Alicante is the capital of the Costa Blanca and the gateway most visitors arrive through, thanks to its airport. But it is well worth time of its own: a castle on a rock, a flower-filled old quarter, a marble seafront promenade and a city beach. It sits south of Benidorm, with Santa Pola and El Campello close by.
Region: Alicante city · Airport: Alicante–Elche (~20 min) · Known for: Santa Bárbara castle, Explanada, Santa Cruz quarter · Best for: city breaks, culture and year-round visits
How we assess: this guide draws on published tourism sources and regional knowledge rather than a recent on-site visit. We flag anything seasonal and never quote fixed prices.
Santa Bárbara castle
The castle sits on Mount Benacantil directly above the city. A lift built into the rock climbs from near Postiguet beach to the summit, where the views run along the whole bay. Entry to the castle grounds is free.
The old town and the Explanada
Below the castle, the Santa Cruz quarter is a cascade of narrow, flower-filled lanes. Along the seafront, the Explanada de España — a wave-patterned marble promenade shaded by palms — is the city’s social heart.
Beaches and the best time to visit
Postiguet beach sits right by the centre, with the longer San Juan beach a short tram ride north. Alicante works year-round, but timing matters: May to June and September bring warm sea with thinner crowds, July and August are the hottest and busiest, and the mild winter suits city breaks. For atmosphere, late June brings the Bonfires of Saint John (Hogueras de San Juan), the city’s biggest festival.
Our verdict
Do not treat Alicante as only an airport. Give it a day or two for the castle, the old town and the Explanada — and aim for late spring or September for the best balance of weather and crowds.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Alicante?
May–June and September for warm sea and fewer crowds; late June for the Bonfires festival.
Is the Santa Bárbara castle free?
Yes, entry to the castle grounds is free; there is a small charge for the lift.
How far is the airport from Alicante city?
About 20 minutes by car or bus.
Nearby on the Costa Blanca
- Santa Pola — salt flats, flamingos and the Tabarca ferry, just south.
- El Campello — a long beach and a tram ride north.
- Benidorm — big beaches and theme parks.