Alicante

Alicante

Spain

Wander through centuries of history in the atmospheric Santa Barbara Castle perched above the Mediterranean with panoramic coastal views.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Spanish
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May–Oct
Typical Duration 10-14 nights
Price Range From $442 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Alicante serves as a major Mediterranean gateway offering diverse itineraries to iconic ports like Marseille, Genoa, and Lisbon, with excellent access to Spain's Costa Blanca beaches and historic old town.

Cruises that visit Alicante

Build Your Day in Alicante

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Castle of Santa Barbara Free admission was a complete surprise and free to explore all you want. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 52k
Mercado Central de Alicante Good place to kill an hour or so in the summer heat .. well laid out Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 35k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Fonts d'Algar The entry fee is very affordable, and there's fun for all ages. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 32k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2 Supermarket, clothing and cosmetics stores, communication shops, food court. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 31k Open · Closes 10 PM
Gran Vía Shopping Centre Lots of different stores and also nice restaurants at the top floor. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 26k Open · Closes 10 PM
Outlet Stores Alicante Many shops with good prices, extensive selections, big foodcore zone Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 20k Open · Closes 10 PM
El Corte Inglés Alicante - Edificio Moda A wonderful store with a huge selection of clothes, perfumes, and brands Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 15k Open · Closes 10 PM
El Palmeral Park Beautiful, will be even better with water in the pools. Park · ★ 4.4 · 11k
Centro Comercial Puerta de Alicante The mall itself is clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 10k Open · Closes 10 PM
Primark Great products, great service, friendly helpful staff. Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 9k Open · Closes 10 PM
Calle 365 | Discoteca Alicante Fun makeup for free, great atmosphere Disco club · ★ 4.9 · 9k Opens soon · 9 PM
CASABLANCA Restaurante Tapas & paellas Lovely outdoors seating, a diverse menu and excellent service from Jaime! Tapas · ★ 4.6 · 8k
Calle de las setas A funny street with model toadstool and mini houses, great for kids. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 8k
La Taberna del Gourmet Our favorite place to eat in Alicante (which is a foodie heaven) . Mediterranean · ★ 4.4 · 7k
Gran Alacant Centro Comercial Tidy, with good selection of stores, eateries and parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 7k Open · Closes 10 PM
La Tasca Del Barrio Service is amazing and the food is delicious, must eat in Alicante Mediterranean · ★ 4.7 · 6k
Madness Specialty Coffee The coffee is great, food is tasty, and service friendly and thoughtful. Espresso bar · ★ 4.4 · 6k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Fri
Santagloria Coffee & Bakery The coffee was delicious and the atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 5k
RESTAURANTE EL BUEN COMER Fantastic food, great drinks, and exceptional service! Spanish · ★ 4.2 · 4k
Platja del Postiguet The sand is fine and clean, and the water is clear and enjoyable. Beach · ★ 4.4 · 4k
La Fabrica The music was incredible and the service was to die for. Tapas Bar · ★ 4.7 · 4k
Platja del Saladar Clear water and no stones under foot in the sea. Nature preserve · ★ 4.3 · 3k
Playa san Juan Beach is great for swimming - water is safe and clean. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k Open now
EatMyTrip Specialty Coffee & Brunch Alicante Really delicious interesting dishes and coffee and friendly helpful service Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 3k Closes soon · 9 PM
Bulevar Plaza Alicante Variety of shops and services as in most of the commercial centres. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k Open · Closes 10 PM
Cafeteria Tres Texturas Friendly staff food amazing coffee amazing a small little nook of peace. Espresso bar · ★ 4.9 · 3k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Fri
Virtual Zone Alicante Great experience and good fun with added history lesson Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 3k
Museo The Ocean Race The interactive displays were particularly engaging for children; Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
El Gosto del Gourmet the best food and service that we had in Alicante! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 3k
26 Cocktail Room Extraordinary experience, great coctails, music, and atmosphere 🎶 👌 ❤️ Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Castillo de San Fernando Good access to walk up from street level via steps with a wide slope beside. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Casa Carbonell Great a very good Vibe Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Platja Postiguet So many play stations and set ups. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k
La Crispeta Amazing cozy restaurant/bar Very friendly staff Delicious food and drinks Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Restaurant La Ereta Delicious food, beautiful view of Alicante, excellent service Mediterranean · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Sip and Wonder - Alicante Brunch & Restaurant Amazing avocado toast, great coffee, amazing service and nice setting. Brunch · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Museu de les Fogueres Free admission, beautiful paper mache sculptures Art museum · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Alicante/Alacant Well organized and easy to navigate. Train station · ★ 3.8 · 2k
