Alicante City Breaks

Q: Is Alicante a good city break?

Whatever you’re looking for in a city break, Alicante is a good choice. This historic city combines food, nightlife and culture with a spectacular coastline, gentle waters and a range of Blue Flag beaches. It’s also a popular destination for golfers, with a huge variety of courses close at hand. There’s even one designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros. Nature reserves are scattered around the city – havens for birdwatchers and wildlife spotters. It’s no surprise that people return to Alicante again and again. There’s just too much to see in a single trip.

Q: Does Alicante have beaches near the city?

The Costa Blanca is rich in beautiful beaches and Alicante has some of the finest. There are beaches and coves all along the coastline. The central one is Playa del Postiguet, a beautiful sandy beach by Alicante harbour. Walk east, and you’ll come to the smaller beaches of Playa de la Albufereta and Playa de la Almadraba, near the Lucentum archaeological museum. Round the headland are some spectacular wild coves. Finally, Playa de las Huertas and Playa de San Juan stretch right along the eastern seafront. The nearby resorts of Villajoyosa and Torrevieja also have wonderful beaches to explore.

Q: How do I get around in Alicante City?

Alicante has an excellent tram network, which makes getting around the city’s main attractions easy. If you want to go further afield, taxis are affordable and plentiful.

Q: What’s the food like in Alicante City?

Alicante is proud of its culinary heritage, and rightly so. Rice and seafood are the stars of the show here, with local twists on classic Valencian dishes like paella, arroz a banda and arroz a costra. The restaurant scene is vibrant, varied and international. You’ll find plenty of exciting options, from Alicantino specialities to Spanish and Mediterranean classics and Chinese, Italian, Thai or Lebanese cuisine. An Alicante holiday is a fabulous choice for foodies. With so much fresh seafood and locally produced ingredients, you can eat well every day on any budget.

Q: Is Alicante a family-friendly city?

With its bars and restaurants, great nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene, Alicante is famous as a destination for sophisticated singles, romantic breaks and groups of friends. But there’s plenty for families, too. The city’s parks and beaches are clean, well-maintained and welcoming for children of all ages. Child-friendly attractions include the Ocean Race Museum, the Nativity Scene Museum and spectacular Santa Barbara Castle. Feel like exploring? Take a boat ride to Tabarca Island, or visit one of the many theme parks in the province.

Q: What should I eat in Alicante City?

Located in Valencia, the rice capital of Spain, Alicante has great dishes like ‘arroz a banda’ (rice, fish stock, saffron and seafood) or ‘arroz al horno’ (oven-baked rice with meat). Seafood is also great here.

Q: When’s the best time for a city break in Alicante?

Alicante enjoys hot summers and mild winters. If you want the classic Costa Blanca summer holiday, you might choose to go in July and August, when temperatures peak and the beaches throng with visitors. But the climate of the Balearic means the beaches are warm and welcoming from May to October. Alicante is a thriving city and its restaurants, museums and attractions are open all year round. No matter when you visit, there’s always something to do.

Q: How far is Alicante City from Benidorm?

Benidorm is about half an hour’s drive. If you don’t feel like hiring a car, you can reach Benidorm in about an hour on public transport. Buses and trams run frequently between the two towns. If you want to explore the Costa Blanca further, you can catch a bus or tram to the beautiful coastal town of Villajoyosa, 20 minutes north of Alicante. The buzzing resort of Torrevieja, half an hour or so south, is also worth a visit. Regular buses run to Torrevieja, and the ride takes an hour and 15 minutes.

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Costa Blanca’s lively capital

With a traditional old quarter, two castles and gorgeous Baroque churches, Alicante has to be one of Spain’s most beautiful cities – and it’s one of the most fun, too. On Alicante holidays, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things to see and do at this popular resort on the Costa Blanca. Immerse yourself in historic sites, fantastic food, gorgeous natural scenery and plenty of places to party.

In the city itself, museums and art galleries will keep culture vultures happy, while foodies will have a field day sampling delicious Valencian specialities at Alicante’s restaurants and cafés. The resort is also popular with stag and hen parties, who come to enjoy Alicante’s legendary nightlife. There are plenty of cocktail bars and clubs where you can go wild until the wee hours of the morning. The next day, try some water sports, take a boat trip or simply catch up on some sleep at the beach. For all-round fun in the sun, holidays to Alicante have it covered.

