Alicante

Alicante sits on Spain's Costa Blanca as a historic Mediterranean port of 332,000 people, offering old-town wandering beneath Mount Benacantil's castle, broad urban beaches, and a notably lively Barrio (Casco Antiguo) nightlife scene. The city exports rice, wine, olive oil, and oranges from its Carthaginian-founded roots, while remaining more relaxed and affordable than Barcelona or Valencia for backpackers. It serves as both a beach destination and a base for tram-accessible day trips along the coast to Benidorm, Altea, and Dénia.

Alicante-Elche Airport (IATA: ALC) handles international flights; the main train station (Estación de Tren de Alicante) has Renfe AVE high-speed services: Madrid in 2-2.5 hours, Valencia in under 2 hours, Barcelona in up to 5 hours by conventional rail. ALSA buses run to Valencia, Barcelona, and Granada from the port-side bus station. Ferries operated by Algérie Ferries connect to Oran and Algiers via local agent Compañía Romeu.

The old town is compact enough that most sights are within walking distance. Tram Alicante (el Trenet) links Alicante with coastal settlements to Dénia, with single journeys costing €1.35-7.15 depending on distance; the Alicante-Benidorm leg costs €3.75. Taxis (Euro Taxi, RadioTeleTaxi, RadioTaxi, Taxi Area) operate 24 hours with set rates for certain destinations. Bicycle rentals are available near the waterfront.

Alicante has a Mediterranean climate: summers average 30°C (July-August), winters mild around 17°C. July and August are peak beach season with highest accommodation prices. The most spectacular festival is Hogueres de Sant Joan on 23 June, when multi-story monuments are burned after a week of music and fireworks. Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter), Carnaval (February-March), and various Moros i Cristians neighborhood festivals throughout the year offer cultural highlights. Shoulder seasons April-June and September-October balance warm weather with fewer crowds.

The old town (Casco Antiguo/Barrio) puts you in the nightlife heart near the cathedral and Explanada promenade. The port area (Puerto) offers proximity to beaches but carries a tougher reputation at night. Budget accommodation includes X Hostel Alicante (dorm €17, free breakfast, rooftop terrace), Hotel San Remo (doubles €40), and La Milagrosa B&B (singles €42+, doubles €75+). Mid-range options like NH Rambla de Alicante (doubles €63+) and Hotel Les Monges Palace (doubles €70 including breakfast) cluster near the central market. Upscale choices include Hospes Amérigo in a 16th-century monastery (doubles €150+).

Seafood and rice dominate the local cuisine, with regional paella variants like arroz alicantino and arroz con costra (rice topped with sausages and eggs). Most restaurants close between 16:00 and 21:00 for siesta, then reopen for dinner starting at 21:00. A menú del día (three- to four-course set menu with or without a drink) typically costs around €10. Restaurants cluster on Carrer Castaños near the theatre, Calle San Francisco, and Calle Mayor near the cathedral. Upscale dining includes La Taberna del Gourmet (tapas €7-19), Nou Manolin (mains €18-27), and Michelin-starred Monastrell (tasting menu €79). Traditional taberna Mesón de Labradores dates to 1693. Horchatería Azul has made horchata since 1930.

Castell de Santa Bárbara (castle on Mount Benacantil, 166m) offers free entry and panoramic views; a round-trip lift costs €2.70 (free for seniors, free daily 19:45-23:30 July-August). The old town between Rambla de Méndez Núnez, Explanada de España, and Mount Benacantil contains the town hall, Basilica of Santa María (14th-16th century), and several art museums. Free museums include MUSA (city museum with archaeological finds), MUBAG (fine arts in an 18th-century palace), MACA (20th-century works by Picasso, Miró, and local artists), and MUA (contemporary art at the university, reachable by Tram 2). MARQ archaeological museum charges €3 (€1.50 concessions, free for children under 8 and others). The Lucentum archaeological site (original Roman city) and Coves del Canelobre caves (24km north, €7 adults) offer half-day excursions. For cinema, Kinépolis and Yelmo Cines show films in dubbed and original subtitled versions.

Free municipal Wi-Fi covers Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de los Luceros, Plaza de la Montañeta, Santa Barbara Castle, and Platja del Postiguet beach. Major Spanish mobile operators (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange) provide coverage throughout the city. Spain uses Type F (Schuko) and Type C/E electrical plugs at 230V. Language schools include Don Quijote Alicante (4-6 hours daily, taught entirely in Spanish) and Centro Superior de Idiomas at Universidad de Alicante (intensive classes for foreigners).

Alicante is generally safe, but take precautions in the port area, particularly neighborhoods to the west — avoid these at night and dawn. Beaches are well-patrolled by coast guards and police, though watch your belongings. Northern neighborhoods Campoamor and Virgen del Remedio have bad local reputations but no tourist appeal. Theft at dawn is common around nightclub areas. El botellón (drinking in public lots) is a local youth custom but be cautious of your surroundings.

Tram Alicante runs along the coast to Dénia with stops at Benidorm (Aqualandia, Mundomar, Terra Mítica theme parks), Altea, and Calpe — sit on the right side for sea views. Tabarca island is reachable by catamaran excursions from the port. Overland, Biar offers a historic mountain village, and Elche (Elx) is a UNESCO World Heritage city 30 minutes away by Cercanías train C1. Ferries connect to Oran and Algiers in Algeria via Compañía Romeu at Calle Jorge Juan, 6.