Beyond the Brackets: 9 Epic Things to Do in Alicante During Regional Weekend

You came to compete, but Alicante isn’t just a battleground for card slingers—it’s a coastal city full of weird, wonderful, and seriously worth-it experiences. Whether you’ve got an off day, some time before your flight, or you just need to get out of your own head after a tough match, Alicante delivers.

From surreal museums to epic mountaintop castles, here’s a list of nine things to check out while you’re in town.

Museu de les Fogueres

This museum celebrates one of Alicante’s most iconic festivals—Les Fogueres de Sant Joan—where enormous papier-mâché sculptures are created… and then ceremonially torched in the streets. The museum itself is a colorful, free-to-enter gallery filled with past years' most stunning (and strange) surviving works. It’s part cultural history, part fever dream, and all spectacle.

If you’re a fan of bold designs and visual overload, this place is a must. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it sticks with you.

Calle de Las Setas

One of the most unexpected spots in Alicante: a pedestrian street completely decked out in giant mushrooms, cartoon bugs, and fairy tale vibes. It’s like someone dared the city to build the most Instagrammable road ever—and they absolutely delivered.

This is an easy walk from just about anywhere downtown, and if you’re hunting for a cool spot to grab group photos with your crew, this is the one. It’s playful, vibrant, and just the right kind of weird.

Museum of Illusions

Step inside and prepare to question everything. The Museum of Illusions is packed with visual puzzles, warped perspectives, and clever design tricks that mess with your sense of space and reality. You’ll laugh, you’ll tilt your head a lot, and you’ll probably take 100 photos.

This one’s perfect for a short group outing—especially if you're coming off a mental grind at the tables and want to confuse your brain in a whole different way.

Canelobre Caves

The Canelobre Caves are hidden inside a mountain and look like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Towering rock formations, dramatic lighting, and a history that goes back millions of years—this is a detour that feels like an actual adventure.

The inside is cool and quiet (literally), making it a great break from the city heat and crowds. It’s also surprisingly accessible via tour, so you don’t need a car to check it out.

Paella Cooking Class

Let’s be honest: eating paella is one thing, but learning to make it? That’s a flex. This class takes you through the steps of cooking traditional paella from scratch, starting with a guided visit to the local market to pick out fresh ingredients.

You’ll get hands-on with the whole process—from slicing and seasoning to stirring and plating—and walk away with legit knowledge (and leftovers, if you don’t scarf it all down first). Great for players traveling with family, friends, or just a good appetite.

Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Easily one of the most iconic landmarks in Alicante, this hilltop castle is a massive stone fortress that offers unbeatable 360° views of the city and coast. You can either hike up (bring water) or ride an elevator carved into the mountain—either way, the view at the top is worth it.

Inside, you’ll find lookout points, towers, and centuries of history etched into the stone. It’s a great place to clear your head, breathe some fresh air, and imagine what it would feel like to defend your locals from a literal castle.

Algar Waterfalls

Need to cool off? Recharge? Touch grass? The Algar Waterfalls are a natural paradise just a short trip outside the city. Crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and natural pools you can swim in—this is the perfect day trip if you’ve got time to unwind.

It’s a great spot to disconnect, reset your mental game, and feel like a human again after a long day of competition. Bring swimwear, water shoes, and some waterproof cards.

Guadalest Valley

Guadalest is a tiny village perched high in the mountains with jaw-dropping views and a castle carved into the cliffs. The whole place feels timeless, with cobblestone streets, mini museums, and scenic overlooks at every turn.

This is one of those “worth the journey” experiences. Whether you're a history fan, a casual explorer, or someone just looking to escape the bustle, this quiet mountain retreat hits all the right notes.

Chocolate Factory + Castle Combo Tour

If you only do one out-of-the-box experience, make it this. Start with a behind-the-scenes tour of a working chocolate factory (yes, there are samples), then head to a castle in the hills for panoramic views and a little history.

It’s a wild combo that somehow works perfectly. Great for smaller groups or anyone looking for something fun, unique, and memorable without needing a full-day commitment.

TL;DR

You’re in Alicante to compete—but that doesn’t mean you can’t also explore. Whether you’ve got an afternoon off or an entire day post-finals, there’s no shortage of cool stuff to see and do. From surreal illusions to mountaintop castles, this city brings the energy.

Good luck, have fun, and go make the most of your time—on and off the table.