Alicante is a city that rewards those who want to explore its past through engaging, authentic experiences. Unlike many tourist spots that focus only on superficial sights, Alicante’s history runs deep, with layers of medieval castles, UNESCO-listed palms, and centuries-old neighborhoods. We love tours that blend history with local flavor, like the Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting, which combines sightseeing, culinary delights, and insider tips, making it a well-rounded introduction to this vibrant city. You can read more about this tour here. Other experiences, such as visiting historic wineries or exploring UNESCO Heritage sites in Elche, offer deeper culture, perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the surface.
Below, we’ve curated a list of Alicante’s best historical tours, covering everything from city walks and castle visits to wine tastings and UNESCO sites. These tours showcase the city’s diverse heritage, helping you find the perfect fit for your interests and pace.
1. Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting
This tour offers an excellent introduction to Alicante, combining a walk through the city’s most charming neighborhoods with visits to key landmarks and authentic culinary stops. Starting at the bustling Central Market, you’ll enjoy tasting local cheeses, ham, and other regional bites—an excellent way to get a sense of Alicante’s flavors. Then, you’ll head by private transport to the Santa Bárbara Castle, perched atop Mount Benacantil, where panoramic views of the Old Town and coastline await. The tour concludes with a stroll through Santa Cruz, a picturesque neighborhood full of narrow alleys, colorful houses, and stories that only locals know.
Rated 5.0/5 with nearly 500 reviews, this small-group tour (capped at 10 people) emphasizes personal attention and insider knowledge. Guests love the combination of history, food, and local secrets, with the guide sharing stories about Alicante’s past and its hidden corners. The tour’s value is excellent at just over $33 per person for a comprehensive 2.5-hour experience, making it perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a true taste of the city.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, intimate introduction to Alicante that combines sightseeing with delicious tapas, this tour hits the mark.
2. Alicante: Historic Winery Guided Tour + Wine Tasting / Private Transportation
For those interested in local tradition and craftsmanship, this historic winery tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s wine-making history dating back over 300 years. The winery, founded in 1707 and once owned by the Marquises of La Romana, is a living piece of history. During this 2.5-hour guided visit, you’ll explore the old cellars, learn about traditional organic wine production methods, and taste some of their finest wines.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on organic wine and the stories behind generations of winemakers. The guide will share insights into Mediterranean farming practices and the evolution of wine-making in the region. The small group size (limited to 15) ensures a personal experience, and the included transportation makes logistics simple. Guests mention the tour as being both educational and delicious, especially if you enjoy wine with a story.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine lovers eager to learn about traditional methods, this tour offers exceptional value for its blend of history, culture, and tasting.
3. Elche, UNESCO Heritage Sites and museums
Elche’s UNESCO-listed palm grove and historic sites make this a must-see for culture and history enthusiasts. This 2.5-hour guided tour begins at the Archaeological Museum, where you’ll explore the city’s origins, from ancient times through Muslim rule, gaining context for what you see later. Then, the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria — linked to the famous Misteri d’Elx (a UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site)— takes center stage. The tour continues with a walk through the Cure Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with date palms, where stories and legends unfold.
What makes this tour memorable is the combination of museum insights, religious architecture, and lush gardens. The guide’s passion shines through, and reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and storytelling. The tour provides a compact yet immersive way to understand Elche’s cultural importance, ideal for history buffs who like to walk and learn in roughly two and a half hours.
Bottom Line: This is a highly recommended, well-rounded cultural tour perfect for those eager to connect with Elche’s historical and spiritual heart.
4. Alicante: UNESCO Heritage Palm grove + Artistic Garden Tour
This two-in-one tour combines nature and culture in a relaxing 2.5-hour exploration of Alicante’s UNESCO World Heritage Palm Grove and the NATION Artistic Garden. The palm grove, the largest in Europe, features thousands of date palms and exotic plants, attracting birdwatchers and plant lovers alike. You’ll learn about plant varieties and enjoy peaceful moments amid the greenery. Afterward, the National Garden offers a curated collection of sculptures, fountains, and plantings, representing Valencian cultural heritage.
