Alicante, in the Valencian Community of Spain, has a privileged location on the Costa Blanca, next to the Mediterranean Sea. And as such, this city is a trendy destination during the summer. However, there’s more to this city than its beautiful beaches. In this post, we’ll go through the best areas to stay in Alicante, what makes each unique, and its highlights.
Accommodation Options in Alicante, Spain
The capital of the province of Alicante stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, high-quality cuisine, and nightlife. Areas like the palm-lined Explanada de España promenade gather top-rated bars, restaurants, and luxury hotels that make Alacant, its name in Catalan, an excellent destination all year round, not only when the temperatures rise. You can also find B&Bs in Alicante offering a more authentic experience, Mediterranean-style breakfasts included.
Alacant showcases a blend of influences from its Roman, Moorish, and Christian past. This mix of cultures is evident in its architecture and monuments. For example, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara fortress, perched atop Mount Benacanti and dating back to the 9th century, is among the must-see attractions in Alicante.
The City Center is a mandatory stop in Alacant. The City Center is home to some of the best tapas bars in town. This barrio also displays the growing cultural movement of the city, with museums like the Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (MUBAG), the city’s own Fine Arts gallery.
Are you curious about discovering more? Keep reading this post to find the best areas to stay in Alicante, Spain.
Where to stay in Alicante: A Summary
If you don’t have the time or the patience to read the full post, here’s a short summary of our recommended areas in Alicante. Keep on reading to discover more information about each of the neighborhoods.
- Best area for sightseeing: City Center | Old Town
- Most central area: City Center
- Area with the best transport connections: Near the train station
- Best area for the beach: Playa del Postiguet
- Best area for nightlife: City Center | Old Town
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Alicante?
The best area to stay in Alicante is in the City Center, especially for first-time visitors. Staying in this historic neighborhood, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the most important landmarks in the city, like the Explanada de España promenade and the Town Hall. This area also hosts museums and is where a big part of the top-rated hotels in Alicante are.
Find available accommodation in Alicante’s Old Town.
Best Hotels in Alicante’s City Center
- Best 5-star hotel: Hospes Amérigo
- Best 4-star hotel: Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza
- Best 3-star hotel: Les Monges Palace Boutique
- Best serviced apartments: Renthas Apartamentos Rafael Premium
Where to Stay in Alicante for Sightseeing
As mentioned earlier, the City Center is the best location in Alicante for tourists. That said, other areas in the city may be a better match for your travel needs and vibe. Here’s a list of the best neighborhoods to stay in Alicante:
- For a summer vacation, you may benefit from staying near Playa del Postiguet, the city’s most famous urban beach. Close to the beach, you’ll find apartments with beautiful sea views, 4-star hotels like Melia Alicante, or theme accommodations like Dormirdcine Alicante.
- Meanwhile, Santa Cruz, the city’s Old Town, offers a more authentic experience. This neighborhood, on a hill, houses several souvenir shops, boutiques, cafes and bars. Staying in this area, you’ll remain close to attractions like Santa Bárbara Castle while having stunning city views. Some of the best hotels in the Old Town include Hotel Maya Alicante and Odyssey Rooms Alicante.
- Finally, Alicante’s train station‘s surrounding area is a good location for business travelers or anyone on a train route through Spain. This area is also a cheap place to stay.
Where to Stay in Alicante: District by District
1. City Center
Best area to stay in Alicante, spain
The City Center is the best area to stay in Alicante for sightseeing due to its proximity to attractions. This district is also among the best locations in Alicante for nightlife, with many bars and clubs.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Explanada de España promenade
- Excellent area for shopping
- Museums
- LGBT bars and clubs
- Connected by public transport
Not to be confused with the Old Town, Alicante’s City Center is towards the south-central part of the city.
A significant benefit of staying in the City Center is its closeness to several attractions. The main shopping street, Avenida Maisonnave, offers countless retail options with both local and international brands. Additionally, its proximity to Postiguet Beach will allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean shoreline. Other attractions include traditional markets like Mercado Central and San Francisco Street, more popularly known as Calle de las Setas or “Mushroom Street,” a colorful pedestrian street with a 4-meter tall mushroom that is Instagram-ready all year. Likewise, the City Center also hosts cultural spaces like the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art.
