Alicante and Murcia: Spain’s southern coast is a gorgeous stretch of crystal sea, sandy beaches, and vibrant cities. Oh, and also great coffee.
There are thousands of places to visit in Alicante and Murcia, from Benidorm with its skyscrapers to charming villages like Guadalest. But on this coffee shop tour, we’ll stop in El Albir, Alicante, Benidorm, Villena, and Murcia.
Because when you’re not snacking on tapas and drinking sangria, you’ll need a coffee to power you through the day. So, let me introduce you to my coffee shop tour of the region.
You might also like: A Coffee Shop Tour of Valencia, Spain
Looking out at Benidorm.
Why These 6 Cafés?
Selecting the best coffee shops in Alicante and Murcia? That’s an impossible task. But what I can do is tell you my personal favorites, as a local. I’m talking six specialty cafés with great coffee, great ambiance, and great baristas.
They’re not the only coffee shops worth visiting in the region. But they’re the ones that I, personally, wouldn’t miss.
1. El Café De Axel, Benidorm
Welcome to the city of Benidorm. With its iconic skyscraper silhouette, exceptional beaches, and climate, it’s become a symbol of tourism in Spain. Brits visit it all year round, and it has an Old Town that’s made for exploring on a lazy afternoon. Close by, you’ll also find the pintxos area – pintxos being a tapas-like food from the Basque Country of northern Spain.
And just five minutes from here, you’ll find Café de Axel, a cozy place with a friendly atmosphere and good coffee.
| Where | 8 Apolo XI Street |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed |
| Espresso Machine | Sanremo Torino |
| Grinder | Sanremo SR70 |
| Coffee Drinks | Espresso-based drinks and pour overs |
| Must-Try Drink | Any filter coffee |
| Retail Offerings | Roasted coffee |
| Food & Other Drinks | Homemade cakes and toast |
| Nearby Sights | The old town centre, the nearby tapas spots, Levante and Poniente beaches, and the thriving nightlife |
Tea and coffee on the menu at El Café del Axel. Credit: El Café del Axel
2. Barú Coffee, Alicante City
There’s no shortage of things to do in Alicante City, the capital of the province. Take the time to enjoy its exceptional gastronomy. Stop off by the castle; the views are fabulous. If you get tired of the sun and beaches, you could visit the MARQ, an archaeology museum. Or, if the weather is good, take a boat to Tabarca Island Marine Reserve.
And if the weather’s not good? Take refuge in Barú Coffee (also known as Bunatic Coffee), in the city centre. Great coffee, healthy food and snacks, and a relaxing environment – what better way to spend a rainy afternoon?
| Where | 1, Calle Santa Bárbara, Alicante |
| Atmosphere | Fresh, relaxing |
| Espresso Machine | Sanremo Zoe |
| Grinder | DIP DKS-65 |
| Coffee Drinks | Espresso and pour overs |
| Must-Try Drink | Espresso |
| Retail Offerings | Roasted single origins |
| Food & Other Drinks | Juices and smoothies, teas, chai, matcha-based drinks, chocolate, cakes and homemade biscuits, dough bread, yogurt, salads, and sandwiches – all organic |
| Nearby Sights | You’re next door to Castaños Street, which comes alive at weekends. This area is full of hotels, restaurants, pubs… and what I would describe as one of the best bars in the world: Nou Manolin. |
The tasting room inside Barú Coffee Credit: el hombre invisible
3. Sip & Wonder Coffee House, Alicante City
Visiting Alicante’s Central Market? Don’t leave without stopping off at the nearby Sip & Wonder. A bright, spacious place with industrial decor and inviting armchairs, it’s a good spot to spend an hour or three.
| Where | 8, Carrer Poeta Campos Vasallo |
| Atmosphere | Calm, tranquil |
| Espresso Machine | Sanremo ZOE |
| Grinder | 2 DIP DKS-65 |
| Coffee Drinks | Espresso-based drinks and pour overs |
| Must-Try Drink | Espresso |
| Retail Offerings | Seasonal roasted coffees |
| Food & Other Drinks | Juices and smoothies, teas, chai, matcha-based drinks, cakes, homemade biscuits, and snacks |
| Nearby Sights | The city center, the Central Market, and the beaches |
This communal table in Sip & Wonder Coffee House, which they built themselves. Credit: el hombre invisible
4. D·Origen Coffee Roasters, El Albir
Full disclosure: this is my coffee shop and roastery. We’re located in the village of El Albir, a small and multicultural paradise.
