Solo Travel to Alicante, Spain: A Beachy Reset + Serendipitous Moments

After spending so much time in the fast-paced rhythm of Barcelona, I knew I needed a little reset. Somewhere warm, slower, and by the sea. That’s when I decided to solo travel to Alicante, Spain, my perfect little solo escape on the Mediterranean coast.

Why Alicante?

I decided to take the train from Barcelona to Alicante (highly recommend booking with Omio or Trip.com, which is about a 5.5-hour ride. Yes, it’s a bit long, but honestly, it was the kind of slow travel moment I needed. No airport hassle, no baggage stress, I could just sit back, listen to music, and enjoy the changing landscapes.

If you are flying into Alicante, Spain, then highly recommend to book an airport transfer. My go-to right now is KiwiTaxi – and you can click this link to book. Use code NANCY for a discount. 🙂

When I arrived, I took the tram straight to a friend’s place, the views alone were worth it. The first few days were all about recharging: slow mornings, beach walks, and soaking up the chill coastal vibes. Eventually, I decided to extend my stay by another week to explore solo, and I’m so glad I did.

Best Things to Do in Alicante as a Solo Traveler

As I solo travel in Alicante, Spain, I have here some of my top recommendations:

1. Wander Through Al Barrio

This colorful old town is full of winding streets, vibrant houses, and photo-worthy views. It’s super walkable and the kind of place you just want to get lost in for an hour or two.

2. Hike (or ride) to Santa Barbara Castle

For panoramic views of the entire city and coastline, this is a must. You can hike up or take the elevator—but either way, it’s a peaceful escape above the city.
☀️ Bonus: I also made a reel dedicated to this view—check it out here.

3. Mushroom Street + Boutique Shopping

Yes, it’s actually called Mushroom Street—and yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds. I stumbled across cute boutiques here and had some of the best gelato in town.

4. Hit the Beach

Playa del Postiguet is the closest and most accessible, but if you’re looking for something quieter, hop on the tram and head to the San Juan area. Soft sand, clear water, and fewer crowds—yes, please.

5. Go on a Guided Tour

The best thing to do when you’re on a solo trip is to book a guided tour. Not only will you see more in one day, but there’s a chance you can meet new people/friends on the tour. Here are my recommendations: Santa Barbara Wine Tasting, Alicante Food Tour, Catamaran Cruise, and Alicante Cave Tour.

Where to Eat in Alicante

One thing about me? I will hunt down good food. Here were a few favorites:

• Mish Mish – Incredible Lebanese cuisine
• Nómada – Loved the cheesecake and also great for drinks
• Vi-Viet Comida – Delicious pho and comfort food
• Cioccolato Puro d’Italia – Iconic gelato (trust me)
• Carmencita Brunch – Great Brunch spot (huge portions)
• Also, don’t leave without trying traditional buñuelos and torrijas—sweet, deep-fried goodness.

Where to Stay in Alicante

Whether you’re visiting Alicante for a short reset or a longer solo stay, there are great options for every budget, from central boutique hotels to beachfront stays.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Leuka
A simple and affordable option close to the city center. Ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring, walking, and enjoying the beach rather than staying in your room.

La Milagrosa Bed & Breakfast
A cozy stay near the old town with great value for the location. Perfect for solo travelers who want something comfortable, central, and low-key.

Mid-Range & Boutique Stays

Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Meliá
Located right by the marina and beach, this hotel offers beautiful sea views and easy access to both the old town and the promenade. A great balance of comfort and location.

Eurostars Pórtico Alicante
A modern boutique-style hotel in the heart of the historic center. Stylish, quiet, and ideal if you want to stay somewhere walkable and charming.

Luxury & Beachfront Options

Hospes Amérigo Alicante
A beautiful luxury hotel housed in a former convent, right near the old town. Known for its rooftop spa, pool, and elevated dining — perfect if you want a more indulgent solo stay.

Meliá Alicante
A classic beachfront hotel with direct access to the promenade and Playa del Postiguet. Great if you want sea views and a relaxed, resort-like feel while still being close to the city.

A Serendipitous Moment: Attending a Nomad Event

Something really special happened during my stay: I found out that my online friend Geleen (who I met through Reels last year!) was speaking at a digital nomad event in Alicante. Total meant-to-be moment—it happened to fall on the exact weekend I extended my stay.

I decided to go check it out, mostly just to support her and also get a feel for the nomad scene there. Even though I only went for the day, it was such a great experience. Her talk was inspiring (I’ll link her blog here, if you want to check her out), and I met a few like-minded travelers too.

Fun fact: Alicante actually has regular events for nomads and travelers! If you’re looking to make connections while visiting, I highly recommend checking this app out. I’ll link the site here to download the app.

Meeting Online Friends IRL 💛

After the event ended, Geleen and I met up again on my last full day in Alicante—and let me just say, meeting someone who gets you on a spiritual and creative level hits different. She’s also a solo traveler from the States, Filipino, and working in the same content space, so we instantly clicked. Honestly, it felt like we’d already met in real life.

It was one of those full-circle moments that reminded me why I love solo travel so much—it opens doors to connections you’d never make if you stayed in one place.

“One of the best parts of solo travel is realizing how big and connected the world really is. You’re never truly alone—you just haven’t met your people yet.”

Overall

This trip was such a soul reset for me. Alicante ended up being exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed — relaxed, walkable, and easy to enjoy solo. Whether you’re coming for a few days or longer, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and just be.

Between the relaxed vibes, the food, the views, and the unexpected moments, I walked away feeling more grounded, inspired, and connected. And that’s what the best kind of solo travel does for you.

Feel free to drop a comment or email me if you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help 💛

Xo, Nancy