Alicante: Castle Tour, Central Market Tapas & Santa Cruz Walk

Summary

Walk Alicante’s castle heights taste market tapas and hear legends in Santa Cruz

You’ll start your day tasting local snacks at Alicante’s Central Market before riding up to Santa Barbara Castle for sea views and hidden corners. Wander downhill through colorful Barrio Santa Cruz with stories from your guide, then relax over award-winning tapas and drinks at a local bar. It’s the kind of afternoon that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell—fresh bread and olives mixing together as we squeezed through the stalls at Alicante’s Central Market. Our guide, Marta, waved over a vendor she’s known since childhood and handed us little bites I couldn’t pronounce (I tried, badly—she laughed). It felt like everyone knew each other. The cheese was salty and crumbly; I still think about it when I pass a deli now.

After that, we piled into a van for the drive up to Santa Barbara Castle. I’d seen it from below but didn’t realize how high up it really sits until we stepped out—the sea looked almost fake from up there, all blue and flat. Marta pointed out where old cannons once faced pirates (“not always successful,” she joked). There was a breeze that day, carrying hints of salt and something floral I couldn’t place. We poked around corners you’d miss on your own—one spot had carvings so faded you had to squint sideways to see them.

The walk down into Barrio Santa Cruz wasn’t hard—mostly downhill—but there were steps here and there that made me glad for sneakers. The houses are painted in colors that don’t quite match but somehow work together. An old man watered his plants above us and called out “buenos días” like he meant it. Marta told stories about saints and secrets—I won’t spoil them—and then led us to her friend’s tapas bar. The winning tapa came out hot, with a glass of sangria that tasted way better than any I’d had back home. We sat for a while just talking; nobody rushed us. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so at home in a city I barely knew.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alicante market, castle, and tapas tour

• Visit Central Market and taste snacks
• Travel by private transport to castle
• Explore castle secret areas
• Walk through historic old town
• Enjoy tapas and drinks at restaurant

Top questions

How long is the Alicante historic tour?

The tour covers about 2 km on foot and lasts several hours, including stops for food and sightseeing.

Is transportation included to Santa Barbara Castle?

Yes, private transportation is included from the market up to the castle.

Are food and drinks included in the tour?

You’ll get snacks at Central Market plus an award-winning tapa and drink (sangria, wine, beer or soft drink) at the end.

How difficult is the walking part?

The route is mostly downhill or flat but includes some steps; not recommended for those with reduced mobility or strong vertigo.

Where does the tour start?

The experience begins at Alicante’s Central Market.

What languages does the guide speak?

This isn’t specified in the reference info; check with your provider directly.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport up to Santa Barbara Castle from Central Market, tastings of typical snacks at the market itself, a generous award-winning tapa plus your choice of sangria, local wine, beer or soft drink at a friendly neighborhood bar before you wind down in historic Santa Cruz.