Alicante Hotels

Like much of southern Spain, Alicante is all about pleasure. So feast on a mouth-watering seafood paella and enjoy the finest Spanish wine while overlooking the Costa Blancacoastline. Then roll the dice and stay up till dawn in the bars and casino in Puerto, and nurse your potential hangover with a sun bake and swim on the seductive sandy shore of the 7km-long San Juan Beach. Alicante is truly a place you can let your hedonistic spirit run wild.

Alicante's Top 10

Alicante History

• Puerto Viejo Square – Located near the marina, this square is host to major festivals during the summer months.
• Santa Barbara Castle – This 9th-century Moorish castle overlooks the city.
• Basilica of Santa Maria – This historic church was built on the remains of an age-old mosque.
• San Nicolas Cathedral – A historic cathedral that is in close proximity to a range of Alicante attractions.
• Alicante Town Hall – An eye-catching landmark with a detailed baroque-style façade that dates back to the mid-18th century.

Alicante Art & Culture

• Alicante Main Theatre – This major entertainment venue in Alicante has a wide-ranging calendar of events.
• Archaeological Museum of Alicante – Housed in the former Hospital de San Juan de Dios, this museum features a variety of local artefacts.
• Gravina Museum of Fine Arts – An impressive fine arts museum offering a selection of paintings, textiles, sculptures, furniture and antiques.
• Carnaval – In mid-February, Alicante is buzzing with major carnival festivities and vibrant processions of decorated floats.
• Fiesta Nacional de Espana – Held annually on October 12, this festival sees celebrations taking place around the city of Salamanca.

Alicante Shopping

• Gran Via Shopping Centre – An outstanding shopping centre that is home to over 100 shops.
• Plaza Mar 2 – The ideal spot for shopping in Alicante with an abundance of fashion boutiques.
• El Corte Inglés – This is one in a well-known chain of Spanish department stores.
• Panoramis Complex - A popular shopping mall overlooking Alicante's main harbour.
• Mercado Central – Located in a historic building, this market features sellers of fresh produce.

Gay & Lesbian Alicante

• El Forat – Alicante’s oldest and arguably most popular gay bar with interesting decorations.
• Arte y Jaleo – A cosy bar where the gay community comes to hang out.
• Divina – A busy dance club blasting fabulous Europop music.
• Canibal Pub – See striptease shows at this wild club.
• Missing Club – This energetic nightclub has a friendly atmosphere.

Alicante Outdoor

• Marina – Alicante’s marina area is lively and vibrant and a great starting point for boat trips around the harbour.
• San Juan Beach – A sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
• Canalejas Park – Jog or have a picnic in Alicante's most historic park.
• El Palmeral Park – Located on the south side of Alicante, this impressive plantation of trees and exotic plants has a playground for young children.
• Ereta Park – Landscaped by award-winning architects, this park has facilities for outdoor activities.

Alicante Sport

• Visit the Ciudad Deportiva football ground to see the Alicante Club de Fútbol team in action.
• Cheer for the Hércules Club de Fútbol football team at the Jose Rico Perez ground.
• Check out the local tennis talent at the Padel Centre at the Montepiedra Sports Centre.
• Watch the Torrevieja Cricket Club play at their home ground.
• Enjoy a game of rugby courtesy of the Torrevieja Rugby Club.

Alicante Events

The three-week-long Alicante Carnival is filled with stunning costumes, dancing and street celebrations.

If a religious pilgrimage is more your cup (or holy grail) of tea, attend the Pilgrimage of the Holy Visage in April.

On Cruces de Mayo on 1 May, Alicante’s streets are transformed by flowers (not to mention music and dance).

June’s Las Hogueras de San Juan sees papier maché masterpieces created, then burnt to the ground under a glorious fireworks display.

Bask in the sunshine of the Summer Festival each July/August. You’ll be relaxing by the marina, with music filling your ears before you can say ‘magnífico’!

When To Go

If you’re keen to hit the beach, or enjoy a wine by the marina, June and August is when you’ll soak up the most rays.

Spring in Alicante is delightful – milder and less crowded.

Winter in Alicante is obviously colder but, at an average of 16°C (61°F), considerably milder than in most of Europe.

Getting Around

Alicante has excellent public transport, including inexpensive buses and trams.

If you’re staying around Old Town and checking out the nightlife, most areas of merriment are well within walking (or stumbling) distance.

If laid-back sightseeing is on your itinerary, many travellers prefer to hire a car and travel at their own leisure.

General Information

Attractions

Events

Climate

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