Flight to Alicante (ALC)

Flying to Alicante: tips and information for your trip

Sitting on the south-east coast of Spain, Alicante is famed for being fun, lively and full of things to do. However, it also has a rich history and culture just waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re looking to chill out on the beach in the Spanish sunshine, get active with a bit of kitesurfing or golf, or sample some traditional cuisine in one of the many bars or restaurants, Alicante has something to offer.

Take advantage of cheap flights with Brussels Airlines to book your holiday to Alicante today.

What to do in Alicante?

1. Take in the views from the Castle of Santa Barbara. Standing atop Mount Benacantil, a climb to see the castle also offers an incredible panorama of the coastline and the city. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and explore Alicante’s history.
   
   
2. Go on a day trip. Towns and cities like Valencia, Denia and Benidorm are a short train journey away, making Alicante a great base for exploring Spain more thoroughly.
   
   
3. Hit the beach. The Costa Blanca is said to have some of the best beaches in the country, thanks to the crystal-clear waters and white, powder-fine sand. Swim, sunbathe, play volleyball – whatever takes your fancy. The surroundings are so beautiful, it doesn’t really matter what you do.
   
   
4. Discover the Casco Antiguo. Alicante’s Old Town, also known as El Barrio, has a great selection of bars, clubs and restaurants, so if lively nightlife is what you’re looking for, this is the place for you.
   
   
5. Spend some time discovering the natural surroundings. Take a coastal walk or visit the nearby Canelobre Caves; these fascinating, natural caverns have been compared to Gothic cathedrals because of the unique rock structures that have formed over hundreds of years.'
   
   
6. Wander around the port. The beautiful harbour offers never-ending sea views which have to be seen to be believed.
   
   
7. Go thrill-seeking. If water parks are your thing, you’ll love Aquopolis or Terra Natura, whilst the Terra Mítica theme park is perfect for those adrenaline junkies who want to stay dry.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights to Alicante land at , which is about 11 km from the city centre. You can get there easily by tram, train or bus. Taxis take around 20 minutes and the local taxi company, Radio Taxi Elche, can be identified by the green line on the bonnet and along the length of the car. Car hire is also available.
• Currency: Euro. Many places will accept credit cards, but having some cash on you is always a good idea for smaller places.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The telephone code is +34. There are also a number of free Wi-Fi spots around the city.
• Electric sockets: Type C and F. Spain operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50 Hz.
• Travel Information: Spain is an EU member and has signed the Schengen agreement. Therefore, many travellers will only need a passport or appropriate ID card to enter the country and don’t require a visa for stays less than 90 days.

Dos and Don’ts in Alicante

• Do make the most of the public transport. Alicante is surrounded by villages, such as Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja and Guardamar, that can be reached easily by tram or train and which offer a totally new insight into the wonders of Spain and its culture.
• Do take a boat trip. Alicante is blessed with the natural beauty of the Costa Blanca and the best way to truly appreciate that is on the waves. Take a short Catamaran cruise or head to Tabarca Island for a day of exploring.
• Don’t be thrown by the Spanish schedule. Late lunches and evening meals are the norm in Spain, particularly in the summer. Try following the locals’ lead if you want to really tap into the culture.
• Don’t be surprised if you get a tapas snack with every drink. It’s a common custom, especially in the south of Spain, to get a complimentary snack with every drink you buy. These vary in size and complexity, but are great to keep you going after a long day exploring.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Alicante hotels are often full of UK tourists, so many of the locals speak English. As well as Spanish, you are likely to also hear and read Valencian in the city. It is an official language in the region and many people grow up speaking both. It can therefore be useful to know a few key words and phrases in both:

• Hello: Hola
• Good morning/good day: Buenos días - Bones dies
• Good afternoon: Buenas tardes – Bona tarda
• Good night: Buena noches - Bona nit
• Please: Por favor - Si us plau
• Thank you: Gracias - Gràcies
• Yes: Sí - Si
• No: No
• Where is… : Dónde está… - On està ...
• How are you?: Qué tal? - Què tal?
• I want… : Quiero… - Vull
• Water: Agua - Aigua
• Beer: Cerveza - Cervesa
• The bill: La cuenta - El compte

Cultural events

• Les Fogueres de Sant Joan, an annual festival from 20-29 June, is one of the most important events in the city. A celebration of flames – huge bonfires are lit throughout the city, effigies are burned and processions walk the streets. Expect fireworks on the beach, fun and lots of people.
• Think the nightlife in the region is already wild enough? If you’re on holiday in Alicante around Easter, that means Carnival time. Think street parties and impressive costumes. Try to catch Sábado Ramblero, the main day of celebrations, the Saturday before Ash Wednesday.

When to go to Alicante?

Alicante is one of the best European destinations if you’re looking for some guaranteed springtime sunshine, with temperatures often hitting the mid-to-high 20s. Summer is peak season, but the weather stays pleasant for much of the year and it’s not unknown for people to still be hitting the beach in November.

Don't forget to eat this

• Paella – although seen as a typically Spanish dish, paella originated in this region and is a must-try. Made of rice cooked with special spices, vegetables, meat or seafood… you’ll find so many variations you could eat it every day and not get bored.
• Tapa de gamba roja – these delicious, celebrated local prawns are best cooked simply and can be enjoyed as a small tapas snack or as part of a bigger meal.
• Turrón – Although typically enjoyed at Christmas, this sweet nougaty treat is typical of the region thanks to its abundance of almond trees.
• Toña – A sweet brioche that is enjoyed in the region and often flavoured with cinnamon or star anise.