Alicante
Travel Guide

Alicante is one of the most engaging coastal areas of Spain. The city and the surrounding villages are along the Mediterranean Sea and the amount of beaches and coastal corners are endless. This is why every year the European Union categorizes these natural landscapes with blue flags, standing for an international coast reputation. Surely this is one of the reasons why throughout the year, but especially in the summer... season, thousands of tourists travel to Valencia for a swim in those blue waters or to visit the villages around.
The alicantinas villas are like those drawn in stories, white, small and with flowers on each balcony. A contrast to those skyscrapers along the shore. This city has the tallest buildings of the area and throughout the country. But what distinguishes Alicante doesn’t end here. The culinary tradition of tapas and dishes is a delight and makes more than one person ask for the recipe, but besides... Did you know that is the second most mountainous province in Spain? Although the mountains are not very high, the region is full of valleys and rugged areas which also allows for a great getaway from the sea. And of course, as of birth, the alicantinos are open and friendly. They are folks of the Mediterranean, land of sun and quality life. Friendly, achievers but also funny, always true to their traditions and their customs and great defenders of their land.
Alicante and their surroundings surely includes everything that a sun lover, beach and good life are looking for. If you like movement, beaches, good weather, popular festivals and tapas, this is the place for you.

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Alicante Overview

Language

Spanish is the most widely spoken language among the population, although in Alicante and the community of Valencia, Valencian is also spoken, the Romance language related to Catalan and Balearic. Among those working in the tourism sector it’s likely to also speak some English and French and the younger generation increasingly have more knowledge of English.

Weather

Alicante has an arid Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very hot and dry summers. Throughout the whole year the average temperature is about 18ºC (64.4ºF) but in summer it can get to pass the 35ºC (95ºF). The rainiest months are September and October and during this period there may be some flooding. Still, for most of the year the sun is the star during the day.

Money

Euro (EUR). The euro is the official currency as in the rest of Spain. At the airport you can easily change your money at currency exchange offices and in the Alicante city there are ATMs and banks which also also exchange currency. Big establishments tend to accept credit card although small businesses or low value purchases do not accept it.

When to go

Spring, late summer or early autumn. During spring it’s when temperatures are more pleasant. The sun begins to warm more and is a good time to start visiting the beach. Late summer -september- and early autumn is also a good time. The heat it’s not as suffocating and water and temperatures still allow to take a dip in the water.

Days

For Alicante 1 day and 5 to explore the surroundings. Alicante is a relatively small city and could be explored in one day. It has some interesting sights but the most attractive parts of the city are the surroundings. Alicante is on the Mediterranean Sea, has dreamy coastal landscapes, and belongs to the community of Valencia. It’s best to take a few days to explore the Costa Blanca or the coast of Valencia.

Surroundings

Biar (inland town with a castle and a pedestrian historical center)
Banyeres de Mariola (inland town with a castle and a lovely historical center)
Cocentaina (village of 40,000 years old with interesting buildings)
Ibi (town known for the toy museum and sculpture of the Magi, one of the few in the world)
Orihuela (municipality with the old town declared a Historical Site)
Murcia (city)
Elche (municipality with Iberian remains)

Store Hours

The alicantinas stores usually open around 10:00 and close at 20:00. Small businesses tend to have a lunch break at noon (from 14:00 to 17:00) and larger or franchised businesses often have a continued schedule. But depending on the area, times may change a little.