Amazing Alicante—one of Spain's best-kept secrets
While it might not be as well known as Madrid or Barcelona, the seaside city of Alicante packs just as much of a punch. Located within the scenic Costa Blanca region, Alicante is a historic port on Spain's eastern coast that's known for its bustling downtown and lively harborfront, along with a wealth of broad, sandy beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. There's plenty to see in the area, and your central Alicante vacation rental will put you a hop, skip, and jump from local sights like the mountaintop Castle of Santa Barbara, the Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria, and the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art.
Art for art's sake (and yours, too) in Alicante
After a good long roast on Alicante's beaches, you'll find there's lots to see in the area. A trip up Mount Benacantil to the Castle of Santa Barbara will reward you with scenic views of the city and the surrounding sea, as well as tours of the venerable 9th-century fortress itself. At the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, you can peruse permanent collections and rotating exhibits of the works of some of the biggest names in modern art, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali.
Visit the coast with the most in Alicante
Soaking up the sun is the order of the day in Alicante. You'll find a number of wide, sandy beaches in the area, and Postiguet Beach is one of the most popular. Here, you'll find plenty of space for sunbathing and other waterfront activities, as well as a boardwalk lined with palm trees and dotted with cafes. San Juan Beach boasts a thriving nighttime scene, and beachfront bonfires can be seen throughout the summer months. The city hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Bonfires of Saint John, an exuberant celebration held each year around the summer solstice.
Sensational, sunny seasons in scenic seaside Spain
Alicante has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters, without much rainfall throughout the year. Summer highs average around 87 degrees in July and August, while average winter temperatures range from the mid 40s to the low 60s between December and February. Spring and fall are relatively warm, but September, October, and November are the city's wettest months, so plan accordingly. Summer is the city's busiest season, and you'll be more likely to score killer Alicante vacation rentals during the cooler, quieter winter months.
Just coasting along in maritime Alicante
Alicante lies on the eastern coast of Spain, in the Costa Blanca region along the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. The area features sandy beaches interspersed with rocky coastline, and fishing, boating, and swimming are popular pastimes. While the city itself is fairly built up, nature lovers can spot plenty of species of wildlife along the region's ample shoreline, including crabs, herons, gulls, and terns, as well as several types of fish. With an Alicante vacation rental, the scenic waterfront playground of the Costa Blanca will be right at your fingertips.
Transportation to and around Alicante
Fly into Alicante Intl. Airport (ALC), the closest airport, located 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, Alicante (YJE-Alicante Train Station), Alacant Terminal Station and Sant Gabriel Station are the main stations that serve the city.