A buzzing European destination that boasts a remarkable combination of heritage, culture, and scenic splendour has been crowned the continent’s “sunniest” city. Alicante, situated on Spain’s southeastern coastline within the Valencia region, is renowned for its fascinating past, breathtaking shores, lively evening entertainment and delightful Mediterranean weather conditions.
According to data spanning 2009 to 2021 gathered by World Weather Online, Holidu, and timeanddate.com, the city basks in 349 hours of sunshine monthly on average. Alicante boasts a heritage stretching back millennia, with traces of communities from numerous civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans and Moors. During Roman occupation, it was originally called “Lucentum”. The city has been moulded by its varied cultural heritage, especially from the Moors, who governed the area for multiple centuries.
This extensive past is evident in the architectural styles and cultural customs that persist today.
Located on the Costa Blanca, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is encircled by magnificent natural terrain, featuring both mountainous regions and coastal areas.
The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate distinguished by scorching summers and temperate winters.
Typical summer temperatures frequently surpass 30C, whilst winters stay comparatively warm, averaging approximately 15-20C. In autumn, it’s still very much warm in Alicante, with daily highs even in October of 25C.
The city boasts several remarkable attractions that travellers simply must experience. One of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses is Santa Barbara Castle.
Positioned atop Mount Benacantil, it provides sweeping vistas across the city and shoreline. The fortress traces its origins to the 9th century and showcases magnificent defensive walls and towers.
Visitors can reach the castle on foot, by vehicle, or via a lift from the beach, and it contains displays chronicling Alicante’s heritage.
Amongst the favoured beaches is Playa del Postiguet, situated directly adjacent to the city centre.
This stretch of coastline draws crowds with its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, proving irresistible to both residents and holidaymakers.
Explanada de España stands as a legendary boulevard adorned with palm trees and distinguished by its undulating mosaic pattern.
It serves as a beloved destination for leisurely walks, al fresco dining, and various events and markets.
The boulevard regularly showcases musicians and performers, creating a vibrant social hub.
Holidaymakers who have experienced this stunning destination have posted glowing testimonials on the TripAdvisor platform.
One visitor said: “Fabulous place to go for a few days very easy going stayed a spa portas and we had a lovely time great beach and fab food .the castle is a lovely place to walk around.”
Another traveller added: “Coming from Icelandic glaciers, warm up at a Spanish beach. The Hotel: Hotel Maya with a swimming pool 49 euros per room per night for 3 nights.
“The stroll: 10 minutes walk to Postiguet Beach and La Rambla shopping street. The drink: Tinto de verano red wine spritzer. Choose your tapas at Lizarran on La Rambla. People watch at the old market at the top of the Rambla. Alicante is: Miami without attitude.”