Best things to do Beaches

Walk the promenade
Framed by swaying palm trees, Alicante’s wavy-patterned, marble-laid promenade is the best place in the city for people-watching. It makes for a great stroll at any time of the day.
Take in some art
Alicante is home to the brilliant MACA – its contemporary art museum – where you can marvel at more than 800 priceless pieces, including works by Dalí, Miró and Picasso.
Feast at the market
Head to the Mercado Central to try the most delicious bites in the city. There are stalls selling cured hams, tangy cheese, fresh fruits, seafood and more.

Enjoy 3 nights in Alicante City from

£137 pp

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Exciting tours and activities

From priority access for attractions, to day trips to historic sites, here’s our must see activities in Alicante City

Valencia visit with panoramic bus and guided walking tours
Valencia visit with panoramic bus and guided walking tours
64 reviews
Valencia isn't just culture – it's also an enticing place to dine out and hit the shops. On this full day tour, you'll have the chance to see the sights on a panoramic bus ride, then get the lowdown on a guided walking tour of the heart of the city. Martí, one of our local guides, says, ‘Valencia has really come out of the shadows in recent decades, and now stands shoulder to shoulder with Barcelona and Madrid in terms of art, culture and cuisine. Our old town, one of the largest in Europe, is packed with sights, with the Silk Exchange shining brightest of all.' You'll start off with a panoramic bus tour for an overview of the city and an explanation of some of the major sights. Once you leave the bus, you'll set off on a guided walking tour around the city. Your expert local guide will show you around, sharing local insight into the history and explaining some of the highlights. When the tour is over, you'll have free time to explore further, grab a bite to eat or browse the shops.The streets around Calle Colon, a modern boulevard, boast all kinds of stores – from global high street brands to luxury goods shops as well as the latest in technology. There are also smaller, original boutiques selling haute couture clothing. Martí adds, ‘If all that shopping tires you out, pop over to the art nouveau Colon Market. It's evolved into an epicurean food hall and is a go-to, not just for the nibbles but for the design of the building itself. It's a good spot to take a break at one of the cafés.'
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from £41 pp
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Costa Blanca mountain tour to Guadalest and Algar Falls
Costa Blanca mountain tour to Guadalest and Algar Falls
47 reviews
Two of the Costa Blanca's most beautiful inland spots are the star turns of morning excursion. You'll visit the fairytale village of Guadalest and the beautiful Algar waterfalls. Expect amazing scenery and a dramatic drive as you twist and turn along narrow mountain roads.
Free cancellation
from £32 pp
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Benidorm Palace Variety Show Ticket
Benidorm Palace Variety Show Ticket
129 reviews
With 40 years of success in producing live variety shows, it's no wonder Benidorm Palace garners rave reviews and is voted best in the Costa Blanca year after year. The Palace's cabarets are the stuff of legend and feature world-class artistes performing the best of Spanish entertainment.
Free cancellation
from £47 pp
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Valencia Your Way
Valencia Your Way
17 reviews
If the lure of some shopping and sightseeing in Spain's third-largest city is tempting, then this full day trip to Valencia is just the ticket. You'll be transferred by bus to explore the city at your own pace – there's no pressure to do anything you don't want to do, simply enjoy the culture and atmosphere of this historic city.From Benidorm, you'll travel to Valencia by bus, and the best part is that you won't have to find your way in from the outskirts, you'll be dropped off right in the city centre. From here, the day is yours to spend exactly as you wish.Dip in and out of all the shops, try out local eateries – paella hails from Valencia – and stroll around its old town, which is one of the largest in Spain. There's loads to discover. You'll meet up with your guide at the allotted time to head back to Benidorm.
Free cancellation
from £36 pp
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Benidorm Island Boat Trip Ticket
Benidorm Island Boat Trip Ticket
28 reviews
If you've been on Benidorm beach, you'll have spotted a mysterious rocky outcrop in the horizon. Locals call it Peacock Island because of the birds that make it their home – and at just 3.5km away, it makes a great trip by boat from the mainland.
Free cancellation
from £19 pp
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Calaveras Cave & Calpe Tour
Calaveras Cave & Calpe Tour
4 reviews
Step into the shadows of history at Calaveras Cave, tucked away in Marina Alta. This isn't just any cave; it's a journey back in time, sparked by the discovery of twelve human skulls from the 17th century inside. On this morning tour, you'll see the cave in all its glory, before heading to the coastal town of Calpe for some free time.You'll head to Calaveras Cave first. Look up at the towering formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as you wander through nature's own art gallery. Despite the cave's eerie calm, life thrives in the dim light – rare ferns and a secretive colony of bats call the cave home. It's like being in a live documentary, but you're the explorer, navigating through history with each step. Your next stop is Calpe, a seaside retreat along the Costa Blanca. Here, life's vibrant – golden, sandy beaches invite you to lounge and forget time, the old town's alleys offer stories etched in stone, and the local eats are a treat for the palate.
