Free Walking Tours in Alicante

One of the most cultural destinations along Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline, Alicante is a buzzing destination filled with fascinating museums, striking architecture and a history that stretches back 7,000 years.

The best way to explore the city is through a free walking tour in Alicante. These excursions help you to save money on your trip while taking you on a whirlwind exploration through a myriad dazzling attractions, including castles, convents and citadels.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Alicante.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Alicante have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours differ from walking tours in that they are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Alicante?

Free walking tour in Alicante

This free walking tour in Alicante provides you with an insight into the most iconic landmarks of the city.

As you roam Alicante with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, you’ll hear tales of the city’s colorful past, from bombings to royalty, and everything in between. You’ll stroll along the Esplanade, lined with swaying palm trees, making your way to the city’s port to discover the trading history of Alicante, which stretches back to the 6th century B.C.

At this time, the Greeks established several small trading ports along the coast, from which they traded a number of goods. Now, Alicante is one of Spain’s major trading hubs, exporting countless items including almonds and nougat.

You’ll see the 18th-century Baroque design of the Town Hall, which features a pair of lofty towers, measuring 50 meters high, as well as the Basilica of Santa Maria, which was built atop an Islamic worship site in the 14th century. Just around the corner from this church lies the Face of the Moor, resembling a person wearing a crown.

Wander the ancient walls of the city, visit its thriving boulevard filled with boutiques and discover 300 stalls of fresh produce, coffee, fish, and wines at the Central Market.

Santa Bàrbara Castle free walking tour in Alicante

This excursion focuses on the city’s crowning jewel — its spectacular castle.

Towering above the city lies Santa Bàrbara Castle where you’ll learn about Alicante’s Arab rule, as well as the paranormal activity that has been experienced around the attraction.

Perfect for history buffs, this tour educates you on the battles the city has seen over the centuries, all while enjoying panoramic views over Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea beyond.

Named after Saint Bàrbara for the date the Castilians recaptured the landmark from the Arabs, this attraction features a Renaissance cistern, as well as a tower used by lookouts to protect the city and a dungeon that held a number of notable characters.

Tabarca Island free walking tour

Just a stone’s throw from Alicante lies one of the most idyllic islands in Spain, which you can explore alongside a local.

Begin your Tabarca Island free walking tour by boarding a ferry and crossing the stretch of ocean that separates the destination from Alicante. Once your feet are on dry land, you’ll embark on a guided walk of the island’s most famed monuments, including its citadel, which once provided residents with protection from pirate raids. Discover the 18th-century church named after Saint Paul who is believed to have visited Tabarca.

Moving on, you’ll head to the Governor’s House, which has been transformed into a boutique hotel, as well as the three gates located along the city walls. Amble through the island’s charming main square, where you’ll find quaint cafes and coffee shops aplenty. End your tour at Tabarca Beach where your guide will recommend the best places to swim and snorkel on this island known for its crystalline waters and abundance of marine life.

Free night walking tour in Alicante

Discover Alicante under thousands of twinkling lights on this tour that begins once the sun has set over the city.

On this free walking tour in Alicante, you’ll explore the Barrio de Santa Cruz neighborhood — arguably the city’s most enchanting area — filled with whitewashed houses, tropical greenery and endless steps. You’ll discover several of the same sites you would on a daytime tour, such as the Esplanade and the Town Hall.

However, you’ll also stumble upon a wealth of alternative attractions, including the Plaza de la Santisima Faz and the Agustinas Convent of Alicante — often referred to as the “Convent of the Nuns of the Blood.” This holy site began as a school for the Jesuits and now features one of the oldest known images of the “Virgin of the Solitude.” Continuing on, you’ll see the Water Museum, showcasing the city’s history of aqueducts and wells.

You’ll also stroll through other neighborhoods, including San Roque, and hear the alternative history of Alicante as you make your way along the dark streets, from legends of riches to diseases and death.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Alicante typically operate in English, while some also provide additional commentary in Spanish. As these types of excursions grow in popularity, it is likely that their language options will expand, enabling travelers of other nationalities to enjoy the activity.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Alicante begin at a variety of meeting points across the city, depending on which part of the destination you’ll be exploring. You may meet at Santa Bàrbara Castle to tour the facility or at the port of Tabarca Island to embark on an adventure around its sandy shores.

These predetermined starting locations can be found on the booking page so that you can plan your journey and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time. Upon arrival at the site, your guide will be wearing or holding an item that makes themselves easily identifiable.

It’s worth noting that while some excursions finish at the meeting point, others end at different spots across the city.

How long does last?

The majority of free walking tours in Alicante last between 2 and 3 hours. While you won’t be able to explore the entire city in this short time frame, you will be able to gain an introduction to a part of the destination and visit several celebrated attractions. If your itinerary is extremely limited, select a nighttime or Tabarca Island tour, both of which last around 1.5 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some free tours in Alicante are wheelchair friendly while others are not. You’ll find a walking tour through the city is accessible for those with limited mobility. However, excursions to Santa Bàrbara Castle and Tabarca Island are not suitable.

You can browse a range of tours, all of which display their accessibility on the booking page, allowing you to decide on the experience that will best suit your party.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Alicante?

The best time to join a free walking tour is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these periods, you'll experience comfortable temperatures with highs of up to 25 degrees Celsius, ideal for strolling outside.

Should you book tickets online?

While it is not mandatory to book your free tour in Alicante online in advance, by doing so, you’ll secure yourself a spot on your preferred excursion at a time and date that works for you. It will also save you precious vacation time that you would otherwise spend roaming the city searching for a guide.

You can get an overview of each itinerary so that you can select the perfect tour for your group and you’ll also be able to see reviews before booking. Lastly, securing your place on one of these excursions takes just a couple of minutes and you won’t need to input your credit card details.