Alicante, a vibrant port city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, offers a delightful mix of urban excitement, historical charm, and beautiful Mediterranean beaches. It’s a popular destination for both Spanish and international visitors.
Clubs & Nightlife:
Alicante’s nightlife is lively and diverse, catering to various tastes. The main hotspots are the El Barrio Antiguo (Old Town), the Port area, and in summer, the beachfronts of Postiguet and San Juan.
El Barrio Antiguo (Old Town): This charming maze of narrow streets is the heart of Alicante’s nightlife, packed with traditional bars, pubs, and smaller clubs. It’s great for bar-hopping and enjoying a more traditional Spanish night out.
Barrio Havana: A popular spot, especially on weekends, with a lively atmosphere and Latin beats.
El Coscorrón: Known for its excellent mojitos and other cocktails in a charming, quirky setting.
Nic: A sleek and stylish bar, a go-to for gin and tonics and other expertly crafted cocktails.
Sala Stereo: A popular spot for live music, particularly indie and alternative bands.
Sala Clan Cabaret: Offers a variety of entertainment including jazz, magic, and blues.
Teatre Day & Night: A versatile venue in the city center, hosting events, live music, and themed parties.
Discoteca Limousine: A popular nightclub in the city center with a vibrant atmosphere and diverse music.
Port Area (Muelle de Levante): This area offers a more trendy and modern nightlife experience, with pubs, open-air bars, and clubs right by the sea. Prices here tend to be a bit higher.
Ay Carmela: Popular for mainstream Spanish and Latin music, and plenty of cocktails.
El Puerto di Roma: One of the biggest nightspots in the port area, open until late.
Isla Marina: Located right on the beachfront, combining a restaurant, pool area, and open-air club. Perfect for a long lunch that turns into a night of dancing.
Marmarela: A beach club and nightclub hybrid near the beach, known for its outdoor and indoor dance floors and electronic music.
Soho Alicante: A stylish bar with innovative drinks.
Ocean Club: A chic venue with a luxurious vibe, perfect for cocktails and DJ sets.
Karaoke Feelings: For those who love to sing, with a wide range of songs and a relaxed atmosphere, also offering pool and darts.
Playa de San Juan & Surrounding Areas (in summer):
Texaco Beach: A casual beach bar for cocktails and light bites.
Azul Playa: Known for its chilled atmosphere and live music events.
Chiringuito Mon: A favorite among locals for its unbeatable seaside setting.
Pelican Club: More than a club, featuring a restaurant and a nightclub with exclusive VIP areas.
Magma Club: A renowned electronic music hub with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.
Other Notable Clubs:
Metro Dance Club: One of the major references in Alicante for electronic music (located a bit outside the city).
The One: A premium nightclub known for its sleek interior and electronic music.
Bars & Pubs for a casual night out:
Calle Castaños: A lively street lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes, popular for “pre-parties” before heading to clubs.
Ruta de Madera: A group of bars known for their characteristic wood decoration, offering a pub-crawl experience with live music and cold brews.
Lifestyle and Entertainment Locations:
Alicante’s lifestyle embraces its Mediterranean setting, historical roots, and vibrant modern culture.
Santa Bárbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara): The city’s most iconic landmark, perched atop Mount Benacantil. Climb or take the lift for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, coastline, and port.
Explanada de España: Alicante’s famous palm-lined promenade, known for its distinctive wavy marble tiles. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and enjoying the numerous cafes and market stalls.
Barrio de Santa Cruz: Tucked just below the castle, this picturesque old quarter is a maze of narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful flower pots. It’s charming to wander through and offers beautiful photo opportunities.
Postiguet Beach: The main urban beach, conveniently located at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle and easily accessible from the city center. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
San Juan Beach (Playa de San Juan): A longer, expansive golden sand beach located a short tram ride from the city center. It’s well-equipped with amenities, a long promenade, and ideal for water sports.
Mercado Central de Alicante (Central Market): A bustling Art Nouveau market building where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, meats, and other delicacies. A great place to experience local life and grab some authentic Spanish ingredients or tapas.
