Cheap Flights to Alicante (ALC)

Alicante is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, and it's best known for being the arrival point for holidays on the Costa Blanca. But a flight to Alicante needn't be followed by a lengthy transfer if you consider the beaches, nightlife and sights of Alicante instead!

Alternative destinations after a cheap flight to Alicante include Benidorm for the biggest nightlife on the Costa Blanca, but without much in the way of Spanish culture, and Calpe where you can enjoy a sophisticated break in the sunshine. Get away from the larger towns with a holiday in Villajoyosa, between Alicante and Benidorm, or for a beach break without the hustle and bustle you could try Guardamar del Sugura, just south of Alicante.

But we're focussing on the delights of Alicante, which range from Postiguet Beach to the Las Hogueras de San Juan festival and the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts. Flights to Alicante are most popular over the summer, when the weather in this Spanish resort town is hottest, so make sure you book your 2013 or 2014 Alicante flights early to be sure of a great deal!

Flights to Alicante

It takes between two and a half and three hours for a flight to Alicante from the UK to arrive into Alicante Airport. There are daily departures from numerous airports across the UK, some with several flights to Alicante every day, so it definitely pays to shop around and check both different dates and departure airports if you've got a choice in your area. You will find that evening flights are usually cheapest, but if you want to maximise your holiday it can also be worth paying a little extra to get an early morning flight.

When you're searching for your cheap flights to Alicante it's definitely worth thinking about booking your accommodation at the same time, as there are plenty ofpackage holiday deals that can save you money, especially in peak times.

When it comes to onward travel from the airport, there are a variety of options. First of all, check whether your hotel or holiday package offers transfers, as this can be a cheap and easy way to get on the move after your flight to Alicante touches down. Alternatives are available and include the local bus which runs a regular service between the airport and the city, as well as the tram which goes to Alicante and beyond to Benidorm and other destinations along the coast. You could also look into hiring a car, which will give you more freedom to explore the region's best beaches as well as inland sights.

Getting around Alicante

The best way to get around Alicante is to stretch your legs and take a walk, since it's not exactly a huge sprawling resort. It's quite easy to get to most places on foot, especially if you have a hotel in a fairly central location. You could even be brave and take the uphill route from the Plaza de Carmen to the Castle of Santa Barbara, although we promise we won't tell anyone if you decide that you're on holiday and are going to take the elevator instead!

There are also local buses and trams which run from early in the morning but stop before midnight. Fares are pretty reasonable, although if you're on a tight budget after getting your cheap flight to Alicante they will definitely add up if you're not careful. You could buy a 10-trip rechargeable card for reduced rates if you know you're going to be making a lot of journeys, which will help you save those precious pennies.

If you're after a late night transport option, then you needn't be afraid of getting a taxi as the prices are very reasonable. Nightlife starts late here and goes on into the small hours, so if you find yourself worse for wear and in need of a rapid journey back to your hotel then they will sure to be on hand to take you there.

If you're looking to head further afield then you will find that your main options are to hire a car, or get on the buses or trams, which serve many of the resorts along the Costa Brava. A day trip to Calpe is popular, but you could also hop on a boat from Alicante and take a ride over to Tabarca Island. Here you will find a lovely marine reserve, great for snorkelling and scuba, as well as lovely beaches, pretty walks and some old buildings which dot the landscape.

What to see in Alicante

Probably the most popular attraction in Alicante is the beaches, with Postiguet being the most central beach. It's pretty but it can also be very busy, so make sure you head out to San Juan at least once - it's reputedly the best beach in Spain which is definitely a competitive category! You can also try Playa del Salvador which is a little out of the way too.

Once you've recovered from your short flight to Alicante, taking a walk (or the elevator) up to Santa Barbara Castle to admire the views from the top of Mount Benacantil as well as the impressive architecture of the castle itself is quite often first on people's list. After it's back down to the foot of the mountain where you can wander the Old Town and perhaps treat yourself to an ice cream! The Archaeological Museum of Alicante and MUBAG, the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, are great places to grab a little culture in place of an afternoon siesta, or you could wander through Canalejas Park, which is crammed with sculptures and art. If you want more tips and ideas, go to our Alicante page!