Alicante
A sunny Costa Blanca port city, with a hilltop castle, a palm-lined seafront promenade and golden beaches right beside the lively old town.
Alicante is a sunny port city on Spain's south-eastern Costa Blanca. Often seen only as the gateway to the beach resorts, it is an easy-going, likeable city in its own right, with a castle on a hill above the centre, a palm-lined seafront promenade and good beaches just steps from the old town. The climate is warm almost all year, and the pace is relaxed. With history, sand and sun in one walkable place, Alicante is more than just an airport.
What Alicante is known for
Alicante is known for its setting between hills and sea. Above the city rises the Santa Barbara castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, reached by a lift cut into the rock and rewarding the climb with sweeping views over the bay. Below it the old town, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, climbs the hillside in a tangle of bright houses and narrow lanes. At sea level, the city's signature is the Explanada de Espana, a grand palm-lined promenade paved with a wave-patterned mosaic, perfect for an evening stroll. The city beach of El Postiguet sits right beside the centre, and longer stretches of sand lie a short ride away, making Alicante a rare city where you can sightsee and swim in the same afternoon. Alicante is also the gateway to the wider Costa Blanca and its resorts, and a city with a strong food tradition built on rice and the sea. Sunny, friendly and well connected, it is an enjoyable destination as well as a doorway to the coast.
Things to do in Alicante
Climb or ride the lift up to Santa Barbara castle for the best views over the city and bay. Afterwards, wander the bright lanes of the old town below, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, and stroll the palm-lined Explanada promenade by the marina. For sand, the city beach of El Postiguet is right by the centre, with longer beaches a short tram ride away. Food lovers should try a local rice dish by the sea, and day-trippers can use Alicante as a base for the wider Costa Blanca and the island of Tabarca. Whichever way you want to play, Alicante has it.
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Where to stay in Alicante
Where you base yourself shapes the trip. The old town and the central area around the Explanada put you close to the sights, marina and nightlife. The Postiguet beach area is best if you want sand on the doorstep. For a quieter, more local stay, the districts just inland from the centre are calmer and a short walk from everything.
Food and drink in Alicante
Alicante's food is built on rice and the sea. The region is famous for its rice dishes, from soupy arroz caldoso to paella-style pans cooked with seafood. Try local prawns from nearby Denia and fresh fish along the coast. For something sweet, the area is the home of turron, a Spanish nougat made with almonds and honey, especially around Christmas.
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Best time to visit Alicante
Alicante enjoys one of the mildest climates in mainland Spain, with warm, sunny weather for much of the year. The best times to visit are late spring (May and June) and September, with hot days and a warm sea but fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are busiest, especially on the beaches. Even winter stays mild and pleasant, which is why the Costa Blanca is popular year-round.
Getting to Alicante and around
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is one of Spain's busiest, just southwest of the city, with flights from across Europe and a bus into the centre in around 20 minutes. Alicante is also on the high-speed AVE rail network, with fast trains to Madrid in around two and a half hours. The centre is compact and walkable, and a tram line runs up the coast to several Costa Blanca beach towns.
Nearest Airport in Alicante
Travel tips for visiting Alicante
Use the cheap airport bus into the centre rather than a taxi. Climb or take the lift up to Santa Barbara castle early or late for the best light and views. Explore the old town and seafront on foot, as the centre is compact. Take the coastal tram for easy trips to nearby Costa Blanca beach towns. Try a local rice dish by the sea, ideally at lunch. Visit in late spring or September for warm weather without the peak crowds.
Events happening in Alicante
What's on in Alicante during your travel dates - annual festivals events.
FAQs about visiting Alicante
Helpful answers for planning your visit to Alicante.
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