Alicante Guide 2026
The pearl of the Costa Blanca featuring Santa Bárbara Castle, golden beaches, top golf courses, and 300 days of sunshine a year. Direct flights from across Europe.
Why Alicante?
Alicante (Alacant in Valencian) is a vibrant port city on the Costa Blanca with 336,000 inhabitants. It is famous for its iconic Santa Bárbara Castle, white sandy beaches, the modern Explanada promenade, and its authentic Spanish charm. The city is a highly popular destination for travelers seeking sun, beach life, excellent food, and reasonable prices compared to Marbella or Ibiza.
What sets Alicante apart from other Costa Blanca destinations is its perfect balance of city and beach: you get the metropolitan pulse (cafés, shopping, culture) and over 10 beautiful beaches within 30 minutes. Many visitors use Alicante as a home base for day trips to Benidorm (30 min), Torrevieja (45 min), Albir/Altea (40 min), or Guadalest (1 hour).
Alicante – Capital of the Costa Blanca featuring Santa Bárbara Castle, Postiguet Beach, and 300 days of sunshine
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (June–Sept, 28–32°C) and mild winters (Dec–Feb, 12–17°C). The sea is warm enough for swimming from May to October (20–26°C). Best time to visit: April–June and September–October for comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices.
Quick Overview: Monthly Weather
- January–March: 12–17°C, little rain, perfect for golf and sightseeing
- April–June: 18–26°C, ideal for families and active holidays
- July–August: 28–33°C, peak season (high prices, crowded), prime beach season
- Sept–Nov: 20–26°C, warm sea water (23°C in Sept), quieter beaches
- December: 14°C, rarely rains, popular for winter escapes and markets
Flights and Transport
Direct flights from London, Manchester, and major European cities are frequent, taking roughly 2.5 hours. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is located just 9 km south of the city center. Getting from the airport is easy: use the C-6 airport bus (approx. €4.50, 30 min), a taxi (approx. €20-25), Uber/Cabify, or rent a car.
Popular transfers from Alicante Airport
- Alicante → Benidorm (45 min bus/car)
- Alicante → Torrevieja (50 min bus)
- Alicante → Albir/Altea (40–50 min)
- Car hire at the airport (from approx. €10/day)
Beaches and Areas
Alicante boasts 11+ official beaches within the city and its surroundings, ranging from urban city beaches (Postiguet) to long sandy stretches with palm-lined promenades (Playa San Juan). All are Blue Flag certified with clean facilities, lifeguards, and accessible access.
Postiguet – City beach just 5 minutes from the center
San Juan – 7 km of golden sand lined with palm trees
- Playa del Postiguet – The city beach at the foot of Santa Bárbara, a 10-minute walk from the center, perfect for a quick dip.
- Playa de San Juan – Alicante's best beach: 7 km of golden sand, a bustling promenade, restaurants, and water sports. 20 min by tram (TRAM) from the center.
- Playa de la Albufereta – A calm bay north of the city, popular with locals and great for snorkeling.
- Albir (35 min drive) – A Blue Flag pebble beach with turquoise water, surrounded by mountains, highly popular for international families.
- Benidorm (30 min drive) – Levante and Poniente beaches, skyscrapers, and vibrant nightlife.
Things to Do in Alicante
From cultural heritage to nature experiences, golf, and family activities – Alicante has something for everyone.
Santa Bárbara – Europe's second-largest Moorish fortress offering 360° panoramic views
Attractions
- Santa Bárbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara) – 9th-century Moorish fortress, free entry, elevator from the beach (€3), spectacular views.
- Explanada de España – Iconic mosaic promenade made of 6.5 million marble tiles, lined with palm trees and street performers.
- Barrio Santa Cruz (Old Town) – Whitewashed houses, flower pots, tapas bars, and a genuinely Spanish atmosphere.
- MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art) – Modern art including works by Dalí, Miró, Picasso. Free entry.
- Mercado Central – A lively market hall from 1921 selling fresh fish, jamón, fruit, and local delicacies.
Day Trips
- Fuentes del Algar (Algar Waterfalls) – 50 min drive, natural pools and swimmable waterfalls, very popular for families (entry €5).
- Guadalest – Picturesque mountain village with a suspension bridge, castle ruins, and views over a turquoise lake (1 hour drive).