The City Center stands out as the best area to stay in Alicante for nightlife. After all, this area hosts the Explanada de España, a promenade famous for its multi-colored tiles with a design that represents the ocean waves. Along this palm-lined tree, you will find many tapas bars with terraces and clubs, including LGBT venues.
Regarding transportation options within the City Center, multiple means are available. The area is well-connected with bus lines and trams. Likewise, many taxi services, Uber’s, and other apps serve Alicante. Most attractions in the area are within walking distance from one another, so you could also walk along this very pedestrian-friendly and safe district.
Alicante’s City Center houses some of the best luxury hotels in the city. In addition, you can also find tourist apartments, B&Bs, and hostels in this part of town.
Best Hotels in the City Center
Hospes Amérigo
With beautiful views of Alicante Cathedral and Santa Bárbara Castle, Hospes Amerigo’s free rooftop spa features a sauna, pool, and gym. Rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen satellite TV.
Hotel Serawa Alicante
Hotel Serawa Alicante, in the center of Alicante, has air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi, and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The property is allergy-free throughout and is a 4-minute walk from Postiguet Beach.
Hotel BH San Francisco Alicante
Ideally set in the Alicante City Centre district of Alicante, Hotel BH San Francisco Alicante is 500 meters from Postiguet Beach, 100 meters from Explanada de España, and 200 meters from The San Nicolas Co-Cathedral.
Mendez Nuñez Alicante
Mendez Nuñez Alicante offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is located on Alicante’s central avenue, and private parking is nearby.
Tandem Portal De Elche
Tandem Portal De Elche is a sustainable apartment in Alicante, a 14-minute walk from Alicante Train Station. This property encourages guests to embrace nature with its eco-friendly arrangements.
2. Santa Cruz (Old Town)
Best views of alicante
The Old Town, officially called Barrio de Santa Cruz, is the most charming neighborhood in Alicante. This area stands out for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and its colorful houses.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Excellent area for sightseeing
- Stunning views
- Traditional bars and restaurants
- Castillo de Santa Bárbara
- Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ)
- Connected by bus and tram
Alicante’s Old Town, officially called Barrio de Santa Cruz or Santa Creu, lies northeast of the city center, approximately two kilometers away. This neighborhood’s location on a hill provides the best views of the city’s skyline.
Santa Cruz showcases a rich history that dates back to the Roman period. Over time, its winding alleys and colorful houses have witnessed numerous cultural influences, such as Arab and Iberian. As such, this neighborhood has a unique charm and appeal.
Among the attractions in the Old Town, the Castle of Santa Bárbara is a must-visit site. This fortress atop Mount Benacantil offers panoramic views of the city and insight into its military history. Additionally, museums such as the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and the Town Hall are in the district.
Santa Cruz also comes alive at night. The neighborhood’s winding streets host restaurants serving authentic local cuisine alongside cocktail bars and traditional bars.
In terms of public transportation, the city’s bus services provide frequent connections between Old Town and other parts of Alicante. Moreover, tram services pass through Santa Cruz and allow quick travel to nearby popular coastal towns, including Benidorm. I have to warn you, though: Walking uphill from different areas of Alicante to Santa Cruz is challenging, especially on scorching (and humid) summer days.
As for accommodation choices in Santa Cruz, there are many serviced apartments with incredible views in the area. There are also cheap hotels in the neighborhood.
Best Hotels in the Old Town
Les Monges Palace Boutique
Located next to Alicante Town Hall, Hostal Les Monges Palace is 656 feet from the cathedral and 1312 feet from Postiguet Beach and the marina. It offers free Wi-Fi.
Hotel La Milagrosa
Set in Alicante’s old town, Hotel La Milagrosa is a 2-minute walk from Alicante Beach. It offers a roof terrace with views of Santa Barbara Castle and free Wi-Fi.
UNIQ flats
UNIQ flats feature a hot tub and air-conditioned accommodations in the center of Alicante, a 4-minute walk from Postiguet Beach. This recently renovated apartment is located one mile from Alicante Train Station and 4.7 miles from Alicante Golf Club.
