Best places to stay in Alicante

Alicante is lucky enough to have the best of both worlds. It's a regional capital with a bustling town centre and loads for culture vultures to enjoy. At the same time, it has a number of beaches that range from popular with tourists to quiet and serene, and there are plenty of areas outside of town if you'd like to stay somewhere a little quieter. Whether you're checking into a town centre hotel or a guest house on the outskirts, our airport transfers are here to help you end up exactly where you need to be.

In town

Alicante town is packed with interesting sights: the 16th-century Santa Bárbara castle, the Contemporary Art Museum and a host of city beaches. The centre is a great place to choose for your holiday – you'll find hotel chains like Eurostars sitting alongside boutique accommodation such as Hotel Les Monges Palace (housed in a former nunnery) or La Serena, which is an old manor house.

If it's self-catering you're after, try the rustic Santa Cruz district where you can rent a bright white villa in one of its winding narrow streets. Dehesa de Campoamor is the place to go for apartments, some with sea views, balconies or swimming pools – all within walking distance of the shore. Of course, there are lots of hotels a stone's throw from the ocean so the journey from bed to beach can be made in a flash.

Further afield

You'll find yourself on a more tranquil holiday if you choose to stay outside the main Alicante area. The city is surrounded by smaller towns that are no less beautiful and within a short drive of beaches and attractions. Sant Vicent del Raspeig is in the suburbs of Alicante and has everything from large family-friendly hotels to charming villas scattered between its leafy parks and lime quarry sites. On the coast, Villajoyosa has colourful houses perched above the beach as well as B&Bs offering home-made breakfasts.

Further along, in Benidorm – a larger resort about 40 minutes from Alicante – you can stay in familiar chains, adults-only spots like Benidorm Celebrations™ Pool Party Resort or a hostel where you can rest your head at its campsite or bungalows. There are also a few airport hotels, which is great if you have an overnight wait for one of our Alicante airport transfers.