Alicante Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Alicante and the Costa Blanca: weather, beaches, airport transport, accommodation, shopping, attractions and day trips in one place.
Alicante: city break, beach and gateway to the Costa Blanca
Alicante (Alacant in Valencian) combines a compact Mediterranean city with beaches, harbour, Old Town and Santa Bárbara Castle. You can stay centrally and walk to Postiguet, or use TRAM and bus services for places such as Playa San Juan.
For many international visitors, “Alicante” also means the wider Costa Blanca. The airport is the gateway to Benidorm, Albir, Altea, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, among other destinations. This page therefore works as a starting point both for Alicante city and for onward holidays along the coast.
Weather and best time to visit
Alicante has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. June to September is the safest period for a classic beach holiday, while spring and autumn are often better for sightseeing, golf and active days.
- Spring: Comfortable for city breaks, walking and excursions; the sea gradually warms.
- Summer: Hottest and busiest; best for beaches and swimming.
- Autumn: Often still warm enough for the sea, with less peak-season pressure.
- Winter: Mild compared with northern Europe; better for city life, golf and longer stays than a beach holiday.
Flights and transport
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the main gateway for much of the Costa Blanca. From the airport you can continue by C-6 bus to Alicante, regional coach, taxi/private transfer or rental car. Routes and frequencies vary through the year.
- Alicante city centre: C-6 bus, taxi or private transfer.
- Benidorm / Albir / Altea: Direct coach or transfer is often simplest; see the airport guide for options.
- Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa: Coach, transfer or rental car depending on where you are staying and arrival time.
Beaches in Alicante and the Costa Blanca
Alicante has central city beaches and long sandy beaches north of the centre. Postiguet is the easiest from the Old Town, while Playa San Juan is the strongest all-round choice for a full beach day. Farther along the Costa Blanca, Albir, Tabarca and smaller coves add different options.
Postiguet – city beach beside central Alicante and Santa Bárbara.
Playa San Juan – about 2.9 km as the official beach, continuing towards Muchavista in El Campello.
- Playa del Postiguet: Most convenient if you are staying in the city centre.
- Playa San Juan: Large sandy beach with promenade, restaurants and good links to Alicante.
- Albufereta: Smaller, calmer urban beach northwest of the centre.
- Albir / northern Costa Blanca: Relevant if Alicante Airport is your gateway to a holiday farther north.
- Tabarca: Boat trip, small beaches and a protected marine reserve.
Things to do in Alicante
Alicante works both for a short city break and as a base for exploring the Costa Blanca. The detailed activities guide brings together attractions, family activities, golf and day trips.
Santa Bárbara Castle – historic fortress and viewpoint above Alicante.
Attractions
Santa Bárbara, the Explanada de España, Old Town, Mercado Central and harbour.
Day trips
Guadalest + Algar, Tabarca, Elche, Altea/Albir and Benidorm.
Golf
Alicante Golf and El Plantío are close to the city, with more resort courses across the Costa Blanca.
With children
Beaches, Santa Bárbara, Tabarca and water/theme parks around Benidorm and Torrevieja.
Where to stay: Alicante city or the Costa Blanca?
First decide whether Alicante city will be your base or whether you want to stay elsewhere on the Costa Blanca. The centre and Postiguet suit car-free city breaks; Playa San Juan suits beach-focused stays near Alicante; Benidorm, Albir and Altea cover the northern Costa Blanca; Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa cover areas south of the airport.
Explanada de España – a central base for an Alicante city break.
- Centre / Postiguet: Best for sightseeing, restaurants and easy beach access.
- Playa San Juan: Best for a more traditional beach holiday with easy links to Alicante.
- Benidorm / Albir / Altea: Useful if you want to stay north of Alicante and use the airport as your gateway.
- Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa: Useful for longer stays and holidays in the southern Costa Blanca.
Shopping in Alicante
Alicante's main shopping areas are Avenida Maisonnave in the centre and the Gran Vía and Plaza Mar 2 shopping centres. Mercado Central is the better choice for local food.
- Avenida Maisonnave: Central shopping street with El Corte Inglés and major chains.
- Gran Vía: Large shopping centre including Primark and other international chains.
- Plaza Mar 2: Shopping centre near central Alicante with shops, Alcampo and restaurants.
- Mercado Central: Fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese and other local food products.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Alicante?
For a beach holiday, summer and early autumn are the safest choices. Spring and autumn are excellent for sightseeing and excursions, while winter is mild and attractive for golf and longer stays.
How many days do I need in Alicante city?
Two to three days is enough for the centre, Santa Bárbara, Old Town and a beach. Add more days if Alicante will be your base for exploring the Costa Blanca.
Does “Alicante” only mean Alicante city?
Not necessarily in travel planning. Many visitors use Alicante Airport as the gateway to Benidorm, Albir, Altea, Torrevieja and other Costa Blanca destinations.
Do I need a rental car?
Not for central Alicante and Playa San Juan. A car becomes more useful if you want to combine inland villages, golf courses or several coastal towns in one day.
Is Alicante good for families?
Yes. The city beaches, Playa San Juan, Santa Bárbara and Tabarca work well for families, while the largest water parks and theme parks are around Benidorm and Torrevieja.
Where should I stay?
Centre/Postiguet is easiest for a city break, Playa San Juan for a beach stay, while Benidorm/Albir/Altea and Torrevieja/Orihuela Costa suit the wider Costa Blanca.
Updated: October 2026. Flight routes, transport, opening hours and other travel details can change. Check current conditions before travelling. Some links are affiliate links and may earn Solrute a commission at no extra cost to you.