Santa Cruz Old Town in Alicante

The precise location of Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is a neighborhood in Alicante that covers a specific part of Alicante.

The district is bordered on the west side by the Rambla de Méndez Núñez. This street is perpendicular to the port of Alicante. Across this street is Plaza Portal de Elche.

On the north side, the district partially extends to Av. de Jaime II, with the area behind the Ermita de la Santa Creu d’Alacant still belonging to the district.

The district’s eastern border is formed by the foot of Mount Benacantil, and extends to the point where the elevator(Ascensor del Castillo de Santa Bárbara) to Alicante Castle is located.

The southern boundary runs from that same elevator along Plaza Puerta del Mar to about halfway along Alicante’s boulevard(Explanada de España).

A history in every street

Barrio de Santa Cruz’ s history is linked to the many cultures that shaped Spain. Its narrow, winding streets are typically Moorish, a design that no doubt helped to escape the heat of the sun. This area was the site of the first Arab settlement, Al-Laqant, founded in the 8th century.

After the conquest in 1271 by King Alfonso X, the district was given a Christian name. Islamic and Catholic cultures were thus blended. You can also see this at the Hermitage of Santa Cruz. This chapel, which you see now, was built on the remains of a 13th-century mosque and a medieval tower of the city wall.

The unique atmosphere of the neighborhood

Barrio de Santa Cruz looks like a small village in the middle of the city. It is relative to the boulevard and the castle and relatively quiet place. The houses are beautiful and decorated with colorful flower pots, mosaic tiles and ceramics. This makes the neighborhood very photogenic. You often see little details, such as poetry on the walls and names of families on tiles. One of the houses is quickly recognized by the amount of blue flower pots.

The neighborhood also has a strong community. Many homes have been in the same family for generations. This creates a close-knit atmosphere. Residents often sit outside in the evening chatting with each other.

What to do in Barrio Santa Cruz

A walk through the neighborhood is fun, but there is more:

• Enjoy the view: from the district you have a beautiful view of the bay, the port and the city from several places (from the high stairs). Especially the viewpoint near the hermitage, called Mirador de Santa Cruz, is perfect for a sunset;

• Visit Santa Bárbara Castle; the neighborhood is the starting point of a scenic hiking trail to Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Too hot to walk? Then catch the elevator near Playa del Postiquet;

• Visit the museums; there are 3 museums in the neighborhood:

• • The MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante: In the MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante) you will find works by several famous artists. The aim is to bring art closer to the public. Its unique architecture and educational approach inspire visitors and encourage them to think about art in a creative and critical way;

• • The MUBAG (Museu de Belles Arts Gravina): the MUBAG, located in the 18th-century Gravina Palace, displays works of art in a building once owned by the Count of Lumiares;

• • The Museo de Aguas de Alicante: Alicante’s Water Museum (opened in 2009) focuses on raising awareness about the importance of water. The collection, which is regularly renewed, is accessible free of charge and offers an educational and interactive experience for all ages.

Fiestas and traditions in Barrio Santa Cruz

• Semana Santa: this celebration is important throughout Spain. in Barrio de Santa Cruz it is the most intense celebration. On Holy Wednesday, the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross carries four religious statues through the narrow streets. because the door of the chapel is small, the bearers must flatten the statues. this event attracts many visitors;

• Fiesta de las Cruces de Mayo: every year in spring, the neighborhood transforms into a joyous spring festival. residents decorate the streets with flower crosses and compete for the prize for the most beautifully decorated street. this festival lasts for four days and fills the neighborhood with music and celebration;

• Las Hogueras de San Juan in the neighborhood: Barrio de Santa Cruz plays a special role during Las Hogueras de San Juan, Alicante’s annual celebration that ushers in summer. In late June, the city is turned upside down with fires, parades and music. The neighborhood, with its narrow streets and steps, is the perfect backdrop for the celebrations.

Fine dining in the neighborhood, restaurant tips

Barrio de Santa Cruz is also a good place to eat and go out.

• Breakfast & lunch: Goodita is an authentic coffee bar where you can go for a healthy (and a touch Italian) meal OR El Palacete, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Alicante, located in a boutique hotel. The restaurant is known for its delicious brunch dishes;

• Tapas: El Olivo is a restaurant that focuses on authentic tapas and fine wine. The restaurant combines Mediterranean tradition with culinary creativity and offers a cozy atmosphere OR Bar La Taberna del Gourmet that also has a location in the western part of Alicante. People love coming back here for the tapas and paella;

• Dining: Alasazón a restaurant (located in Hotel Serawa) that pays homage to the golden age of the Explanada. They serve local cuisine and value La Hora del Vermut, a typical time (between 12:00 and 14:00) for conviviality and aperitifs OR located in the Parque de La Ereta, the restaurant La Ereta offers a unique culinary experience with breathtaking views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea.

Tip: check out a list of restaurants in Alicante

Attractions in the area around the district

The Barrio de Santa Cruz neighborhood is very central, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the rest of Alicante’s historic center:

• The castle of Alicante: atop Mount Benacantil towers the impressive Castillo de Santa Bárbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. The castle is directly connected to the district and offers unparalleled views of the city. A visit to the district and the castle can be perfectly combined;

• Alicante City Hall: and its square are located in the heart of the city, near the port and at the foot of the hill of the Santa Cruz district. As such, it is not part of the district itself, but it is an important landmark in the immediate area:

• The building: the City Hall is an impressive Baroque building from the 18th century, designed by architect Lorenzo Chápuli and erected on the site of the former Casa de la Ciudad;

• The towers: two 41-meter-high towers adorn either side of the façade, giving the building a palatial appearance;

• The sea level: in the hall of the building, at the foot of the stairs, is the Cota Cero, a metal point that is the reference point for all height measurements in Spain;

• The inside: the interior is also richly decorated, including the Salón Azul (d blue Hall) where city council meetings are held and a sculpture by Salvador Dalí;

• The Square: City Hall stands in a central and lively square, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is an important meeting point in the city.

• Alicante’s promenade: at the bottom of the hill, within walking distance, is the world-famous promenade Explanada de España. The iconic mosaic floor of marble tiles, palm trees and cozy terraces make a beautiful place to stroll and relax on the coast;

• The mushroom street: the colorful mushroom street in Alicante(with Calle San Francisco as its official street name) is a cheerful, themed street full of restaurants and bars. Located just a 5-minute walk from Barrio de Santa Cruz, this street offers a nice change from the traditional atmosphere of the neighborhood;

• The Museum in the Port of Alicante: The Ocean Race Museum in Alicante is the only museum in the world dedicated to this sailing race. It is a modern, interactive space in the port that brings to life the history of the race. You can discover the race’s sustainability initiatives, visit a boat and use a simulator and VR experiences.