Book cheap flights to Alicante

Alicante enjoys a relatively warm and pleasant climate all year round. The summer months, between June and September, experience very little rainfall making it a popular time to visit. August sees the influx of European holidaymakers flock to this city and many hotels, restaurants and beaches get exceptionally crowded. To make the most of cheaper hotel and restaurant rates, wait until October when autumn sets in and temperatures are a bit cooler and crowds have dispersed. October experiences the most rainfall in short, heavy outbursts, so be sure to carry an umbrella! Should you decide to visit during the summer, you’ll be in for a treat with a two-month-long programme of theatre, dance and music staged in the Paseo del Puerto, among many other festivals.

South African passport holders travelling to Alicante require a Schengen Visa to enter Spain.

Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from the Schengen state.

The visa process can take up to several months to start your application early!

The Spanish Consulate General in Cape Town is located at 37 Shortmarket Street in the CBD. Tel.: ( 27) 21 422 24 15

The Spanish Embassy in Pretoria is located at Lord Charles Complex 337, Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn. Tel.: ( 27) 12 460 01 23

The Spanish Consulate General in Durban is located at 332 ZK Mathews Road, Glenwood. Tel.: ( 27) 31 205 2254

Spain is considered a fairly safe country and violent crime is almost unheard of. Nonetheless, it is important to remain aware of your belongings and keep valuables close, especially in busy shopping areas where bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are more prevalent. Should you be approached on the beach by locals asking you to watch their belongings while they swim, refuse, as this may be a scam of them hoping you’ll do the same for them to take off with your belongings.

Alicante has great medical facilities and healthcare, and pharmacies are widely available and are well-stocked.

Alicante is a city bubbling with history and vibrancy! Whether you want to glam it up at one of the seaside resorts, rub shoulders with the urban trendsetters or chat up some locals over a beer at the local tavern, you will be more than satisfied with the range of accommodation on offer!

For history lovers and culture junkies, you definitely want to be in the Old Town. This vivacious area is famous for its historic buildings, shimmering nightlife, shopping and tasty cuisine. Many of the old buildings have been refurbished into stylish hotels, while budget-friendly hotels and hostels are just around the corner. Spend a day walking around the Gothic buildings, markets, cathedrals and eye-catching boutiques – all of this only a 2-minute walk from the beach!

Should you want to wake up to the sound of the waves, the beach resorts boast an array of budget holiday apartments and luxury spa resorts. Larger families may choose to rent an apartment or villa with a communal pool.

Keep in mind that “Siesta” starts at 4pm when most restaurants close, re-opening for dinner service at 9pm. The nightlife around El Barrio and Puerto stays buzzing till the early hours.

If you are staying in the Old Town, most attractions and hotspots are within walking distance. You could also rent a bicycle and discover your way down cobbled alley-ways and narrow streets.

Buses and trams are popular and affordable ways to get around the city. Buses generally run from 6:30-11 pm and you can purchase a rechargeable card at the TAM office near the Central Market.

Should you wish to stay out later and hit the town (you definitely will!) taxis are available to get you safely back to your hotel. Car rental companies are situated at the airport and throughout the city, should you wish to drive.