Destination Finder

Europe

AlicanteSpain

A straightforward Costa Blanca beach city with a hilltop castle and low prices.

The vibe

BeachyFamily-friendlyWalkableRomanticGood value

Derived from Alicante’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Alicante?

Map showing the location of Alicante, SpainAlicante, Spain is in Europe. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Alicante, Spain, Europe.

Alicante is on Spain's southeastern Mediterranean coast, on the Costa Blanca between Valencia and Murcia.

At a glance

Country
Spain
Region
Europe
City size
Medium
English
Moderate

Why you might like Alicante

  • Beach
  • Warm & sunny
  • Nightlife
  • Food
  • History
  • Budget friendly

Alicante offers city-centre sand at Postiguet, a castle on Benacantil rock with views over the whole bay, and an old quarter that fills up late. It is inexpensive, easy to reach, and works well as a base for the surrounding Costa Blanca beaches.

Alicante in facts

Country
Spain
Region
Europe
City size
Medium · ~340,000 residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English proficiency
Moderate · 540/800

Country-level score · EF English Proficiency Index 2025

Why Alicante stands out

  1. The Santa Barbara Castle sits atop Mount Benacantil and overlooks the city and the Postiguet beach below.

  2. The Explanada de Espana promenade is paved with nearly six million red, cream and black marble tiles in a wave pattern.

  3. Alicante's harbor area, the Esplanada and Marina, links directly to the old quarter known as El Barrio.

  4. The region around Alicante is known for rice dishes distinct from Valencian paella, including arroz a banda.

Good to know

  • Alicante has a mild climate year-round, making it a common winter base along the Costa Blanca.
  • The city functions as both a standalone destination and a transport hub for nearby resort towns like Benidorm.
  • El Barrio's nightlife concentrates in a small grid of streets that gets considerably busier after midnight.

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