Holiday rentals and lettings in Alicante

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Alicante?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Alicante: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Alicante: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Alicante?

• Choice of accommodation: From city apartments to villas and fincas, Alicante suits couples, families and groups, many with pools.
• Where to stay: In the city centre near the marina and old town, or by the beaches of Postiguet and San Juan.
• What guests love: Year-round sunshine, a hilltop castle, golden beaches and a buzzing old town.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beaches, spring and autumn for sightseeing, and mild, sunny winters.
• Things to do: Climb Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll the Explanada, relax on the beaches and sail to Tabarca Island.

Alicante's holiday lettings suit its sunny Costa Blanca setting, from bright city apartments near the marina to spacious villas and traditional fincas with private pools just outside town. They range from romantic boltholes for couples to roomy houses for a group, many with sea views or space for children to play. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or somewhere quieter, there is a self-catering base to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Air conditioning for warm Costa Blanca days
• A private or shared pool with a sunny terrace
• A balcony or garden for outdoor dining
• Wi-Fi, parking and a fully equipped kitchen
• Options ideal for a last-minute getaway or a beachfront villa

Wherever you base yourself, a beach, a plaza or a tapas bar is rarely far away. Weighing up your options? You can also look further along the coast to villas in Calpe.

What are the best areas to stay in Alicante?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the city centre is best for culture and nightlife, while San Juan suits a beach base. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Alicante through Holidu often highlight the dependable sunshine, the golden beaches and the buzz of the old town and marina. Many mention the hilltop castle, the fresh seafood and the easy-going Mediterranean pace, and return for the rare mix of a lively, cultured city and relaxing beach days, all bathed in Costa Blanca sun for much of the year.

The sunny capital of the Costa Blanca, Alicante is a vibrant Mediterranean city on Spain's south-eastern coast, watched over by the mighty Santa Bárbara Castle atop Mount Benacantil. It pairs golden beaches and a palm-lined marina with a characterful old town of whitewashed lanes, the marble Explanada promenade and lively tapas bars. Blessed with sunshine for much of the year and full of history and life, it makes a wonderful base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Alicante?

Most visitors arrive by plane, with the airport just outside the city. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By plane: Alicante-Elche Airport is one of Spain's busiest, with frequent flights from across the UK taking around two and a half hours. It sits just a short drive or bus ride from the city centre, making it a quick and easy gateway to the Costa Blanca.
• By car: Once here, a hire car is handy for exploring the wider coast and countryside, from the beaches of San Juan to the villages inland. The city centre and beaches are also easily explored on foot and by tram, and most holiday lettings offer parking.

🥗Where to eat in Alicante?

According to local reviews, Cervecería Sento is one of the best rated tapas spots in Alicante. Below is a table showing top highly-rated places hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Marta and James recommend a bustling tapas bar in the old town: a lively spot for a classic Alicante rice dish and a cold beer among the locals.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to September bring hot, sunny days perfect for the beach, while spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing in comfortable warmth. Winter is mild and sunny, a lovely escape from colder climes.

Summer (June–September)

• Best for: Beaches, watersports and festivals
• Weather: Hot and reliably sunny
• Atmosphere: Lively and busy along the coast

Spring & Autumn (March–May, October)

• Best for: Sightseeing, the castle and the old town
• Weather: Warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with fewer crowds

Winter (November–February)

• Best for: Mild city breaks and long lunches
• Weather: Mild and often sunny for the season
• Atmosphere: Quiet and easy-going

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Alicante hosts recommend climbing to Santa Bárbara Castle early for the views before the heat, then wandering down through the old town for a long tapas lunch. Ask your host about the best beach for the day and when the boats leave for Tabarca Island.

1. Climb Santa Bárbara Castle
2. Stroll the Explanada de España
3. Relax on the beaches
4. Wander the old town
5. Sail to Tabarca Island

1. Climb Santa Bárbara Castle

   Dominating the city from atop Mount Benacantil, Santa Bárbara Castle is one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses and Alicante's must-see landmark. Reached by a lift carved through the rock or a scenic walk, its ramparts offer breathtaking panoramas over the city, port and sea. Explore the ancient walls, courtyards and exhibitions, and time your visit for sunset when the whole coast glows. It is a magnificent and unmissable experience.

2. Stroll the Explanada de España

   Alicante's grand seafront promenade, the Explanada de España, is paved with millions of red, cream and black marble tiles in a rippling wave pattern. Lined with towering palm trees, cafés and craft stalls, it is the city's favourite place for an evening paseo. Enjoy an ice cream, listen to the buskers and soak up the lively Mediterranean atmosphere beside the marina. It is quintessential Alicante and always a delight.

3. Relax on the beaches

   Alicante is blessed with wonderful beaches, from the golden city sands of Postiguet right beneath the castle to the long, family-friendly stretch of San Juan just to the north. The clear, warm Mediterranean water is perfect for swimming, and there are watersports, sunbeds and beach bars aplenty. Whether you want a quick dip in the heart of the city or a full day by the sea, the coast delivers.

4. Wander the old town

   Climbing the hillside beneath the castle, the Barrio de la Santa Cruz is Alicante's enchanting old quarter, a maze of narrow whitewashed lanes bright with flowers and tiles. Explore the historic streets, discover hidden plazas and the baroque Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás, and stop for tapas at a tucked-away bar. Atmospheric and full of character, it is the perfect place to feel the soul of the city.

5. Sail to Tabarca Island

   A short boat trip from the port, the little island of Tabarca is a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Wander its tiny walled village, lunch on fresh fish and the local caldero stew, and relax on the quiet coves. The smallest permanently inhabited islet in Spain, it makes a magical and memorable day trip away from the buzz of the city.