Alicante: Holidays

Backpacking is one of the cheapest ways of travelling, and Alicante offers facilities for this type of traveller, albeit limited. The beach provides an ideal focus for activities for those backpacking in Alicante, the opportunity for low-cost entertainment and a chance to relax before setting off to the next town or city. Accommodation in a hostel in the city centre starts from around €15 and offers basic facilities including a TV, self service kitchen and refrigerator. If travelling alone, staying in a hostel can provide the opportunity to meet likeminded travellers, and make a backpacking holiday in Alicante that much more fun. Staying in a city centre, and choosing a hostel close to the local nightlife and attractions is worth taking into consideration as this can reduce transport expenditure. Alicante does have good transportation links to other cities both on the Costa Blanca and within Spain itself, making the city an ideal stopover destination.

Alicante is the perfect destination for a beach holiday, with an endless supply of sandy beaches, ideal for those who want to indulge in watersports or simply top up their tan. The city’s most talked about beach is “La Playa de San Juan”, which boasts 7 kilometres (4.5 miles) of golden sand stretching along the Mediterranean coast. During the summer months it is packed with sun loving tourists soaking up the rays, and there is plenty of entertainment on offer. Towards the end of the beach there are bars, cafes and restaurants, and there is even an 18-hole golf course for those who want to combine a day of sunbathing and swimming with a round of golf. The Playa del Postiguet is another firm favourite with tourists, a 900 metre-wide arc of golden sand located in the heart of the city at the base of the imposing Monte Benacantil. It's wonderfully positioned for easy access and backed by a palm-shaded promenade with modern bars offering refreshments and food. Further to the north of the city, there is Playa de la Albufereta, a beach that takes its name from the small coastal lake that once existed on this spot and was home to the harbour that served the ancient Roman village of Lucentum, where Alicante now stands.

The warm days and mild evenings makes Alicante a great camping holiday destination. It is one of the best ways for the family or couple to enjoy the relaxed and outdoor way of life and be surrounded by the natural scenery which the region has to offer. Whether it’s in a tent or by caravan, campsites in Alicante offer good leisure facilities and provide the perfect compromise of spending time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, whilst still having Alicante right on the doorstep when needed. Most campsites in Alicante are only open during the summer season, and therefore it is advisable to book well in advance. When booking either by phone or online, it is important that you check the location of the campsite in Alicante, as some are located away from the main attractions.

Team work is a key ingredient for success in today´s corporate environment, and a team which can work together towards a common objective. Alicante is a city which provides a truly unforgettable corporate weekend for all sizes of businesses. There are plenty of activities to reward a hard working workforce, whether it’s a weekend break at a luxury resort or a week packed full of activities ranging from golf and sailing to hiking. To match the thrilling experiences by day, Alicante has the nightlife to match so any corporate celebrations can go right through the night until the early hours. The local cuisine is exquisite, and being a popular tourist resort, there is a large range of restaurants and bars to suit all palettes, making Alicante an ideal destination for a corporate weekend holiday.

For the ultimate romantic break, a couples holiday in Alicante will not disappoint. With the palm-lined boulevards, endless sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean climate, Alicante is the perfect destination to stroll hand in hand, and watch the sunset over a glass of fine Spanish wine and a dish of paella, the local speciality in the region. Alicante has many bars, restaurants and clubs to entertain couples, and there are plenty of places to go shopping, ranging from quaint boutiques to designer outlets to shopping malls. For the more cultured visit, museums and art galleries are in abundance, displaying work from some of the most well-known Spanish artists. Couples will not be stuck for something to do. A couples holiday in Alicante definitely fits the bill.

Alicante is renowned for its large selection of museums and art galleries, and is therefore a prime destination for a culture and arts holiday. The Santa Barbara Castle houses a collection of Spanish sculpture from the 19th and 20th century from renowned artists such as Benlliure, Macho, Inurria, Oteiza and Salvador Dalí. The Gravina Fine Arts Museum (MUBAG within the Gravina Palace, is also worth a visit during a culture and arts holiday in Alicante, and exhibits of fine art dating from the Middle Ages up until 1920. The exhibition includes the works of many significant artists such as Rodrigo de Osona, Salzillo, Vicente López, Antonio Gisbert, Joaquín Agrasot, Xavier Soler, Eusebio Sempere and Emilio Varela.

The Hogueras Museum, located in the Casa de la Festa building, is dedicated to Alicante's most popular festivals: the Hogueras de San Juan. It's a really great exhibition of photographs throughout the years covering some of the truly fantastic festivals of Alicante.

