Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau, Alicante

Cathedral, Church and Tower in Alicante

Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau
Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada

Set in Alicante's atmospheric Casco Antiguo, the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau (Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas) is one of the city's most important religious landmarks and an easy stop while exploring the historic center on foot. From the outside it feels quietly monumental; inside, it's a calm refuge from the busy streets around Plaza del Abad Penalva.

Many travelers experience it as part of a walking tour that links the Old Town lanes with nearby highlights like the Explanada de España promenade and the climb toward Castillo de Santa Bárbara. If you're choosing just a few places to see in central Alicante, this co-cathedral earns its spot for its serene atmosphere, its cloister, and the option to go higher for city views.

History and Significance of the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

The Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari and holds a special place in Alicante's religious and civic life. As a co-cathedral, it shares diocesan importance with another cathedral in the region, and it remains an active place of worship as well as a cultural landmark.

Architecturally, the building reflects the city’s layered past and the evolution of sacred spaces in Spain, with a sober exterior that contrasts with more ornate interior elements. It’s also a living church, so your experience can vary depending on services, weddings, and special events.

Beyond its role in local faith traditions, the co-cathedral is a key stop for understanding Alicante’s historic core: it sits right where the Old Town’s narrow streets open into small squares, making it a natural anchor point for a self-guided heritage walk.

Things to See and Do in the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

Start with the main church interior at ground level, where the mood is typically quiet and contemplative. Look for side chapels and devotional spaces that locals still use, and take a slow lap to appreciate the scale and symmetry of the nave.

If you have time, prioritize the cloister: it’s often described as the most peaceful part of the visit, a small oasis tucked just off the bustle of the Old Town streets. It’s also a great place to pause for a few minutes before continuing your walk.

For the most memorable experience, consider the cultural/audioguided route that includes access to upper areas and the bell tower. The climb is the point: you’re rewarded with elevated perspectives over Alicante’s rooftops and the historic center, especially beautiful in late-day light.

How to Get to the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

The nearest airports are Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) for most international and domestic arrivals, with Valencia Airport (VLC) as a secondary option if you're combining cities on a longer Spain itinerary. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Alicante on Booking.com.

Alicante is well connected by train, and arriving at Alicante-Terminal makes it straightforward to continue by taxi, local bus, or a walk if you're staying centrally.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a public car park on the edge of the Old Town and finish the last stretch on foot, since central streets can be narrow and traffic-restricted.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

  • Official website: https://www.sannicolasalicante.com/
  • Entrance fee: Church entry: Free. Cultural/audioguided visit (cloister + upper areas + bell tower): €8.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 07:30–13:00 & 17:30–20:00. Saturday: 08:30–13:00 & 17:30–20:30. Sunday: 08:30–13:30 & 17:30–20:30.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a quieter interior, or late afternoon for softer light and a more atmospheric Old Town stroll afterward.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–30 minutes for the church alone, or 60–90 minutes if you’re doing the cloister and bell-tower route.
  • Accessibility: The main church level is the easiest part to visit; the upper areas and bell tower involve many stairs and can be challenging for anyone with limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Expect a simple, respectful visitor setup; bring water in warm months and keep an eye out for occasional closures during services or private ceremonies.

Where to Stay Close to the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

Base yourself in central Alicante (Old Town/City Centre) for the easiest walking access to the co-cathedral, the waterfront, restaurants, and most major sights.

Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza A strong pick for location: you’re steps from the Old Town lanes and close to the co-cathedral, making early visits and evening strolls effortless.

Hotel Serawa Alicante A stylish, modern base near the center that suits travelers who want design-forward comfort and easy access to both the Old Town and the promenade.

Meliá Alicante Ideal if you want sea views and a resort-like feel while still being within an easy walk of the historic center and the co-cathedral.

Hospes Amérigo A more upscale option with a boutique vibe, great for couples who want a special stay close to the Old Town’s main sights.

Hotel Boutique Alicante S.XVII A characterful choice that matches the historic setting; convenient for travelers who want to wake up right in the heart of the old streets.

Is the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re already exploring Alicante’s Old Town: it’s centrally located, easy to combine with other sights, and offers a calm, reflective counterpoint to the city’s beaches and busy promenades. The cloister and the option for elevated views make it more than a quick “pop-in” church visit.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike stairs or have limited mobility, skip the bell tower and upper areas and keep your visit to the ground-level church, or prioritize more accessible viewpoints like the seafront and the Explanada. Also, if you’re short on time and only want dramatic interiors, you may find this co-cathedral more understated than Spain’s most ornate cathedrals.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,214)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with many visitors describing the co-cathedral as peaceful and beautiful, and praising the cloister and the panoramic views from the bell tower. Travelers also like the option of a guided or audio-guided cultural visit and note helpful staff. Common downsides include lots of stairs for the upper areas (challenging for some visitors) and occasional disruptions or limited access due to weddings or services; a few also mention confusing or inconsistent posted hours.

Julie Smith
2 months ago
"Nice Cathedral but I think they should warn people about all the steps. We found it to be quite modern and lacked atmosphere. The bell tower is veryhigh so a very good level of fitness required. Some older people were struggling with all the flights of stairs to the first floor. The Cloisters was in our opinion the best area. We would advise visiting the beautiful Santa Maria...."
Margaret Planta
3 months ago
"There are two entrances. One to the church at ground level which is free, and closes between 13:00-18:00. The other is for the audioguided tour thattakes you through the cloisters and allows access to the upper floor of the church and the bell tower for 8€. The tour was well worth it. You get gorgeous views from the bell tower. Pay attention to Mass times, however, since you can't access the upper floor of the church during Mass. The spiral staircase up the bell tower was quite steep and narrow. If you have ambulation issues or can't fit in the space of a single airplane seat, you may have issues climbing it. The ground floor church is not part of the tour, so you would want to visit that part before 1 pm or after 6 pm...."
Ju
a month ago
"Beautiful old building, couldn't do much inside because there was a wedding going on.. But very peaceful and calming.."

