Parking in Alicante

• Interparking Plaza del Puerto (03001) has 355 spaces and is close to Muelle 12, Museo, The Ocean Race and Alicante’s marina.
• Parking Alfonso El Sabio (03002) is the ideal place to park if you’re visiting Santa Barbara Castle, Parc de l’Ereta or Basilica of St Mary of Alicante and offers 602 spaces.
• Parking Alicante (03003) is a multi-storey car park close to the waterfront, shopping district, bars, and restaurants.

Key roads in Alicante

• Autopista AP-7 (AP-7) connects Alicante to nearby coastal towns and cities, such as Cartagena South and Benidorm to the North.
• The Autovía A-77 highway connects Alicante city centre with Autovía A-36 and Autovía A-7.
• N-332 is the main road through central Alicante. It leads along the coast, following a scenic route to Playa Carabassi, Torrevieja, Villajoyosa and Gandia.

How to get from Alicante to Benidorm

It takes about half an hour to drive the 45km from Alicante to Benidorm.

1. Leave the rental car park at Alicante Airport, following the one-way system.
2. Join N-338 northbound.
3. Turn right on to A-70 (E-15) and stay on this road to join the AP-7.
4. Take a right at Exit 65 on to Avenue Comunidad Europea in Benidorm.

How to get from Alicante to Denia

Denia is just an hours’ drive, and 90km, from central Alicante. Simply head along the A-70 and AP-7, passing Benidorm, then take Exit 62 to join CV-725 and follow signs for Denia.

Best Hotels In Alicante

Hotel Hospes Amerigo

Calle Rafael Altamira, 7, 03002

A five-star hotel situated in Alicante’s atmospheric old town, Hotel Hospes Amerigo is luxurious and distinctly Mediterranean. The on-site Fondillon Restaurant serves great tapas, while the Bodyna spa offers a place to unwind and kick back.

Hotel NH Alicante

Carrer de Mexico, 18, 03008

If the rooftop pool with views of the city isn’t enough to capture your attention, then the four-star Hotel NH Alicante’s spacious interiors will. Climate-controlled suites, many with balconies, give the centrally located hotel an airy, metropolitan feel. There’s also a gym and sauna to let off some steam after a busy day.

The Level at Melia Alicante

Paseo del Puerto Viejo, 3, 03002

For a laid-back holiday atmosphere, this adults-only four-star hotel combines sea front views and great facilities, with some rooms including a terrace and whirlpool tub. You’ll also have easy access to Postiguet Beach and the marina, just minutes away.

Best places to eat in Alicante

Restaurante El Canto

Carrer Alemania, 26, 03003

Authentic tapas is the order of the day at El Canto, a local restaurant where the decor is distinctly traditional. Fill up on baguette slices topped with Iberico ham, eggs served alongside asparagus, tuna steaks or garlic-roasted prawns.

Templo Restaurante

Calle Periodista Pirula Arderius, 7, 03001

Another favourite with the locals, Templo Restaurante, is a high-end haven for meat lovers. In a small and sophisticated setting where you can sample dishes to match. Enjoy steak tartare or lamb chops sauteed with garlic.

Porto Felice Ristorante Italiano

Muelle Levante, 8, Módulo 4, Local 2, 03001

Dine with a view of the Alicante marina at Porto Felice Ristorante Italiano, where Italian cuisine has an ocean focus. Dig into a dish of linguine topped with fresh clams and garlic while the kids enjoy a classic pizza, then treat everyone to tiramisu and crepes for dessert.

Best things to do in and around Alicante

Explanada de Espana

Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya, 03002

If there’s a single must-do in Alicante, it’s strolling along the iconic, mosaic-marble boulevard that runs parallel to the port wharf. Beneath the shade of towering palm trees, you can browse trinkets, see street artists in action and sample coffee shops aplenty. By night, there are open-air concerts where you can dance into the early morning.

Santa Barbara Castle

Santa Barbara Castle, 03002

Alicante’s huge fortification serves as a reminder of the city’s past, long before the city became the beach holiday destination it is today. Climb up to Mount Benacantil to see the medieval walls up close and take in some of Alicante’s best views.

San Juan Playa

Av. de Niza, 03540

Just five miles from central Alicante, San Juan Playa is a popular beach for families and couples. It’s wider and longer than Alicante’s city beach, and you can hire parasols and volleyball nets and make a day of it.