Alicante Travel Guide

Why Alicante?

Alicante is one of Spain’s most underappreciated coastal cities. While tourists flock to Barcelona and Málaga, Alicante quietly offers stunning beaches, a beautiful hilltop castle, fantastic tapas, and some of the cheapest flights from the UK to anywhere in Europe. The Costa Blanca climate delivers over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a reliable escape no matter when you book.

Getting There

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is a major budget airline hub with flights from Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air, and Norwegian.

Cheapest months to fly: January, February, and November. Returns under £20 from the UK appear regularly — some of the lowest fares in Europe.

Most expensive periods: July, August, and Easter. Even so, fares stay competitive thanks to high airline capacity.

Pro tip: Alicante is one of The Fair Finder’s top routes for high Deal Scores. The sheer number of airlines competing keeps prices low year-round.

Best Time to Visit

March to May: Warm (18-24°C), quiet beaches, excellent prices
June: Beach season starts, still pre-peak pricing
September to October: Warm seas (24-26°C), post-summer price drops
Winter: Mild (12-18°C), perfect for a sunny city break away from the beach crowds

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from €14/night in the centre. Apartments near the beach from €30/night in low season.

Mid-range: Hotels in the old town or Postiguet Beach area from €50-75/night.

Splurge: Beachfront hotels along Playa de San Juan from €100/night.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

Castillo de Santa Bárbara — hilltop fortress with panoramic views (free entry, lift €2.70)
Playa del Postiguet — the main city beach, right below the castle
Stroll the Explanada de España — the iconic marble mosaic promenade
Barrio de Santa Cruz — whitewashed old town with colourful houses
Mercado Central — browse fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies

Worth Paying For

MARQ Archaeological Museum (€3/£2.50)
Tabarca Island boat trip (€20/£17 return, 1 hour each way — clear-water snorkelling)
Playa de San Juan (bus ride away, wider and quieter than the city beach)
Wine tasting in nearby Monóvar or Villena wine regions

Food & Drink

Alicante’s food is Mediterranean at its finest — fresh seafood, rice dishes, and tapas that rival anywhere in Spain.

Arroz a banda: Rice cooked in fish stock, Alicante’s signature dish, from €8
Tapas: €2-4 per tapa at local bars in the old town
Turrón: Alicante’s famous nougat — buy it at the Mercado Central
Horchata: Refreshing tiger nut milk drink, €2-3 at horchaterías

Budget meal: Menu del día runs €10-13 for 3 courses plus a drink. The streets around Mercado Central have the best value.

Day Trips

Tabarca Island (1 hour by boat): Spain’s smallest inhabited island, crystal-clear swimming
Guadalest (45 min): Mountain village with a castle perched on a rock pinnacle
Elche (30 min by train): UNESCO Palm Grove, the largest in Europe. Train €3/£2.50 return.
Benidorm (45 min): Love it or hate it — lively beaches, cheap eats, and a surprisingly charming old town

Getting Around

Airport to centre: C-6 bus (€3.85/£3.30, 30 min). Taxis cost €15-20.
Local transport: Single bus ticket €1.45/£1.25. The TRAM (light rail) connects to beaches and surrounding towns.
Walking: The centre and main beach are very walkable. Playa de San Juan is a tram ride away.

Money-Saving Tips

Alicante consistently scores among the highest Deal Scores on The Fair Finder — check before booking
Fly midweek in winter for returns under £20
Eat menu del día for lunch — it’s always the best deal
Take the lift to Santa Bárbara Castle (€2.70) to save a steep walk, or walk up for free via the old town
Visit Tabarca Island on a weekday to avoid crowds
Stay near the centre rather than San Juan beach to save on transport
Buy turrón and local produce at Mercado Central instead of tourist shops