The Provincial Archaeological Museum (Marq), which can be found in the old Hospital San Juan de Dios, boasts an extremely valuable collection of around 81,000 pieces dating from the Stone Age to the medieval times, and is therefore a highlight on any cultural and arts holiday in Alicante.
 

Thanks to the province’s mountainous landscape, and Mediterranean climate there is plenty on offer for a cycling holiday in Alicante from leisurely rides along the coast to the more challenging climbs in the hills. The scenery is truly breathtaking, with the region offering undulating hills, olive and almond trees, lemon and orange orchards, and small picturesque country villages. Gradients of cycle routes vary, and should be chosen carefully depending on experience. One of the most challenging cycle climbs in the region is The Puerto Tudons which is 34 kilometres (21 miles) long, with a climb to 1531 metres, and an average gradient of 4.5 %, enough to put the most seasoned riders through their paces.
 

Thanks to Alicante being a popular tourist destination, the city is well prepared for disabled visitors. On arrival at the city’s airport, there is a designated area just outside the main terminal building for dropping off disabled passengers. In addition there are also designated disabled car parking spaces in the airport car park itself again just opposite the terminal building. If wheelchairs are required they are available on request although passengers requiring wheelchairs and special assistance should inform their airline prior to travelling.

When it comes to providing beach facilities for the disabled, Alicante is the world leader. Apart from easy beach access, specially adapted wheelchairs are provided so that disabled people can enjoy the water. Trained personnel are also on hand to assist. The Alicante province itself now has 18 wheelchair friendly beaches available, and many hotels in the region also cater for disabled visitors with rooms designed especially for those who are less abled. Before making a booking, this is worth taking into consideration.
 

Alicante is an ideal destination for a family holiday, as it has plenty of places to visit which are child-friendly, and there's something to suit younger and older kids, too. For families on a budget, Alicante is a great holiday destination thanks to being relatively cheap and easy to get to, and extremely convenient as a base for travelling on foot, bus or car. For visitors wanting to get away from the busiest local beaches, and venture further out of the city centre, great trips as a family include the subtropical palm forest and World Heritage site of Elche, a 30-minute train journey from Alicante or the Terra Mitica theme park just outside Benidorm, recently renovated to include many more rides and attractions.

Alicante is ideal for a gay and lesbian holiday with the city home to a friendly and thriving gay and lesbian culture. There are plenty of bars, hotels and also a private beach for gays and lesbians. La Marina, a gay nudist beach which offers a refreshing alternative even to the other gay beaches in Spain, is a 20 minute drive from Alicante, and hosts gay and lesbian party days.

After a day of watersports or relaxing on the beach, Alicante’s gay scene is very much alive at night, with a selection of bars and clubs to choose from. El Forat, the oldest gay bar on Plaza Santisima Santa Faz is the most popular, featuring eclectic decoration and a bohemian atmosphere, and Alicante gay and very popular Missing club on Calle Gravina mixes the friendly atmosphere of a pub and the booming energy of a nightclub.
 

Alicante is the perfect destination for a golf holiday thanks to its high concentration of golf courses and golf clubs, many of which feature spectacular coastal views and countryside settings, and are also within easy reach of Alicante.

For those who have time to venture out of the city into the wider provincial region, there are over fifteen 18-hole golf courses in the Costa Blanca, all within a two hour drive of Alicante. Some have been designed by Seve Ballesteros, and on the outskirts of the city close to the San Juan beach is a modern 18-hole golf course created by the renowned golfer.

Something for visitors to bear in mind when visiting the area is that the majority of courses cater for those on holiday or in the area for a short stay, and as a result do not allow bookings more than 7 days in advance (unless booking in large groups). If holidaymakers are flexible, they should not find it difficult to play a round by giving as little as 1 day’s notice.
 

With Alicante being a renowned tourist destination, there is plenty to do to pamper the hen before her big day, and Alicante is a popular venue for a hen celebration. Alicante’s authentic Spanish vibe, stunning beaches, terrace cafés, trendy marina filled with luxury yachts, top restaurants and superb nightlife, make it a great location for hen parties who are in search of a manageable sized city. Visitors can choose from refreshing watersports, spa sessions, chilled boat trips as well as the simple pleasures of sunbathing and shopping. At night, the city comes alive once more, and the narrow streets of Alicante, known as ‘El Barrio’ are filled with a huge choice of places to eat and enjoy drinks al fresco all year round thanks to the sought after Mediterranean climate. For those still wanting more then the clubs by Alicante Marina are open until past sunrise, meaning that hens can celebrate in Alicante from dusk until dawn.

