Alicante as a holiday destination: sights and hidden gems, from the charm of the old town to the sound of the sea

Contents:

• Travelling to Alicante: Direct and hassle-free from Switzerland
• Weather in Alicante: Sunshine all year round
• Sights in Alicante: Where history meets sea views
• Beaches in and around Alicante: A variety of options between the city and the countryside
• Day trips around Alicante: Discover, marvel, enjoy
• Culinary diversity in Alicante: Where dining becomes an experience
• Accommodation in Alicante: Something for everyone
• Conclusion: Alicante – plenty of sights and the pure Mediterranean way of life

Travelling to Alicante: Direct and hassle-free from Switzerland

Travelling to Alicante is a pleasant and time-saving experience – particularly for travellers from Switzerland. There are several direct flights from Basel, Zurich and Geneva, connecting Alicante with Switzerland in less than three hours’ flying time.

The airlines Swiss and EasyJet offer regular direct flights. EasyJet connects Alicante with all three Swiss cities and is a particularly popular option for budget-conscious travellers. Those who prefer a little more comfort can fly non-stop from Zurich to Alicante with Swiss and enjoy the familiar service of the national airline.

After landing at Alicante–Elche Airport, which is situated about nine kilometres south of the city centre, you can reach the centre quickly and comfortably. The C6 bus runs every 20 minutes directly to the city centre and stops at key locations such as the main railway station. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are available – the journey takes around 20 minutes.

Weather in Alicante: Sunshine all year round

Alicante is one of the sunniest cities in Europe – with over 300 days of sunshine a year. In summer, it gets hot and dry, but a pleasant sea breeze keeps things refreshing. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures of around 20–25 °C – ideal for strolling around the city and going on day trips. Even in winter, the weather remains pleasant: with an average temperature of around 16 °C, Alicante is the perfect escape from the grey days of Central Europe. Whenever you travel – don’t forget your sunglasses!

Places of interest in Alicante: Where history meets sea views

Alicante is more than just a seaside resort – the city captivates visitors with its Mediterranean charm, impressive history and picturesque corners, each of which is a sight in its own right that you’ll never want to leave.

• Towering high above the city is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Anyone who makes the climb – whether on foot or in the comfort of the lift – will be rewarded with a panoramic view stretching from the azure sea right into the heart of the countryside. It’s the perfect spot to marvel at Alicante from above and take a deep breath.

• Right by the sea runs the famous Explanada de España, paved with thousands of colourful mosaic tiles. Lined with palm trees, cafés and street musicians, it’s a place to stroll, pause and enjoy – especially at sunset, when the light is reflected in the sea.

• Alicante’s old town, known as El Barrio, is also a special experience. During the day, the narrow streets, with their colourful houses and flower-adorned balconies, exude typical Spanish charm. In the evening, the neighbourhood comes to life: small bars and restaurants invite you to enjoy tapas and wine under the open sky.

• Art lovers should pay a visit to the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA). This stylishly restored Baroque building houses works by Picasso, Miró and Dalí.

So Alicante isn’t just beautiful – it tells stories, inspires and surprises. With its diverse array of sights, the city invites everyone to simply go with the flow.

Beaches in and around Alicante: a mix of city and nature

Alicante captivates visitors with its stunning coastal landscape, which offers everything from bustling city beaches to secluded coves – sure to set the hearts of sun-worshippers and sea lovers racing. Right in the city centre, Playa del Postiguet invites you to take a dip whilst enjoying views of the old town – ideal for anyone wishing to combine sightseeing with a day at the beach. A little further north lies Playa de San Juan, a kilometre-long dream beach with plenty of space, fine sand and a relaxed atmosphere.

But there are also real coastal gems waiting just beyond the city limits: the charming beach of La Albufereta boasts calm waters and a historic charm, whilst nature lovers can find peace and quiet in the unspoilt dune landscape of El Carabassí. Adventure seekers are drawn to the spectacular Cala del Moraig or the stunning Granadella Bay – a real hidden gem where turquoise waters meet steep rock formations and lush greenery.

Whether for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling or simply unwinding – the beaches around Alicante offer the perfect setting to suit every taste. Here, Mediterranean laid-back charm meets scenic diversity – and every day by the sea becomes a little holiday in itself.

