Alicante Holidays

Destination highlights

A cosmopolitan city

Home to a picturesque marina

Buzzing nightlife

A choice of beaches

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Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

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What are the best beaches in Alicante?

Whether you fancy kicking back with your beach read or getting your kit off at one of the quiet nudist beaches, we’re not exaggerating when we say that Alicante has a beach to suit everyone.

For a sandy stretch just 8km outside of the Old Town, head to the popular Playa de San Juan, or try your hand at some watersports whilst admiring the views of Sierra Helada at Mascarat Beach. Albir Beach is also located closeby, with a large pebbled border overlooking Albir lighthouse.

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, then Racó del Conill Beach is one of Alicante’s best kept secrets. This small corner of coast is one of the lesser known beaches in the region, ideal for if you’d rather be stretched out beneath a palm tree than scrambling for a sunbed.

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What are the top hotels in Alicante?

Alicante is a holiday fave for both simple city breaks and all-out beach holidays, with a wide range of hotels to show for it. Simplicity is key at Spa la Romana. It might not be close to the beachfront, but this quaint property is set in a restored country house close to the village of La Romana. Does a rooftop pool tick all your boxes? NH Alicante won’t disappoint, with a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a swim whilst looking out at the city. If you’re in the mood for luxury though (who isn’t?), then the five-star Hospes Amerigo is your best bet, offering a central base whilst still being just a short walk from the beach. For a truly unforgettable Alicante holiday though, it has to be Melia Alicante. This crowd-pleasing hotel is located along the beach with a large swimming pool, a kids club for the little ones and an exclusive adults-only area known as The Level, complete with separate guestrooms and a private infinity pool. It’s the best of both worlds under one roof!

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What's the food like in Alicante?

​Rice and seafood lovers will have a field day in Alicante, with fresh fish and paella gracing almost every menu. What sets Alicante paella apart from the rest, is the salmorreta sauce which the rice is cooked in, made from tomatoes, parsley, garlic and ñora peppers. Hearty dishes such as olleta - a pork dish cooked with lentils, chickpeas and various beans, and borreta - a traditional stew made from salted cod, potatoes, vegetables and chickpeas - are also popular. For something sweet, give Toña Alicantina a try - it's a sweet treat that sits somewhere between a cake and a bread. You’ll find plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants dotted around, but Restaurante Dársena is the place to be for Mediterranean specialties along the seafront, and if you can’t decide what to eat then be sure to stop by D'Tablas Alicante, where waiters circulate with a selection of tasty tapas dishes every few minutes, and you can choose whatever takes your fancy!

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Where’s the best nightlife in Alicante?

From action-packed clubs to swanky cocktail bars, Alicante is just as lively in the evening as it is during the day. For an electric night scene with banging beats from international DJs, head to Metro Dance Club. It’s one of the most famous discos in the city, and it won’t disappoint. Confetti and Ten 10 are also popular clubs, open well into the early hours for non-stop dancing. Prefer something a little more laidback? Check out the LGBT-friendly Canibal Lounge Pub for a vibrant atmosphere with drag queen acts, or sample a range of classic cocktails in a cosy setting at Gatsby Cocktail Club.
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What events can I go to in Alicante?

From sunlit concerts to late-night firework shows, we've highlighted some of the best events in Alicante that could make your getaway that little bit more special.

Los Reyes Magos (January) - A religious parade with floats, nativity scenes and lights decorating the streets
Carnival (February-March) - The streets come alive with colourful costumes, music and dance parties
Cruces de Mayo (May) - The cobbled streets fill with music, dancing and flowers in this annual celebration of the cross
Bonfires of San Juan (June) - The arrival of summer is celebrated with a festive dinner and midnight bonfires followed by a firework display on the beach
Medieval Market (June) - A Medieval-themed market with traditional music, food and entertainment to take you back in time
FIJAZZ Festival (July) - This jazz festival welcomes some of the greatest international musicians
Nuestra Señora del Remedio (August) - In celebration of Alicante’s patron saint - Our Lady of Remedy - a concert is held, followed by a feast and a procession through the streets
Virgen del Socorro (September) - The Raval Roig neighbourhood plays a central part in this celebratory feast, with dancing, music, food and fireworks
The Christmas Light Switch On (November) - A magical moment where the Christmas lights are turned on in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Christmas festivities (December-January) - Visit Alicante’s Plaza de Toros for festive activities such as tobogganing and ice skating

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Things to do in Alicante

Explore Santa Bárbara Castle

Perched in the hills of Benacantil Mountain, this 16th-century fortress is the perfect place to soak up some history with a side of panoramic views.
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Admire the picturesque Port of Alicante

Alicante’s pretty marina creates a peaceful setting for a daytime stroll, framed by leisure facilities and waterfront restaurants where you can grab a bite.
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Take a walk along Explanada de Espana

This mosaic walkway is the centre of attention, paving the way from the Old Town to the seafront with over six million marble tiles lined with palm trees, handmade souvenir shops and ice cream stands.
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Get arty at the Contemporary Art Museum

Access to this art museum is free, and you’ll find a large collection with works from some of the most celebrated 20th century artists, including Picasso.
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Score a hole-in-one at Alicante Golf Club

You’ll find an 18-hole golf course just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, with raised landscapes and five large lakes which make the game a challenge in the best way possible.
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Venture into the mountaintop village of Guadalest

This small historical town sits quietly in the mountains, offering unbeatable views of the green valley and a main street with cafés, bars and shops.

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What's the weather like in Alicante?

Alicante is a hotspot when it comes to Spanish tourism, in more ways than one. With hot, dry summers and a mild Mediterranean climate even in autumn, there’s no shortage of sunshine in this resort.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	12 °c	15 °c	6 h
Feb	13 °c	14 °c	7 h
Mar	15 °c	14 °c	7 h
Apr	16 °c	16 °c	8 h
May	18 °c	19 °c	10 h
Jun	23 °c	22 °c	10 h
Jul	25 °c	25 °c	11 h
Aug	26 °c	26 °c	10 h
Sep	24 °c	25 °c	9 h
Oct	20 °c	23 °c	7 h
Nov	16 °c	19 °c	6 h
Dec	13 °c	17 °c	6 h

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Important Information about travelling to Alicante

How long does it take to fly to Alicante?

It takes about 2.5 hours to fly from the UK to Alicante.
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What currency do they use in Alicante?

The local currency in Alicante is the Euro.

What's the time difference between the UK and Alicante?

The time in Alicante is one hour ahead of the UK.
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What language do they speak in Alicante?

The official language spoken in Alicante is Spanish.
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Do I need any vaccinations to visit Alicante?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
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Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Alicante?

There is currently no tourist tax in Alicante.
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Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Alicante?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Spain on the FCO website.
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Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Alicante for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.