Overview
The Province of Alicante sits in the southern reaches of the Valencian Community on Spain's southeastern Mediterranean coast. It stretches roughly from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, encompassing the stretch of coastline marketed as the Costa Blanca — a name that refers to the bright white limestone cliffs and fine sand beaches characteristic of the region.
Beyond the well-known resorts, the province contains significant historical depth. The Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and various Iberian cultures all left marks on its towns and landscapes. Castles, Roman ruins, and medieval old quarters coexist with modern marinas and beachfront promenades.
Inland Alicante is frequently overlooked by visitors who stick to the coast. The comarca of El Comtat and the highlands around Alcoy (Alcoi) offer mountain scenery, traditional festivals, and an older agricultural way of life quite distinct from the coastal tourist economy. This contrast between coast and interior is one of the province's defining qualities.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Alicante is part of Spain and therefore the Schengen Area. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality and can change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Spain's official immigration authority (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) or your own country's consular service well before travel.
Health
No specific vaccinations are required for most travelers visiting from Europe or North America, but verify current requirements with your healthcare provider. European Union citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); all other visitors are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen with high SPF is essential even in spring and autumn; UV levels on the Mediterranean coast can be deceptively strong.
- Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting churches, historic sites, and inland villages.
- A light layer for evenings, especially in spring, autumn, and if you plan to visit the interior highlands.
- A phrasebook or translation app: while English is spoken in tourist zones, it is less common inland.
Practical Timing Notes
The province is extremely busy in July and August. Accommodation prices peak, beaches become crowded, and some restaurants in resort towns fill weeks in advance. Shoulder seasons offer a markedly more relaxed experience and are often more economical.
Getting There
By Air
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the main gateway and one of Spain's busiest airports, with direct connections to many European cities and seasonal routes from further afield. Verify current routes and carriers directly with the airport or your preferred airline, as schedules change seasonally.
By Rail
Renfe operates long-distance and regional rail services connecting Alicante city with Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities. Journey times and frequencies vary; check the Renfe website for current timetables and booking.
By Road
The AP-7 motorway (toll) and the free N-332 run along the coast, connecting Alicante to Valencia in the north and Murcia in the south. The A-31 links Alicante city directly to Madrid via Albacete. Car hire is available at the airport and in major towns.
By Ferry
Baleària and other operators run ferry services between Dénia (in the north of the province) and the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca). Check operators' websites for current schedules and fares, as these vary by season.
Getting Around
Public Transport
TRAM Metropolitano d'Alacant operates a tram and light-rail network connecting Alicante city with coastal towns northward as far as Dénia, passing through Benidorm, Altea, and Calpe. This is a practical and scenic option for moving along the northern Costa Blanca without a car. Bus services (ALSA and local operators) cover the broader province, including inland towns, though frequencies can be low in rural areas.
Car Hire
A hire car gives the greatest flexibility, particularly for reaching inland villages, the Vinalopó wine country, or lesser-visited natural areas such as the Sierra de Mariola or the Montgó Natural Park. Roads are generally well maintained. Parking in coastal resorts in high summer can be difficult and can carry charges; verify locally.
Within the City of Alicante
Alicante city is navigable on foot in its central areas. The city also has a local bus network (SUBUS). Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate in the city and larger towns.
Ferries to Islands
Small passenger boats run seasonally between Dénia, Jávea, and Altea to Tabarca Island (off the coast of Alicante city) and to the Balearics. Tabarca is accessible by scheduled boat from Alicante's harbour — verify current operators and timetables locally or via the tourist office.
Things to See & Do
The City of Alicante
The provincial capital rewards time beyond its beach. The Castillo de Santa Bárbara sits dramatically above the city on Mount Benacantil and offers panoramic views over the coast and the old town below; access is by lift through the rock or on foot. The Barrio de Santa Cruz — the historic quarter on the hillside below the castle — is a compact maze of painted houses and stairways. The Explanada de España, a mosaic-tiled seafront promenade, is the city's social spine.
