The 30 best Hotels Hostels in Alicante

About Alicante

Alicante is a key point of tourism in the country thanks to its large hotel capacity and its air connection with the major European capitals. It's said that Alicante is the nicest of the capitals of the community, a city with a magical location between the sea and the mountains. In the words of the local poet Gil-Albert, Alicante looks uninterruptedly to the Mediterranean.

Moving around

Alicante is a good city to discover on foot since the distances are not too big. It also has an extensive bus network with which you can reach the most important places of the city. There's also the option of the tram, which has multiple lines.

Out & About

There are several prominent places in the city of Alicante you cannot miss. The Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. From up there you can see the bay of Alicante. There are some buildings like the City Hall with its baroque architecture while the Central Market is art nouveau style. In the city center, you'll find the Cathedral of San Nicolás and the Convent of the Agustinas. The old town is known as El Barrio, it's the most historic zone of the city and it concentrates the most monuments and landmarks. Santa Cruz, the top of the old town, has a special charm with its pedestrian streets and whitewashed houses. The Carbonell building, known as the Casa Carbonell, is one of the most unique buildings of the city and it's situated on the esplanade. The Port is the main promenade of the city, perfect for going for a walk, seeing the typical stalls or resting having a drink on the terraces. Another attraction are the beaches of Alicante. There are for everyone. San Juan is composed of miles of golden sands, the Postiguet is an urban beach near the port, the Albufereta is more secluded and, finally, Saladar and Judíos are nudist beaches. Also, don't miss a visit to the island of Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. Diving enthusiasts can't miss it.

What's going on in

The Hogueras de San Juan are the festivities of the city and they were declared of International Touristic Interest. It's a tradition to swim in the sea at midnight. The Moors and Christians festivities are the main ones around Alicante and a magnificent representation of the Reconquista against the Arabs takes place. In late June or early July, a Medieval Market is organized offering crafts and food products. In early August, Festivities in honor of the Virgen del Remedio, patron saint of the city, take place.

Shopping

There are many products typical of Alicante that you can buy before going back home, amongst them are the turrón or anisette and other liquors. All derivatives of leather and handmade ceramics are also very typical. Traditional shops are located at the center and in the Central Market you'll find all the typical products of a real market. The area of Maisonnave Avenue and the surrounding streets is the most modern commercial area with shopping malls, luxury boutiques and other specialty stores.

What's cooking?

Alicante's cuisine is typically Mediterranean. Many dishes are based on rice which create recipes such as arroz a banda, the paella from Alicante or the arroz caldoso. The prawns of Alicante or the crayfish are two other examples of the delicacies of Alicante.

Weather

Alicante enjoys a warm and pleasant climate with an average of 18º so any time is perfect for exploring this city that lives in an eternal spring.

So...

Alicante is a party and every moment of the year has its particular celebration. You can come and enjoy one of these parties or relax and savor its gastronomy. No matter what, you'll surely enjoy Alicante.