Alicante is a buzzing gateway to Spain’s southwest Mediterranean coast, known as the Costa Blanca. You can catch a boat to a nearby island, visit a beach resort, stay at one of the many hotels in Alicante or drive into the mountains for cool air and quiet villages.
Beaches & bars
Calpe Beach – Source: Getty Images
Enjoy a day on the beach or a night on the town at the seaside resorts of white-sand Costa Blanca. The kiosk-style chiringuito bars of San Juan beach are less than eight kilometres from Alicante via the TRAM system, and it’s a scenic hour’s ride along the coast to Benidorm, a resort town.
Stop for a refreshing coastal walk amid dunes and pines at Guardamar south of Alicante, or hit the pubs and clubs of Torrevieja.
Theme parks
Families flock to Costa Blanca in summer, and Alicante Province has plenty of options for a fun-packed day out.
- Terra Mitica: This popular summer theme park has roller coasters and flume rides with backdrops inspired by ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology.
- Aquopolis: This complex of pools, chutes and slides near Torrevieja makes a splash in summer.
- Pola Park: Race go-karts, play mini golf and whizz around on fairground rides in an open-air amusement centre overlooking the Santa Pola salt lakes.
Nature and wildlife
Tabarca Island – Source: Getty Images
Flora and fauna around Alicante offer relief from the city’s busy streets and beaches.
- Canelobre Caves: Near the town of Busot, about 23 km from Alicante, you can tour a dramatic cave system beneath the Cabezón de Oro mountain ridge.
- Tabarca Island: An hour’s boat ride from Alicante, this peaceful island is part of a protected nature reserve with colourful marine life and rare seabirds.
- Terra Natura: North of Alicante near Benidorm, this popular zoo has more than 1,500 animals including elephants, tigers and endangered species.
Road trips and mountain retreats
The landscape around Alicante ranges from lush valleys and vineyards to rocky peaks and plains. Guadalest is a charming town perched in the Sierra de Aitana foothills.
About 30 km inland from Alicante lies the quaint village of Castell de Castells high in the Marina Alta mountains. Jalón is a romantic spot for a bodega visit deep in wine country.