Alicante Highlights Bike Tour (min 2 people to book)

If you’re looking for a way to see Alicante’s most charming streets, some of its hidden gems, and enjoy a bit of local flavor—all in a manageable time frame—this Alicante Highlights Bike Tour is worth considering. While I haven’t done it myself, reviews suggest it’s a well-organized, friendly experience that offers a fresh perspective on Spain’s sunny southeastern coast.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it combines biking through the historic old town with a scenic ride along the coast, giving you a well-rounded feel for the city. Second, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and fun. On the flip side, a few travelers note that Alicante isn’t the easiest city for cycling, especially if you’re expecting a smoother ride with dedicated bike lanes everywhere. Still, if you’re up for a relaxed, informative spin around the city, this tour hits the right notes.

This cycle tour is perfect for travelers who want a compact, guided exploration without the fatigue of walking all day. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy a bit of sightseeing combined with some light exercise and local storytelling. Families, solo travelers, or couples looking for an active way to get oriented will find this tour a good fit.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Combines city sights, parks, and the coast for a well-rounded visit.
• Guide quality: Very positive reviews about knowledgeable, engaging guides.
• Value for money: At around $40, you get nearly 2.5 hours of guided sightseeing with bottled water included.
• Group size: A small group (up to 14) ensures a more personalized experience.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation, but parking is on your own.
• Food highlight: Some reviews mention ending at a tapas bar with excellent food, adding a delicious local touch.

A Closer Look at the Alicante Highlights Bike Tour

This tour offers a practical way to make the most of your limited time in Alicante. Starting at the Blue Bike shop, the ride covers about 9 km over approximately 2.5 hours. The distance isn’t strenuous, but given the city’s somewhat challenging bike infrastructure—as some reviews mention—expect a leisurely pace with stops and commentary.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Stop 1: Calle Mayor
Your meeting point is at the Blue Bike rental shop on Calle Mayor 45, right in the heart of the old town. From here, the ride begins through narrow, winding streets that are the backbone of Alicante’s historical district. This is where you truly get a feel for the city’s architecture, charming squares, and everyday life away from tourist crowds. Several reviews highlight how informative and animated the guides are, with comments like “Our guide Myriam is the best,” emphasizing the value of a knowledgeable guide who can bring the city’s story to life.

Historic Sights and Squares
The ride takes you past key landmarks like Santa Maria Church, a Gothic gem in the old town. The guide will share snippets about the city’s past, adding context that makes the sights more meaningful. The small group size ensures you can ask questions and get tailored insights, especially appealing if you appreciate historical tidbits or local stories.

Cruise Along the Coast
After exploring the old town, the tour heads towards Alicante’s coastal promenade. Here, you’ll enjoy the mild, often-sunny weather—perfect for cycling—and take in views of the Mediterranean. The coastal stretch is a lovely contrast to the historic streets, offering a breezy, relaxed vibe.

Visit La Explanada
No visit to Alicante is complete without strolling along La Explanada, the city’s iconic, palm-lined boulevard. Although the tour is primarily on bikes, the guide will likely highlight this lively promenade, perfect for a photo or quick stroll at the end of your ride.

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The tour provides a mix of informative commentary, scenic cycling, and small pauses for photos and hydration. One reviewer mentioned the ride covers about 9 km and includes interesting information about Alicante, which makes it a relaxed, engaging way to discover the city’s highlights. The inclusion of bottled water keeps you hydrated, especially during sunny days.

Pros and Cons: What Travelers Are Saying

The positive reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and the overall relaxed atmosphere. “The group is not too big, 14, we stop in the right shade, and the ride is pretty safe,” reports a reviewer, emphasizing that the manageable group size and thoughtful stops contribute to a comfortable experience.

However, some find Alicante not particularly bike-friendly, especially compared to other European cities with dedicated bike lanes. A reviewer noted, “Alicante is not a bike-friendly city! We expected more,” and pointed out the quality of bikes was less than ideal. While the guide does their best, if you’re used to cycling in cities with extensive bike infrastructure, you might find this aspect a bit frustrating.

The Food and Drink Element

One delightful aspect mentioned by some travelers is ending the tour at a tapas bar, enjoying local snacks and drinks. While this isn’t officially part of the tour, it shows how touring with a guide can lead to authentic culinary experiences. The inclusion of bottled water during the ride is a thoughtful touch, especially in Alicante’s often warm weather.

Price and Value

At around $40.33 per person, this tour offers good value for the nearly 2.5 hours of guided exploration. Considering the small group size, personalized attention, and the insights shared, it’s priced competitively—especially compared to private tours or standalone bike rentals. The reviews suggest that guides go beyond just cycling—they tell stories, answer questions, and make the city’s history vivid.

While a few travelers feel the bikes could be better quality, the focus remains on the experience—seeing key sights, enjoying the weather, and learning about Alicante’s culture. If you’re looking for a straightforward, friendly introduction to the city in a fun and active way, this tour hits the spot.

Practical Tips for Your Ride

• Arrive a few minutes early at the Blue Bike shop to get fitted with your bike and helmet.
• Wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection—Alicante can be sunny!
• Expect some narrow streets and mixed surfaces; be cautious if your cycling skills are limited.
• If parking your car, use nearby options like Parking San Cristobal, as parking isn’t included.
• Book in advance—most travelers reserve about 32 days ahead—since spots fill up quickly.
• Remember, the tour operates rain or shine, so check the weather forecast before heading out.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This bike tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of light exercise, sightseeing, and engaging dialogue about Alicante. It suits those who appreciate a small-group setting and are comfortable cycling in a city that’s still developing its bike infrastructure. If you enjoy trying local food and want to add a cultural twist to your sightseeing, the ending at a tapas bar is a bonus.

It’s particularly good for visitors who prefer a structured, guided experience rather than wandering alone, especially if they’re short on time but want a broad overview of the city’s highlights. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace will find this tour well-suited.

Final Thoughts

The Alicante Highlights Bike Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and local flavor. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll see the city’s most interesting sights without the exhaustion of walking. The small group size and inclusion of water make it comfortable, and the scenic coastal route provides a refreshing break from urban exploration.

While Alicante isn’t the easiest city for cycling—particularly for those expecting extensive bike lanes—the tour compensates with engaging commentary and a relaxed pace. The chance to end with some delicious tapas adds a lovely, authentic touch that elevates the experience.

If you’re after a practical, enjoyable way to learn about Alicante’s character and enjoy its sunny climate, this tour should be on your list. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want a friendly, informal introduction to the city’s highlights in a manageable timeframe.

FAQ

Is this bike tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is generally suitable for ages that can handle a 2.5-hour ride. However, it’s best to check with the provider if you have younger children or specific needs.

How far do we bike during the tour?
You’ll cover about 9 km over roughly 2.5 hours, which is a relaxed pace with stops for sightseeing and hydration.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Blue Bike rental shop on Calle Mayor 45 and returns to the same point at the end of the approximately 2.5-hour ride.

Is parking available nearby?
Parking is not included, but the closest option is Parking San Cristobal. You’ll need to arrange parking separately if arriving by car.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a water bottle if you prefer your own. The guide provides bottled water during the ride.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternate date or a full refund.

In all, this Alicante Highlights Bike Tour offers a friendly, insightful, and active way to get to know the city. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, authentic glimpse of Alicante’s sights, stories, and flavors.