Things to know before travelling to Alicante

Much is made about the more obvious qualities that make Alicante a gem of a holiday. Its stunning beaches, shimmering clear seas and bustling night-time scene are all huge draws. There are other things you need to know before travelling to Alicante, though – and we're here to help you out. One thing we definitely know is that Holiday Extras' airport transfers will always be around to get you to the city from destinations throughout Spain.

Eat a late dinner

If you're used to eating dinner bang on 6pm, you'll need to adjust your expectations before you travel to Alicante. The dining culture is a little different here – lunch is a larger meal and dinner is generally leisurely and sociable, eaten between 9pm and midnight. Since you're on holiday, you'll definitely have time for a post-lunch siesta, meaning you can stay up savouring local cuisine until the early hours.

Don't forget the parks

Alicante's beaches are arguably the region's most famous features, but its parks are just as beautiful. Visit Parque El Palmeral, 30 minutes away by car, to see the largest palm grove in Europe, or Plaza de Gabriel Miró for a more central park with an intricate water feature and ficus trees that are lit up at night. Closer to the beach, Parque de Canalejas is a shadier option for sheltering from midday heat.

Explore outside the city

If you fancy escaping the city for a day, Alicante province has a host of smaller surrounding towns. Take the tram to Villajoyosa or El Campello to experience community coastal living. A boat trip to Tabarca Island means fresh seafood meals and cove exploration, or you can head out on a vineyard tour to sample the region's famous wines.

Look out for festivals

You can plan your holiday in Alicante around one of the city's fabulous annual festivals. The Alicante Carnival takes place just before Lent and features weeks of parades, music, theatre and spectacle. The start of the Volvo Ocean Race is always a big deal – the gruelling ocean marathon kicks off here and locals gather to cheer on the competitors with events and celebrations.

As always, at Holiday Extras, we're here to make sure you don't miss anything. Rely on our Alicante airport transfers to get you where you need to be with no fuss.