Here you have everything you need to know if you don’t know anything about Alicante and want to start knowing all the important aspects of this place.
Discover Alicante: your complete guide to this Mediterranean city. Stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant culture and delicious gastronomy. Everything you need to know in one place.
Alicante, a coastal city located in the beautiful Costa Blanca region of Spain, is an enchanting destination that perfectly combines its rich history, natural beauty and bustling city life. With its Mediterranean climate, golden beaches, stunning monuments and delicious cuisine, Alicante has much to offer its visitors.
Alicante’s historic charm can be seen in its emblematic Castillo de Santa Barbara, a medieval fortress located at the top of Mount Benacantil. The Barrio de Santa Cruz, with its narrow, picturesque streets, colorful houses and flowers on every corner, transports you to a quaint and cozy atmosphere.
The city is also famous for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The Postiguet beach, located right in the center of the city, is a popular place to enjoy the sun and sea, while the San Juan beach, one of the longest on the Mediterranean coast, offers a wider and quieter setting.
Alicante is also known for its traditional festivities, such as the Hogueras de San Juan, a spectacular celebration that culminates in the burning of huge cardboard sculptures, and Semana Santa, with its impressive religious processions.
Alicante offers an excellent quality of life that attracts residents and visitors alike. With its Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and its coastal setting, the city offers numerous opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.
In addition, Alicante has a diverse cultural offer, with museums, theaters and traditional festivities that enrich the cultural life of the city.
The excellent infrastructure, including efficient transportation services and modern medical facilities, also contributes to the quality of life of its inhabitants. In addition, Alicante offers a wide range of services and amenities, from varied gastronomic offerings to shopping options, quality educational centers and a lively nightlife.
With its safe environment, beautiful scenery and welcoming community, Alicante stands out as an ideal place to live and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a paradise for lovers of warm, sunny weather.
Summers in Alicante are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius (77-95 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition, summer evenings are usually pleasant and warm, ideal for strolling along the promenade or enjoying an outdoor dinner.
Winters in Alicante are mild and temperate, with daytime temperatures averaging around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). It is an ideal season to explore the city without the summer heat. Although winters are generally dry, there can be intermittent rainy days, so an umbrella or raincoat is recommended.
Spring and autumn in Alicante are mild and pleasant seasons. Temperatures usually range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius (64-77 degrees Fahrenheit), providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities, such as strolling through the city’s parks and gardens or hiking in nearby natural areas.
Alicante-Elche Airport, also known as El Altet Airport, is one of Spain’s most important airports and a key entry point for visitors wishing to explore the Costa Blanca region. Located about 9 kilometers southwest of the center of Alicante, the airport offers a wide variety of services and air connections.
Alicante-Elche Airport offers a wide range of services for passengers. It has modern facilities including check-in areas, efficient security control, duty-free stores, restaurants, cafeterias and VIP lounges. In addition, there is a wide range of car rental and public transportation from the airport to Alicante and other nearby cities. Excellent connectivity and quality services make Alicante-Elche Airport a convenient and efficient gateway for those visiting the Alicante region and the Costa Blanca in general.
The city of Alicante offers a wide range of hotel options to satisfy the needs and preferences of all tourists. From luxurious five-star hotels to cozy boutique hotels and family accommodations, Alicante has a wide variety of establishments that ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay.
The quality and service of the hotels in Alicante are internationally recognized, guaranteeing personalized attention and a high level of comfort. With modern facilities, well-equipped rooms, restaurants serving local and international delicacies, and additional services such as swimming pools, gyms and spas, Alicante hotels strive to provide an unforgettable experience to tourists visiting the city.
In Alicante, you have at your disposal a wide range of options to rent a car and explore the region at your own pace. Both at Alicante-Elche Airport and in the city center, you will find numerous reputable car rental companies offering a variety of vehicles to suit your needs and preferences.