There are numerous routes for walking enthusiasts, and in the Alicante region, there are 6 natural parks, which makes it ideal for a hiking holiday. For those visitors who have the means to explore the region, the Sierra Aitana mountains are about an hour north of Alicante and offer some of the most spectacular hikes in eastern Spain. Holidaymakers can follow traditional footpaths along ridge lines, stare out over dramatic Mediterranean panoramas, visit remote mountain villages and limestone amphitheatres, and sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery. For holidaymakers who are after something less strenuous and just fancy a meander, Alicante's Explanada de Espana is an appealing seafront promenade, offering superb views and lined with palm trees.

Golden beaches, beautiful sunsets, a clear blue sea, and stunning hotels, Alicante provides a stunning backdrop for a honeymoon holiday. Although it cannot be compared to that of Tahiti, the Seychelles or the Maldives, Alicante is a great option for a honeymoon. Only two and a half hours by plane from the UK, neither the groom or bride will have to worry about jet lag. Newlyweds can unwind after the big day, and bask in the Mediterranean sunshine and warm evening temperatures. There is plenty to do, whether it is a relaxing holiday on one of Alicante’s sandy beaches or enjoying a spa at one of the city’s luxury resorts, an Alicante honeymoon holiday has it all.

If culture is a must on the honeymoon agenda, there are numerous sites to visit in addition to the city’s spectacular museums and art galleries which house paintings from some of Spain’s most famous artists. For the more active couple, a round of golf and lunch at one of the beautiful golf courses, hiking in the hills to take in the breathtaking scenery or a boat trip out to Tabara Island, the new couple will have endless possibilities to enjoy their new romance in Alicante.
 

Although In Spain it is not illegal to walk around naked in the city or on the beach, out of respect for others, the practice is confined to both the official and non-official nudist beaches.

However, nudist, naturist or clothing-optional beaches are not difficult to find in Spain, and in general, naturism has become accepted as a perfectly ordinary practice and it is not even unusual to see naked people on the more isolated parts of non-naturist beaches. Cabo de las Huertas (Cape of Orchids) is the large headland north east of Alicante between Alicante and Platja de San Juan which house a series of rocky small coves, and are all popular with naturists.
 

Partying from dusk until dawn is the name of the game in Alicante, and the nightlife is second to none for a party holiday in Alicante or for singles who want to meet likeminded people. For a party holiday in Alicante, the city offers an easy, carefree nightlife all year round. The mild climate combined with the attractions of hundreds of bars and cafes with regular live entertainment ensure that this is a city which never sleeps.

One of the best places to visit at night is the old city centre known as El Barrio. Visitors will find a large selection of bars, taverns, cervecerias (beer cellars) and restaurants. The modern zone, between Alfonso El Sabio and the Explanada, offers other types of entertainment, with elegant pubs, sophisticated restaurants with famed cuisine, clubs and dance salons. In the summer months there is plenty of music, dancing and entertainment at the beach of San Juan.
 

Shopaholics will not want to leave Alicante, such is the selection of shopping opportunities which range from the bustling local markets, full of Spanish charm, to Alicante's popular indoor shopping centres and malls. Alicante is ideal for a shopping holiday as visitors are never far from away from cafés, which provide the perfect place for some relaxation time after a hard day on the feet, and the opportunity to sit back to enjoy the nearby scenery and watch the world go by.

For traditional shopping in Alicante, the Rambla de Méndez Núnez is not to be missed, a lively street lined with a good choice of small shops and interesting speciality stores. Larger and more modern high-street stores in Alicante are available around the Maisonnave area, with late-night shopping often popular in this part of Alicante. Those looking for indoor malls should head to the enormous Gran Via Shopping Centre, which is full of fashion boutiques, or the vast Panoramis Complex, which combines shopping with entertainment and leisure.
 

Alicante is the perfect destination to enjoy the Mediterranean waters, and the city is served by two nautical clubs, the Real Club Nautico de Regata and the Costa Blanca Nautical Club. A sailing yacht charter in Alicante is one of the best ways to enjoy the open seas, and is becoming the "in" thing to do while on holiday. Alicante really has everything on offer for the sailing enthusiast, whether it is lessons in dinghies for the beginner, or chartered cruises in large yachts.

