Accommodation in Alicante: Where to Stay?
Complete guide to the best areas and hotels: City Center vs beach life, Playa San Juan, Benidorm, Albir, Torrevieja. Hotels from €40-300/night + booking tips.
Where should you stay in Alicante?
Alicante and the Costa Blanca offer everything from a vibrant city pulse in the center to quiet beach paradises and family-friendly resorts. The choice of area depends on what you prioritize: city life and attractions (Alicante Center), beach holidays with great infrastructure (Playa San Juan), parties and water sports (Benidorm), peaceful small towns (Albir, Altea), or a budget-friendly long-term stay (Torrevieja).
Most first-time visitors choose either Alicante Center (culture + beach) or Playa San Juan (beach focus + easy access to the city). Families with children often prefer Albir or Benidorm, while retirees and long-term guests tend to love Torrevieja.
Alicante City Center: Culture, dining, and the Explanada
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, those who want to experience both city life and the beach
Alicante's city center (especially the area around El Barrio/Santa Cruz and the Explanada de España) beautifully combines historical charm with modern amenities. Here you'll find Santa Bárbara Castle, the old town with its narrow streets and tapas bars, the palm-lined Explanada promenade, the harbor featuring the Volvo Ocean Race Museum, and the Central Market. The beach (Playa del Postiguet) is just a 5-minute walk from the center.
Alicante City Center – Explanada de España with its 6.5 million marble tiles and palm avenues
✅ Pros of Alicante City Center
- Walking distance to all main attractions (castle, museums, Explanada, harbor)
- Hundreds of excellent restaurants, tapas bars, cafés, and boutiques
- Proximity to Postiguet Beach (5 min walk) and the TRAM to Playa San Juan
- Great nightlife (El Barrio is packed with bars and clubs)
- Central TRAM connection to the rest of the Costa Blanca (Benidorm, Altea, Denia)
❌ Cons
- Postiguet Beach is quite small and gets very crowded during peak season – Playa San Juan is much better for swimming
- Hotels are generally more expensive than in the beach resort towns (€80-150/night vs €50-100)
- More noise at night, especially in El Barrio and around the harbor
- Difficult/expensive to park if you have a rental car (€15-25/day in a garage)
Recommended Hotels in Alicante Center
🌟 Hostal Les Monges Palace (Budget)
📍 El Barrio, Calle Monjas • €45-70/night
An atmospheric boutique hotel in a renovated 18th-century building right in the middle of the old town. Simple but charming rooms, a roof terrace with castle views, and a 3-minute walk to the Explanada. Perfect for budget travelers who want an authentic stay.
Check prices & availability🌟 Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza (Mid-Range)
📍 Plaza del Ayuntamiento • €90-140/night
A modern 4-star hotel on the city's main square, just a 5-minute walk to the Explanada and Postiguet Beach. Features a rooftop pool with city views, accessible facilities, and is family-friendly. Great breakfast included.
Check prices & availability🌟 Hospes Amérigo Hotel Alicante (Luxury)
📍 Explanada de España • €150-250/night
A sleek design hotel right by the famous palm promenade offering direct views of the Mediterranean. Rooftop pool, spa, and the Michelin-recommended restaurant Monastrell. Spacious, modern rooms just 2 minutes from the beach.
Check prices & availabilityPlaya San Juan: Alicante's Best Beach Resort Area
Best for: Beach holidays, families, couples, those who want to combine the beach with city access
Playa San Juan is a modern beach area located 7 km north of Alicante's city center, boasting a 7 km continuous stretch of sand, a promenade full of restaurants, and excellent infrastructure. This is where the locals go to swim – the beach is wider, cleaner, and less crowded than Postiguet. TRAM Line 1 runs directly to the city center (15 min, €1.50).
