Old Town accommodation
The Old Town of Alicante sits at the heart of the city, inviting curious travellers with a series of narrow, winding streets lined with Medieval architecture. It provides an interesting look into the history of the city and is worth a wander. The Town Hall, Santa Barbara Castle and Cathedral of San Nicholas are historic highlights.
Along with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, there is a good selection of accommodation in this part of the city, offering a great base from which to explore. This includes the Hospes Amerigo with its 5-star rated amenities and convenient location. Along the fringes of Old Town, international chains such as Best Western and Holiday Inn offer a comfortable stay with mid-range pricing.
A day or two at the beach
Most come to Alicante for the beaches. There are two beautiful coastal escapes waiting to welcome you with golden sands and balmy waters. San Juan Beach is approximately seven kilometres from the city centre, while Postiguet Beach is central to the city. Buses are available to take visitors to San Juan Beach, or simply stroll along the promenade to enjoy the scenic water views of Postiguet.
Beachfront accommodation is abundant in Alicante, spanning the spectrum of pricing and amenities. The Hostal Mendez Nunez provides very reasonable rates with comfortable rooms. Though, if you want to splash out, the 4-star Melia Alicante is an all-inclusive resort with an onsite restaurant, spa, suite upgrades and fitness centre.
Escape to Tabarca Island
For a unique Alicante experience, you may want to consider a night on Tabarca Island. Just off the coast, this little island is a popular summer destination. There are no cars and a grouping of charming buildings. The original walls, built to protect the island from pirates, are still intact and worth checking out. It is also part of a marine reserve, which means excellent diving and snorkelling.
If you're considering a trip to Tabarca, there is only a small handful of accommodation available on the island. The Hotel Boutique Isla de Tabarca offers visitors a place to relax and rejuvenate. Stone floors and elements of the original 18th-century structure are still visible in parts of the hotel.
