Alicante
Alicante: The Jewel of Spain’s Costa Blanca
Alicante, a vibrant coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is a popular destination known for its golden beaches, rich history, and lively atmosphere. With its Mediterranean climate, Alicante attracts visitors year-round, offering warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. The city is framed by the stunning Mount Benacantil, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the urban landscape and is home to the iconic Santa Bárbara Castle. Alicante combines historical charm with modern convenience, making it an ideal place for both relaxation and exploration.
Beyond its famous beaches and promenades, Alicante boasts a thriving cultural scene. The Explanada de España, a palm-lined promenade, is one of the city’s most picturesque spots, perfect for a leisurely walk or a stop at one of its many cafes and restaurants. The historic Casco Antiguo (Old Town) is a maze of narrow streets filled with colorful houses, charming squares, and traditional tapas bars, offering visitors an authentic taste of Spanish life. Whether you’re interested in history, gastronomy, or nightlife, Alicante has something for everyone.
Alicante is also an important gateway to the Costa Blanca region, which is famous for its stunning coastline, charming seaside villages, and beautiful natural parks. With excellent transport links, visitors can easily explore nearby destinations like Benidorm, Altea, and Villajoyosa, each offering its own unique charm. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventure in nature, or a deep dive into Spanish culture, Alicante is a destination that delivers it all.
How to Get to Alicante
Alicante is well-connected to major cities in Spain and across Europe, making it an easy destination to reach by air, train, bus, or car. The city’s strategic location on the southeastern coast of Spain makes it a key travel hub for visitors exploring the Mediterranean region.
The Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the main gateway to the city, located just 9 km southwest of the city center. It is one of Spain’s busiest airports, serving both domestic and international flights. Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling offer affordable flights from cities like London, Berlin, Paris, and Madrid. A bus service (C6) connects the airport to the city center in about 20 minutes, while taxis and rental cars are also available.
For those traveling by train, Alicante is served by the high-speed AVE railway, offering direct connections to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. The train journey from Madrid takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a convenient option. Buses operated by ALSA also provide affordable connections to cities across Spain. Additionally, Alicante is easily accessible by car via the AP-7 motorway, which runs along the Mediterranean coast, making road trips a great option for exploring the region.
Where to Stay in Alicante
Alicante offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, ensuring that every traveler finds the perfect place to stay.
For luxury travelers, the Alicante Marina and Postiguet Beach area is the best choice. Here, you will find 5-star hotels and upscale resorts with stunning sea views, such as Hotel Hospes Amérigo, a former Dominican convent turned elegant boutique hotel, and the Melia Alicante, a beachfront hotel offering modern amenities and direct beach access. These hotels provide top-class service, spas, and fine dining experiences.
If you prefer a more local and cultural experience, staying in the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) is a great option. This area is full of charming boutique hotels and guesthouses, offering a traditional Spanish atmosphere with easy access to Alicante’s historical sites, restaurants, and nightlife. Boutique Hotel Alicante Palacete S.XVII is a great example, featuring classic architecture with modern comforts.
Budget travelers will find plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses in areas like San Blas and Mercado Central. Hostels like The Market Hostel and X Hostel Alicante provide a great social atmosphere and are perfect for backpackers looking to meet other travelers. Many budget hotels and apartments are also available near the train station and Luceros Square, offering convenient access to public transport.
Places of Interest in Alicante
Alicante is a city filled with historical landmarks, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions. One of the most famous sights is Santa Bárbara Castle, a medieval fortress perched on top of Mount Benacantil. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline while exploring the castle’s towers, dungeons, and historical exhibits.
Another must-visit location is the Explanada de España, a beautiful marble-paved promenade lined with palm trees, where visitors can enjoy a relaxed stroll, live music, and local artisan stalls. Just a short walk away is the Postiguet Beach, a golden-sand beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with a range of beachfront restaurants and bars serving fresh seafood.