What makes this experience unique is the chance to combine a UNESCO-listed natural site with a cultural garden, both accessible within the city’s Green Zone. The tour’s flexibility allows for self-guided exploration complemented by a guided component. Reviewers highlight the tranquility and beauty of the gardens, making it perfect for a leisurely day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers and art admirers, this tour offers a peaceful yet insightful look at Alicante’s green and artistic side.
5. Alicante: Private Bicycle Tour of the Beach and History
If you’re looking for an active way to discover Alicante’s history, this private bicycle tour is a great choice. Over roughly 2.5 hours, you’ll pedal along the San Juan Beach, then through the orchards, before reaching the Santa Faz Monastery. The tour includes scenic stops with views of the coast and the famous orchard of Alicante, which has been cultivating fruit since centuries ago.
The guide shares stories about the famous relic kept in the monastery and the region’s agricultural history. Riders of all fitness levels will enjoy the relaxed pace and outdoor vibe, making it a fun, low-impact way to see the city’s historical sites and natural beauty. The tour’s flexibility and personalized attention make it suitable for families or solo travelers.
Bottom Line: For active travelers who want a personalized, scenic experience combining beach views and historical sites, this bike tour is a winner.
6. Elche: walking tour through the historic center and botanical garden Huerto de Cura
This walking tour explores Elche’s historic UNESCO-listed palm grove, focusing on the Huerto de Cura botanical garden. Over about 2.5 hours, you’ll walk through the garden—Spain’s first botanical garden—admiring its thousands of palm trees and learning about their significance. The guide also takes you through the historic center, including the Majestic Basilica of Santa Maria, Altamira Palace, Calahorra Tower, and Arab baths.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to see Elche’s cultural and natural highlights in a single outing. The botanical garden is a highlight, and reviews note the guide’s passion and knowledge about Elche’s history and gardens. It’s best suited for visitors who enjoy walking and want a comprehensive cultural experience in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a deep look at Elche’s natural and architectural treasures, perfect for history and garden enthusiasts.
7. Top 10 Alicante: history, flavor, and charm
This 3-hour city tour covers Alicante’s most iconic points, from the Castillo de Santa Bárbara to the Explanada de España. You’ll visit ten key spots, with stops for photos, short guided explanations, and tastings of local turrón and regional drinks. The itinerary includes a walk through Old Town, with its colorful streets, and a visit to the Central Market, where you can sample regional produce.
What makes this tour appealing is its broad coverage—seeing the best viewpoints, historic neighborhoods, and flavors—in just a few hours. The guide keeps the pace lively, and reviews note that the tour offers a good balance between sightseeing and tasting. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, rundown of Alicante’s most memorable sites.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking for a fast-paced tour that combines city sights, history, and local flavors.
How to Choose the Right Historical Tour in Alicante
Picking the best tour depends largely on your interests, pace, and budget. If you want a quick, lively overview with food, the Top 10 Alicante tour is ideal. For a deeper dive into Elche’s UNESCO sites and gardens, the walking tour offers a blend of natural beauty and historic architecture. Wine enthusiasts should consider the historic winery experience, while active travelers may prefer the bicycle tour to combine sightseeing with exercise.
Budget travelers might find the small-group Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting offers great value, especially with its insider access and local eats. If you’re interested in natural scenery and cultural heritage, the UNESCO Palm Grove and Artistic Garden provides a peaceful way to enjoy Alicante’s green spaces.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots and tailor your experience. Consider your physical fitness, time constraints, and specific interests—whether urban history, gardens, or wine—to make the most of your trip.
Alicante offers a rich variety of historical tours that cater to different tastes and travel styles. Whether you’re after a relaxed city walk, an active bike ride, or a deep cultural visit to UNESCO sites, there’s something here for everyone. For a memorable trip, pick a tour that matches your interests, book in advance, and prepare to uncover the city’s stories firsthand.
