Holidays in Alicante, Valencia & Málaga Local tips for your perfect Mediterranean getaway
Are you planning a holiday in Alicante, Valencia, or Málaga? Here you will find local tips on holiday homes, apartments, hotels, cheap flights to Alicante/Valencia/Málaga, airport car hire, and package deals along the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and the Valencia coast.
These three destinations offer mild winters, over 300 days of sunshine a year, Blue Flag beaches, and short distances from the airports. Alicante is the gateway to the Costa Blanca (Albir, Altea, Torrevieja), Valencia tempts with the Oceanogràfic, the historic center, and its famous marathon, while Málaga is the entrance to the Costa del Sol (Nerja, Fuengirola, Marbella) featuring the Caminito del Rey and amazing tapas.
Popular searches: holiday homes in the Alicante area, golf courses near Málaga, family hotels in Valencia, Alicante airport transfers to Benidorm, Valencia weather in spring, and Málaga weather in November. We cover things to do in Alicante/Valencia/Málaga with kids, shopping (Primark, Zara), beaches, and distances between the cities.
In the menu, you will find dedicated pages for Alicante weather month by month, flights & transfers, hotels & holiday homes, activities, beaches, and shopping in all three cities – fully optimized for your travel planning.
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Why choose Alicante, Valencia, or Málaga?
Popular Areas in Alicante, Valencia, and Málaga
The best places for holiday homes, hotels, and beach life – based on what travelers love the most.
Alicante City Center
Castle, promenade, shopping – short distance from Alicante Airport
- Santa Bárbara Castle
- Explanada de España
- Primark & Zara
Albir / Alfaz del Pi
International vibe, lighthouse walk, quiet beach – a coastal paradise
- El Albir Blue Flag beach
- Lighthouse hike (5 km)
- International shops & clinics
Valencia City Center
Aquarium, cathedral, marathon – a city of culture by the beach
- Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest)
- Valencia Cathedral (Holy Grail)
- Marathon March 2026
Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia's city beach, 4 km long – bike paths & beach bars
- 4 km Blue Flag beach
- Bike path to the center
- Authentic Paella restaurants
Málaga City Center
Picasso Museum, tapas, old town – the capital of the Costa del Sol
- Alcazaba fortress
- Picasso Museum
- Calle Larios shopping
Nerja / Costa del Sol
Caves, beaches, 30 min from Málaga Airport – a holiday favorite
- Nerja Caves (world's longest)
- Balcón de Europa
- Burriana Beach
Things to do in Valencia, Alicante, and Málaga
City of Arts & Sciences
Valencia Aquarium (Oceanogràfic) – Europe's largest aquarium with dolphins and sharks.
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral with the Holy Grail and views from the Miguelete tower (207 steps).
Santa Bárbara Castle
Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante – Spain's largest medieval fortress with incredible views.
Albir Lighthouse Walk
Family-friendly lighthouse hike starting from El Albir beach in Alfaz del Pi (5 km).
Alcazaba Málaga
Alcazaba Fortress in Málaga – 11th-century Moorish palace with gardens, museums, and panoramic views of the city and port.
Valencia Marathon
Valencia Marathon / Half Marathon – international running event in March (10k available too).
Picasso Museum Málaga
Museo Picasso Málaga – Pablo Picasso's hometown featuring over 200 paintings, sculptures, and ceramics in a historic palace.
Golf Courses Alicante
Golf courses in the Alicante area – Bonalba, Alenda, and Las Colinas near the Costa Blanca.
Valencia Old Town
Old Town Valencia (Ciutat Vella) – explore the cathedral, central market, and Lonja de la Seda.
Gibralfaro Castle Málaga
Castillo de Gibralfaro – medieval mountaintop fortress offering Málaga's best panoramic views of the city, port, and Costa del Sol.
Algar Waterfalls
Natural waterfalls and swimming pools – a highly popular day trip near Alicante.
Málaga Cathedral
La Manquita ("The One-Armed Lady") – magnificent Renaissance cathedral with rooftop views and an unfinished south tower.
Water Parks Alicante
Water parks in Alicante – Aquarama or Aqualandia for families and thrilling water slides.
Alicante Old Town
Old Town Alicante – 'El Barrio' with authentic tapas bars, churches, and Santa Bárbara Castle.
Shopping Alicante
Shopping in Alicante – Sephora, Primark, El Corte Inglés, Zara in Gran Vía, and Zenia Boulevard outlet.
San Juan Beach
Playa San Juan Alicante – 7 km long Blue Flag beach with beach bars, volleyball nets, and bike paths.
Map: Alicante, Valencia & Málaga
The three cities + coastal areas – distances and travel times below.
Alicante - Valencia
Alicante - Málaga
Valencia - Málaga
Useful Booking Links
Cheap flights to Alicante/Valencia/Málaga, hotels, Valencia Marathon, golf courses in Alicante/Málaga, car hire at Alicante Airport, and transport – direct booking.
Skyscanner: cheap flight tickets to Alicante from Europe
Flights to ValenciaFly to Valencia directly – EasyJet/Ryanair and more
Flights to MálagaCheap flights to Málaga – Direct flights to the Costa del Sol
Hotels in AlicanteBooking.com: Hotels near Santa Bárbara Castle & the beaches
Hotels in ValenciaCity center hotels near the Aquarium & Old Town
Hotels in MálagaCosta del Sol – close to the Picasso Museum & beaches
Valencia Marathon 2026Registration Valencia Marathon – the world's fastest (36k spots)
Golf Alicante & MálagaTee times: Alicante Golf, Bonalba, Las Colinas
Car Hire Alicante Airportcar hire Alicante airport – full-to-full, no deposit needed (Rentalcars)
Airport Transfers Alicanteairport transfers Alicante – Benidorm/Torrevieja shuttle buses
Taxi Málaga Airporttaxi Málaga airport – fixed price rides to Nerja/Costa del Sol
Boat Trips Alicanteboat trips Alicante – Tabarca Island, catamaran from the harbor
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Budget
Hostels, Airbnb, budget hotels
Mid-range
3-4★ hotels, mid-range Airbnb
Luxury
4-5★ hotels, boutique
With Kids
Family hotels, apartments with pools
Contact & who we are
Born in Spain, living in Scandinavia. Experts on the Valencia, Alicante, and Málaga regions. **10+ years of experience** helping Scandinavian travelers with hidden gems, local tips, and perfect planning.