For us, it’s all about the coffee quality. We’ve been awarded Best Espresso twice (2014 and 2016) by Forum Cultural del Café. And we also have our own plantation in Panama where our Barú Black Mountain grows.
Oh, and want to learn a bit more about coffee while you’re here? We also offer SCA barista courses.
| Where | 21 Bulevard dels Musics, El Albir, Alicante |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed |
| Espresso Machine | Sanremo Opera |
| Grinder | Compak E10 |
| Coffee Drinks | Espresso, cortado, cappuccino, pour over, and nitro cold brew |
| Must-Try Drink | The espresso or the nitro cold brew |
| Retail Offerings | Roasted coffee |
| Food & Other Drinks | Breakfast, wraps, homemade cakes, Brown Coffee Porter Sidama, smoothies, chai, matcha-based drinks, and more |
| Nearby Sights | The “Mini Manhattan” of Benidorm is ten minutes away. You’ll also get breath-taking views from the lighthouse, or you go to the beautiful city of Altea. Looking for something a little more rustic? Leave the coast behind and head into the mountains to visit El Castell de Guadalest. |
The brew bar at D·Origen Coffee Roasters. Credit: D·Origen Coffee
5. Thalys Coffee Shop, Villena
There’s more to Alicante than sun, sea, and sand. Head inland, in the direction of Madrid, and you’ll come across the city of Villena, home to the 2016 Spanish Barista Champion, Javier Carrión. He has his own café, Thalys Coffee Shop, and it’s easily worth the journey.
| Where | 112 Avenida Constitución |
| Atmosphere | Friendly, peaceful |
| Espresso Machine | Sanremo Opera |
| Grinder | Compak E10 |
| Coffee Drinks | Espresso-based drinks |
| Must-Try Drink | Javier’s coffee cocktail: espresso, ice, maple sap and chocolate infused with hibiscus blossom… oh yeah! |
| Retail Offerings | Seasonal roasted coffee |
| Food & Other Drinks | Freshly baked goods and homemade cakes |
| Nearby Sights | On the way to Villena, stop off by the Gaudi-inspired sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena. And when you reach the city? You’ll find the Atalaya Castle, Chapí Theatre, and La Plaza de Toros. |
Javier Carrion pours a cappuccino for a customer. Credit: Thalys Coffee Shop
6. Café Lab, Murcia
Leave Alicante behind and head southwest down the Spanish coast: you’ll soon come to Murcia, the capital of the autonomous community of the Region of Murcia. This university town has a strong tapas culture and excellent aperitifs.
If you ask any local what the most beautiful thing in Murcia is, chances are high that they’ll tell you it’s the Cathedral de Santa Maria. And if you ask where to get good coffee? Don’t be surprised if they say Café Lab.
| Where | 14, Calle Apóstoles Murcia |
| Atmosphere | Cosmopolitan, young, trendy |
| Espresso Machine | Iberital Expression |
| Grinder | Compak |
| Coffee Drinks | Espresso and pour overs |
| Must-Try Drink | A V60 of their Finca La Susana Red Honey (Antioquia, Colombia) |
| Retail Offerings | Seasonal roasted coffees |
| Food & Other Drinks | Handmade carrot cake, coffee bread, cold brew, and their indulgent Ferrero Lab: a milky, chocolaty shake |
| Nearby Sights | Café Lab is in the heart of Murcia, next to the famous Cathedral de Santa Maria – a must-see. I also recommend having tapas in the Plaza de las Flores. |
Café Lab’s striking tasting room. Credit: Rafa Marín
There’s no place quite like Spain’s southern coast. It’s a place to relax; to enjoy the sun on your face and the smell of salt water in the air; to experience beautiful churches, good food, and good drinks.
And the coffee deserves trying, just as much as the sangria and Rioja.
Written by David Muñoz.
All views within this opinion piece belong to the guest writer, who is a local of south-eastern Spain, and do not reflect Perfect Daily Grind’s stance.
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