Did you know that Alicante also hides modernist gems among its streets, beyond the sun and the beach? Yes, the same vibrant city that comes alive in summer is also a paradise for architecture lovers.
In this route, we want to guide you through some of the most remarkable examples of modernism in Alicante, and its surroundings, not only showing you where to find them, but how to read their façades, understand their details, and connect with the stories they hold.
If you’re passionate about architecture or simply enjoy being surprised by places with character, save this guide in your cultural agenda Alicante, because what follows is an experience that awakens all the senses.
What is modernism and why do we find it in Alicante?
Before we dive into the route, let’s set some context. Modernism was an artistic and architectural movement from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that broke away from classical forms. Inspired by nature, craftsmanship, and symbolism, modernism left an unmistakable mark across Europe, especially in Mediterranean cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and, of course, Alicante.
In Alicante, this style arrived during a period of economic growth, mainly thanks to the wine and raisin industries. That prosperity allowed wealthy families to build residential and commercial buildings that still embellish the city center today. And while Alicante’s modernism doesn’t have Gaudí’s fame, it has a character all its own — approachable, human, and deeply rooted in local pride.
Must-see stops on Alicante’s modernist route
Casa Carbonell
Let’s begin in the heart of the Explanada promenade. Casa Carbonell is, without a doubt, the city’s most iconic modernist building. It was built in 1925 by Enrique Carbonell, a textile industrialist from Alcoy, and its façade catches your eye from any angle. With curved lines, large windows, and wrought iron decorations, it’s a perfect example of late modernism.
Legend has it Carbonell wanted to showcase his wealth after being denied hotel entry for arriving dusty from a trip. True or not, today the building stands as a symbol of elegance and local pride.
Casa Lamaignere
Just a few steps from the Rambla de Méndez Núñez, this jewel of modernist inspiration with neo-Gothic elements stands quietly. Its stone decorations and ironwork details reflect a fusion of styles typical of the era. Casa Lamaignere is one of those buildings you might pass by unnoticed — until you look up and discover floral balconies and lines that defy classical symmetry.
Casa Alberola (now Hotel Casa Alberola Curio Collection by Hilton)
Facing the port, this building by Alicante architect Juan Vidal Ramos is another local modernist highlight. Built in 1894 and recently restored as a hotel, its light-colored façade, delicate decorative elements, and angular turret are reminiscent of Viennese modernism. Today, you can have a coffee in its ground-floor café and imagine the bourgeois life of the 19th century.
El Portalet Building
At the corner of Calle Mayor and Calle Rafael Altamira, El Portalet is one of those examples of Alicante’s decorative modernism that doesn’t stand out at first glance. Its façade includes glazed ceramic, wrought iron balconies with plant motifs, and a structure reflecting the commercial urban architecture of its time.
Ferrándiz Building (Casa de Socorro)
Next to the Central Market, this building by architect Francisco Fajardo Rico showcases a more geometric variant of modernism. Here, details are more restrained but equally present — from its windows to its volume distribution. Today it houses the Casa de Socorro, making it a living example of functional architecture that has lasted over a century.
Gran Hotel or Gran Sol Building
While not strictly modernist in conception (built in the 1970s), the current Meliá Alicante Hotel and especially its Gran Sol tower have become part of the city’s modernized skyline. It could be considered a reinterpretation of the avant-garde spirit of the early 20th century, with a more international approach. Its exterior murals deserve a special mention, adding artistic flair to Alicante’s silhouette.
Bonus: Beyond Alicante city
For those looking to extend the modernist route, here are three nearby stops:
Alcoy
This city is the crown jewel of modernism in the province. Here, you’ll find a full-fledged route with over 90 registered buildings, many designed by Timoteo Briet and Vicente Pascual. Don’t miss the Casa del Pavo, the Círculo Industrial, or the Conservatory of Music. Alcoy even celebrates its own «Modernist Week» every September — a must for your cultural agenda Alicante.
Novelda
Here you’ll find the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, a structure reminiscent of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia but with a rural charm. It was designed by José Sala Sala, a disciple of Gaudí, and its pink and grey stone façade is one of a kind. Also worth visiting is the Modernist House Museum, a stately residence frozen in time.
Elche
Though better known for its palm grove and Iberian heritage, Elche also holds modernist gems like the Casa de los Chinchilla and the old Central Market. Strolling through the center with a new perspective reveals façades that blend industrial precision with artisanal beauty.
How to make the most of this route
One of the best ways to explore these sites is through a specialized tour. At Whitin Experience, our guides don’t just take you from one building to another — they share the anecdotes, hidden symbols, and human stories behind each façade. Because a building can be beautiful to look at, but it truly comes alive when you understand who lived there and why it was built that way.
Plus, our tours are designed to fit your pace and interests. Are you passionate about photography? Want to focus only on Alcoy? Prefer to combine architecture with gastronomy? All of this is possible, and that’s why so many travelers include us in their cultural agenda Alicante when planning their trips.
Why include this route in your trip?
Because it’s not just about admiring beautiful façades. This route helps you understand how Alicante grew, how it connected with Europe, and how the creativity of an era was expressed through stone, iron, and glass.
Modernism speaks of progress, creative freedom, and a bourgeoisie that invested in the local and the beautiful. More than a hundred years later, those values still echo in every molding, every cornice, every flowered balcony. Including this route in your cultural agenda Alicante is gifting yourself a different, slower, and deeply inspiring experience.
Final tip: keep your eyes curious
Some modernist gems don’t appear on tourist maps or have signage. Sometimes, they’re on quiet streets or hidden in everyday-use buildings. That’s why we recommend walking with your eyes wide open — and, if possible, with a local guide who can help you unlock the secrets each façade holds.
Because like any historic city, Alicante doesn’t shout its charms — it whispers them. And this modernist route is one of its most beautiful whispers, waiting to be heard by those who know how to look.
Add this route to your next visit, your next getaway, your next cultural agenda Alicante. You won’t just take home stunning photos, but a whole new way of understanding this city that never stops surprising.