Can you do this cruise port on your own?
Alicante
DIY Score
Easy DIY
Decide early: stay in Alicante, or tram to Benidorm and back.
Tender or Docked?
Docked right in the city. You walk off into the port and the old town is about a 10-minute stroll along the flat waterfront.
How to Get Into Town
A 10-minute flat walk to the old town, free. The lift up to Santa Barbara Castle is €2.70, and the tram to Benidorm is about €2.80.
Main Attractions
Santa Barbara Castle, the old town, and Postiguet beach make an easy self-guided day, with Benidorm and Elche as popular add-ons.
How Much Time You Need
3-4 hours covers Alicante itself; a day trip needs most of the call.
Keep in Mind
Decide up front whether you are staying or day-tripping. Benidorm and Elche are cheap and easy, but the transit time changes your whole day.
Safety & Comfort
Alicante is safe and very easy for independent visitors. Standard city awareness is all that is needed.
Tips from Cruisers
"We nearly booked the ship's Benidorm tour then realised the tram is right there and costs about three euros. Went ourselves, sat o…" — by Rachel B.
We nearly booked the ship's Benidorm tour then realised the tram is right there and costs about three euros. Went ourselves, sat on the beach for a couple of hours, tram back was easy. Saved a fortune and did it at our own pace.
honestly i couldn't decide between benidorm and elche so i just stayed in alicante and i'm glad i did. old town, castle, tapas by the marina. felt no need to get on a train at all. lovely relaxed day
Did the palm grove at Elche and it was different and lovely, thousands of palms, very quiet. The train was simple and cheap. That said if you want beach vibes it's the wrong choice, it's a proper town not a resort. Know what you're after before you go.
Kids wanted the beach so we just used Postiguet right in the city, no need to trek to Benidorm with all the gear. Tram was tempting but two hours round trip with little ones, no thanks. City beach did the job fine.
The lift up to the castle is a godsend, a couple of euros each and my knees thanked me. I'd never have made the walk up. Views from the top were the best part of the day. Whole thing five minutes from the ship, couldn't be easier.