Last updated on July 21, 2021
I’ve been living in Spain for quite a few years now, but it still finds ways to surprise me…
Most of my time has been spent exploring Barcelona and the region of Catalonia, as well as Madrid, Valencia and ‘Green Spain’, which includes Asturias, the Basque Country, Cantabria and Galicia.
It was only recently that I ventured farther south and fell madly and deeply in love with Andalusia.
And it was here, on a blog trip in Chipiona, that my preconceptions were repeatedly challenged – by the locals.
As I often do when travelling with local people (i.e. travelling in Spain with people actually from Spain), I made a conscious effort to ask for advice on where to go nearby.
Many of my fellow travel bloggers agreed that I should visit Alicante, to what they claimed was one of the most beautiful parts of Spain. “It’s really changed so much recently, it’s just beautiful. And the weather is always so perfect,” they insisted.
Is Alicante a Province or a City?
As well as being a major Spanish province on the Costa Blanca and home to a number of towns, cities and resorts – including Dénia, Torrevieja and Britain’s beloved Benidorm – Alicante is also a city. And it’s the city that I keep hearing good things about.
Alicante’s Charms
Barrio de la Santa Cruz is the heart of Alicante and a fully-fledged old town with narrow streets, lively tapas bars and multicoloured houses. Alicante’s crowning glory is the medieval Santa Bárbara Castle, which guards the city from atop a hill and offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast.
Like most cities in Spain, Alicante also boasts its own cultural traditions and fiestas, including the Las Hogueras de San Juan festival which lights up the city every June. February sees the colourful Carnival festivities, while October is dedicated to celebrating Moros y Cristianos (the Moors and Christians).
The region’s sprawling 200 km Costa Blanca (white coast) is extremely popular among holidaying Spaniards and sun-worshippers from other parts of Europe. The abundance of established resorts, which are set up perfectly for couples, families and groups of friends, also means it’s a great place to snag a deal – especially during the winter season, which is still relatively warm and sunny.
Ready for Sun, Sea and Siestas?
Whether you’re in need of an affordable family holiday, a romantic escape or a fix of culture, gastronomy and adventure, you’re sure to find somewhere suitable and within your price range in the region of Alicante.
Personally I would recommend staying in the city itself, especially if you’re like me and enjoy culture and architecture. You will also find plenty of great waterfront options and family-friendly resorts in Alicante by exploring the infographic below.
Make it Happen
Find your perfect Alicante airport car hire here.
Find and book an Alicante transfer here.
Find accommodation in Alicante here.
Find local tours and experiences in Alicante here.