- Tabarca Island – Boat trip from the harbor (45 min), snorkeling, fresh seafood, and a historical fort.
- Elche – UNESCO-listed palm grove (Palmeral) featuring over 200,000 palm trees (30 min by train).
Golf
The Alicante region is home to over 20 golf courses. Favorites include: Bonalba Golf (18 holes, Mutxamel, 15 min from the city), Alicante Golf (Playa San Juan, sea views), and La Finca Golf & Spa Resort (premium course, 30 min south). Green fees range from €40–90 depending on the season.
Alicante with Kids
- Pola Park (Santa Pola, 20 min) – Amusement park with roller coasters, Ferris wheel, and carousels.
- Aquopolis Torrevieja (45 min) – Water park with slides and a wave pool.
- Rio Safari Elche (30 min) – African zoo with giraffes, elephants, and animal shows.
- Playa San Juan – Shallow sandy beach, playgrounds, and ice cream stalls.
Accommodation in Alicante
Where you stay depends on whether you want the city pulse (Center, Explanada), beach life (San Juan, Playa Muchavista), or a base for day trips (Benidorm, Torrevieja, Albir). Prices range from €60/night for budget hotels to €200+ for luxury resorts.
Explanada de España – Iconic palm-lined avenue with 6.5 million marble tiles in an elegant wave pattern
- Center (Explanada/Old Town) – Walking distance to everything, restaurants, shopping. Popular hotels: Hospes Amérigo, Hotel Meliá Alicante, AC Alicante.
- Playa San Juan – Beachfront hotels with pools and all-inclusive options. Favorites: Meliá Alicante, Hotel Maya.
- Albir/Altea (35–40 min) – Quieter, family-friendly, turquoise water, and beautiful mountain backdrops.
- Torrevieja (45 min) – Affordable for long-term rentals (over the winter) with a large international expat community.
- Holiday Homes/Apartments – Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO (highly popular for families and longer stays).
Shopping in Alicante
From exclusive department stores to outlet malls and local markets – Alicante has everything a shopping lover could wish for.
- El Corte Inglés (Maisonnave) – Spain's premier department store for fashion, cosmetics, food, and homeware.
- Gran Vía (Shopping Mall) – Zara, H&M, Mango, Primark, Fnac, cinema. 15 min by bus from the center.
- Plaza Mar 2 (San Juan) – Large mall near the beach, Primark, Alcampo (supermarket), and restaurants.
- Outlet Stores (San Vicente) – Designer outlet 20 mins outside the city: Armani, Hugo Boss, Levi's (30–70% discount).
- Mercado Central – Fresh local produce, jamón, cheese, olives, fruit, and fish.
- Explanada Market (Thursdays) – Handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit Alicante?
April–June and September–October provide ideal weather (20–26°C), fewer tourists, and better hotel prices than July–August. Winter stays (Dec–March) are very popular for retirees – the climate is mild (12–18°C), though the sea is chilly.
How long is the flight from the UK to Alicante?
Direct flights from London or Manchester take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. EasyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways fly the route year-round.
Is Alicante good for families with children?
Yes! Playa San Juan has shallow, safe waters for toddlers, there are nearby water parks (Aquopolis, Aqualandia), zoos (Rio Safari Elche), and many restaurants are highly kid-friendly. Hotels frequently offer kids' clubs and children's pools.
Do people speak English in Alicante?
In tourist areas (hotels, restaurants, airport), English is widely spoken. In the Old Town and local tapas bars, Spanish/Valencian is more common. Learning a few simple phrases ("gracias", "por favor") is always appreciated!
How far is it between Alicante and Valencia?
Approximately 170 km (1h 45min by car via AP-7). The high-speed train (Renfe) takes 1h 55min and costs from €9. Perfect for a day trip to Valencia's Oceanogràfic or the Las Fallas festival (in March).
Do I need to hire a car in Alicante?
No, not if you stay in the center or at Playa San Juan (the tram and bus systems are excellent). Yes, if you want to explore Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls, play golf, or visit quieter coves like Granadella. Car hire costs from around €10-15/day at the airport.
Updated: February 2026. Prices, weather data, and opening hours are subject to change. Always double-check with official sources before you travel. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Images: Unsplash (free for commercial use).