Playa San Juan – 7 km of golden sandy beach with palm-lined avenues and modern infrastructure
✅ Pros of Playa San Juan
- 7 km long Blue Flag-certified beach with crystal clear water and fine sand
- Modern beachfront promenade (Paseo Marítimo) featuring 50+ restaurants, beach clubs, and cafés
- Only 15 mins by TRAM to Alicante Center (€1.50) – the perfect mix of beach and city
- Highly family-friendly: playgrounds, lifeguards, wheelchair access, water sports (SUP, surf, kayaking)
- Quieter and more relaxing than the city center – better sleep quality at night
- Great selection of supermarkets (Mercadona, Consum, Carrefour)
❌ Cons
- Less "authentic" – features more modern apartment complexes than old Spanish charm
- You must take the tram to reach major cultural sights (Santa Bárbara Castle, museums)
- More spread out – lacks the dense concentration of bars and restaurants found in the center
Recommended Hotels in Playa San Juan
🌟 Hotel Gran Sol (Budget-Mid)
📍 20 meters from the beach • €55-95/night
A family-run beach hotel offering direct sea views from most rooms. Simple but very clean, featuring a large pool area and a great value breakfast. Very popular among international families. TRAM station just 200m away.
Check prices & availability🌟 Meliá Alicante (Mid-Range)
📍 Beachfront location • €100-170/night
A modern 4-star chain hotel right on the beach with its own private beach club. Rooftop pool, spa, 3 restaurants, kids' club, and spacious family rooms. Breakfast buffet included. TRAM connection right outside. Very child-friendly.
Check prices & availability🌟 CIVITEL Olymp Hotel (Luxury)
📍 Cabo de las Huertas • €180-320/night
An exclusive 5-star spa hotel located on the cliffs near San Juan. Infinity pool with ocean views, Michelin-starred dining, private swimming platforms, and a yoga studio. Adult-oriented (not recommended for small children). Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Check prices & availabilityBenidorm: Parties, Skyscrapers, and All-Inclusive Resorts
Best for: Young adults, party-goers, families looking for all-inclusive resorts, lovers of a Vegas-style atmosphere
Benidorm (30 km north of Alicante, 40 mins by TRAM) is the Costa Blanca's answer to Las Vegas – skyscrapers, neon lights, British pubs, massive theme parks (Terra Mítica, Aqualandia), and two incredibly long beaches (Levante and Poniente). This is not authentic Spain, but if you want a high-energy holiday with all-inclusive hotels, watersports, intense nightlife, and endless entertainment, Benidorm is perfect.
Benidorm – The Las Vegas of the Costa Blanca with its towering skyline, theme parks, and legendary nightlife
✅ Pros of Benidorm
- 2 massive beaches (Levante = party, Poniente = families) with excellent facilities
- Hundreds of all-inclusive hotels (offering the best value for families)
- Major theme and water parks (Terra Mítica, Aqualandia, Terra Natura, Mundomar)
- Intense nightlife (clubs, bars, live cabaret shows) – heavily British-oriented
- Only 40 mins by TRAM from Alicante (€3.60), making day trips very easy
- Highly affordable restaurants, pints, and supermarkets
❌ Cons
- Extremely crowded in July and August – the beaches can be packed shoulder-to-shoulder
- Very little authentic Spanish culture – catered mostly to British and Northern European tourists
- High noise levels – bars and clubs stay open late into the night
- The towering high-rises cast shadows over the beach in the late afternoon (especially Levante)
Recommended Hotels in Benidorm
🌟 RH Vinaròs (Budget All-Inclusive)
📍 Poniente Beach • €60-110/night (all-inclusive)
An affordable all-inclusive hotel located just 200m from Poniente beach. Simple buffet for breakfast/dinner, a kids' pool, and daily entertainment. Incredible value for families on a strict budget. Slightly dated decor, but very clean and functional.
Check prices & availability🌟 Hotel Mediterraneo Benidorm (Mid-Range)
📍 Levante Beach • €90-150/night
A modern 4-star family hotel situated right on Levante beach. Features a rooftop pool, spa, kids' club, and evening entertainment. A newer property with an excellent breakfast buffet. Very close to the theme parks and the TRAM station.
