Things to do in Alicante

Or play, party and practise your pedalo skills. That’s the beauty of ever-popular Playa de San Juan – its size and facilities keep all kinds of holiday-makers entertained, with its fine sand stretching all the way from El Campello to the Cabo de la Huerta headland. But if boredom does strike, you could always take a tram along the coast and be in the centre of town within minutes.

Perched on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, Alicante’s iconic Castillo de Santa Barbara has ninth-century roots, though its history goes back to the Bronze Age. It’s a steep slog up to the towering fortress, so you might want to take the lift that’s been carved into the mountain - one of the classic things to do in Alicante. Once you’ve reached Barbara’s heady heights, walk the ramparts, check out the museum and take-in the epic views over town.

Aqualandia theme park will keep water-loving kids entertained for hours, with fifteen water slides for all ages, including Europe’s tallest standing slide and the world's highest capsule slide. With fun themed areas – the Amazon, Niagara, Adventureland – and a huge jacuzzi to relax in, the whole family will be happy here. Even grumpy teenagers.

Kind of. If you’re wondering what to do in Alicante on a (rare) rainy afternoon, this might be the time to explore Canelobre Caves. It’s plain to see how they got their name – the cathedral-esque grottos drip with candelabra style stalactites, with clusters of architectural limestone formations lit to look like a fairy’s boudoir (or Fraggle Rock if you’re of a certain age). These caves have one helluva past too. Formed several million years ago, they were discovered in the eighth-century and used as an aircraft engine factory during the Civil War. For Alicante holidays with nature and culture rolled into one, this is a must-visit attraction.

Covering 1.5 million square metres, Safari Aitana offers a unique chance to see the likes of elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lions and tigers roaming in recreations of their natural habitats. You can drive yourself round, or else take a tour with a guide. Either way, this is hands-down one of the best things to do in Alicante with kids.

Alicante is known for its lively nightlife and club scene. But if mega-clubs aren’t your thing, no problem – try atmospheric El Barrio. By day it’s an Old Town beauty spot, replete with winding lanes and homely tapas bars. By night it leaps into life as sound systems crank up and revellers spill onto the cobblestone streets. Alternatively, try one of the chiringuitos (kiosks) along the beaches.

The journey is the destination, so they say, and it’s certainly true that the trip across to Tabarca Island is an unforgettable experience in itself, with the crystal waters designated a Mediterranean Marine Nature Reserve. But the destination ain’t half bad either. Stroll the tiny town to see the ruins of a wall and fortress built to keep out pirates. Devour delicious caldera, a local fish stew specialty. Chill-out in a cove. You won’t want to get the boat back.