Day trips around Alicante: Discover, marvel, enjoy – with Geheimtipp

Anyone extending their stay in Alicante by a few days will be rewarded with a wealth of varied excursion options. The surrounding area offers nature, culture and history – often just a short drive from the city centre.

• A real highlight is the island of Tabarca, which can be reached by boat from Alicante harbour. This small island was once a pirates’ hideout and today charms visitors with its narrow, charming streets, crystal-clear waters and a relaxed, almost Mediterranean-Caribbean atmosphere. It’s ideal for a day trip, with a stop for a swim and some fresh fish in one of the rustic tavernas.
• Another popular destination is the mountain village of Guadalest, situated about an hour’s drive north-west of Alicante. Perched on a cliff, the village feels as though it belongs to another era – with narrow streets, spectacular views of the turquoise-blue reservoir and small museums that have a surprising amount to offer.
• Nature lovers will be in their element in the Serra Gelada Nature Park or the salt lagoons of Santa Pola. Here you can go for walks, go birdwatching – with a bit of luck, you might even spot flamingos – and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.
• A special insider tip for connoisseurs is the Jalón (Xaló) wine region inland, about an hour’s drive from Alicante. Nestled between rolling hills and fields of almond trees, this is one of the Costa Blanca’s most traditional wine-growing regions. In the small bodegas, you can sample regional wines such as Moscatel, stroll through vineyards or discover local specialities at the weekly market. The atmosphere is relaxed, authentic and characterised by Mediterranean joie de vivre – ideal for anyone wishing to experience Alicante’s culinary delights.
• Cities such as Elche, with its famous Palm Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or the lively Benidorm, with its striking high-rises and nature parks, are also within easy reach and offer exciting contrasts to the laid-back atmosphere of Alicante.

Culinary diversity in Alicante: where dining becomes an experience

Alicante delights visitors not only with its sun and beaches, but also with a culinary scene that deliciously blends tradition and modernity. As well as its classic sights, the city is regarded as the ‘capital of rice’ – offering a wealth of sophisticated rice dishes, tapas and fresh seafood, all firmly rooted in the Mediterranean identity.

Whether it’s fine dining with a view, creative food markets or authentic market stalls – these are the places you shouldn’t miss:

• La Ereta – High above the city’s rooftops and a real hidden gem, situated directly below the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, this is the place to enjoy Mediterranean gourmet cuisine with spectacular panoramic views. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a festive occasion.
• Mercat Center – A modern food market in the heart of Alicante. A variety of stalls invite you to sample, share and linger – from tapas to international specialities, accompanied by fine wine and an urban atmosphere.
• Open – Stylish, creative, surprising: here, Mediterranean cuisine blends with international influences, served in a modern setting with an open kitchen. A place for anyone looking to discover new culinary experiences.
• La Taberna del Gourmet – An institution in Alicante! Excellent tapas, top-quality ingredients and a charming atmosphere make this the place to go for anyone wishing to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine at the very highest standard.

Accommodation in Alicante: Something for everyone

Alicante combines everything that makes for a successful holiday: sun, sea, culture and a lively old town that invites you to linger. Whether you’re strolling along the palm-lined Explanada, exploring Santa Bárbara Castle – an impressive sight – or savouring local specialities, the city offers the Mediterranean way of life at its finest. If you’re looking to combine relaxing days with culinary delights and cultural discoveries, Alicante is the perfect destination.

Our hotel recommendations:

• La Milagrosa Bed & Breakfast – Simple, friendly and perfect for short breaks in a prime old town location
• Eurostars Pórtico Alicante – A new boutique hotel right on the Explanada, modern, stylish and centrally located
• Les Monges Palace Boutique Hotel – A historic building full of charm, centrally located and stylish

Conclusion: Alicante – plenty of sights and the true Mediterranean way of life

Alicante combines everything that makes for a successful holiday: sun, sea, culture and a lively old town that invites you to linger. Whether you’re strolling along the palm-lined Explanada, exploring Santa Bárbara Castle or savouring local specialities – the city offers the Mediterranean way of life at its very best. If you’re looking to combine relaxing days with culinary delights and cultural discoveries, Alicante is the perfect destination.

Recommended reading: If you’d like to discover Spain’s most beautiful regions, do take a look at our blog posts on Andalusia, the Costa del Sol, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Catalonia, Mallorca, Menorca and Tenerife.