Casa Mia Itàlia Super quick service, felt authentic, everything tasted fresh and amazing. Northern Italian · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG Interesting visit, small exhibit with local artists. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Platja del Carabassí Beautiful beach, clean water, great access and easy parking Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Venecia Shopping Center Neighborhood mall with 50+ stores Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 2k Open · Closes 12 AM
Santabar - Alicante Centro Very creative flavors, nice service, and cozy atmosphere. Tapas Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Swallow - Specialty Coffee It's a lovely, relaxed space, with great coffee and wonderful staff. Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Fri
The Whisper Cocktail Company | Cocteles y Combinados Nice atmosphere, good service and the drinks are flawlessly executed. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Sausalito Premium Club The drinks were flowing, the service was flawless and the music was great! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Dunas y playas de L'Altet Great beach and a nudist beach beautiful water Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Restaurante Koiné Bistró Alicante This restaurant deserves Michelin star for food, service and atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Cabo de las Huertas Nice but rocky beaches Park · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Playa El Rebollo Clean beach with shallow waters and gentle waves. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Restaurante Monastrell All of the dishes were creative and the taste was incredible. Fine Dining · ★ 4.4 · 1k
La Taberna Salamanca Very nice of high quality and a very traditional Spanish food, food menu. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
OCLT Alicante Absolutely professional cocktails, service and an amazing atmosphere! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Queen's Staircase Chill area in between harbour and city streets..seating areas and great view Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Steki Restaurante The best meal and experience I had in Alicante. Mediterranean · ★ 4.8 · 1k
NOMAD Alicante Really nice servise and vibe, good food and beverages selection Tapas Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k
El Olivo Gastrobar alicante Best food we ate in Alicante during our 9 day stay. Tapas · ★ 5 · 1k
Restaurant (Gastrobar) Distrikt41 The food was incredible, every dish brought smiles to our faces. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k
La Escondida Lunch & Grill The food is delicious, especially the homemade french fries! Hamburger · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Tabula Rasa Food is easily Michelin Star level and the setting is beautiful. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 2 PM Fri
Point Bianco I Specialty Caffé Alicante I Café de especialidad Alicante Fantastic coffee, fantastic food, fantastic people! Espresso bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Alba Restaurante We had the tasting menu and it was extremely well prepared and presented. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Platja de Sant Gabriel Quiet clean beach next to Port. Beach · ★ 3.8 · 1k
La casita de las macetas azules Cool place for a photo. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Scighera Milano - Alicante Friendly staff, nice food, decent selection of drinks & cocktails. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Baeza & Rufete Each dish was full of flavour, presented well and left you wanting more. Fine Dining · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 1:30 PM Fri
La Callaíta Gastro Bar Excellent food, great patio, professional yet friendly service. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Aura Museum Would love to see more interactive rooms like the games room Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Floripa - Cocktail Bar Alicante Wonderful bar great service lovely staff and great music Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Celeste y Don Carlos Delicious, thoughtfully-crafted dishes accompanied by impeccable service. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Restaurante Las Setas Tapas · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Coffee Berry Specialty Coffee & Brunch Alicante The coffee selection is outstanding with premium beans and unique blends. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Mirador Alicante I prefer the walk up to the castle instead of the elevator. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Patio de Armas Definitely worth the visit! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Soul Bar Alicante The cocktails were exceptional, beautifully crafted and full of flavour. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Mala Mama Bar The owner and bartenders are great, and the live music is fabulous! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Sylvarum Cocktail Bar Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Mushroom Street Great for the kids, lots of photo opportunities and shopping along the way. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Alicante is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Alicante

