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. Enter: 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.
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
Whether you’re in Alicante for a quick weekend or a longer stay, here are 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.
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.
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. If you’re based in Barcelona, Madrid, or visiting Spain in general and want a mini beachside escape—Alicante should be on your list.
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
