A weekend in Alicante - Not to be missed!

Alicante is the capital of the province with the same name, located in southeast Spain. At around 330,000 residents, the city is a nice size, and can easily be explored on foot. The El Altet airport is just nine kilometres outside the centre of Alicante, making it perfect for people wanting to spend a quick weekend in the city but don’t have much time. However, Alicante also has many other benefits. There is a lot to see and experience in the city. We’ll tell you what you can expect on your weekend in Alicante. 

1. The Old Town of Santa Cruz

Image on iStock: Manel Vinuesa

Alicante’s old town is a highlight that you shouldn’t miss. Just meander through the streets here. Discover small shops, restaurants and cafés in the alleyways and be enchanted by the colourful house facades and flower-covered balconies. The old town is located right at the foot of the fortress, so you can walk up to the castle if you have any energy left. In the evenings, the small streets of the Barrios de Santa Cruz bustle with life. With its bars, pubs and dance venues, you can just move from one location to the next and enjoy life with the locals. 

2. The Castillo Santa Bárbara

Image on iStock: erreperdomo

Santa Bárbara Castle, dating back to the 9th  century, is located on the mountain of Benacantil and is the key landmark of Alicante. It rises proudly above the city and is both a popular photo highlight as well as a beautiful vantage point. Especially at sunset, many tourists and locals stroll up here to enjoy the views of the city. It’s not an easy climb, but it’s worth it. If the climb is too strenuous for you, you can also drive up in a rental car or taxi. There is also another option. You can take the two lifts, located at Calle Jovellanos, which go straight up to the castle. 

3. The Port of Alicante

Image on iStock: JackF

With its cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs, the port of Alicante is a quarter filled with entertainment. Both in the daytime or at night there is always something going on, so taking a stroll here is always a good idea. Tip: Enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants at the port and watch the people’s comings and goings. Relax and enjoy the delicious Spanish cuisine.

4. The beaches

Image on iStock: LUNAMARINA

Alicante is a sun-kissed city with the key benefit of being right on the coast. You can enjoy city life, but then there are also the beaches. That’s what makes a weekend break in Alicante the perfect mix of a city break and a beach trip. The best known beach is near the city centre. El Postiguet is very popular and always busy. In the north of the city, the beach stretches from San Juan to Cabo de Huertas. Playa de la Albufereta is another option that is just a little closer to the city centre. If you like a beach that is a bit quieter, Los Saladares is probably the right choice for you. This beautiful beach is located to the south of the city and it borders on a stretch of dunes that gives it a particularly natural look.

5. The area around Alicante

Image on iStock: fcafotodigital

There are lots of trips available to the city’s surrounding areas if you want to experience even more on your weekends in Alicante. A rental car gives you the greatest number of options and also saves you a lot of time. That way you don’t have to rely on bus timetables and the associated waiting times. The following tours are recommended:

  • An excursion to the vineyards in the area surrounding Alicante
  • A hike on the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe
  • A visit to the island of Tabarca

You can just fill a weekend in Alicante with all kinds of activities. It is definitely not going to be boring! The weather is ideal between April and October. It can get really hot in summer. Spring and autumn months are sunny, but not as hot. In winter, at 16–20 degrees, it is a little cooler, but still pleasant enough for a trip.

Flights to Alicante