Things To Do
in San Juan de Alicante
San Juan de Alicante is a coastal town on Spain's Costa Blanca, just north of Alicante city, boasting a long sandy beach and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The Playa de San Juan is its centerpiece, with a palm-lined promenade and easy sea access. The town blends seaside leisure with a compact center full of cafés, markets, and cultural sights.
It serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider Alicante region and the northern Costa Blanca.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Juan de Alicante and check into your accommodation. Take some time to freshen up and settle in, while enjoying the views of the coastline. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Spanish pastries.
Head to the beautiful San Juan beach for your first taste of the Mediterranean sun. Relax on the sandy shores or take a dip in the refreshing sea while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Explore the nearby promenade lined with charming restaurants and shops.
As evening falls, indulge in a delightful dinner at a beachside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. Watch the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky with captivating hues. Finish your night with a stroll along the promenade, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Take a short trip to the city of Alicante, just a stone's throw away. Start by visiting the iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views of the city. Spend your morning wandering the castle grounds and learning about its rich history.
After descending from the castle, explore the beautiful Explanada de España, lined with palm trees and bustling with life. Grab lunch at a local tapas bar, tasting various traditional dishes and regional wines. Spend some time exploring local artisan shops for unique souvenirs.
Return to San Juan de Alicante for a relaxing evening by the beach. Choose a lively spot for dinner, perhaps trying the famous paella. Enjoy a glass of local wine while listening to live music or watching street performers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🛏️Hotel room (mid-range) per night | $70-120 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🍷Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal access and beaches within easy reach of Alicante city
- Good value for Mediterranean dining and a relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Seasonal crowds in summer may affect prices and parking
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está…?" - Where is…?
- "Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¡Qué bonito!" - How beautiful!
Places to Visit in San Juan de Alicante
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient archaeological site with dramatic sea views and a rock tunnel, perfect for golden-hour shots.
Long sandy beach with palm trees and elegant sunsets, ideal for wide landscape and travel photography.
Vertical cliffs, sea caves, and sweeping Mediterranean views—great for dramatic shoreline photography.
Colorful mosaic promenade lined with palm trees; vibrant city and sea backdrops just a short ride away.
Food in San Juan de Alicante
San Juan de Alicante Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Valencian rice dish featuring a mix of meat, vegetables, and saffron-infused grains; best enjoyed in seaside restaurants along Playa de San Juan.
Must-Try!
Seafood rice cooked in fish stock, typically served with alioli and a side of lemon.
A hearty coastal seafood rice stew, rich with local fish and aromatics.
Noodle-based seafood paella-style dish cooked with fish stock and towered with shellfish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheese, seafood, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for sampling local bites.
Casual options with fried fish, grilled sardines, and other seaside snacks along the seafront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as 'Buenos días' goes a long way; use 'usted' in formal settings.
Casual attire is fine in most places; avoid beachwear in town centers except on the beach.
Sharing plates is common; sample multiple dishes with drinks to experience local dining culture.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan de Alicante
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; round up or leave 5-10% for good service in nicer venues.
Card payments are widely accepted; cash remains common in smaller establishments; contactless is prevalent.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with refreshing sea breezes; beaches are busy, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and outdoor dining by the water.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; excellent for coastal hikes and street photography without crowds.
Cooling weather and fewer tourists; comfortable for long walks, markets, and cultural events.
Mild with occasional rain; pleasant for city strolls, museums, and off-peak dining with quieter streets.
San Juan de Alicante at Night
Hiking in San Juan de Alicante
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hike along dramatic cliffs with sea caves and sweeping Mediterranean views.
Easy coastal walk linking an archaeological site with sandy beaches; great for sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach San Juan de Alicante by plane.
Major international and domestic flights; about a 15-25 minute drive to San Juan by car or taxi.
Second major airport in the region; roughly 1.5-2 hours by car or train to San Juan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily families and longer-term residents, often multilingual in tourist areas.
Summer visitors from across Europe and locals on extended holidays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and casual play along beaches and public fields.
Sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are popular along the coast.
Bike-friendly coastal routes and scenic countryside roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan de Alicante.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for grilled vegetables, gazpacho, or arroz a banda-style dishes made without meat; ask for vegetable stock and no meat to suit dietary needs.