Once named the ‘City of Light’, the Spanish city of Alicante continues to be a tourist attraction and it is understandable to see why as castles, old quarters, long beaches, and a sensational culinary paradise inevitably draws the attention of travellers.
From exploring the city’s medieval architecture and browsing through the various museums to indulging in the local cuisine and wandering through markets, Alicante will undoubtedly keep you entertained 24/7.
Easy to explore, visitors can travel around the city by catching the bus or tram, which will take you to all the popular destinations — if you would like a more private option, then why not contact Firefly car rental in Alicante for a quick and exclusive ride around this beautiful city?
To help you experience the very best of this charming Spanish city, we have created the perfect guide to a luxury getaway in Alicante — don’t worry about the expenses, as it will all be worth it once you’re there.
Where to stay
Located in one of the most privileged areas of the city, Hotel Meliá Alicante welcomes its esteemed guests through its doors. Choose your view, as the hotel is perfectly placed between the golden beach and the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle — the views will not be the only element of entertainment, as bars and casinos along the marina will be of perfect use to you.
At the adults-only Hotel Boutique La Serena, tranquillity and calm awaits. Those who decide to stay in this exquisite manor house in Altea’s old town will be whisked away to a relaxing paradise. Visiting this wellness retreat means that you will be surrounded by cobbled streets, charming bars and restaurants, and near the picturesque seaside promenade — what could be better?
The beautiful Hospes Amérigo is a five-star haven built around a charmingly shaded courtyard. Despite being in the heart of flirtatious nightlife, this boutique hotel maintains a tranquil nature of the convent that it once was. Bonus: you will have access to the magnificent rooftop views that showcase the beauty of Alicante — simply walk through its doors to discover its flawlessly five-star luxury.
Located in Altea, a haven for artists, the SH Villa Gadea Hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere via its Mediterranean gardens and pool areas — it will simply have you enamoured as soon as you arrive. Here, you will have exclusive access to a beautiful private beach, which is perfect considering that the main beaches of Alicante can get quite crowded.
Where to eat
Dining at Restaurante La Ereta is a surprisingly modern experience, as Chef Dani Frias combines local favourites to create an exquisitely new result. If you decide to dine here, then be prepared to receive some of the best service in the country, as well as the option to look at majestic views of the city.
Named Spain’s best tapas bar in 2009, La Taberna del Gourmet continues to thoroughly impress diners. Serving a range of traditional tapas, it is fair to say that this restaurant offers some of the most divine flavours in all of Alicante.
If you are searching for the best paella in the city, then certainly visit Rincón de Antonio which is located along the walk up to the castle in Santa Cruz. The authentic dish will be served sizzling from the pan and trust us when we say that you will definitely return for more.
What to do
If you are an art-lover, then ensure that you visiting the MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art) as it holds a grand collection of Picasso, Bacon, Dalí and Miró, as well as various local artists.
A must-see for those with a passion for architecture and history alike, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which is nestled on top of Mount Benacantil — 169 metres above the city offers some incredibly breathtaking views of Alicante. Considered to be one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses, this castle should be on your lists of places to visit during your stay.
Similarly, the Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ) is a perfect stop for those wanting to find out more about previous human activity, This multi-use and versatile venue is divided into various thematic galleries that display collections of classified and catalogued finds — definitely a location worth exploring.
If you want a more relaxing getaway then simply soak up the sun rays on the beach or venture on a boat trip — head to Tabarca island or simply float on the sea to get glorious views of the city from afar.
There is an endless array of things to do in Alicante, and we hope that you visit and discover them yourself, as this is a charming Spanish city truly worth travelling to.