Benidorm
Benidorm is one of Europe's most densely built resort towns and one of the most visited destinations in Spain. Its two broad sandy beaches — Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente — are genuinely impressive in scale. Benidorm's skyline and reputation divide opinion, but it delivers reliable beach infrastructure, a wide range of dining and nightlife, and good transport connections. The old town (Casco Antiguo) on the headland is often missed by visitors and offers a calmer side of the town.
Natural Spaces and Outdoor Activities
- Montgó Natural Park (near Dénia and Jávea): limestone massif with hiking trails and sea views.
- Tabarca Island: Spain's smallest inhabited island, a marine reserve with clear water popular for snorkelling and diving. Day-trip boats run from Alicante city; verify current operators.
- Sierra de Mariola: inland mountain range near Alcoy, known for medicinal herbs, hiking, and rural tourism.
- Guadalest Valley: inland from Benidorm, the village of El Castell de Guadalest is perched dramatically on a rock and offers a reservoir, a castle, and several small museums. It is very popular and crowded mid-day in summer; an early arrival is advised.
Heritage and History
- Elche (Elx): a UNESCO-listed date palm forest (the Palmeral) and the Misteri d'Elx — a medieval lyric drama performed every August, also UNESCO-listed. The Basílica de Santa Maria and the archaeological site of La Alcudia (where the Iberian Lady of Elche sculpture was found) are also in the city.
- Orihuela: an often-overlooked city in the south with a notable Gothic cathedral, Renaissance buildings, and well-preserved historic centre.
- Villena: inland town with a well-preserved 15th-century castle and a small archaeological museum housing the Villena Treasure — one of the most significant Bronze Age gold hoards found in the Iberian Peninsula. Verify opening hours locally.
- Dénia: a town with a Moorish castle, a pleasant old port, and a reputation as a gateway for Balearic ferries and for its local gastronomy.
Beaches
The province has a long and varied coastline. Northern beaches around Jávea (Xàbia), Calpe, and Altea tend to have more rocky coves and clearer water. Southern beaches around Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura are broader and sandier. Conditions, facilities, and water quality vary by location and season; local tourist offices can advise on current Blue Flag status.
Food & Drink
Regional Cuisine
Alicante's food culture draws heavily on Mediterranean ingredients — rice, seafood, olive oil, citrus, and almonds. The province claims a distinct culinary identity within the broader Valencian tradition.
- Paella and rice dishes: Rice is central. The Alicante region has its own rice traditions distinct from Valencian paella; arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock and served separately from the fish) and arroz negro (rice with squid ink) are local staples. Ask locally for restaurants with a serious rice reputation rather than tourist-menu versions.
- Caldero: a fisherman's rice dish associated with the Mar Menor area and southern Alicante, cooked in a two-handle iron pot.
- Turrón: Alicante is the undisputed home of Spanish turrón (nougat). The town of Jijona (Xixona) produces the soft variety, and Alicante the hard variety. Both are protected by Denominación de Origen designations.
- Seafood: Fresh fish and shellfish are widely available. Clams (tellinas), sea urchins (erizos), and red prawns (gambas rojas) from the Dénia fishery are considered a regional delicacy.
- Wines: The province has several wine designations including Alicante DO and Marina Alta. Monastrell is the dominant red grape variety. Fondillón — a historic aged fortified wine from the Alicante DO — is a regional speciality worth seeking out in wine shops.
Eating Hours
Spanish meal times apply: lunch (the main meal) is typically served from around 2 pm to 4 pm, and dinner from around 9 pm onward. Restaurants oriented toward international tourists may open earlier, but kitchens in more local establishments follow traditional hours.
Shopping
What to Buy
Alicante province has several genuinely local products worth looking for:
- Turrón: Hard (Alicante) and soft (Jijona) nougat are the signature purchase. Look for products carrying the official Denominación de Origen seal for the authentic product. The town of Jijona has turrón factories and shops open to visitors (verify opening arrangements locally).
