Planning a stay in Alicante: Everything you need to know

Spain has so much to offer, from vibrant cities to relaxing coastlines and party hotspots. In fact, it’s once again the number one destination for UK holidaymakers. And one location that attracts a lot of us is Alicante on Spain’s south-eastern Costa Blanca!

This alluring port city offers fantastic variety, from old-town charm to epic nightlife, and gorgeous stretches of sand and sea. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, party animal or more family-focused, you’re guaranteed to find something for you. It’s also the sunniest city in Europe, with a whopping 349 hours of sun beaming down on locals and visitors every month!

Of course, you won’t find it hard to relax once you touch down here. But putting a little effort into research and planning beforehand is the best way to enjoy the kind of trip you’re dreaming of. So if Alicante is in your sights this summer, here’s everything you might need to know.   

Choosing where to stay

We’ve already talked about the different experiences Alicante offers, so it makes sense to choose your location based on the focus of your getaway.

For example, the old town – known as El Centro – is a great base for hitting the local restaurants, bars, museums and theatres. A few minutes away is the famous coastal resort of Postiguet, a popular beach and nightlife area, while Cape Huertas is a quieter coastal spot that’s perfect for families. Or how about the upmarket Albufereta and its fancy hotels?

Wherever you decide to rest your head, the good news is that many of the best neighbourhoods lead into each other, so you’ll rarely have to travel far between them!

What’s on the menu?

One of the best things about going on holiday is sampling the local cuisine. And tapas, paella and seafood lovers won’t be disappointed with what Alicante has on the menu!

Arroz a banda is a local favourite, involving rice cooked in a fish broth with garlic, peppers, tomatoes, prawns and much more. For dessert or a sweet snack, look no further than turrón, a delicious type of nougat that’s extra popular during the festive period. And to drink? It has to be mistela, a liqueur made from adding alcohol to grapes along with herbs and sliced fruit.

If none of those options sound appealing, don’t panic. Alicante is a cosmopolitan destination, so you’ll find plenty of other cuisines on offer!      

Must-visit local beaches

In terms of things to see and do here, most people start with the beaches – and it’s easy to see why. Alicante is home to some of the most pristine sand and crystal-clear waters anywhere in Spain!

Playa de San Juan is one of the best local beaches, boasting 7km of sand and sea and a host of amenities. That includes sun loungers for sunseekers, water sports for adrenaline junkies, plus showers and changing rooms for families and other visitors.

Playa del Postiguet is similar, offering a palm-lined promenade with bustling restaurants and bars. The tiny island of Tabarca is well worth a day trip too, offering excellent snorkelling opportunities and a picturesque harbour with narrow streets to get lost in.

Other top things to fit into your visit

If you need an occasional break from the beach, pool or sun, there’s plenty more to add to your Alicante itinerary!

The Santa Bárbara Castle is unarguably one of the top attractions. Built in the 13^th century, this imposing fortress has helped defend the city during various hard-fought battles. Today, you can explore its walls and admire stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea!

There’s also the Palmeral park, offering a slice of serenity just outside the city centre. It’s the area’s most beautiful park, known for its abundance of palm trees, walking trails and tended gardens, including diverse botanical displays.

You’re also bound to spend some time walking the main promenade, an eye-catching tiled creation with plenty going on around it. Or for something different, catch the tram purely for a tour of the spectacular coastline!    

Getting to and around Alicante

Trekking to and from distant airports can easily kill your holiday vibe (and increase your spend). But thankfully Alicante has a large, dedicated airport with plenty of routes available from across the UK, making the start and end of your trip that bit easier!

The airport is close to the city centre too, so you can touch down, check-in and relax at your final destination in no time. Booking your Alicante airport transfer in advance will speed things up even further – as well as avoiding any stress and confusion with finding other transport options.  

Once you make it, the city itself is relatively compact and easy to navigate. Many areas are easily walkable, while there are reliable bus routes and of course the famous tram! With everything Alicante has going for it, what are you waiting for?