Whether you're in the mood for a city break, a beach holiday, or a mix of both, Alicante is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Located in Spain’s Costa Blanca region, its year-round mild climate makes it an ideal destination, no matter when you decide to visit.
My partner and I recently spent two days and three nights exploring all that Alicante has to offer. If you’re thinking about visiting this Spanish city soon, here are my recommendations on where to stay, things to do, and where to eat and drink.
*Our flights and hotel were kindly provided by Jet2 Holidays but all opinions are entirely my own*
Travelling to Alicante
Direct flights to Alicante with Jet2 are available from many major UK cities. If you live in the West Midlands, flights from Birmingham Airport are convenient and affordable. The entire process, from checking in online to boarding the plane couldn’t have gone smoother, and once we landed it was only a 30-minute bus ride from the airport to the city centre.
Where to Stay in Alicante
We spent 3 nights at Hospes Amerigo, a 5-star hotel located close to the Explanada de España, one of the most popular pedestrian walkways in the city. Formerly a Dominican convent, the hotel also has a spa and rooftop pool with stunning views of Santa Barbara Castle. It was one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The room was spacious and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming - you know you’re in for a great stay when you’re offered a glass of cava on arrival!
Things to do in Alicante
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Alicante is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Santa Barbara Castle). Situated on top of Mount Benacantil, it has stunning 360º views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle can be accessed for free by foot however we decided to take the lift which cost €2.70 per person.
Alicante is also home to several beautiful beaches. The weather when we visited in January was sunny with temperatures of around 20ºC so it was warm enough to sunbathe but a little too cold to dive into the sea!
Benidorm is also only a 45-minute bus ride away where you’ll find more sandy beaches, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions.
Where to eat and drink in Alicante
On our first night in Alicante, we stumbled upon La Taberna del Gourmet which offers a selection of tapas and Spanish dishes. It was conveniently located a short walk from our hotel, and while the portions were small and it was the most expensive meal of the holiday, the food was delicious.
For dinner and drinks with a view, check out EL PONT which specialises in seafood and fresh fish. The vegetarian options are limited, however, I’d recommend the pesto pasta with a side of patatas bravas if you’re feeling hungry.
My favourite meal of the holiday was at NOMAD Alicante which was a 15-20 minute walk from our hotel. The menu looked small but we ordered 5 dishes and found that was more than enough. I’m still dreaming about the pistachio hummus and truffle linguine! The staff were also super helpful and were happy to make recommendations.
One thing to remember when dining out in Spain is that meal times are typically later than in the UK. Many restaurants close in the late afternoon and don’t reopen until around 7 or 8pm so double-check before you head out.
Thankfully there are many cocktail bars in Alicante where you can enjoy pre (or post) dinner drinks. My favourite was The Whisper Cocktail Company which has an extensive menu featuring both classic cocktails and unique creations.
For craft beer and ale, head to Bubbles Beer Club where you’ll find a wide selection in the fridge and on tap.
Would I recommend Alicante?
Yes! If you’re looking for cheap holidays in Spain’s Costa Blanca region, City Breaks to Alicante with Jet2Holidays offer great food and a laid-back vibe. Two days was the perfect amount of time to explore the city, but if you can spare a little more time, it’s also a great base for day trips to Benidorm and other nearby towns.
I hope you found this Alicante Travel Guide helpful! Where is your favourite place to visit in Spain?
