Holiday in Alicante
City in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸
Country
Spain
Type
City
Best time to travel
April–June, September–November
Budget/day
70–120 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin in 2.5 hours. Alicante-Elche (ALC) is the fifth largest airport in Spain.
About Alicante
Alicante is the sun-drenched capital of the Costa Blanca, combining Mediterranean beach life with a vibrant old town at the foot of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara fortress. The fortress towers over the 166-meter-high Benacantil mountain and offers one of the most impressive panoramic views of the Spanish Mediterranean coast — from here you can overlook the city, the harbor, and the island of Tabarca on the horizon. A free elevator takes you up through the rock. The Explanada de España, a palm-lined promenade with 6.5 million colored marble stones in a wave pattern, is the heart of urban life and the scene of the evening Paseo. The Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old town below the castle, enchants with colorful houses, steep alleys, and viewpoints. The Archaeological Museum MARQ was awarded European Museum of the Year in 2004. Alicante is also the gateway to Isla de Tabarca — Spain's smallest inhabited marine reserve, reachable in 45 minutes by boat, with crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and a single excellent fish restaurant. The Hogueras de San Juan in June is Alicante's biggest festival: giant papier-mâché figures are burned, fireworks light up the sky, and the city celebrates for a week. Culinary highlights include Arroz a Banda, Turrón de Jijona (almond nougat, since the 15th century), and the wines of D.O. Alicante. The climate with over 300 sunny days makes the city a year-round travel destination.
Top 5 highlights in Alicante
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
The mighty fortress on the 166 m high Benacantil mountain offers a 360° panoramic view over the city, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea. The ascent is particularly worthwhile at sunset.
Explanada de España
The famous harbor promenade with its mosaic of 6.5 million marble stones in wave form is the landmark of Alicante and a meeting point for locals and visitors.
Barrio Santa Cruz
The oldest district of Alicante on the slopes of Benacantil impresses with narrow alleys, colorful facades, flower pots, and small plazas — a photo opportunity at every corner.
Playa del Postigüt
The golden city beach lies directly below the castle and offers fine sand, calm waters, and a promenade with Chiringuitos.
Mercado Central
The Art Nouveau market hall from 1921 is a feast for the senses: fresh fish, fruits, spices, olives, and local Turrón — best visited in the morning.
Hotels in Alicante
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Alicante
Recommended travel time
April–June, September–November
Summer
Hot and dry, 28–34 °C, little rain, light sea breeze in the afternoon
Winter
One of the mildest winters in Europe, 12–18 °C, rarely below 8 °C, occasional rainy days
How much does a holiday in Alicante cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
35–55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
70–120 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
180–350 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Alicante
Compare thousands of package holidays to Alicante and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Alicante
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The elevator to Castillo de Santa Bárbara starts for free opposite Playa del Postigüt — most tourists only know the paid lift on the other side.
The El Barrio district (north of the Rambla) has the best tapas bars in the city — especially Calle San Francisco is full of locals in the evening.
The tram from Alicante to Benidorm runs directly along the coast and is one of the most beautiful train routes in Spain — for under 4 euros.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a huge flea market takes place at Plaza de Toros — perfect for vintage finds and local handicrafts.
Isla Tabarca (30 minutes by boat from the harbor) has the only marine reserve in the region — snorkeling in crystal clear water.
Food & drink in Alicante
These specialties you must try!
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