Free cancellation
from £24 pp
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Day at Sea
Day at Sea
A blissful day at sea to blow all the cobwebs away. You'll cruise out following the rugged coastline of Costa Blanca all the way to a secluded cove where we'll drop anchor and while away the hours on a beach far away from the crowds.We'll cast off into the shimmering blue seas of the Mediterranean, passing pristine coves, steep cliffs and sweeping bays along the way. Your experienced crew will handle everything so all you need to do is find your idyllic spot on the boat, sit back and soak up the atmosphere and sunshine.Once your captain has found the perfect spot, we'll drop anchor in one of the stunning coves where only peace and tranquillity are on the agenda. You'll spend a few hours swimming, sunbathing whilst your crew prepares a paella onboard. Tuck into lunch before heading back to dry land.
Free cancellation
from £47 pp
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Althaia Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting
Althaia Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting
If you're a beer fan, this trip will whet your appetite – and sate your thirst. Unravel the secrets behind Mediterranean craft beer at Althaia Brewery, where you'll immerse yourself in the world of craft brewing. Learn all there is to know about beer production with a guided tour, before sampling a selection of their finest creations – all served with a perfect pairing of snacks.
Free cancellation
from £20 pp
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Mendoza Winery Tour and Tasting Ticket
Mendoza Winery Tour and Tasting Ticket
1 review
Away from the beaches and bars of Benidorm, you'll get a real feel of Spain at the Mendoza Winery. Discover the history and process of winemaking with a guided tour before heading to the garden terrace to try some for yourself. From crisp whites to rich reds, this is a flavourful intro to all things wine.
Free cancellation
from £21 pp
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Benisegway Tour
Benisegway Tour
The old town of Benidorm retains a surprisingly authentic traditional feel. A world away from the large hotels and apartment blocks, it's a maze of narrow streets lined with bars and shops. And for a fun and easy way to discover this hidden side, this Benisegway tour is ideal.
Free cancellation
from £39 pp
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Easy ways to pay
Spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like up to 28 days before you travel
Freedom to change
Change your holiday online with low change fees up to 28 days before departure
Refund guarantee
Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as credit
Thousands of hotels
Discover Europe's most loved hotels in the best beach and city locations
Great offers & discounts
Unbeatable prices, free child places, plus other discounts and deals
Flexible flights
Flight times to suit you from airports across the UK
Extras included
Our beach holidays include a 23kg bag and transfers
Holiday better
We offer a selection of certified sustainable hotels for better holiday choices
Best price guarantee
We’ll beat the price if you find the same holiday cheaper elsewhere
Low deposit
Book your holiday with a deposit of just £60 per person
Easy ways to pay
Spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like up to 28 days before you travel
Freedom to change
Change your holiday online with low change fees up to 28 days before departure
Refund guarantee
Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as credit
Thousands of hotels
Discover Europe's most loved hotels in the best beach and city locations
Great offers & discounts
Unbeatable prices, free child places, plus other discounts and deals
Flexible flights
Flight times to suit you from airports across the UK
Extras included
Our beach holidays include a 23kg bag and transfers
Holiday better
We offer a selection of certified sustainable hotels for better holiday choices
Best price guarantee
We’ll beat the price if you find the same holiday cheaper elsewhere
Low deposit
Book your holiday with a deposit of just £60 per person
Easy ways to pay
Spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like up to 28 days before you travel
Freedom to change
Change your holiday online with low change fees up to 28 days before departure
Refund guarantee
Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as credit
Thousands of hotels
Discover Europe's most loved hotels in the best beach and city locations
Great offers & discounts
Unbeatable prices, free child places, plus other discounts and deals
Flexible flights
Flight times to suit you from airports across the UK

Your Alicante City questions, answered

Where should I party in Alicante City?What should I eat in Alicante City?When’s the best time for a city break in Alicante?Is Alicante a good city break?How do I get around in Alicante City?Does Alicante have beaches near the city?What’s the food like in Alicante City?Is Alicante a family-friendly city?How far is Alicante City from Benidorm?

Alicante’s nightlife is mostly concentrated in the El Puerto and El Barrio neighbourhoods. You’ll find all sorts of bars, pubs and trendy clubs – check ahead for DJ listings.

Enjoy 3 nights in Alicante City from

£137 pp

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