Major city · Spain
AlicanteAlacant
Base in the old town for 2 nights: castle, beach and old-town tapas on foot; add a tram day to Benidorm or Altea only if you want coast.
Alicante is a working port city of about 335,000 people and the capital of its province, with a castle on the hill, a city beach and a tram line that runs the Costa Blanca coast. Two nights covers the old town, Santa Bárbara castle and Postiguet beach; three or four nights only pay off if you use it as a base for tram day trips north to Benidorm, Altea or Calpe. It is a Mediterranean summer city: May to October for the sea, April to June and September to October for walking weather without the August crush.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), and the peak beach weeks of mid-August
- Airport
- ALC
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Alicante112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Alicante, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyA safe, busy Mediterranean city; the real risks are pickpockets and bag theft at the bus station and on the beach, August heat…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergency services · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (About 11 km (6.8 mi) south of the centre; bus C6 runs to the city, taxi about €20–25 (≈ US$25–30)).ALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (About 6.8 mi (11 km) south of the centre; bus C6 runs to the city, taxi about €20–25 (≈ US$25–30)).
- Getting aroundThe old town is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café con leche)€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / can at a shop€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)€1–1.50 (≈ US$2)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride€1.45 (≈ US$2) (2025)
- Museum or sight ticketCastle lift, round trip€2.70 (≈ US$4) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (About 11 km (6.8 mi) south of the centre; bus C6 runs to the city, taxi about €20–25)ALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (About 6.8 mi (11 km) south of the centre; bus C6 runs to the city, taxi about €20–25)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
not flagged
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
May
Best
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (83°F)83°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (87°F)87°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
not flagged
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
Dec
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (44°F)44°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (4 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Alicante: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (44°F)44°F (7°C)
4 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3 rd
Mar
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4 rd
Apr
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
11°C (53°F)53°F (11°C)
4 rd
May
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
15°C (58°F)58°F (15°C)
3 rd
Jun
28°C (83°F)83°F (28°C)
19°C (65°F)65°F (19°C)
2 rd
Jul
31°C (87°F)87°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
2 rd
Sep
29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Nov
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
4 rd
Dec
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The old town is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes. City buses cost €1.45 a ride (2025) and run roughly 06:30–22:30 with night routes; the Bono Móbilis card gives 10 rides in zone A plus a €2 card. Tram Alicante (el Trenet) links the coast from Alicante to Dénia, with Benidorm as the changeover point; single fares run about €1.35–7.15 by distance. Taxis are metered and stands sit at the Explanada, the bus station and the train station.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Benidorm
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min
Tram Alicante (L1/L2 to Luceros–Benidorm, change where indicated)
Sit on the right side for the sea view; a beach-and-towers day, not a quiet one.
Elche
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Renfe Cercanías C1 from Alicante Terminal
Palm grove and the Misteri d'Elx basilica; half a day is enough.
Altea
goDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min–2 h
Tram Alicante north, change at Benidorm
Whitewashed old town on a hill above the sea; go early, the tram back is slow.
Calpe
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h–2 h 30 min
Tram Alicante north, change at Benidorm
Peñón de Ifach walks need a booked permit in season; the return leg eats the day.
Xàbia
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min+
Tram to Dénia or Benidorm, then bus
The tram does not reach Xàbia; sleep a night rather than double back.
Dénia
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Tram Alicante L1 to Dénia
Northern end of the line; castle and port, better as a night than a return trip.
Torrevieja
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h–1 h 30 min
Bus or car south along the coast
Check connections first; the tram does not serve the southern coast.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Casco Antiguo (old town)
Between the Rambla, the Explanada and Mount Benacantil; everything walkable, some street noise at night.
Explanada / Postiguet
Seafront and beach at the door; higher prices, best for a short beach-first stay.
Around Luceros and the train station
Tram, Renfe and bus links; practical for arrivals and day trips, less atmosphere.
Playa de San Juan
About 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast by tram; sand and resort hotels, but you travel into the centre for sights.About 3.1 mi (5 km) northeast by tram; sand and resort hotels, but you travel into the centre for sights.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €170 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × €110 | €220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Airport bus C6, both ways2 × €9 · check | €18 |
| Bono Móbilis card plus 10 zone-A rides2 × €11 · check | €22 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €73 |
| Trip total≈ €201 per person per day, bed included | €803≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café con leche) | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día at lunch | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / can at a shop | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) / €1–1.50 (≈ US$2) |
| Tapa or racion in the old town | €3–9 (≈ US$4–11) |
| City bus ride | €1.45 (≈ US$2) (2025) |
| Tram Alicante, short hop / to Benidorm | €1.35–7.15 (≈ US$2–9) by distance (check) |
| Castle lift, round trip | €2.70 (≈ US$4) (check) |
| MARQ museum entry | €3 (≈ US$4) adults (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The bus station on Muelle de Poniente has a reputation for baggage theft: keep bags on your lap, not the floor.
- August heat and humidity are real; do the castle climb early or take the lift.
- The castle lift has a last ascent well before closing time — check the board at the tunnel entrance.
- Beach vendors and unlicensed sellers work Postiguet in summer; nothing you buy there is a bargain.
- Some old-town bars post no prices: ask the total before you order.
Emergency numbers
- All emergency services
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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AlicanteAlacant
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergency services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No US or UK embassy here; the nearest US consulate-general is in Valencia and the British consulate is in Alicante (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport ALC → city centre, bus C6: about €4.50 (≈ US$6), about 20 min (2025)
- Airport ALC → city centre, taxi: €20–25 (≈ US$25–30)
- Tram Alicante → Benidorm: about €3.75 (≈ US$5) (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo)
Tipping is optional: round up or leave 5–10% for good table service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Alicante. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), and the peak beach weeks of mid-August · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ALC: C6 bus last departures, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: old town and cathedral, castle and MUSA, Explanada and Postiguet, MARQ and the port.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (castle, MARQ, MUBAG, MACA, Lucentum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tram day-trip fixtures to Benidorm, Altea and Dénia so the coast rung can go green.
Sources
- officialAlicante tourist office (Alicante Turismo)
- officialAlicante city council
- officialAena — Alicante–Elche Airport
- officialTRAM Alicante
- officialRenfe
- secondaryWikivoyage: Alicante, revision 5283798 (CC BY-SA 4.0)