Check prices & availability🌟 Gran Hotel Bali (Luxury + Views)
📍 Benidorm skyline • €150-280/night
Spain's tallest hotel (186 meters, 52 floors) offering unbeatable panoramic views across the Costa Blanca. Rooftop pool, 4 restaurants, a spa, and its own nightclub. It is not directly on the beach (10 min walk), but the view more than makes up for it.
Check prices & availabilityAlbir & Altea: Quiet, Family-Friendly Alternatives
Best for: Families, couples, retirees, and travelers looking to avoid mass tourism
Albir (35 km north, right next to Benidorm) and Altea (45 km north) are much quieter, family-friendly alternatives to the chaos of Benidorm. Albir boasts a beautiful pebble beach, a lovely palm promenade, and a large international community. Altea is a stunning white-washed village (pueblo blanco) set on a hill, famous for its crafts, art galleries, and a highly romantic old town.
Albir – A peaceful pebble beach with a beautiful promenade and a large expat community
Altea – A picturesque white village famous for its art galleries, iconic blue dome, and romantic atmosphere
✅ Pros of Albir & Altea
- Much quieter and far less crowded than Benidorm – a true small-town feel
- Albir: Beautiful promenade, highly family-friendly, and easy to navigate
- Altea: Incredible old town, cozy cobblestone streets, art galleries, very romantic
- Easy TRAM connection to Alicante (45 min, €4) and Benidorm (10 min)
- Slightly lower price point than Alicante city center
❌ Cons
- Both Albir and Altea have pebble/stone beaches (not sand) – water shoes are recommended!
- A smaller selection of restaurants and nightlife compared to Benidorm/Alicante
- 45 minutes by tram to Alicante – can feel a bit far if you want to visit the city frequently
Recommended Hotels in Albir & Altea
🌟 Hotel Albir Playa & Spa (Albir – Mid-Range)
📍 200m from Albir beach • €70-120/night
A modern 4-star family hotel equipped with a spa, indoor/outdoor pools, and a kids' club. Offers spacious apartments with kitchenettes. Very popular among international families. Quiet location, yet very close to restaurants and the beach.
Check prices & availability🌟 Hotel Cap Negret (Altea – Luxury)
📍 Cliffside in Altea • €160-280/night
A stunning boutique hotel offering sweeping sea views, an infinity pool, and a gourmet restaurant. Adults-only (or children over 12). Absolutely perfect for romantic getaways. A short 10-minute drive up to Altea's old town.
Check prices & availabilityTorrevieja: Budget Holidays & Large Expat Community
Best for: Budget travelers, long-term stays, over-wintering retirees
Torrevieja (40 km south of Alicante, 40 mins by bus) is home to one of Spain's largest international and British expat communities. Thousands of foreigners live here permanently or spend the winter months here. The city features long sandy beaches (La Mata, Playa del Cura), two spectacular salt lagoons (one pink and one green!), and an enormous supply of affordable rental apartments. Torrevieja feels more like a residential "home away from home" than a pure tourist resort.
Torrevieja La Mata – A beautiful long sandy beach surrounded by affordable apartments and a strong expat network
✅ Pros of Torrevieja
- The absolute cheapest area on the Costa Blanca – apartments starting from just €30-50/night
- Over 5 km of fine sandy beaches (La Mata in the northeast is best for families)
- Huge expat community – international supermarkets, pubs, and English widely spoken
- Mild winter climate – the top destination for long-term winter escapes (Dec–March)
- Good bus connections to Alicante Airport (40 min) and Murcia (30 min)
❌ Cons
- Very little authentic Spanish culture – the town is heavily dominated by expats and tourism
- The central beaches get extremely crowded in July and August
- The architecture is heavily characterized by 1970s and 80s concrete apartment blocks
- 40 minutes by bus to Alicante (there is no TRAM line connection)
Recommended Accommodation in Torrevieja
🌟 Apartment via Airbnb/Booking.com
📍 Center or La Mata • €30-60/night
Torrevieja has thousands of private apartments available for rent. The absolute best way to stay here is by renting through Airbnb or Booking.com. 1-bedroom apartments usually go for €30-50/night, and 2-bedrooms for €50-80/night. Perfect for long stays (1+ weeks). Choose the La Mata area for the best beach experience.
