Good to know.
Is Swallow one of the best coffee shops in Spain?
Yes, Swallow was named one of Spain's 100 Best Coffee Shops in 2026, recognising its specialty coffee program, warm hospitality, and the character of the café itself. It is one of a very small number of specialty cafés in Spain to receive national recognition of this kind.
Where is the best specialty coffee in Alicante?
Swallow is widely considered Alicante's leading specialty coffee café. Located at Plaza del Carmen 13 in the historic centre, we serve specialty coffee roasted in-house; selected exclusively for quality, not price. We were named one of Spain's 100 Best Coffee Shops in 2026.
Is there a coffee roastery in Alicante?
Yes, Swallow roasts its own coffee in Alicante. We roast in-house and work exclusively with specialty-grade beans: coffees that score 80 or above on the international quality scale, with full traceability back to the farm. Roasting our own coffee means we control every stage from bean selection to what ends up in your cup.
What is specialty coffee, and how is it different from regular coffee?
Specialty coffee refers to beans that score 80 or above on a 100-point scale evaluated by certified Q Graders, independent tasters who assess quality, consistency, and traceability back to the farm of origin. Unlike commodity-grade coffee, specialty beans are grown and processed with precision at the farm level, then roasted to express their natural character rather than mask defects. The result is coffee with distinct, complex flavour; fruit, floral, chocolate, or nut notes depending on the origin. At Swallow, we roast only specialty-grade coffee because quality in the cup starts with the quality of the bean.
What makes Swallow different from other cafés in Alicante?
Swallow is one of Spain's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026, a specialty café in Alicante's old town built around in-house roasted coffee, a no-laptop policy, and a space designed for conversation rather than screens. Every decision, from the beans we select to the way the room feels, is made with the same intention: to be somewhere worth slowing down for.
Can I buy specialty coffee beans at Swallow?
Yes, we sell retail bags of our in-house roasted coffee at the café and online. If you want to drink what we brew at home, this is how. Ask any of our team about what's currently on the bar and we'll help you find the right bag for how you brew.
How far is Swallow from the Alicante cruise port?
Swallow is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Alicante cruise port terminal. We open at 08:30 daily, so you can be drinking great coffee before most of the city is awake. It's one of the most worthwhile stops in the old town.
Where exactly is Swallow located in Alicante?
Swallow is at Plaza del Carmen 13, in the heart of Alicante's historic old town (Casco Antiguo). We're a short walk from the Explanada de España, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, and the old town's main streets. The easiest landmark: look for the two 3.5-metre double doors, always open, it's impossible to miss.
What are Swallow's opening hours?
We're open every day from 08:30 to 16:30, including weekends and Sundays. No reservations needed, just come as you are.
Does Swallow have outdoor seating?
We don't have a terrace, but our two 3.5-metre double doors are always open, which gives the café a genuine indoor-outdoor feel; fresh air, natural light, and the sounds of the plaza. In Alicante's climate, it works better than a terrace much of the year.
Can I bring my laptop to Swallow?
Swallow is a no-laptop café. We made that decision early because we wanted a space that felt calm and social rather than like a co-working room. You're welcome to read, sketch, write by hand, or just sit; we'd just rather the room belong to conversation.
Are dogs allowed at Swallow?
Always. Dogs are welcome inside and we keep treats behind the bar. Well-behaved owners are welcome too.
Do the staff at Swallow speak English?
Yes, the team at Swallow speaks both Spanish and English. We welcome visitors from all over the world, and you'll always find someone who can help you choose what to drink or tell you more about what's in the cup.
Why was Swallow named one of Spain's 100 Best Coffee Shops?
Swallow was recognised in Spain's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 for its specialty coffee program, the quality of its hospitality, and the atmosphere of the café, a space designed for people to slow down and connect. It's a distinction given to a very small number of cafés across the entire country, and one we're proud to hold.