For a cultural experience, the MARQ Archaeological Museum is a fascinating place to explore, showcasing Alicante’s ancient history, from prehistoric times to the medieval period. The Basílica de Santa María, the oldest church in Alicante, is another highlight, featuring beautiful Gothic architecture and religious art.
Hotels in Alicante
Alicante has a variety of hotels suited for all types of travelers. The Melia Alicante is a top-rated choice for those seeking luxury and beachside relaxation, offering stunning sea views and a prime location next to the marina. For a boutique experience, Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete S.XVII provides a charming, historic stay in the Old Town.
Mid-range hotels such as Eurostars Lucentum and Hotel Maya Alicante offer comfortable stays at affordable prices, with convenient access to major attractions. Budget travelers can find great hostels like Hostel Olé Alicante and X Hostel, which provide a social and friendly atmosphere.
Culture and Events in Alicante
Alicante has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its festivals, traditions, and lively arts scene. One of the most important events is the Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John), held in June, where the city comes alive with fireworks, parades, and the burning of giant papier-mâché sculptures.
Throughout the year, Alicante hosts music festivals, theater performances, and traditional fiestas. The Moors and Christians Festival, celebrated in different parts of the province, reenacts historical battles with costumes, parades, and fireworks.
History of Alicante
Alicante’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of settlements from the Bronze Age. The city was an important Iberian and Roman trading post before being conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, who introduced advanced architecture and irrigation systems.
In 1249, Alicante was reconquered by King Alfonso X of Castile, becoming part of the Kingdom of Valencia. Over the centuries, it grew into a major port city, playing a vital role in Spain’s maritime trade. Today, Alicante is a modern, dynamic city that still preserves its historical charm and Mediterranean traditions.
Districts of Alicante
- Casco Antiguo (Old Town) – Historic area with charming streets, tapas bars, and cultural sites.
- El Postiguet – Beachfront area with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
- San Blas – A residential district known for local markets and traditional festivals.
- Albufereta – Coastal district with beaches and scenic views.
- Playa de San Juan – A modern, upscale district with luxury apartments and beach resorts.
Alicante offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination in Spain.
Alicante: A Vibrant Destination on the Costa Blanca
Food in Alicante
Alicante is a gastronomic paradise, offering a rich variety of traditional Mediterranean and Valencian cuisine. The city’s culinary scene is defined by its fresh seafood, rice dishes, and locally grown produce, making it a must-visit for food lovers. One of the most iconic dishes is arroz alicantino, a broad term for Alicante-style rice dishes, which include variations like arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish broth), arroz negro (black rice with squid ink), and arroz con costra (baked rice with an egg crust).
Seafood plays a crucial role in Alicante’s cuisine, thanks to its coastal location and access to the Mediterranean Sea. Dishes such as caldero (a hearty fish stew), sepia a la plancha (grilled cuttlefish), and gambas rojas de Dénia (red prawns from Dénia) are local specialties found in many restaurants. The city’s bustling Mercado Central is the best place to sample fresh fish, cured meats, and regional cheeses, offering a true taste of Alicante’s vibrant food culture.
For those with a sweet tooth, turrón de Alicante is a famous local treat, made from almonds and honey. The city also boasts a lively tapas culture, with traditional bars serving montaditos (small sandwiches), ensaladilla rusa (potato salad with tuna and mayonnaise), and salazones (salt-cured fish). Whether dining at a fine restaurant or enjoying casual tapas, food in Alicante is always a delightful experience.
Weather in Alicante
Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers, mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. The city’s pleasant weather makes it an attractive destination all year round, whether for a summer beach vacation or a winter escape from colder climates.
During summer (June to September), temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C (77°F – 95°F), with little rainfall. The city’s proximity to the sea keeps temperatures from becoming unbearable, and a refreshing sea breeze helps cool the atmosphere. The warm waters of the Mediterranean make this the perfect time for beachgoers, with temperatures ideal for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing.
