Right now the weather in Alicante on the Costa Blanca is gorgeous. Still warm enough to nip to the beach to give those pale Dutch legs a bit more color. But at night you sleep wonderfully under a Spanish knitted blanket. In this blog therefore 10 tips in random order for a great autumn holiday in Alicante and the area, for the whole family.

Book a bike tour in Alicante. Heading out on your own can feel a bit like Russian roulette in Alicante. Spaniards aren’t used to cyclists and there are hardly any cycle paths. But with Baja Bikes you discover the city by bike , as a group — a real must. I work with Baja Bikes, but of course only because I’m impressed myself. In about two hours you’ll hear lots of fun details about the old fishermen’s houses, the story behind the name “Alicante,” and you’ll cycle to the place where the Ocean Race departs. A bit of culture mixed with fun facts about life in Alicante. Book easily via this link . It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me keep my site running — thanks! Kids can also join. There are tandems, e-bikes and kids’ bikes during the City Highlights tour, and you can also rent bikes separately to explore on your own. (But then you’ll miss all the fun stories from local Francesca…)

Want to know what the weather is like in autumn in Alicante and the Costa Blanca? Check this page to see what to pack!

Tip 2. Halloween at Mundomar

This theme park is still my favorite. It’s compact, cozy and beautifully decorated — especially for Halloween. They pull out all the stops to make the park as scary as possible, while keeping it fun for the very little ones. During the dolphin show the staff swap their glitter outfits for Dracula capes. There are cobwebs everywhere and pumpkins all around. You’ll find more info about the park in the blog I recently wrote about it. Book tickets easily via my website . That way you get **40% extra discount** and you won’t have to stand in line on arrival.**

Note: This park sits on the Sierra Helada and is largely in the shade in the afternoon. So take an extra jacket or cardigan for the kids — it can be cooler here than on the coast!

1) Hotel Spa Portamaris : Right by the sea, luxe, spa, pool, next to the marina, close to the nightlife district.

2) Eurostars Pórtico Alicante : This relatively new hotel is by the Town Hall square. From the rooftop you’ll have a spectacular view! Especially when you stay during the Hogueras festival. Luxe, pool and the center at your feet. The beach is a 5-minute walk.

3) Casa Alberola Alicante, by Hilton : The name “by Hilton” works wonders! Everything is great here, though I’d go to one of the nearby brunch places or restaurants for food and breakfast. The location is truly fantastic in Alicante!

4) La Jova Once you’ve seen this in real life, you never want to leave. Feels like home, cozy, good food, great breakfast, a room with Rituals products, lovely terrace and sea view. I say: book it!

5) Huerto del Cura: Located in the fun city of Elche (yes, the one with the palm trees). Luxe, pool, close to the city. 15 minutes from Alicante center.

Apartment Quijano by Be Alicante

★★★★

Alicante center

Small-scale
Air-con
Near the beach
Near the center

More info

Tip 4. Rent a car

Rent a car with Sunny Cars. All-inclusive. No surprises and the second driver is free.

Then drive to Altea to visit this lovely old village. Or go for a family hike to the lighthouse in Albir . Javea is also a great city for a day out.

Tip 5. Walk in the palm grove

Alicante has some really fun parks. I wrote a blog about that earlier . But for kids the palm grove “El Palmeral” is very special. It lies just outside the city. If you haven’t rented a car, take a bus — or a bike if you’re not a fanatical walker. Note: on Sundays and public holidays it’s always very busy!

Tip 6. Shopping at Plazamar2

If the weather is a bit off for a day, you can shop here to your heart’s content. Two floors full of Spanish brands: Mango, Stradivarius and Bershka. You’ll score your new fall outfit in one of these stores. There’s an Ale-Hop for fun souvenirs, a Rituals store, a Hilfiger shop, a nail studio, loads of Spanish shoe shops and a brand-new Zara. Done shopping? Head to the 3rd floor for various tapas bars — but also a McDonald’s and several cinemas. Of course almost all films are in Spanish — but if you want to improve your **castellano**, you can happily spend an afternoon here ! In winter the whole mall is lit with little lights.

Tip: don’t go on Saturday evening. That’s when all Spanish families do their shopping together and it’s terribly busy! You can walk here, but it’s quicker by bus or tram.

Tip 7. Breakfast at Maldita Gloria

Spaniards aren’t the best breakfast people. Breakfast is often a coffee with a **tostada** — half a baguette with tomato, ham or cheese. But Maldita Gloria definitely changes that. On the table there’s a QR code you can scan with your phone. Then you’ll find an extensive list of tasty breakfast options. It may look a bit odd to see a few tables just out on the street when you arrive, but that’s very normal in Spain — cafés can extend their terrace onto the street. A bit strange, but cozy!

Maldita Gloria is on Poeta Quintana 28 in Alicante center and in Playa San Juan.

Tip 8. Eat at Bodhi Green

Oh sorry… food again.

I’m not a vegetarian. But I think Bodhi Green is a top spot. The plates are beautifully served with so many tasty vegetables, fruits and legumes — no steak can compete! This restaurant serves **only** vegetarian food. What I also like is the extensive kids’ menu. Not just nuggets and fries, but nice rice, veggie sauces or a healthy pizza. If you want to eat here, I recommend reserving — it’s always very busy, especially on weekends. The restaurant also has a **€11** menu with starter and main, so you won’t need to eat again the rest of the day. Highly recommended, even for non-vegans!

Tip 9: Play my interactive game on your phone

Discover the historic center of Alicante. During this interactive city game, you’ll walk through the most important streets of this sunny Spanish city and hunt for hidden details. Stroll through atmospheric streets, look for sporting heroes and discover special artworks that point the way. Halfway through there’s time for a tasty break so you’re energized to solve the rest of the riddles.

The game can be played by everyone, in groups of up to 5 people. Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly!

Tip 10: SUP on the sea

My all-time favorite on the Costa Blanca. Bobbing, training and at the same time watching all the beauty of the sea float by. Truly wonderful. You’ll definitely get the hang of it quickly. It’s not difficult — especially when there are few waves. And if you **do** fall into the sea, your fellow SUP-pers will have a good laugh. Boards can be rented individually or as a group. Send me an email or an Instagram message for the options!

Bonus Number 11: Traffic park for kids

Near the market, up in the village, there’s a traffic park for little kids. So much fun! With **real** traffic lights, signs and nice little roads where they can scoot, cycle or play safely. It’s behind the police station in El Campello. You’ll find more specific children’s and family tips in my e-book “Family Holiday in Alicante.”

Autumn Break in Alicante — What Is There to Do?