What to do in Alicante
Alicante is both port city and province, occupying the south-east corner of Spain’s Costa Blanca. A popular region for holiday-makers in search of palm-fringed beaches, warm climate and fun activities, Alicante is also where you’ll find one of the most authentic Spanish social scenes and an array of mouthwatering cuisine.
Come for a quick sunshine getaway or longer stay: you won’t run out of things to do and it’s easy to get to with plenty travel operators offering cheap flights to Alicante all-year round.
The city itself boasts a picturesque sea-front, complete with esplanade, alfresco eateries and its own pristine shoreline, at Playa del Postiguet and Playa de San Juan. As you might expect, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get your teeth into, from paragliding to scuba-diving out in the bay. There’s even a bullring if you want to witness one of the oldest sports in the country.
One of the main attractions in Alicante has to be the food. Some of the best paella recipes come from this region, as well as salted meats from the markets of Dénia and seafood brought in daily. The options vary from informal tapas bars to fusion restaurants putting a twist on traditional Spanish fare at the marina.
Alongside the great dining opportunities, the night scene has enjoyed a long reputation for lively, quintessentially Spanish venues around El Barrio, or the old centre of Alicante city. Summer parties from the chiringuitos, or kiosks, down on the beaches are worth catching, or head to the Esplanada for themed nights from flamenco to modern European dance.
For those who want to explore the local countryside, the hiking and trekking routes here will take you into a land of dramatic valleys, crashing waterfalls and mountains. The outlying village of Guadelest, at the foot of the Sierra de Aitana, is unmissable for its uniquely precarious position on top of a rocky ridge. With historic towns like Elche, the vineyards around Jalon and beaches from El Campello to Benidorm, the Alicante province attracts every kind of holidaymaker. But for a good social buzz and authentic Spanish vibe to go with those lazy days in the sun, Alicante city is your best bet, and much more than just a tourist magnet.
