Alicante: Cathedral, Market, Mushroom Street & Castle Lift | Sail to Cartagena
Season 3 Episode 47
Join Jude and Richard aboard Helios for a memorable Alicante city day before our season-closing sail to Cartagena – our winter berth in Spain.
We wander the beautiful foreshore along the iconic Explanada de España — that wavy mosaic promenade lined with palm trees and offering stunning sea views.
We stroll into the charming old town, stopping for a coffee and pastry, and duck under enormous shady trees when a quick shower passes through.
Then we dive into the lively Mercado Central (Alicante Central Market), a 1920s treasure trove bursting with fresh seafood, local produce, cheeses, olives, pastries, and vibrant energy – perfect for grabbing provisions or soaking up authentic Spanish market life.
We visit the elegant Concatedral de San Nicolás (Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas), a serene Renaissance masterpiece with its striking blue-tiled dome, peaceful cloister, and historic charm right in the heart of the old town.
We finish with the easy lift up to Castillo de Santa Bárbara (just €2.70, 30-second ride from near Postiguet Beach) for incredible panoramic views over Alicante Bay, the city, and the Mediterranean – no steep hike needed, and the castle grounds are free to explore with ancient history dating back to the 9th century.
A fun surprise: we stroll down the whimsical Calle de Las Setas (aka Mushroom Street or Calle San Francisco) – transformed in 2013 into a fairy-tale wonderland with giant colorful mushroom sculptures, toadstool "houses," yellow brick roads, and playful installations by artist Sergio Martinez. It's a quirky, photo-friendly spot that brings out the childlike joy amid the city bustle – a quick, delightful detour!
The passage to Cartagena (~50–70 NM) was wonderfully calm – flat seas and sunshine meant mostly motor-sailing, giving us time to reflect. There's a touch of sadness wrapping up active Med cruising for a few months, but we're genuinely excited to settle into Cartagena: exploring its Roman amphitheater, historic port, local festivals, marina routine, boat tinkering, and deeper community vibes while recharging for what's next.
Perfect for anyone eyeing Costa Blanca stops, Med wintering, or loving real couple vlogs with city gems, quirky finds, and honest sailing conditions (even the motory ones!).
Your favorite Alicante quirky spot or Cartagena winter advice? Let us know in the comments!
👍 Like if Mushroom Street made you smile