Alicante’s Port, Summer Night Enthusiasts’ Haven

Alicante’s port, which runs parallel to the famous boulevard known as Explanada de España, also serves as a tribute to the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s multicultural history. Located at the foot of the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle, its official declaration as a port dates back to none other than the year 1271 – during the reign of Alfonso X the Wise. Today, its area houses not only commercial and fishing functions but also a marina, around which a complete range of leisure activities unfolds. Pubs and cafes, restaurants and nightclubs, a casino, and numerous shops make this authentic place in Alicante a genuine tourist magnet. Adding regular events and concerts to its recent designation as the host city for the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race regatta ensures entertainment in this unique part of the Mediterranean. Below, we tell you everything in more detail.

Historical Anecdotes about Alicante’s Port

While the advanced facilities of Alicante’s port expand today, Iberian-origin settlements had already established primitive docks in the 5th century BC, from which they could send out their production. This is evidenced by excavations carried out in the so-called Tossal de les Basses, an archaeological site open to visitors and located less than 6 kilometers north of the current port. And it is because the Alicante Bay is naturally protected from the many Mediterranean winds that it has also been valued by the various civilizations that followed – first the Romans, then the Moors, and finally the Christians.

The Port’s Role in Historical Events

The port has also been the scene of pivotal historical events such as the end of the Civil War – and with it, the end of the Second Republic. Thousands of people came here in an attempt to flee Francoist executions and sought to board ships bound for Latin America. Most did not succeed due to the blockade carried out by ships under an Italian Fascist general.

Alicante’s Port Today

Today, Alicante’s port pulses with life under the long shadow of Santa Bárbara Castle, an impressive Moorish fortress located atop Benacantil Mountain – 166 meters above sea level. Organically connected to the rest of the city, the best way to access the port is via Explanada de España, a beautiful summer promenade equipped with numerous palm trees running parallel to the sea.

The most interesting and lively part of the harbor area is the so-called Marina of Alicante’s port, a set of docks built in 1999, collectively housing 748 boat rooms. In this area of the port, we also find most of the leisure spots, with particular mention of restaurants and nightclubs that light up and fill with people in the evening. And if we are looking for an activity during the day that suits all ages, we should not miss visiting the replica of Santísima Trinidad, a full-scale reproduction of one of the Spanish fleet’s ships that participated in the famous Battle of Trafalgar. Used as a restaurant and nightclub, it organizes daily guided tours, with a drink included in the price.

Restaurants in Alicante’s Port

As mentioned earlier, one of the major attractions in Alicante is its marina’s restaurants. The selection of options is wide, although the menu typically focuses on seafood. In the heart of the Marina, we find Dársena restaurant, a rice dish restaurant founded in 1961, which also daily offers freshly caught fish and seafood from nearby fish auctions. Similarly, also located in the marina’s dock, we can visit Casino Mediterráneo, a gaming and leisure complex that also offers two interesting dining options: the à la carte restaurant Azar and the self-service buffet Las ventanas del Casino.

If we move towards Explanada de España, which ultimately is an inseparable part of the marina, we will find other highly recommended restaurants. One example is the famous Real Liceo Casino de Alicante, a true institution with centuries of history that has become a gastronomic project. In this restaurant, located in one of the city’s most iconic 19th-century buildings, we find a gourmet menu at affordable prices. And if we are looking for a more informal suggestion, Puerta del Mar-Kiosko Rafael, a Mediterranean restaurant, is located at Postiguet Beach – Alicante’s main beach – and operates as a café in the afternoon.

Nightclubs in Alicante’s Port

Alicante in general, and its port in particular, is one of the most famous party destinations on the Costa Blanca. Its nightlife, especially active during the summer months, unfolds across a huge variety of venues, from pubs and beach bars to large nightclubs with terraces. In the Explanada area, for example, we can visit Club Concerto, a reference spot in the Alicante nightlife scene due to its great versatility in ambiance – inspired by typical locales in Miami – and the very broad music palette they work with using well-known DJs.

Additionally, the port houses two large nightclubs: Katamaran Discoteque at the southern end and Marmarela in the marina. The first is a good option for electronic music lovers, with live shows featuring musicians and dancers included. The second, located in the middle of Muelle Levante, is perhaps the most famous of all the port’s venues. A super nightclub spanning 2,000 square meters, it includes a terrace with sea views, a restaurant, a pool, and a jacuzzi. Open every day from afternoon until dawn, its nighttime program typically includes performances by international DJs. Additionally, Sunday sessions with deep house music are held, including barbecue service.

The Ocean Race, the Museum Celebrating the Sailing Race

In 2010, Alicante hosted its first edition of the Volvo Ocean Race (now simply called Ocean Race), the world’s toughest sailing race. For this reason, in 2013, a museum dedicated to this event was designed and inaugurated, which today can be visited in the Marina of Alicante’s port. The museum, which is divided into two floors, houses an interactive space where one can not only learn about the history of sailing but also about its most technical aspects. Moreover, The Ocean Race Museum allows visitors to view a real competition boat – Brasil 1 – both from the inside and outside. There is also the opportunity to experience sailing through the simulator The Ride, which is highly immersive thanks to the technology used in its construction.