Free things to do in Alicante this summer without spending a penny
You don't need reservations or a big budget to make the most of the Costa Blanca this summer
You don't need a massive budget or a packed itinerary to have a great summer in the province of Alicante. Sometimes all it takes is picking the right time of day, throwing a few essentials in a bag and heading out to one of the many spots that make the Costa Blanca such a rewarding place to explore, whether you're drawn to the sea, the mountains or the province's old towns.
July and August change the rhythm of things here. The heat means the early morning and evening tend to work best for getting out and about, but there's still plenty of time to take in beaches, viewpoints, historic centres and nature reserves without spending a thing.
The beaches are the obvious starting point. San Juan, El Postiguet and La Albufereta in Alicante city are popular choices, along with Arenales del Sol, La Marina, El Campello, Guardamar, Torrevieja, Dénia, Jávea and Villajoyosa further along the coast. With so much shoreline to choose from, it's easy enough to find a quieter stretch for a morning swim or an evening dip once the sun starts to dip, avoiding the busiest and hottest part of the day.
Seafront promenades offer much the same appeal without needing to spend a cent. Alicante, Santa Pola, Altea, Calpe, Dénia, Torrevieja and Villajoyosa all have pleasant stretches for an evening stroll, and they come alive once the temperature drops and the bars, ports and promenades fill up with people enjoying the summer atmosphere.
Inland, there's no shortage of towns worth wandering around on foot. Altea's whitewashed old town and sea views make it a firm favourite, while Villajoyosa brings colour and maritime charm to the coast. Further inland, Guadalest, Biar, Busot, Banyeres de Mariola and Novelda swap the beach for castles, plazas, cobbled lanes and mountain scenery.
Viewpoints are another easy win if you're after a bit of a view without the price tag. Altea's old town, the area around Santa Bárbara castle in Alicante, the lookout points in Jávea, the Peñón de Ifach as seen from Calpe and the higher ground around Guadalest all offer sweeping views over the Mediterranean, the mountains or the towns below.
For anyone who'd rather swap the beach for nature, the province has plenty of routes and outdoor spaces worth exploring. The Clot de Galvany nature reserve in Elche, the salt flats at Santa Pola, the area around Serra Gelada, the paths near Montgó and the walking trails through the Serra de Mariola are all good options for a walk, some birdwatching or simply a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.
In summer it's worth planning any route around the heat, setting off early or waiting until later in the day, carrying plenty of water and sun protection, and steering clear of longer routes when temperatures peak.
History lovers aren't left out either. The outdoor areas around castles and historic sites in Alicante, Santa Pola, Biar, Sax, Villena, Castalla and Banyeres can all be explored on foot, and while some sites do charge for entry to certain areas, simply walking around the walls and old towns is often reward enough.
Come the evening, many towns across the province host markets, festivals and open air events that cost nothing to enjoy. Browsing craft stalls, listening to live music or wandering through streets lit up for a local fiesta are simple ways to soak up the summer atmosphere without spending anything at all.
Alicante city itself has plenty to offer too, from a walk along the Explanada to the climb up to Santa Bárbara castle, a wander through the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, a stroll around the port or an evening finishing up at Postiguet beach. None of these are exactly hidden gems, but they remain popular for good reason.
It's easy to combine a few of these into a full day out as well. A morning on the beach in Guardamar, an afternoon walk around Altea, a short inland walk and a sunset at Santa Pola can all come together for a complete day away without spending a thing, as long as you plan around the heat and pick your moments wisely.
Ultimately, a good summer in Alicante doesn't come down to how much you spend. Between the beaches, old towns, castles, viewpoints and coastal walks, there's a version of summer here to suit every taste, and quite a few of the best bits won't cost you a penny.
Image: Castillo de Santa Barbara
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