The MARQ — the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante — is one of the most highly regarded museums in Spain, and a former winner of the European Museum of the Year award. It tells the long story of the province, from prehistory through the Iberians, Romans and the Islamic and medieval periods.
What sets it apart is the presentation: rather than rows of cases, the galleries use lighting, reconstructions and interactive, audiovisual setups to bring the finds to life, which makes it especially good with children. Temporary exhibitions, often drawing on sites across the region, are a regular highlight.
It sits a little outside the old centre but is easy to reach, with a café and a relaxed pace — most visits take an hour or two. Entry is inexpensive and cheaper still on Sundays, and the museum is closed on Mondays.