For Different Travelers

The Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau works well as a flexible stop: you can keep it brief, or turn it into a deeper visit with the cloister and tower. It's also easy to fit into a day that includes the waterfront, markets, and a castle viewpoint.

Families with Kids

For families, the co-cathedral can be a calm reset between more energetic activities like the beach or the castle climb. Kids who enjoy “treasure hunt” style visits can look for architectural details and quiet corners.

If your family has very young children, consider keeping it short and focusing on the cloister rather than committing to the tower climb. The bell tower is best for older kids who can handle lots of steps and enjoy the payoff of big views.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of stepping into a quieter Alicante just a block or two from lively streets. The cloister is especially good for a slow, unhurried visit.

For a romantic plan, pair the co-cathedral with a sunset viewpoint (castle or waterfront) and dinner in the Old Town. If you do the tower, time it for late afternoon light for the most flattering city panoramas.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will like that you can enjoy the main church without a big spend and still get a meaningful cultural experience in the center of town. It’s also a great “between stops” visit when you’re walking the Old Town.

If you're watching costs, do the free ground-level visit and then choose one paid viewpoint experience in Alicante (either the co-cathedral tower route or another attraction) rather than trying to do everything.

History Buffs

History buffs will enjoy how the co-cathedral anchors Alicante’s historic core and reflects the city’s long religious and civic story. It’s a good place to connect the dots between street layout, old squares, and the evolution of the city center.

To deepen the visit, slow down in the chapels and cloister and then continue your walk through the Old Town toward other heritage sites. Seeing it in context makes the architecture and setting feel more meaningful.

FAQs for Visiting Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the heart of the Old Town and is easy to reach on foot from the waterfront and central shopping streets. Walking is often faster than driving in this area.
A taxi or local bus is simplest if you have luggage, but many travelers walk if they’re staying centrally. The route is straightforward through the city center.
Yes, it fits naturally into Old Town walking routes and pairs well with nearby squares and the seafront. If you prefer context, choose a tour that includes the historic center.

Tickets & Entry

The main church is typically free to enter during visiting hours, but access can be limited during services. Some areas may require a paid cultural visit.
Yes, there is commonly a cultural/audioguided route that includes the cloister and higher access, including the bell tower. It’s a good value if you want views.
Usually you can decide on the day, but booking ahead can help in peak season or if you have a tight schedule. If you’re visiting during holidays, plan for special schedules.

Visiting Experience

Yes, as an active place of worship it may close or restrict access for weddings, services, or special events. If you have limited time, build in a backup stop nearby.
Most visitors find it calm and reflective, especially outside peak hours. Be prepared to keep voices low and follow any posted rules.
Do a quick loop of the main interior and then step into the cloister if it’s open. It’s the fastest way to get a sense of the site’s atmosphere.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Combine it with a stroll through the Old Town lanes, then continue to the Explanada de España and the waterfront. If you’re energetic, add a castle viewpoint afterward.
If you like learning as you go, the audioguide adds context and helps you notice details you’d otherwise miss. It’s especially useful if you’re not taking a guided tour.
Old Town and co-cathedral in the morning, lunch near the center, then beach or waterfront in the afternoon. Finish with a viewpoint and dinner back in the historic core.

Photography

Rules can vary by area and event, so check signage and be respectful during services. If photography is allowed, avoid flash and keep noise down.
The cloister is great for calm architectural shots, and the bell tower delivers wide city views. Outside, the surrounding Old Town streets frame the building nicely.
Late afternoon is often best for warmer tones on stone and rooftops. Early morning can be quieter for interior and cloister shots.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, it involves many stairs and can be strenuous. If you’re unsure, enjoy the church and cloister and skip the climb.
The ground-level church is the most accessible part, while upper areas may not be suitable due to stairs. If accessibility is a priority, plan a ground-level visit.
Facilities can be limited in historic religious buildings. Plan to use nearby cafés or public facilities in the city center if needed.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Old Town and nearby central streets have plenty of cafés and bakeries. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
You’ll find many casual options within a short walk, from tapas to sandwiches. Aim for side streets for a quieter meal.
For a simple break, head toward the waterfront promenade where there are more open spaces. The immediate Old Town area is better for cafés than picnics.

Safety & Timing

Central Alicante is generally lively in the evening, especially near the Old Town and waterfront. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.
Visit earlier in the day or during the lull between peak sightseeing hours. Weekdays tend to feel calmer than weekends.
Pivot to a nearby Old Town walk, the Explanada, or a viewpoint, then return later. Closures can happen due to services or private ceremonies.

Nearby Attractions to the Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau

The Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Alicante!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 07:30-13:00 & 17:30-20:00.

Saturday: 08:30-13:00 & 17:30-20:30.

Sunday: 08:30-13:30 & 17:30-20:30.

Price:

Church entry: Free. Cultural/audioguided visit (cloister + upper areas + bell tower): €8.

Address: Plaza de, Pl. del Abad Penalva, 2, 03002 Alicante (Alacant), Alicante, Spain
Alicante: 1 km
Telephone: +34 965 21 26 62
Official Website

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