Postiguet beach and Santa Bárbara Castle

Port guide · Spain

Alicante

A sunny city on Spain's south-east coast. The terminal is right next to the centre: in a quarter of an hour you reach the Explanada, with its wave-patterned mosaic paving, and Postiguet beach; behind, on the hilltop, is Santa Bárbara Castle, reached by lift, with views over the whole bay.

Cruises calling at Alicante Contact an advisor

To the centre: 10–15 min on foot
Castle lift: Approx. €2.70
Beach: Walk from the ship
Time needed: Half a day

From the ship to the centre

The cruise terminal is inside the port, right next to the centre. From the exit, 10–15 minutes brings you to the palm-shaded Explanada de España; continue east to Postiguet beach and the castle lift.

On footRecommended
Time: 10–15 minApprox. price: Free
The centre, the beach and the castle lift, all on foot
Taxi
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Metered fare
If you don't want to queue for the lift, a taxi can drive up to the castle

In high season there can be a queue for the castle lift; allow at least 45 minutes to get back to the ship.

Suggested routes

Route 1

Castle and old town

About 3–4 hours

First the lift up to the castle for the sea views; then walk down through the Santa Cruz quarter to the Explanada.

Lift opposite Postiguet beach
The entrance is on Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, facing the beach; approx. €2.70
Santa Bárbara Castle
Free to visit; from the top you can see the whole bay and the city
Santa Cruz quarter
White houses and flower-filled lanes on the hillside
Co-Cathedral of St Nicholas
Explanada de España
Wave-patterned mosaic paving between the palm trees

Open this route in Google Maps

Route 2

Guadalest and Altea

About 5–6 hours

Guadalest, perched on a rock, and Altea, with its white houses and blue-domed church by the sea, are an hour's drive away: an organised tour is the easiest way.

Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.

Contact an advisor

Alicante Airport to the cruise terminal

Embarking in Alicante? Alicante-Elche Airport is south-west of the city, about 12 km from the terminal.

TaxiRecommended
Time: About 20 minApprox. price: Approx. €20–30 per car
Easiest with luggage: it takes you to the terminal
C6 bus
Time: 25–30 minApprox. price: Approx. €4–5 per person
Every 20–30 minutes; stops at Plaza Puerta del Mar, by the seafront and near the terminal

Show the driver the terminal name on your boarding documents.

Good to know

Lunch is late here, around 14:00–15:00, and some shops close in the early afternoon.
Alicante turrón (nougat) is the classic souvenir.
In summer, bring a towel and sunscreen for the beach; the Explanada is busy, so keep an eye on your things.

Not booked yet?

Search MSC cruises calling at Alicante with VIAJES FH, with live prices.

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Already booked with VIAJES FH?

Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.

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Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.

Cover photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Port guide · Spain

Alicante

Cruises calling at Alicante Contact an advisor

To the centre: 10–15 min on foot
Castle lift: Approx. €2.70
Beach: Walk from the ship
Time needed: Half a day

From the ship to the centre

On footRecommended
Time: 10–15 minApprox. price: Free
The centre, the beach and the castle lift, all on foot
Taxi
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Metered fare
If you don't want to queue for the lift, a taxi can drive up to the castle

In high season there can be a queue for the castle lift; allow at least 45 minutes to get back to the ship.