Renting a car in Alicante gives you the freedom to discover the beautiful coastal scenery, charming nearby towns and popular tourist destinations of the Costa Blanca. Whether you want to explore the dreamy beaches, visit picturesque towns like Altea or enjoy the lively nightlife of Benidorm, having a car allows you to make the most of your time and get around conveniently.
In addition, the road network in and around Alicante is well developed and maintained, making driving and navigation easy. You will have access to highways and secondary roads that will take you to beautiful destinations in and out of the city, such as the Montgó Natural Park, Tabarca Island or the impressive Sierra de Mariola Natural Park.
In Alicante, there is a wide range of activities to enjoy during your visit.
You can explore impressive historical sites, such as the Castillo de Santa Barbara, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the city by strolling through charming neighborhoods such as the Barrio de Santa Cruz.
In addition, you can’t miss Alicante’s beautiful beaches, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy water sports. The city also offers an exciting gastronomic scene, with a variety of options that include traditional dishes and avant-garde restaurants.
At night, you can enjoy the lively nightlife in bars and nightclubs. If you are looking for adventure, you can explore the nearby towns or embark on a boat trip to the nearby islands.
In short, Alicante has something for everyone, with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences to enjoy during your visit.
In Alicante, you can delight yourself with a delicious gastronomic offer that combines traditional dishes and Mediterranean flavors.
When visiting the city, you can’t miss the famous paella, an exquisite rice dish with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, chicken and vegetables.
We also recommend you try the arroz a banda, a local delicacy prepared with fish and fish broth. Seafood lovers will be delighted with the wide selection of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, prawns and octopus. In addition, Alicante is known for its turrón, a typical sweet made of almonds and honey that is perfect to sweeten your visit.
Accompany your meals with a local wine from the Alicante region to complete the culinary experience. In short, in Alicante you can enjoy a variety of authentic and tasty dishes that reflect the rich gastronomic tradition of the Mediterranean region.
The university has a wide range of academic offerings, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in various disciplines.
It stands out for its focus on academic excellence and innovation, as well as its commitment to cutting-edge research.
The UA has been recognized for its educational quality and its contribution to the advancement of knowledge in areas such as science, engineering, social sciences, humanities and health sciences.UA prides itself on its modern and well-equipped campus, which provides an environment conducive to learning and student engagement.
In addition to classrooms and laboratories, the campus houses a library, sports facilities, student residences, cultural spaces and a wide range of services to support students in their academic and personal development.
Internationalization is a priority for the UA, offering numerous opportunities for exchange and collaboration with universities around the world. Students have the opportunity to participate in mobility programs, intern in international companies and enrich their academic experience in a multicultural environment.
Being an Erasmus student in Alicante is an enriching and exciting experience. Alicante is a popular destination for international students due to its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, vibrant student life and the hospitality of its residents.
As an Erasmus student, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in university life at the University of Alicante, where you can choose from a wide range of subjects in different areas of study. In addition, you will have access to programs and activities designed specifically for international students, allowing you to meet other students from different cultures and establish lasting friendships.
Alicante is a city full of life and fun. You will have the opportunity to explore its lively nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs and nightclubs offering entertainment for all tastes. In addition, the city hosts festivals and cultural events throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Spanish culture and traditions.
The city of Alicante has an efficient and well-developed public transportation system that offers various options for getting around the city and its surroundings.
The bus is the most common means of public transportation in Alicante. The city bus network covers the entire city extensively and efficiently, including the center, residential neighborhoods and outlying areas.
The buses are comfortable and modern, and offer adequate frequency, especially on the main routes.
In addition, Alicante has a tramway that connects different points of the city and its surroundings. The Alicante streetcar is a convenient option for getting around the city quickly and reaching nearby destinations such as San Juan Playa, Campello and Benidorm. The streetcar service is frequent and the system is easy to use, with well-marked stops and access for people with reduced mobility.
In terms of prices, Alicante offers affordable fares for public transport. Single tickets can be purchased or rechargeable cards can be used for multiple trips, which is convenient and economical for those who use public transport frequently.
Alicante has become a very attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to a unique combination of factors that make it ideal for those looking to live and work in an inspiring environment.
