Alicante is the kind of city that makes a short break feel effortless. Set on the Costa Blanca, it combines city beaches, a lively old town and mild weather almost all year round, with a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm that's easy to fall into.
It works brilliantly for couples who want sun, good food and evening strolls by the sea, and just as well for families looking for easy beach days with plenty to do in between. Spring and autumn are especially lovely: warm enough for the beach, but without the summer crowds.
Make sure you visit:
Begin high up at Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, with sweeping views over the bay and the city rooftops. Ride up in the lift that starts by Postiguet beach, then stroll back down through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a maze of whitewashed houses, steep steps and flowerpots clinging to the castle slope.
Down at sea level, join the locals on the Explanada de España, the palm-lined promenade famous for its wavy mosaic pavement, and follow it to the marina for a drink at sunset. Nearby, the Basilica of Santa María and the Modernist Mercado Central are well worth a look, the market especially in the morning, when the stalls are at their best.
Beaches we think you'll like:
Postiguet is right in the city centre, perfect for a quick swim between sightseeing, with the castle rising just behind. For more space, take the tram to San Juan Beach, a long stretch of fine golden sand with shallow water that families love.
Albufereta is a smaller, calmer bay between the two, while the coves of Cabo de las Huertas offer rocky corners and clear water for snorkelling, a more natural setting just a few minutes from town.
Family-friendly activities:
Children love the lift up to the castle, which runs through a tunnel carved into the mountain, and the fortress itself has plenty of walls and lookouts to explore. Afterwards, the MARQ Archaeological Museum brings history to life with interactive displays, a great option for a hot afternoon.
For a full day out, catch a boat from the port to Tabarca Island (about an hour), a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear water, a tiny walled village and quiet spots to swim. If you visit in June, the Hogueras de San Juan festival fills the streets with giant sculptures, music and fireworks.
Local delicacies you have to try:
Rice is king in Alicante. Book a table for lunch and order arroz a banda, cooked in rich fish stock, or arroz del senyoret, made with peeled seafood so you don't have to get your hands dirty; arroz negro, coloured with squid ink, is another local favourite.
At the Mercado Central or in a traditional tapas bar, try the salazones, cured fish such as mojama (salted tuna) and roe, which go perfectly with a cold drink. For something sweet, look out for turrón from Jijona, the almond nougat made just up the road.
Make the most of your visit:
Alicante is an easy base for exploring the Costa Blanca. These are our favourite trips nearby:
- Elche (25 minutes): a vast palm grove listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Villajoyosa (30 minutes): brightly painted houses by the sea and a long chocolate-making tradition.
- Altea (45 minutes): a whitewashed old town crowned by a blue-domed church.
- Guadalest (1 hour): a mountain village perched on a rock above a turquoise reservoir.