Search apartments on AirbnbArea Guide: Compare Alicante & Costa Blanca
Which town suits your trip best? Here is a quick overview:
| Area | Best For | Price/Night | Beach Quality | City Life/Culture | TRAM to Alicante |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante Center | Culture, food, city breaks | €80-150 | Postiguet (Small) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | – |
| Playa San Juan | Beach life + city access | €60-120 | 7 km sand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 15 min |
| Benidorm | Parties, theme parks, family | €70-140 | 2 long beaches ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 40 min |
| Albir | Quiet family holiday | €60-110 | Pebble beach ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 45 min |
| Altea | Romance, art, couples | €80-180 | Pebble beach ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 45 min |
| Torrevieja | Long stays, budget travel | €30-70 | La Mata sand ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | None (40 min bus) |
Budget Tips: How to save money on accommodation
Get more out of your travel budget in Alicante with these top tips:
- Book 2–3 months in advance: Hotel prices often rise by 30–50% for last-minute bookings. Platforms like Booking.com usually offer the best flexible terms.
- Avoid July and August: Prices double during the absolute peak season. Travel in June or September for better weather and lower prices.
- Rent an apartment instead of a hotel: Airbnb apartments cost €40-70/night (compared to €80-150 for a hotel room). Having your own kitchen saves thousands on restaurant bills.
- Look for long-term discounts in Torrevieja: If you book an apartment for a full month during the winter, the nightly rate plummets (often around €600-800 for the entire month!).
- Compare prices: Use Trivago, Kayak, or Google Hotels to search across all booking platforms simultaneously.
- Skip the hotel breakfast: Many hotels in Spain charge €10-15 per day for breakfast. Instead, walk down to the nearest local bakery and buy coffee and fresh croissants for €3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where should I stay – in the center or by the beach?
It depends entirely on your priorities. The City Center is best if you love tapas bars, shopping, and historical alleys (though Postiguet beach is quite small). Playa San Juan is superior if a pristine sandy beach is your main focus – you get a spectacular beach and can easily take the TRAM (15 min) into town in the evening.
Is Benidorm worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for high energy, theme parks, and all-inclusive resorts. Benidorm is fantastic for families with kids (the water parks are amazing) and party-going tourists. No, if you are seeking silence and authentic Spanish culture. For the latter, Altea is a much better choice.
How much does a hotel in Alicante cost per night?
Budget: €40-70 (hostels, simple guesthouses, apartments). Mid-Range: €80-150 (nice 4-star hotels). Luxury: €150-300 (5-star spa hotels, rooftop pools). Expect prices to be 50-100% higher in July and August.
Is Torrevieja a good place to stay?
Yes! If you want a cheap long-term holiday (several weeks/months), love meeting other expats, and want to escape the winter cold, Torrevieja is unbeatable. However, if you are looking for a trendy weekend city break in a purely Spanish environment, Alicante city center is better.
Does Airbnb work well in Alicante?
Absolutely! The Costa Blanca has tens of thousands of well-maintained Airbnb apartments. Prices often range between €40-70/night for a good location. Important: Always verify that the apartment displays an official tourist license number (this is a legal requirement in Spain) to avoid any issues upon check-in.
How do I get from my hotel to the airport?
From Alicante center: C-6 Airport bus (€4.50, 25 min) or taxi (€20-23, 15 min). From Playa San Juan: Take the TRAM to the center and switch to the C-6 bus, or take a taxi directly (€25-30). From Benidorm/Altea: The ALSA bus goes directly to the airport (€6-8, 45-60 min).
Updated: February 2026. Hotel prices and availability vary greatly by season. Always check current prices via Booking.com or the hotel's official website before planning your trip. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which help us run the site at no extra cost to you.