Hotels in Alicante

Alicante’s rich heritage and monumental character are obvious at first glance: all you need to do is spot Santa Bárbara Castle on its skyline. But Alicante also knows how to show its artistic side, in places such as the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ), whose collection takes you on a journey through time from Prehistory to the Contemporary Age; the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA), where works by Picasso, Miró and Dalí hang on the walls; or Las Cigarreras, which went from being a former tobacco factory to a cultural centre that brings together much of the city’s creative energy. 

Alicante is a city made for spontaneity, for making the most of its seemingly endless ability to offer something for every taste: walks by the sea along the Explanada, local shops to browse without watching the clock or performances at the Teatro Principal. The city picks up pace after dark, with terraces, bars and nightlife areas in the historic centre, around the port and at San Juan Beach. And if you’re more into the outdoors, adults and children alike can enjoy water sports, cycling along the coast or taking a trip to the beautiful island of Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. 

Alicante’s cuisine combines the essence of the Mediterranean with its deep-rooted rice culture. Restaurants in the city centre and along the seafront serve arroz a banda, creamy rice dishes and seafood rice dishes prepared with fresh fish and vegetables from local farms. The Central Market is a must if you want to discover the region’s larder, from cured meats and cheeses to fruit and salted fish. Wines with a designation of origin and traditional sweets such as turrón and artisan ice cream complete the culinary experience. During local festivals, especially the Hogueras de San Juan, make sure you try the traditional cocas. Sweet or savoury. 

Alicante has excellent national and international air connections. Alicante-Elche International Airport is less than half an hour from the city centre. Alicante also has a railway station, with AVE high-speed and long-distance services connecting it with other Spanish cities, as well as good road access via the AP-7, A-7 and the Madrid motorway. Once you arrive, the historic centre is easy to explore on foot. For longer journeys, Alicante has a network of urban and intercity buses, a tram that connects with other towns along the Costa Blanca, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services.