Holiday or wintering on the Costa Blanca?
I am going on holidays!
Where you stay has a big influence on how your holiday in Alicante feels. Do you want to walk to the beach in the morning, step straight into a tapas bar in the evening, or stay somewhere a little quieter with more space?
Luckily, Alicante is quite compact, but each neighbourhood and beach has its own atmosphere. That’s why, for each area, we’ve looked not only at what makes it enjoyable, but especially at the practical questions you might have when choosing your accommodation.
Everything you need for a great stay in Alicante.
Where do you want to wake up?
Which area of Alicante is best for finding accommodation?
- El Barrio (Casco Antiguo): This is the historic centre of Alicante, also known as the old town. Here you’ll find narrow streets, colourful houses and a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy local culture, tapas bars and the proximity to attractions such as Santa Bárbara Castle.
- El Puerto (the marina): This area is located around Alicante’s marina. It’s a popular spot with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops along the waterfront. You can enjoy beautiful sea views and the lively atmosphere of a harbour city. The ** Meliá Hotel is located here, for example.
- Playa del Postiguet : This is the beach closest to the city centre, located at the foot of Mount Benacantil, where the castle stands. Along the beach you’ll find plenty of hotels and apartments with sea views. It’s ideal if you want a beach holiday while still being close to the city. The Spa Portamaris , also part of Meliá, is located here as well.
- Playa de San Juan : This is one of Alicante’s largest and most popular beaches, located just outside the city centre. Along the beach you’ll find a mix of hotels, holiday apartments and resorts. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed beach holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Explanada de España : This wide seafront promenade in the city centre is known for its distinctive mosaic tiles and palm trees. Along the Explanada you’ll also find several hotels with sea views and easy access to the beach and nearby attractions. The ** Casa Alberola by Hilton is located here.
- Poeta Quintana : Located just north of the historic centre, Poeta Quintana has a much more local atmosphere than Alicante’s best-known tourist areas. You’ll be surrounded by locals and get a different perspective on everyday life in Alicante. The neighbourhood has supermarkets, shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as plenty of little gems you might not discover as easily as a tourist. Think cosy coffee shops, local restaurants and places where people from the neighbourhood come together. At the same time, you’re still close to the city centre. The Explanada and historic centre are easily reached on foot, while public transport makes it easy to explore other parts of Alicante.
The best area to stay depends on your personal preferences. Whether you want to be close to the beach, in the historic centre or by the marina, each of these areas is easy to explore on foot. With a towel over your shoulder, you can walk from a lovely hotel in El Barrio to the beach in no time.
What is the best place to stay?
Book your stay at the Costa Blanca
Melia Alicante
Directly on the beach and marina, central location, stunning sea views, large modern hotel, swimming pool, wellness facilities, restaurant and bar, spacious (family) rooms, ideal for both beach and city stays, recently renovated, popular choice for comfort and location.
Hospes Amérigo
Hospes Amérigo is a luxurious five-star hotel set in a beautifully restored former convent in the heart of Alicante's historic centre. Elegant rooms, a relaxing spa and a rooftop pool with stunning views of Santa Bárbara Castle make it one of the city's most iconic places to stay. Its central location puts the beach, promenade and Alicante's best restaurants just a short walk away. Perfect for a stylish city break.
Casa Aberola
Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton is an elegant boutique hotel located on Alicante's seafront promenade, offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. Set in a historic building, it combines timeless charm with contemporary design and is within walking distance of the beach, marina and old town. A perfect choice for travellers looking for a stylish and comfortable base to explore Alicante.
Wintering at the Costa Blanca
A few weeks, a month, or perhaps the entire winter on the Costa Blanca? A longer stay is different from a regular holiday. You don’t just want a comfortable place to stay: you also want to know how everyday life works.
Where can you rent temporarily? How much does it cost? Do you need a car? How does public transport work? Where do you do your grocery shopping? Can you simply visit a doctor? What about internet, working from Spain and opening a Spanish bank account? And when do you need to officially register?
To help you prepare, we’ve created our Costa Blanca Living Guide . It covers a range of practical topics that are useful to know when you’re planning to stay on the Costa Blanca for a longer period.
Where is the best place to stay for a longer period?
From vibrant city life to peaceful coastal towns.
A longer stay on the Costa Blanca starts with finding a place that truly suits you. Maybe you dream of an apartment close to the beach, a charming town with plenty of life, or a peaceful place where you can embrace the Spanish way of life. The Costa Blanca has it all, and every destination has its own character and atmosphere.
Explore the different destinations and read our blogs to discover which place best suits your way of life.
Alicante – city, beach, restaurants and great connections
Playa de San Juan – plenty of space, a wide beach and a more relaxed pace
Altea – whitewashed houses, charming old streets and an authentic atmosphere
Jávea – beautiful coves, nature and a large international community
Moraira – small-scale, well-kept and peaceful by the sea
Benidorm – lively, high-rise buildings, plenty of amenities and activity all year round
El Campello – coastal town, local life and a relaxed pace of everyday life
Elche : palm trees, culture and a surprising taste of Spanish city life
Denía : a lively marina, long beaches, nature and a gastronomy
Murcia : small city, culture, and an authentic Spanish character
Villajoyosa : colourful houses, beaches and an authentic coastal atmosphere
Practical information & emergency numbers
From healthcare and transport to useful contacts and emergency numbers: find all the practical information you need for your stay on the Costa Blanca in one place.