Winter in Alicante is mild compared to other European destinations, with daytime temperatures averaging 12°C to 18°C (54°F – 64°F). While nights can be cooler, frost and snow are extremely rare. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. Thanks to its ideal climate, Alicante remains a top destination for travelers year-round.
Sports in Alicante
Sports play an essential role in Alicante’s culture, with a strong emphasis on football, water sports, and outdoor activities. The city is home to Hércules CF, a historic football club that has played in La Liga multiple times. Estadio José Rico Pérez, the club’s stadium, hosts local and national football matches and has even been a venue for international events.
Thanks to its coastal location, Alicante is a hub for water sports, attracting enthusiasts of sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and scuba diving. The Real Club de Regatas de Alicante is a premier sailing club that hosts national and international regattas. Nearby, the Tabarca Island Marine Reserve offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and excellent diving opportunities. The beaches of San Juan and Postiguet also offer plenty of options for jet skiing, kitesurfing, and kayaking.
Beyond football and water sports, Alicante is a great destination for golf lovers, with several championship golf courses in the surrounding area, including Alicante Golf and Bonalba Golf Resort. Hiking and cycling are also popular, with scenic trails in Serra Grossa, the Santa Bárbara Castle, and the nearby Sierra de Aitana mountains offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Hotels in Alicante
Alicante offers a wide selection of hotels, resorts, and boutique accommodations, catering to all types of travelers and budgets.
For those seeking luxury, the Melia Alicante is one of the best hotels in the city, offering stunning sea views, an infinity pool, and direct access to Postiguet Beach. Another high-end option is the Hospes Amérigo, a boutique five-star hotel set in a former convent, known for its elegant rooms, rooftop pool, and gourmet dining experience.
Mid-range hotels such as Eurostars Lucentum and Hotel Maya Alicante provide comfortable stays with modern amenities and convenient locations near major attractions. These hotels are ideal for travelers looking for a balance between affordability and quality.
Budget travelers will find plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses in the city center and surrounding areas. Hostel Olé Alicante and X Hostel Alicante offer a friendly, social atmosphere, making them great choices for backpackers. Additionally, many apartments and Airbnb rentals provide budget-friendly alternatives for longer stays.
Local Public Transport in Alicante
Alicante boasts a well-developed and affordable public transport system, making it easy for visitors to explore the city and surrounding areas. The system consists of buses, trams, taxis, and bike-sharing services.
The bus network, operated by TAM (Transporte Alicante Metropolitano), connects all major districts, beaches, and suburbs. A single bus ticket costs around €1.45, while multi-ride cards offer discounts. Night buses also operate on weekends, catering to nightlife enthusiasts.
The Alicante Tram is one of the best ways to explore the city and beyond. The tram system runs along the coast, connecting Alicante to towns like Benidorm, Altea, and Denia. It is a scenic and comfortable alternative to driving, with trams departing every 15-30 minutes.
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify are widely available, though public transport remains the cheaper and more efficient option. Alicante also offers a bike-sharing program, allowing visitors to explore the city at their own pace.
Cheap Flights to Alicante
Alicante is served by the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), which offers numerous budget-friendly flight options from cities across Europe. Thanks to airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling, travelers can find low-cost flights from London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid throughout the year.
For the best deals on flights, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance and avoid peak travel seasons. Midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. Additionally, traveling during the off-season (October to April) can result in significant savings.
For those coming from other parts of Spain, train travel can be a cost-effective alternative. The high-speed AVE train from Madrid takes just 2.5 hours, while regional trains from Valencia, Murcia, and Barcelona offer scenic and comfortable journeys at affordable prices.
Conclusion
Alicante is a dynamic and diverse city, offering delicious cuisine, stunning weather, exciting sports activities, and a well-developed infrastructure for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, cultural exploration, or outdoor adventure, Alicante has something for everyone. With affordable flights, excellent transport links, and a variety of accommodations, Alicante is an accessible and enjoyable destination for all types of visitors.
