Alicante, Spain
Alicante captivated us with its seaside beauty, lively culture, and delicious food. Situated along the Mediterranean coast, Alicante offers the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. Whether lounging on sandy beaches or exploring charming streets, there’s something for everyone. Surrounded by the laid-back vibe and irresistible allure of this Spanish paradise.
We stayed in Alicante for 9 days during the warm summer month of July. There was more than enough time to see the city, beautiful beaches, and nearby towns. The city bordering the Mediterranean Sea should be on your list of places to visit if you want warm beaches and great food.
When To Visit
Alicante is very warm during the summer months, and when we visited in July, the temperature was around 90° fahrenheit or 31° celsius. The humidity was extremely high, making it even hotter. We would recommend visiting during June, July, August or September as you will get to enjoy the weather and beaches. If you want the weather to be slightly cooler, visiting in late August or September is recommended.
There are many festivals and parties that happen throughout the summer months in Alicante. We attended street parties that lasted into the night, and festivals where statues were burned in the street. The city is most lively in the summer, and visiting during this time will give you many different options on what you want to do.
Food
Alicante has some of the best food that we’ve eaten; fresh seafood and amazing dishes throughout the city. Popular dishes include paella, patatas bravas, and jamón. There are many different rice dishes, but one that sticks out is the lobster paella. In many restaurants, you can pick other types of meat other than seafood. Whether you’re exploring the markets or enjoying a leisurely meal along the coastline, Alicante offers a variety of Mediterranean cuisine.
On top of the amazing food, the food in Spain is much cheaper than what we are used to in California and Finland. Most of the time, we wouldn’t spend more than 10 euros per person at a restaurant, while still getting great quality food.
Nightlife
The night life in Alicante was always a great time and something you should experience while in the city. There are many street parties, clubs, and bars in the city. We went to street parties with our friends, and it was 15 euros for two nights of access. The prices of drinks were extremely cheap at the parties; the most expensive drink was only three euros. Prices will vary depending on where you go, but are still cheap.
If visiting with friends or people you meet on your travels, buying your own alcohol can be beneficial. Store bought drinks are very cheap, making it easy to have a wide selection for everybody. If its just having a relaxing night in or pre-gaming before going out, buying your own drinks is a great way to get the night started.
Where To Stay
Picking between a hotel and an Airbnb can me difficult, as it depends on where you want to stay and who you are traveling with. While we were visiting Alicante, our friend who is a local hosted us at her house. After doing some research, I would recommend staying at an Airbnb if you are traveling with a group of people, as it will cut costs. If traveling alone or with another person, a hotel would be better.
With a wide range of accommodations available, from apartments in the historic Old Town to beachfront villas overlooking the Mediterranean, there is something for everybody’s budget. One of the advantages of choosing Airbnb is the chance to experience Alicante like a local, with hosts often providing insider tips on the best places to eat, shop, and explore. Additionally, many Airbnb properties come with kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their own meals with fresh ingredients from the local markets.
Places To See
While visiting, these things should be a must-see on your list:
- Castell de Santa Bàrbara
- Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Tabarca Island
- Casa Carbonell
- Downtown
- Benidorm
- Altea
Alicante offers many different attractions for everybody to see. If you enjoy historical monuments or sunbathing on the beach, there will be something for every person to enjoy. On our stay, we traveled to nearby towns via train. These towns offered great beaches, amazing restaurants, and spectacular views.
Descriptions Of Sites
Castell de Santa Bàrbara is an ancient fortress that offers great views of Alicante and the sea. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, dungeons, and ramparts while learning about its rich history dating back to the 9th century.
Barrio de Santa Cruz has narrow cobblestone alleys lined with colorful houses, shops, and hidden squares. Discover hidden gems around every corner in old-town Alicante.
Tabarca Island is a short boat ride off the coast of Alicante. This island boasts amazing beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a fishing village, making it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.
Casa Carbonell is one of Alicante’s most iconic buildings. This masterpiece features stone carvings, decorative balconies, and a distinctive tiled facade, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Downtown Alicante offers many different shops, restaurants, and sites to see. Walking down the streets of the city can offer great views and places to stop and see.
Benidorm is a beach town a train ride away from Alicante. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and skyscrapers lining the sky.
Altea is a town located on the Costa Blanca in Spain, is known for its old town, stunning Mediterranean views, and beaches. The water is warm and clear, and offers many festivals throughout the year.
Crime
The only type of crime we were warned about is pickpocketing. This usually only happens in popular tourist areas, but you should be aware and take precautions when traveling anywhere throughout the city. A tip to avoid being pickpocketed is keeping your phone, wallet, and any other valuables in your front pocket. Having these items in your back pocket make it easy for people to grab them. Also, we would recommend leaving watches, rings, and bracelets wherever you are staying, as these items get pickpocketed as well.
Overview
Alicante has many things to offer, and is a great city to travel to. With beautiful beaches and great weather, visiting Spain should be on everybody’s list. The great food will make you never want to leave, while the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea are always a site to see. This budget friendly country is great for young travelers and people that enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Alicante was one of our favorite places we’ve traveled, and we’re sure it will be on your list too.