First of all, Alicante offers an exceptional Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities almost all year round. Its beautiful beaches, parks and natural areas provide ideal spaces to relax, exercise and enjoy nature.
In addition, Alicante has an excellent infrastructure and services that suit the needs of expatriates and digital nomads. The city offers a high-speed internet connection in most locations, making it easy to work remotely and conduct business online. It also has coworking spaces, coffee shops and modern libraries that provide an environment conducive to working collaboratively or focusing on personal projects.
Alicante is known for its vibrant festivals and traditions that reflect the rich culture and passion of its residents. Here are some of the main festivities celebrated in the city:
Las Hogueras de San Juan: Considered one of Alicante’s most important festivities, it is celebrated from June 20 to 24. During this week, the city is filled with huge cardboard sculptures called “hogueras” that are displayed in the streets. The highlight is the “cremà”, when the bonfires are burned in a spectacular fireworks display.
Holy Week: As in many cities in Spain, Alicante celebrates Holy Week with religious processions through the streets of the city.
Moors and Christians: This festival pays tribute to the Reconquest period and is celebrated at different times of the year in different towns in the province of Alicante. During the celebrations, the historical battles between the Moors and Christians are recreated, with parades, traditional costumes and theatrical performances.
Carnival: Alicante hosts a lively Carnival, in which the streets are filled with music, costumes and parades. The city is transformed into a stage of celebration and color, with parades, floats and costume contests. It is a celebration full of joy and fun for all ages.
In Alicante, Spanish is mainly spoken, which is the official language of Spain. As in many regions of Spain, a local variant of Spanish can also be found in Alicante, known as “Valencian” or “Valencian Catalan”. Valencian is a co-official language in the Valencian Community, where Alicante is located. However, Spanish is the predominant language in most situations, and the vast majority of the population in Alicante speaks and understands Spanish fluently. In addition, due to the growing international tourism and the presence of a foreign community, it is common to find people who speak other languages, such as English, especially in tourist areas and in environments related to tourism and business.
In Alicante, you will find a variety of markets that offer an authentic shopping experience and a wide range of fresh and local products. Some of the most prominent markets in the city are:
Mercado Central de Alicante: Located in the heart of the city, the Mercado Central is one of the most popular and emblematic markets in Alicante. In this covered market you will find a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, seafood, gourmet products and local crafts. It is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of the region. If you want to know more about the Alicante Central market click here.
Carolinas Market: Located in the Carolinas neighborhood, this market is known for its lively atmosphere and competitive prices. Here you will find a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to fish, meat and baked goods. In addition, the market houses stalls selling clothing, shoes and other items, making it a popular place to shop.
Benalúa Market: Located in the Benalúa neighborhood, this market is another reference point in Alicante. It offers a wide range of fresh produce, including high quality fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and seafood. It also has a section dedicated to organic and artisanal products.
Alicante has a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate during most of the year, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
The most outstanding beaches in Alicante are the Postiguet, a beautiful beach in the center of the city, the beach of San Juan, an extensive beach of golden sand, and the beach of Albufereta, quieter and with crystal clear waters.
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to visit Alicante, as the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller than in the summer months.
You can get to the center of Alicante from the airport using the bus service or by taking a cab, both available at the terminal.
Alicante is known for dishes such as paella, fresh seafood and turron, a sweet made from almonds and honey.
In Alicante, you have access to a city bus network that covers the entire city, as well as a streetcar system that connects different points of interest.
Las Hogueras de San Juan are the most outstanding festivities in Alicante, with impressive bonfires and a celebration full of color and fireworks.
Alicante has approximately 334,757 inhabitants in 2023
The name Alicante comes from the Arabic word “Al-Laqant”, which means “the shining city”.
The main language spoken in Alicante is Spanish.
Alicante is generally considered to be a safe city, although it is advisable to take normal safety precautions.
Life in Alicante is pleasant and relaxed, with a Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, a rich culture and a wide range of recreational and leisure activities.