About Alicante

Alicante has become one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant cruise destinations, welcoming travelers from around the world to Spain's sun-drenched Costa Blanca region. With twelve major cruise lines calling at this bustling port—including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises—you'll find an impressive array of itineraries to choose from. Whether you're sailing on a luxury yacht or a massive megaship, Alicante's modern port facilities and strategic location make it an ideal embarkation point or port of call for Mediterranean voyages.

As primarily a port of call, Alicante features prominently on longer Mediterranean cruises, particularly on popular ten-night itineraries that explore the region's most coveted destinations. From here, cruise lines craft routes to nearby ports like Málaga, Marseille, Genoa, Lisbon, and Cádiz, offering passengers the perfect blend of coastal exploration and cultural discovery. The port sees peak activity during the summer and early fall months, when Mediterranean cruising is at its finest.

What makes Alicante particularly appealing is its perfect balance of accessibility and authentic Spanish charm. Just steps from the cruise terminal, you'll discover the charming Old Town with its historic castle perched on a hilltop, inviting beaches, and excellent local restaurants serving fresh seafood and paella. The port's proximity to both natural attractions and cultural landmarks means you can maximize your time ashore, whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion.
Reasons
Reasons To Visit
Sunny Mediterranean climate
Mild winters and hot summers on endless beaches.
Historic sights
Wathey Square and colonial architecture around Philipsburg.
Vibrant waterfront
Stroll along the marina and enjoy seafood restaurants.
Gateway to Costa Blanca
Ideal base for beaches, trips, and nightlife.

Cruise Lines at Alicante

Cruises Departing From Alicante

Cruises Visiting Alicante

Ship Schedule at Alicante

Alicante Location

Other Cruise Ports in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Alicante?

Alicante is served by 12 major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Emerald Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Virgin Voyages. With 379 upcoming cruises scheduled, you'll have plenty of options for Mediterranean voyages departing from this popular Spanish port.

When is the best time to cruise from Alicante?

The peak cruise season in Alicante runs from May through October, with the busiest months being July, August, September, and October. These months offer warm Mediterranean weather and the most frequent sailing schedules. If you prefer smaller crowds, consider cruising in May or early June when temperatures are pleasant but the port is less congested.

How much do cruises from Alicante cost?

Cruise fares from Alicante range from $442 to $22,419 per person, depending on the cruise line, ship, cabin type, and itinerary length. Budget-friendly options are available with mainstream cruise lines, while luxury operators like Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offer premium experiences at higher price points.

What are the top destinations from Alicante cruises?

Alicante serves as a gateway to some of the Mediterranean's most desirable ports of call, including Málaga, Marseille, Genoa, Lisbon, and Cádiz. Most cruises from Alicante are ocean voyages that explore the Western Mediterranean, offering cultural experiences, historic cities, and coastal beauty across Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.

How do I get from Alicante port to the city center?

Alicante's cruise port is conveniently located just 2-3 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible by taxi, local bus, or a short walk. Taxis are readily available at the port terminal, or you can use public transportation to reach the historic old town, beaches, and main attractions within minutes.

What can I see and do in Alicante during a port day?

In a day at Alicante, you can explore the charming old town with its narrow streets and local shops, visit the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views, relax on Playa del Postiguet beach, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. The city also offers museums, the scenic Explanada de España promenade, and nearby wine regions for those interested in Spanish culture and cuisine.

Is Alicante a port of call or a home port?

Alicante is primarily a port of call rather than a home port, meaning most cruises begin elsewhere and stop in Alicante as part of a Mediterranean itinerary. This makes it an excellent destination for cruise passengers to explore the Costa Blanca region and experience authentic Spanish culture during their voyage.