3. Playa del Postiguet
Most central beach in Alicante
Playa del Postiguet is the most popular and central urban beach in Alicante. So, staying in this area gives you easy access to this family-friendly beach.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Best area for a summer vacation
- Beach area
- Hotels with views
- Central location
- Great area for families
Playa del Postiguet is a well-known beach in the eastern part of Alicante. This beach stretches nearly a kilometer in length and stands out for its beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Moreover, this area’s location near the City Center and its golden sand make it the perfect place for a summer holiday.
The tranquil waters of this beach make it ideal for a family trip to Alicante. After all, Postiguet is perfectly suitable for children and swimming.
In addition to daytime activities, Playa del Postiguet is known for its laid-back nightlife. Many bars and restaurants nearby serve local cuisine and host live music events or Flamenco performances. Also, the beach’s promenade has shops for last-minute souvenir or beachwear shopping.
Regarding transportation options available at Playa del Postiguet, some buses and trams connect the beach area with other parts of Alicante. So, you’ll be able to reach various city destinations without difficulty.
Accommodation in Playa del Postiguet includes hotels with gorgeous sea views and spa facilities. Likewise, there are also many modern apartments in this area.
Best Hotels in Playa del Postiguet
Melia Alicante
Between Alicante Harbor and Postiguet Beach, Meliá Alicante offers an outdoor pool and free WiFi. All rooms feature a terrace, some with sea views. A kid’s club is available in high season.
Hotel Rambla Alicante Contactless
The newly refurbished and modern Hotel Rambla Alicante Contactless is centrally located in Alicante, 656 feet from the marina promenade and a 5-minute walk from Postiguet Beach. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout.
Apartamentos Rafael Loft
Apartamentos Rafael Loft features modern studios 164 feet from El Postiguet Beach and Alicante’s beachfront promenade. It offers free WiFi access.
4. Alicante Train Station
Best-connected area in Alicante
Around Alicante’s train station, you can find cheap accommodation, while still remaining close to the city center.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Cheap accommodation
- Train connections to other cities in Spain
- Good area for business travelers
- Excellent public transport connections
Alicante’s central train station, officially called Alacant Terminal, is in the Alipark neighborhood. This neighborhood is about a kilometer west of the City Center.
The station is an essential transport hub in Alicante, with high-speed train connections to Madrid. Likewise, there are long-distance connections to Barcelona and medium-distance trains to Valencia, among other cities.
The area around Alicante’s train stations has few attractions. Still, its central location means you’ll remain close to most of the city’s main tourist attractions. And, since the station is so essential to the city’s transportation system, it is also connected to other areas by buses and trams.
The surroundings of the central train station are a great place to stay in Alicante for business travelers. Furthermore, you can find cheap accommodations in this part of Alicante and many restaurants, department stores and shops.
Best Hotels Near Alicante’s Train Station
La City Estación
La City Estación is located opposite the train station in the center of Alicante, 10 minutes’ walk from the marina and Canalejas Park. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with satellite TV.
Estudiotel Alicante
Estudiotel Alicante’s spacious rooms offer free Wi-Fi. It is located by the Bulevar Plaza Shopping Center, yards from El Corte Inglés Department Store.
Old Town La Estación
Old Town La Estación provides air-conditioned rooms in Alicante. This recently renovated guest house is located one mile from Postiguet Beach and a 2-minute walk from Alicante Train Station. The accommodation offers an elevator and organizes tours for guests.
5. Albufereta
Best area for outdoor activities and water sports
La Albufereta is northeast of Alicante’s City Center. This area stands out for its snorkeling-ready beach and historical Roman remains.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Great area for snorkeling
- Albufereta beach
- Lucentum Tosal de Manises archaeological site
- Family-friendly beach
La Albufereta is northeast of the City Center. This neighborhood is home to La Albufereta beach, a semi-urban beach that, although not as central as El Postiguet, is still very popular.
In the summer, La Albufereta beach welcomes many tourists looking to practice water sports. In particular, this beach, which stretches over 400 meters, is perfect for snorkeling. The tranquil waters of La Albufereta are also great for families.
