Alicante is a city that rewards travelers with a mix of historic landmarks, lush gardens, and lively neighborhoods. Unlike many coastal spots, Alicante’s charm isn’t just in its beaches but in its deep-rooted history and culture. We’re especially fond of tours that combine a bit of everything—whether it’s exploring the UNESCO Palm Grove, wandering the Old Town, or biking through scenic orchards. These experiences give you a real sense of the city’s story and its vibrant present. For example, the Alicante: UNESCO Heritage Palm grove + Artistic Garden Tour offers a peaceful stroll through nature and culture.
If you’re interested in uncovering Alicante’s layers of history, our list offers a variety of options. From guided walking tours to private bike rides, each experience highlights unique aspects of Alicante’s past and present. Whether you prefer a short overview or more detailed exploration, there’s something for all.
Quick Overview
Our top picks for Alicante’s best historical tours include a mix of guided walks, bike adventures, and comprehensive city explorations. The UNESCO Palm Grove and Artistic Garden Tour is great for nature lovers and culture seekers alike. For a more active experience, the Private Bicycle Tour of the Beach and History combines scenic rides with insights into local history. Lastly, the Top 10 Alicante: history, flavor, and charm provides an efficient way to see the city’s key sights in a few hours. Now, let’s dive into each tour to see what makes them special.
1. Alicante: UNESCO Heritage Palm grove + Artistic Garden Tour
For around $73 per person, this two-in-one tour offers an immersive experience into Alicante’s botanical and cultural treasures. It includes a visit to the largest palm grove in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll marvel at the different forms of plants and observe many bird and fish species. Afterward, the tour continues into the Nation Artistic Garden, an important cultural landmark of the Valencian Community.
The itinerary features a flexible approach: starting with a morning pickup from multiple locations, followed by a self-guided walk through the palmetum, then a guided tour of the garden. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, making it perfect for those who want a relaxed but enriching experience. What makes this tour truly stand out is its balance between nature, art, and history, all within tranquil surroundings. Reviewers praise its beauty and calm, noting that it’s ideal for families or travelers seeking a peaceful, yet educational outing.
Bottom Line: This tour is excellent for travelers who enjoy botany, birdwatching, and cultural sites without feeling rushed. It offers great value for the mix of guided and independent exploration.
2. Alicante: Private Bicycle Tour of the Beach and History
At about 2.5 hours, this private bike tour costs a variable amount but provides an active way to explore Alicante’s coastal scenery and historical sites. Starting from Avenida de Holanda, you’ll cycle through the San Juan beach area, then into the orchard of Alicante, finishing at the Santa Faz Monastery. Along the way, you’ll learn about the curious history of the orchards and the significance of the relic stored at the monastery.
This tour is perfect if you want a fun, flexible, experience and enjoy seeing the city at your own pace. The itinerary is broken into several stops: scenic viewpoints, photo opportunities, and visits to sites like the monastery—each providing context about Alicante’s agricultural past and religious traditions. The guide’s local knowledge makes this ride engaging, and the bike-friendly route ensures comfort and safety.
The reviews highlight how informative and enjoyable the ride is, with some noting that the scenic views and relaxed pace make it a highlight of their trip. It’s highly suitable for active travelers or those who prefer an immersive, hands-on approach.
Bottom Line: If you like a combination of sightseeing, exercise, and storytelling, this private bike tour offers a memorable way to experience Alicante’s history and scenery.
3. Top 10 Alicante: history, flavor, and charm
This guided tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and covers the most emblematic places in Alicante. Starting at the Oficina de Turisme, you’ll visit key sights such as the Old Town, with its vibrant streets and Santa Cruz neighborhood, and the Central Market, where you’ll get a taste of local flavors. The tour also includes stops at Plaza Gabriel Miró and the Explanada de España, offering Instagram-worthy views and a sense of local life.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary, which combines sightseeing, cultural insights, and tasting local delicacies like turrón and a traditional drink. The guide helps you fall in love with Alicante’s neighborhoods, history, and flavors in one efficient outing. Reviewers mention that it’s a great overview for first-timers wanting to get their bearings and learn about the city’s past and present.
The tour is suited for travelers who want a structured, informative experience that hits all the highlights without rushing. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but want a broad taste of Alicante’s history and local life.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a lively, engaging, and well-rounded introduction to Alicante in a few hours.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a historical tour in Alicante, consider your interests, pace, and budget. If you love botanical gardens and peaceful strolls, the UNESCO Palm Grove and Artistic Garden Tour offers a relaxed, scenic experience. For travelers wanting a more active, personalized exploration, the Bike Tour combines exercise with cultural insights.
If you prefer a rundown of Alicante’s most iconic sights with local tastings, the Top 10 Alicante tour provides a balanced, structured experience. Consider your fitness level (the bike tour is more active), your interest in gardens or architecture, and your time constraints.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. All tours are flexible in start times, but confirming beforehand ensures you get your preferred schedule.
Alicante offers a fantastic range of historical experiences suitable for different interests and travel styles. For a leisurely introduction, the UNESCO Heritage Garden Tour will delight nature lovers. For something more energetic, the Bike Tour injects adventure into your exploration. And for those who want a quick yet thorough overview, the Top 10 Alicante tour hits all the highlights.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance and planning around your interests will ensure you make the most of your time in Alicante. Enjoy discovering this city’s fascinating layers of history, culture, and flavor—it’s all waiting just for you.