a narrow street lined with potted plants next to a building

Alicante

Alicante is a port city on Spain's Costa Blanca, with a hilltop castle above the harbor and a palm-lined promenade below it.

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Alicante is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern Spain, in the Valencian Community. The old town climbs toward Santa Bárbara Castle on Benacantil hill above the harbor, which visitors reach on foot, by road or by lift. Below it, the Explanada de España runs along the waterfront under palm trees, paved with a tiled mosaic. Postiguet beach is a short walk from the old town.

Alicante suits a short city break or a base for the Costa Blanca. Day trips include a boat to Tabarca, a small island with a walled village and a marine reserve, and the palm groves of Elche, a UNESCO-listed town about 20 km away. Benidorm lies farther north along the coast. Summers are hot, so spring and autumn suit walking the old town and the castle best. Two or three days covers the castle, the waterfront and one day trip.

Alicante in five

Climb to Santa Bárbara Castle early or at duskThe fortress on Mount Benacantil has the best view of the bay and is cooler outside midday. A lift runs from street level, and you can also walk up from the old town. Check current hours before you go.
Take the C-6 bus from the airportBus line C-6 links Alicante-Elche airport with the center in roughly 20 minutes, so you rarely need a taxi. The beach and old town are a short walk from the Explanada.
Count on the Hogueras in late JuneThe bonfire festival of San Juan runs 20–24 June, with fireworks, street installations and a lot of noise. Rooms fill early; early June and September are quieter for a first visit.Alicante Province
Book the Tabarca boat for a weekdayBoats to Tabarca island leave from the port, and the crossing takes about an hour. August weekends fill up, so check the first and last sailings before you plan a swim day.
Landing from the UK or the US? Allow time at the deskPassport control at Alicante-Elche is where EES border registration happens on your first Schengen entry. Summer arrival banks can queue, so keep onward bookings flexible on landing day.EES, explained

Things to do in Alicante

See all attractions in Alicante

Market · AlicanteMercat Central d'AlacantCheck fruit before buying so you can choose the produce you want.

Sight · AlicanteSan Juan Playa

a view of a city from a high point of view

Museum · AlicanteLucentum Tossal de ManisesThere is limited shade, so bring sun protection or an umbrella.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to AlicantePut the places you like in Alicante on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Alicante-Elche (ALC), about 20 min by C-6 bus
Getting there: Madrid by AVE about 2.5 hr; Valencia by train about 1.5–2 hr
Getting around: Walk the center; TRAM to Benidorm and El Campello
Best base: Old town or the Explanada area
Time needed: 1–2 days; add 1 for Tabarca or Elche

Weather by month

Rainy days
Festival

Best
Good

JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh16°Low9°Mild, sunny
FebruaryClear3 rainy daysHigh16°Low10°Mild, dry
MarchClear8 rainy daysHigh18°Low11°Spring warmth
AprilClear6 rainy daysHigh19°Low13°Warm, calm
MayClear4 rainy daysHigh23°Low17°Beach season
JuneClear2 rainy daysHigh27°Low21°Hogueras fires
JulyClear1 rainy dayHigh30°Low24°Hot, busy
AugustClear2 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Hot, packed
SeptemberClear5 rainy daysHigh27°Low22°Warm sea
OctoberClear6 rainy daysHigh24°Low18°Mild, sea warm
NovemberClear5 rainy daysHigh19°Low13°Mild, quiet
DecemberClear4 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Mild, lights

Average daily high and low in Alicante, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Festivals: Jun Bonfires of Saint John in Alicante

Right now in Alicante

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 17°
Humidity: 73%
Wind: 12 km/h
Chance of rain: 13%

Alicante Province

09:47 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+1

Today22°14°13%Monday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 13%.
Tue20°15°38%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 38%.
Wed19°14°23%Wednesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 23%.
Thu21°13°16%Thursday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 16%.
Fri22°13°3%Friday: Rain. High 22°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 3%.
Sat23°16°8%Saturday: Rain. High 23°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 8%.
Sun22°17°15%Sunday: Rain. High 22°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 15%.

Updated 07:08 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

Converted to

EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Alicante

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

JunBonfires of Saint John in AlicanteAlicante

Day trips by train

Tabarca islandabout 1 hr by boatSmall walled island with coves and snorkeling. Go on a weekday.
Elcheabout 20–30 min by trainA palm grove on the UNESCO list and a calm old center.
Benidormabout 1 hr by bus or 1 hr 20 by TRAMHigh-rise beaches and theme parks. Good for a family day.Read the guide

Before you go to Alicante

Tabarca island boat tripSailings from the port, weekdays calmerCompare day trips

Stays by the old townCompare Postiguet and Explanada roomsCheck availability

eSIM for the Costa BlancaData for tram and bus apps on landingRead the guide

Insurance for a beach breakFlight delays and medical coverRead the guide

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Plan around Alicante

All of Spain

Cities, regions and entry rules for visitors

Read the guide Alicante Province

Costa Blanca towns, hill villages and Elche

Read the guide Benidorm

High-rise beaches an hour away by bus or TRAM

Read the guide Costa Blanca

Coves, resorts and old ports up the coast

Read the guide Valencia

Paella city, 1.5–2 hours north by train

Read the guide Is a Eurail pass worth it?

Why one rail leg rarely justifies a pass

Read the guide

Alicante FAQ

How many days do you need in Alicante?

One to two days cover the castle, the old town and a beach afternoon. Add a day for Tabarca or Elche. Most visitors use the city as a base for the Costa Blanca rather than a stand-alone trip.

Is Alicante worth visiting?

Yes for a short sun break: it has a castle, a real old town and a beach in the city, with an easy airport. It has fewer headline sights than Valencia or Seville.

Is Alicante or Valencia better?

Valencia for museums, food and a bigger city; Alicante for a smaller center, warmer winters and quick access to beaches. They are 1.5–2 hours apart by train, so you can pair them.

Is Alicante a good base for the Costa Blanca?

Yes. The airport is close, TRAM and buses reach Benidorm and El Campello, and car hire is easy for hill villages. Move to Dénia or Altea if you want a small port town rather than a city.

When is the best time to visit Alicante?

April, May, September and October bring warm days and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy. Winter is mild and sunny, but sea swimming is for the brave.