Amazing Alicante
With its short flight time, reliable flight schedule and year-round sunshine, the Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s easiest escapes from Ireland. Alicante makes a brilliant starting point, with a walkable city centre, a lively marina, beaches close by and plenty of history, food and culture to enjoy over a few days. Go beyond the city and you’ll find mountain villages, coastal towns, family attractions and island trips, making this a destination that works just as well for a short break as it does for a longer Spanish holiday.
A Long Weekend in Alicante
When I visited Alicante, it was for a long weekend. The airport itself is very modern and easy to navigate, with great public transport into the city centre.
We stayed in The Melia, which is an excellent choice. The hotel is very nice, with a rooftop bar and pool, plus a great breakfast with panoramic views. However, its best asset is its location.
Situated right in the heart of this very walkable city, with numerous bars, shops and restaurants on your doorstep, the hotel is flanked by a marina on one side and a lovely beach lined with bars on the other.
Exploring the City and Beyond
Alicante is a great base for exploring the area. The city itself dates back to medieval times, with the ancient Barrio de Santa Cruz district and the lovely mosque-tiled promenade being some of the highlights for me.
With limited time, we still managed to go on an excellent food and tapas walking tour and enjoy a flamenco show.
I’m fascinated by history, and the highlight of the trip for me was a trip to Guadalest. Perched high on cliffs, this mountain village has stunning views, and the castle is literally carved into the rocks, with some of the ruins dating back to the 11th century.
Activities, Islands and Beach Extensions
There are plenty of activities if you are looking for an active holiday, with everything from horse riding to a wide choice of water sports.
Tabarca Island is well worth visiting if you have some extra time. A marine reserve, it is a great choice for water sports enthusiasts and has a lovely old village to wander around.
Alicante can also be easily combined as a city break with a longer beach holiday. Calpe and Albir would be some of my recommendations, or it could form part of a longer tour of Spain.
