1. The range of gorgeous gastronomy

Alicante is a real foodie’s paradise! It’s chock-full of tasty tapas joints, where friends and families share and savour all manner of dinky dishes. We’re talking mussels, juicy prawns and fresh salads. That’s not all though — from seafood eateries and chic beach bars down on the waterfront, to the 15 Michelin-recommended spots in the city centre, you’ll find a remarkable range of restaurants to suit every palate.

Top tip: Try arroz a banda, a traditional rice dish cooked in fish stock. After all, the city’s famous for its rice dishes!

2. A bounty of beaches

When it comes to brilliant beaches, Alicante reigns supreme. And with a whopping 244km of coastline, it’s no surprise they’re so popular. Playa San Juan is one of the best in the business, with miles of snow-white sand. Meanwhile, Playa del Postiguet is Alicante’s central sandy spot, just steps away from the historic centre.

Top tip: Head to the island of Tabarca for twinkling waters and top-notch seafood.

3. Experience the cool culture

Alicante’s diverse history and traditions make it a fantastic place to explore. Start with the Castle of Santa Barbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, spanning a history of over 1,000 years. Then, why not visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and MARQ, the archaeological museum?

Top tip: Keep an eye out for events and festivals, like the Bonfires of Saint John and the holy week processions at Easter.

4. It’s great for sports enthusiasts

You’ll find water sports galore down on Alicante’s shores with everything from canoeing and kitesurfing to snorkelling and surfing. Want to practise your swing in the sun? This place boasts a variety of different golf courses to suit every ability. Or if you’d prefer to explore on two wheels, you’ll find plenty of cycling trails too.

Top tip: Head here in January if you want to catch the Ocean Race – a world-class sailing event!

5. Boat trips galore

Why not grab a catamaran cruise and sail the Costa Blanca coastline? With boats depart daily from Alicante port, you can take your pick from sunset cruises and diving adventures.

Top tip: If you want to spend the whole day at sea, considering taking an all-day cruise to Tabarca Island.

6. Year-round balmy temperatures

With temperatures teetering at an average of 18°C and almost 300 sunshine days a year, Alicante is tailor-made for cool city breaks, no matter the month. Plus, you can get the best of both worlds with city sights and beachside delights!