But this neighborhood is more than its beach. La Albufereta, named after a little coastal lagoon that no longer exists, used to be a Roman port. So, it is in this area that the original Alicante settlement was founded. At the time, the city’s name was Lucentum, or “City of Light.”
Nowadays, you can still see some of the old Roman remains in La Albufereta. For example, the Lucentum Tosal de Manises archeological site dates back to the end of the 5th or beginning of the 4th century BC. This site is one of La Albufereta’s must-see attractions and is on a hill at 38 meters above sea level.
Accommodation in La Albuferetafabureta is mostle made up of apartments with stunning views of the sea. However, you can still find some budget-friendly hotels in the neighborhood.
You can use the tram to reach this area from the City Center and get off at the ‘La Albufereta’ stop. Buses also connect Albufereta with the rest of the neighborhoods.
Best Hotels in La Albufereta
Hotel Albahia Alicante
Hotel Albahia Alicante is located 8 minutes’ walk from Alicante’s La Albufereta Beach and within 1.2 mi from the old town. It features nine tennis courts, a free gym, and free WiFi.
Sandra Rooms
Located in Alicante and with Albufereta Beach reachable within a 4-minute walk, Sandra Rooms has express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and a terrace.
Modern sea front Sea Waves
Modern seafront Sea Waves offers accommodations in Alicante, a 1-minute walk from Albufereta Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking, and free Wifi. The apartment features an outdoor swimming pool and an elevator.
6. Platja de Sant Joan
Best luxury resorts in alicante
Platja de Sant Joan is one of the largest beaches in Alicante. Its surrounding area stands out for its luxury accommodations, parks, and sports centers.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Beach area
- Parks and sports complexes
- Luxury resorts and hotels
Platja de Sant Joan (or Playa de San Juan in Spanish) lies northeast of the City Center. This neighborhood is named after its white-sand beach, the largest in Alicante, with almost six kilometers. Platja de Sant Joan is only a 25-minute tram ride from the City Center.
This maritime neighborhood houses a few parks, like Parque La Marjal, perfect for a picnic. There are also karaoke bars, clubs and pubs around the Costa Blanca and Niza avenues that attract partygoers during the summer season.
Playa de San Juan also stands out for its many sports facilities. This neighborhood has racing tracks, golf courses, and tennis courts. Likewise, the beach has volleyball areas and aquatic sports amenities. You can even witness people practicing balanceboarding by the beach.
Finally, the accommodation in Platja de Sant Joan includes several luxury resorts and hotels. Yet, you can still find some budget-friendly hotels and apartments in this part of the city.
Best Hotels in Platja de Sant Joan
Port Alicante City & Beach
Port Alicante City & Beach is located in Alicante, 2625 feet from the beach of San Juan and 10 minutes by car from the city center. This hotel has outdoor swimming pools, a gym, and a sauna.
7. Almadraba
For more private beaches and trekking
Almadraba Beach is a peaceful beach area. The beach and its surrounding trekking trails are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Alicante:
- Trekking areas
- Perfect beach for paddleboarding
- Luxurious apartment complexes
- Quiet beach coves
Almadraba Beach is east of La Albufereta. Being a little further from the City Center, Almadraba is often less crowded and quieter. Its nearby beach coves are the locals’ favorite because of their beauty and tranquility. There are even some nudist options in the area.
Almadraba’s wind and water conditions make it a dream beach for paddleboarding. So, if you want to practice water sports during your stay in the city, this beach is your spot.
Almadraba is in the Cabo de las Huertas neighborhood. This primarily residential district’s main attractions include a lighthouse and many trekking trails and viewpoints. Hence, the area is an excellent location for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Nightlife in Almadraba revolves around beach bars serving delicious paella, tapas, and cocktails. Meanwhile, accommodation in the area is primarily made out of luxurious apartments in complexes with swimming pools and even tennis courts.
Best Accommodations in Almadraba Beach
14 Bahía Playa Almadraba
Offering an open-air bath and a tennis court, 14 Bahía Playa Almadraba in Alicante is close to Almadraba Beach and Albufereta Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, and free Wifi. The apartment provides a pool with views, a fitness room, and an elevator.