For those visitors who want to leave it to the experts and do some sightseeing, there are regular boat trips to Tabarca Island with some having glass floors which allows holidaymakers to view the colourful marine life which the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean around Benidorm have to offer.
 

Alicante is a great choice for a scuba diving, whether for the beginner or the expert diver. The protected marine reserve of Tabarca Island is the most frequented area by divers thanks to its crystal clear waters. Water temperature varies from around 14 centigrade in the winter to about 24 degrees in the summer. Visibility is usually very good (20 to 25 metres). There are local diving centres to choose from which offer visitors the chance to explore the island’s surroundings offering dives in open water at the 18" wreck and "the 15 Mt bar”, and for the more advanced, there is the “Conger Wreck", a wreck that lies 30 metres under water where congers and barracudas can be seen. Expect to budget €50 for an introduction to scuba diving with each advanced open water dives also costing €50 based on 4 inidividual dives. The price however does include all refreshments, the cost of using the boat, and air tank hire.

It is worth taking into consideration that special permits are required to dive in the Tabarca Island reserve, and therefore it is advised that arrangements before hand through one of the dive centers in the area.

Alicante is a great destination to celebrate the stag’s last days of freedom before the big day. There is no shortage of activities for a stag celebration in Alicante, and there is endless fun around the clock. Golf courses, beaches, sailing are just some of the attractions by day, and after a short siesta, the city becomes alive for another round of partying at the city’s many bars and clubs. Alicante is the answer to an unforgettable stag, and one which will be remembered by all forever. There is a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, with holiday apartments and villas for big groups, which means that having fun in Alicante does not have to be expensive.

There is no better way to explore what Alicante and the surrounding province has to offer, than by car. Alicante is a city packed with things to do and places to visit, and makes the ideal destination for a family touring and driving holiday. Having a car allows visitors to have the maximum freedom and flexibility to explore all the destinations, and most of the tourist destinations around Alicante are within easy driving distance, allowing holidaymakers to enjoy some fascinating day trips to one of these locations, whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery. Alicante is also a great stop off point for any visitors who are touring the Costa Blanca by car with good transportation links to both other towns and cities including Valencia and Benidorm.

It is worth bearing in mind that if visiting during the high season, then advance booking is recommended or the choice of vehicle becomes very limited.
 

Everyone deserves a break, and the chance to relax and holidaymakers can relax at one of the finest spa hotels during a spa holiday in Alicante, and escape from reality and into a world of relaxation and bliss. Everyone needs some pampering from time to time and that is exactly what visitors will have at their fingertips. Resorts within the city offer a diverse selection of treatments, therapies and practices at the hands of qualified and expert staff. Some spas are part of golfing resorts which provides an ideal combination of sport and relaxation, with other facilities also on site including a swimming pool, depending on the standard of the property.

Alicante is one of Spain’s major wine producing areas and a wine tasting holiday in Alicante is a treat for any budding connoisseur. The Alicante wine region covers an area of 14,000 hectares, and consists of 53 vineyards (Bodegas), which produce 11.7 millon litres of wine every year. While Alicante wines are climbing the wine rating "charts," wine tourism isn't as developed here as in other Spanish wine regions. Some wineries do offer tours and tastings, but generally visitors will not find contact information or even a website for every Alicante winery online. Holidaymakers can look up winery contact information in a Spanish wine guide, such as the Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine. It is recommended that visitors call ahead if they would like to visit a particular winery, especially if during the harvest period.

Salvador Poveda offers wine tastings and sales at its uniquely modern facility in Monóvar. There is also a museum, which features a collection of Fondillón casks. Bodegas Bocopa offers a video presentation, guided tours and tastings. This cooperative was created from 11 smaller cooperative wineries and now produces some of Alicante's best-value wines.
 

With a full programme of fiestas (or festivals), visitors are still able to 'party' in the winter months and because it’s a city and not just a resort, the fun never stops, particularly at weekends, making Alicante a sought after winter sun holiday destination. Although temperatures are cooler, there is still plenty to do outside and a round of golf or a stroll along the palm lined promenade, coupled with an al fresco meal at one of the local restaurants is the perfect way to spend the day in Alicante. With winter being during the off-peak season, there are plenty of deals to be had, and this time of year offers visitors greater value for money as properties look to fill their rooms during this quieter period. A winter sun holiday in Alicante is also worth considering for family members, young and old who struggle with outdoor activities in the high temperatures of summer.