- Espadrilles (espardenyes): Traditional handmade espadrilles are still produced in some villages. Quality and authenticity vary; dedicated craft shops are more reliable than souvenir stalls.
- Local wines and spirits: Bottles of Alicante DO wine, Fondillón, or Mistela (a sweet local wine made from Muscat grapes) make practical gifts that are difficult to source abroad.
- Ceramics: Inland towns, including Agost, have a long tradition of unglazed terracotta pottery (particularly porous water jugs called botijos).
Where to Shop
Alicante city has a mix of high-street chains, a central market (Mercado Central de Abastos — verify current opening), and independent shops in the old town. Resort towns have heavy concentrations of souvenir and beach-goods shops. For local produce and crafts, weekly markets in smaller towns often offer better quality and price.
Practical Information
Emergency Contacts
- Pan-European emergency number: 112 (police, ambulance, fire — English-speaking operators available)
- National Police: 091
- Civil Guard: 062
- Always verify local non-emergency contact numbers for your specific municipality on arrival.
Money
ATMs are widely available in towns and resorts. Card payment is generally accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops; carry some cash for markets, small bars, and rural areas. Inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and some public spaces. Mobile coverage is good in towns and along the coast but can be patchy in the interior hills. EU mobile roaming rules may benefit EU residents; non-EU visitors should check roaming charges with their provider or consider a local SIM.
Accessibility
Alicante city and major resorts have made accessibility improvements to promenades and some beaches, but the terrain in the old towns (cobblestones, stairs) and in rural areas can present challenges for those with limited mobility. Verify specific accessibility information with your accommodation or the local tourist office before travel.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Spain. In restaurants a small tip is appreciated for good service but is not an embedded social expectation as in some other countries. Rounding up the bill is common practice.
Safety
Alicante province is a generally safe destination for travelers. The main concerns are common to any busy tourist region rather than specific to this area.
Petty theft — pickpocketing and bag snatching — occurs in crowded areas: beaches, markets, transport hubs, and busy promenades. Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving bags or electronics unattended on beaches. Do not leave items visible in parked hire cars.
Beach safety: Heed flag systems on all beaches. A red flag means swimming is prohibited; yellow advises caution; green indicates conditions are safe. Undertows and strong waves can occur without warning. Lifeguard coverage varies by beach and season — verify locally. Sun and heat: heatwaves are increasingly common in summer; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure in the midday hours.
Road safety: The AP-7 coastal motorway is fast and well maintained, but local roads in the interior can be narrow and winding. Extra care is needed if driving in unfamiliar mountain terrain.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Languages
Alicante is officially bilingual. Spanish (Castilian) is universally understood. Valencian — a variety of Catalan — is co-official and is spoken as a first language by a significant portion of the population, particularly in smaller inland towns. Most signage in the province appears in both languages. Visitors who make a basic effort with Spanish are generally well received.
Festivals
The province has a dense calendar of local festivals (fiestas). The most widely known include:
- Las Hogueras de San Juan (Alicante city, late June): a major festival involving elaborate falla-like figures (hogueras) that are burned on the night of June 24th. Similar in spirit to Valencia's Las Fallas.
- Moros y Cristianos: numerous towns across the province hold these elaborate historical pageants commemorating the Reconquista, with costumed processions and mock battles. Alcoy's version (April) is among the oldest and most elaborate in Spain. Dates and specifics vary by town — verify locally.
- Misteri d'Elx (Elche, August 14–15): the UNESCO-listed medieval religious drama performed inside the Basílica de Santa Maria. Ticketing for the performance can be limited and should be arranged well in advance.
Social Customs
Meals are social occasions and unhurried. It is normal for lunches and dinners to extend considerably. Noise levels in bars and restaurants tend to be higher than northern European visitors may expect. Children are generally welcome in restaurants at most hours. Dress codes for restaurants are typically informal outside the most formal establishments, but beachwear is expected to be covered up away from the immediate beach or pool area.