Alicante Town Hall (Ayuntamiento): An impressive 18th-century Baroque building, showcasing the city’s architectural splendor. Its facade features the “Cota Cero” benchmark for measuring altitude above sea level in Spain.
Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari: Located in the heart of the old town, an example of Renaissance austerity with an impressive blue dome.
Basilica of Santa María: The oldest church in the city, built on the ruins of a former mosque, with an ornate Baroque facade.
MARQ Archaeological Museum of Alicante: A prestigious museum showcasing the history and archaeology of Alicante province, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA): Features works by important 20th-century Spanish artists.
Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG): Showcases regional art from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Port of Alicante (Puerto de Alicante): A vibrant area with a modern marina, Muelle Uno (Pier One) offering shops, restaurants, and leisure activities, and the start of the Explanada.
“Mushroom Street” (Calle de las Setas): A quirky pedestrian street decorated with giant colorful mushrooms and whimsical characters, especially fun for families.
Parque de Canalejas: A charming park near the Explanada, known for its ancient Ficus trees.
Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Alicante): While no longer primarily for bullfights, this historic venue hosts concerts and other events. You can also visit its museum.
Teatro Principal de Alicante: A beautiful theater offering a variety of cultural performances, from flamenco to classical concerts.
Las Cigarreras Cultural Center: A former tobacco factory transformed into an innovative cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and events.
Tabarca Island (Isla de Tabarca): A short boat trip from Alicante, this is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. It’s a protected marine reserve, great for snorkeling, and has a picturesque walled village.
Canelobre Caves (Cuevas de Canelobre): Impressive caves with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, located inland near Busot.
Day Trips: Alicante is an excellent base for exploring the Costa Blanca. Popular day trips include:
Villajoyosa: A colorful fishing town known for its chocolate factories (Valor is here!).
Altea: A picturesque whitewashed village perched on a hill, with stunning sea views.
Elche: Home to the Palmeral of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest palm grove in Europe.
Guadalest: A tiny, incredibly scenic village with a castle perched on a rock, hidden in the mountains.
Algar Waterfalls (Fuentes del Algar): A natural paradise with clear pools and waterfalls perfect for swimming.
Benidorm: For a completely different experience, this bustling resort town is known for its high-rise hotels and lively entertainment.
Understanding Weed Laws in Alicante
Before diving into the weed culture of Alicante, understanding Spain’s legal stance on cannabis is essential:
Key Points:
- Private Consumption: weed use and possession are legal in private spaces. However, public consumption or possession can result in hefty fines.
- Weed Social Clubs: Alicante has several weed social clubs operating under strict regulations. To become a member, you must be 18 or older (some clubs require members to be 21) and usually need a local sponsor.
- Sales and Trafficking: The sale of weed is illegal and carries severe penalties. Only regulated clubs provide legal access for personal use.
Knowing these regulations is crucial for a safe and legal weed experience in Alicante.
When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.
How to Legally Experience Weed in Alicante
To explore Alicante’s weed scene responsibly, consider these options:
- Join a weed Club
- Visit CBD Shops
- Alicante has several CBD stores offering oils, edibles, and wellness products, providing therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects.
- Attend Educational Workshops
- Learn about cultivation, responsible use, and legal considerations through local workshops hosted by community organizations.
- Participate in Weed-Friendly Experiences
- Some tour operators offer experiences combining weed with Alicante’s cultural highlights, such as art tours or culinary adventures.
Tips for Responsible Weed Exploration in Alicante
- Follow Local Laws: Only consume weed in private areas or licensed clubs.
- Choose Reputable Clubs: Avoid street dealers; join recognized social clubs.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local regulations, as cannabis laws can change.
- Be Discreet: Respect local customs by consuming weed privately.
- Prioritize Safety: Obtain weed from reputable clubs for quality assurance.
Summary
Alicante provides a unique opportunity to explore weed culture within a rich cultural setting. By respecting local laws and engaging responsibly, visitors can enjoy Alicante’s weed scene safely. Beyond cannabis, Alicante’s world-class museums, culinary experiences, and picturesque landscapes ensure an unforgettable visit to the Basque Country’s most dynamic city.
