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in Alicante, but they are not very common. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminals, or in cafes and restaurants. Be aware that some places may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
Pharmacy: There are many pharmacies in the city center of Alicante.
Farmacia Internacional: Paseo de la Explanada de España 3, 03002 Alicante. This is a short walk from the shuttle bus drop-off location.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Explanada de España and Dine on Local Tapas: The Explanada de España is a beautiful waterfront promenade with a unique wavy mosaic pavement and rows of palm trees. For a taste of the city's culinary scene, walk to the Old Town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) and try some local tapas, a selection of small dishes.
Visit the Santa Bárbara Castle: For a deep dive into the city's history, take a walk to the Santa Bárbara Castle, a medieval fortress that sits on top of Mount Benacantil. You can get to the top by taking an elevator, which is located near the shuttle bus drop-off location. The view from the top is stunning, and it is a perfect photo opportunity.
Relax on Playa del Postiguet: For a relaxing beach day, walk to Playa del Postiguet, the nearest beach to the cruise port. This city beach has a lovely sandy shore with a variety of facilities.
Download Port Guide
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