Your Complete Guide
Travel Alicante
Beaches, castles, tapas, island escapes and more. Everything you need to make the most of Alicante, Spain's sunniest city.
of annual sunshine
of coastline
restaurants & tapas bars
ferry to Tabarca Island
Beaches
Golden sand and crystal-clear water — from the busiest city beach to coves most visitors never find.
City beachPlaya del Postiguet — City Beach Guide & Local Tips
City centre · steps from the Explanada
Alicante's busiest, most central city beach — golden sand right below Santa Bárbara Castle, steps from the Explanada.
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SnorkellingCala Cantalar: Alicante's Secret Snorkeling Spot
Cabo de las Huertas · car recommended
The rocky snorkelling cove at Cabo de las Huertas that most visitors to San Juan never find — and really should.
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Quiet & remotePlaya del Saladar — Urbanova Beach Local Guide
Urbanova · 5km south of the city
Blue Flag beach with dunes and free parking — more space than Postiguet, 9km south of the city centre.
Read guide→Parks & Nature
Palm groves, lakes, and green space away from the sand.
Urban parkParque La Marjal Alicante (2026): Local Park Guide
Playa de San Juan · free entry
Parque La Marjal in Alicante — free entry, lake with ducks and turtles, shaded paths and benches. The family park most visitors to Playa de San Juan never find.
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Palm groveEl Palmeral Park Alicante: Guide & Parking Tips
City centre · free entry
Discover El Palmeral Park in Alicante. Lush palm groves, waterfalls, and expert tips for a perfect family escape. Explore the best green spot on Costa Blanca!
Read guide→Day Trips
Towns worth the drive — all within an hour of the city.
Colourful townVillajoyosa 2026: Colored Houses & Chocolate Guide
30 min north · seafront parking
Villajoyosa sits 30 minutes north of Alicante with a seafront of painted fishermen's houses, a working beach, and a chocolate factory that has been running since 1890. One of those places that looks exactly like the photos — and better in person.
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Old townAltea Old Town, Spain (2026) — What to See, Where to Walk & Local Tips
45 min north · hilltop, park at the entrance
Altea old town — white-washed streets, blue-domed church, and views over the Mediterranean that stop you mid-sentence. A day trip from Alicante worth every kilometre of the drive.
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Beach townEl Campello, Alicante — Local Beach Guide (2026) | 20 min from Alicante
20 min north · TRAM or car
Discover El Campello, the perfect coastal escape just minutes from Alicante. Explore the 7km sandy beach, fresh seafood at the local port, and the historic Baños de la Reina. Your local guide.
Read guide→Culture & Attractions
The landmarks, markets, and festivals that give Alicante its character.
LandmarkExplanada & Marina: The Pulse of Alicante
City centre · waterfront promenade
The marble wave promenade and yacht-lined marina — where Alicante actually spends its evenings.
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MarketMercado Central Alicante — Local Guide, History & What to Buy
City centre · closed Sundays
292 stalls, fresh fish, and jamón cut to order — the market that's fed this city for over a century.
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FestivalHogueras de San Juan 2026: Alicante's Wildest Week
City-wide · June
Bonfires, fireworks, and five nights of chaos — the festival that defines Alicante every June.
Read guide→Getting to Alicante
Well connected by air, rail, road, and sea.
By Air
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is 10km from the city. Direct flights from 100+ European destinations. Taxi: ~15-20 min · C6 bus: ~25-40 min to city centre.
By Rail
High-speed AVE trains from Madrid (2h 30min) and Valencia (~2h). RENFE Cercanías connects to nearby towns and TRAM connects to the beach.
By Bus
ALSA operates coaches from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and across Spain. The main bus station (Terminal Bus) is central.
By Car
AP-7 Motorway (Autopista del Mediterráneo) runs the length of the Costa Blanca. Free alternative N-332 follows the coast. Parking: underground P1/P2 near El Postiguet.
Stop Guessing. Start Planning.
A small selection of tools that make Costa Blanca travel easier. Some links are affiliate — meaning I earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. I only include services I'd genuinely recommend.
Where to Stay in Alicante
Hotels, apartments, and villas across the Costa Blanca. Summer fills up fast — the good spots go first.
Book NowFlights to Alicante
Alicante Airport (ALC) connects to most major European cities year-round. Compare and lock in the best price before it moves.
Search FlightsRent a Car in Alicante
The Costa Blanca stretches 200km. A rental car is the only way to actually see it — buses don't go where the good stuff is.
Rent a CarTours & Excursions in Alicante
Day trips, boat tours, and guided excursions across the Costa Blanca — handpicked and worth your time.
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