All about Alicante, general & practical information

Getting to know Alicante and its history

Did you know that…

• the Romans gave Alicante the name Lucentum, also known in English as the ‘city of light‘;

• Alicante is known for its many rice recipes and that Alicante produces over a ton of rice annually;

• Alicante Airport attracts 9 million visitors annually;

• the entire population of Alicante consists of 15% foreigners;

• the Explanada de España promenade in Alicante contains 400 palm trees and 6.6 million black, red, and cream-colored marbles;

• the castle of Santa Barbara is one of Alicante’s most popular sights and is located 166 meters above the coast.

The history in brief

Alicante has a long and rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The city was founded by the Romans in 218 BC and has since known many rulers, including the Visigoths, the Moors, and the Christian Kings of Spain.

During the Middle Ages, Alicante was an important commercial city and a strategic point against outside attacks.

In the 19th century, the city was rebuilt and expanded, and it developed into an important port city and tourist destination.

During the Spanish Civil War, Alicante played an important role as a base for the international brigades that fought against Franco’s troops.

The name ‘Alicante’

The origin of the name Alicante is not entirely certain, but there are several theories about it. One of the most common theories is that it comes from the Arabic word Al-Laqant, which means ‘the source’ or ‘the connection’, and refers to the river Alacant that flows through the city.

Another theory is that the name comes from the Greek word ‘Akra Leuka’, which means ‘white cape’, because of the white rock formations near the coast.

The geography & neighborhoods in Alicante

The location of Alicante

Alicante is centrally located on the sun-drenched east coast of Spain, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. As the vibrant heart of the Costa Blanca, the city is situated exactly between the mountainous coastline of the north and the vast sandy plains of the south.

Its strategic position is further emphasized by its proximity to the international airport, making it the ideal base for many travelers to explore the rest of the province.

Geographically, the city is built around the base of the impressive Monte Benacantil, the 169-meter-high rock on which the Castle of Santa Bárbara watches over the city.

Alicante’s central location makes it not only an important port city, but also a natural hub between the different landscapes and villages along the coast.

Key points of the site

• Region: the city is the capital of Alicante province of the same name;

• Shoreline: centrally located on the Mediterranean, with direct access to:

  • The city beach Playa del Postiguet;

  • the marina and promenade.

• Distances: the town is a short travel distance from well-known places such as Elche and Villajoyosa.

The map of Alicante

The neighborhoods in Alicante

• El Barrio: this is the historic center of Alicante with narrow streets and old buildings;

• Ensanche-Diputación: this is the business center of Alicante with modern buildings, stores, and restaurants;

• San Blas: this neighborhood is located northeast of the center and is mainly a residential area with many apartment complexes;

• Playa de San Juan: this is a popular beach district in the north of Alicante with many hotels and apartments;

• El Cabo: this is a district east of the center with a harbor and many fish restaurants;

• Albufereta: this neighborhood is located north of the center and has a small beach and many restaurants;

• Campoamor: this is a district south of the center and is mainly a residential area with many villas and gardens;

• Los Ángeles: this neighborhood is located west of the center and is mainly a residential area with many apartment complexes;

• Benalúa: this is a district southwest of the center and has a large market and many stores;

• Vistahermosa: this is a district west of the center and is mainly a residential area with many villas and gardens.

The climate & nature in Alicante

A Mediterranean climate

Alicante welcomes you with a Mediterranean climate that is pleasant all year round. With more than 300 sunny days a year and an average temperature of 20°C, Alicante is a wonderful city for people who love the sun and outdoor activities.

The summers are hot and dry, perfect for swimming and relaxing on the beach. In the winter, you can enjoy mild temperatures and pleasant walks along the promenade (Explanada de España).

Weather, average temperatures

Below is a table showing the average temperatures in Alicante per month:

The nature around Alicante

The nature around Alicante consists of a varied landscape of mountains, coast, and green plains:

• Natural area Serra Grossa: this mountain area is located north of the city and offers spectacular views of Alicante and the coastline. Hike to the top of the Serra Grossa and enjoy the panorama. Or explore the many hiking trails that lead you past caves, gorges and historical relics;

• For those who love birds, the nature park El Hondo (a 40-minute drive from Alicante) is a must. This wetland area south of Alicante is an important breeding ground for waterfowl, such as flamingos, herons, and ducks. The paths are formed by boardwalks;

• Sierra Helada Nature Park(Serra Gelada in Valencian) (a 40-minute drive from Alicante) stretches along the coastline north of Alicante. This mountain range is an oasis of peace and nature, with cliffs, coves and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are several ways to explore the Sierra Helada. For example, you can follow the yellow route, which takes you to the Albir lighthouse. Or choose the red route, which takes you along the cliffs with breathtaking views.

