Are you thinking about visiting Alicante, Spain? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Alicante worth visiting?
Alicante is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Alicante is a seaside port city that is on Spain's Costa Blanca. It has a charming old town with colorful houses and charming streets. The city also has a lot of energy, beautiful views, and nearby sandy beaches.
Alicante, Valencia, Spain
Reasons to Visit Alicante
Museums
This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.
Food
It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.
Nightlife
For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.
Beaches
If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.
Historical Sights
The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.
Shopping
The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Alicante might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Alicante here or see if Alicante is expensive here.
Authenticity
Alicante has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Alicante worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Alicante, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Alicante
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| August | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Alicante worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Alicante. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town and browse through museums.
Autumn Weather in Alicante
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| December | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
Is Alicante worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Alicante. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Alicante
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| February | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| March | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Is Alicante worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Alicante, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Alicante
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Alicante
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Alicante most famous for?
Alicante is most famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. The city is very popular for its museums and food. It's also known for nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as vibrant, cultural, colorful, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Alicante?
The most popular sight in Alicante is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Alicante on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Castillo de Santa Bárbara and other attractions here.
How touristy is Alicante? Is it a popular city to visit?
Alicante is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Alicante Private Bike Tour (min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $65
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Alicante Private Tour: $77
- Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour: $84
- Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
- Half-Day Climbing Experience on Via Ferrata del Ponoig: $60
- Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls Tour from Alicante or Benidorm: $39
- Private Alicante Shore Excursion with Castle Tour: $267
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour: $33
How long should I spend in Alicante?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Alicante is two to four days. Since Alicante has activities such as museums and dining, many visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Alicante? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Alicante?.
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