Start beside the port
The Explanada de Espana runs beside Alicante's port area, with Postiguet beach and the old quarter forming other useful city reference points. Begin with a short section of the Explanada rather than trying to connect every landmark on the first outing. Note the direction back towards your apartment before continuing.
This is a good opportunity to establish what feels comfortable on foot. A map estimate cannot tell you how quickly your group moves when stopping, carrying a bag or travelling with children. Let the first walk supply that information before planning longer days.
Add one practical task
Choose a simple errand, such as finding breakfast supplies or buying an item missing from the kitchen. Put the relevant shop on the return route so that the purchase does not need to be carried around the whole outing. Check what is already in the apartment before buying duplicates.
If the errand involves chilled food, do it last and head home directly. For other items, consider the remaining length of stay: a small amount may be more useful than a large pack that will mostly be left behind. Keep the receipt until you have checked that the purchase is correct.
Keep the castle for a separate decision
Santa Barbara Castle rises above the city and is a helpful visual landmark, but adding an uphill visit changes the nature of this walk. If you want to go, check the current visitor access and arrangements first. Do not let a light waterfront outing become a demanding excursion merely because the castle is visible.
Likewise, a beach stop can be brief without becoming an entire beach day. You can return with the right equipment later, once the route and current conditions are understood. Leaving something for another outing is part of making the stay comfortable.
Return with useful knowledge
Save the shop location, the apartment entrance and a clear meeting point by the waterfront. These small discoveries reduce repeated searching later in the holiday. After putting supplies away, the rest of the day can stay open: a meal, a rest or another outing based on what the group actually wants.