The gastronomy of Alicante

Alicante’s gastronomy offers a mix of traditional Spanish flavors and international influences. The quality of the dishes is guaranteed by the use of fresh produce from local markets.

Culinary venues

Where you eat largely determines the experience in Alicante:

• Mercado Central: In this historic market hall you can buy fresh produce or eat local snacks directly from the bars;

• Calle Castaños: this is the central spot for the afternoon tradition tardeo with many terraces and bars;

• The port and promenade: here are many restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea;

• El Barrio Santa Cruz: The city’s old quarter is known for its many narrow streets lined with tapas bars and casual eateries.

Flavor profiles and specialties

Menus in Alicante feature a variety of local specialties:

• Rice culture: the city specializes in rice dishes(Arroz) prepared with the local Salmorreta sauce;

• Regional products: well-known specialties of the area are the Turrón from Jijona and the wines from the Vinalopó Valley;

• Fresh fish: due to its coastal location, there is a wide range of fresh seafood and fish dishes;

• Salmorreta sauce: a base of tomato, garlic and nora peppers that forms the basis of many local dishes.

Gastronomic peculiarities

There are several traditions and events that promote local food culture in the city:

• Tardeo: a popular tradition where people gather on Saturday afternoons for drinks and snacks between lunch and dinner;

• Gastronomic routes: there are regular events such as routes for specific rice dishes or tapas;

• Local markets: events in and around the market halls put the focus on tasting new local products.

Transportation & accommodation in Alicante

By plane to Alicante

Do you want to go on holiday to Alicante? The city has its own international airport, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC), which makes the journey very easy. From the airport you can reach the heart of the city by car, taxi or bus within 15 to 20 minutes.

From the Netherlands and Belgium, companies such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly fly directly to Alicante, making the destination easily accessible.

On holiday to Alicante

Alicante is a bustling provincial capital that combines the best of both worlds: a dynamic city life and a relaxing beach holiday. The city is an ideal destination for:

• City trips: with the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, the historic district Barrio Santa Cruz, various museums and a lively center, Alicante is perfect for a cultural city trip;

• Beach holidays: from the centrally located city beach Playa del Postiguet to the extensive sandy beach of San Juan, the city offers plenty of choice for sun and sea lovers;

• Base for the Costa Blanca: thanks to the excellent connections by train and bus, the city is the ideal starting point to explore the rest of the region, from Elche to Villajoyosa.

You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

Holiday stay in Alicante

• Hotels: the offer is enormous, ranging from large, luxury hotels on the harbor and the beach to charming boutique hotels in the old town;

• Apartments: a popular choice for those who want to stay in the middle of city life or opt for a stay with sea views in the San Juan district;

• Holiday homes and villas: although less central, you will find beautiful villas in the surrounding districts and along the coastline towards Cabo de las Huertas, often with a private swimming pool.

Many accommodations in the center are within walking distance of the main attractions, restaurants and the Postiguet beach.

Parking in Alicante

Downtown:

• Plaza del Puerto parking garage: this parking garage is located near the port and Postiguet beach. It is an expensive option, but it is convenient if you want to visit downtown;

• Parking garage Alfonso el Sabio: this parking garage is located in the center of the city, near the Mercado Central and the Explanada de España. It is a less expensive option than Parking Plaza del Puerto, but it can still be crowded;

• Canalejas parking garage: this parking garage is located near the Rambla de Méndez Núñez, one of the main shopping streets of Alicante. It is a good option if you want to shop or eat out.

Outside the center:

• Elche parking lot: this parking lot is located just outside the center of Alicante and is accessible by tram. It is a cheap option if you are going to stay in Alicante for a few days and do not plan to be in the center much;

• P+R Alicante parking lot: this parking lot is located just outside the center of Alicante and is accessible by bus. It is a cheap option if you want to visit the city and do not want to park in the center.

Everything at hand with the free Alicante app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save your favorite locations, such as restaurants, and easily find them again;

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Alicante Turismo (Tourist information)
• Alicante Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Alicante (Tourist information)

More tips for your visit to Alicante