Situated in the Valencia region, the province of Alicante is most known for its stunning coastline, the Costa Blanca. Made up of pristine beaches, vibrant cities and breathtaking natural wonders, this is one of Spain’s most beloved holiday destinations. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have spent plenty of time up and down the coast and in the towns and villages tucked away in its hinterlands. We know the province like the back of our hands, so to help you plan your perfect escape, take a look at our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Alicante.

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The province's capital, Alicante is a wonderful city with an even more wonderful coastline. You’ll want to spend most of your time down on Playa del Postiguet, a long stretch of golden sands and blue waters. It may get busy in the summer, but head away from the centre to the opposite end of the beach for a quieter experience. For lunch, wander through the Old Town where you’ll come across various tapas bars, or swing by Mercado Central to stock up on goodies like Iberian ham, cheese and olives.

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For some sightseeing, make your way to Castillo de Santa Barbara. Perched atop Mount Benacantil, this Moorish castle provides stunning views of the sea and city. End the day with a stroll down La Explanada de Espana, the city’s main promenade. Lined with palm trees, bars and market stalls, this is the best place to spend balmy evenings.

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Also known as Xàbia in Valencian, Jávea is one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Blanca. With its idyllic beaches and whitewashed buildings set atop vegetation-covered hillsides, the town offers a relaxing atmosphere – somewhere you can escape the high-rise buildings of other resorts along the coast.

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Playa del Arenal is Jávea's main beach, a long stretch of golden sands and shallow waters. It’s perfect for families, with jungle gyms and volleyball courts, as well as watersports facilities and an open-air cinema. Backed by bars, restaurants and shops, you can easily spend the whole day here. When you’re not busy working on your tan, take the time to discover Jávea's lively town centre. Stroll down its cobbled streets, taking in the gorgeous architecture, from Tosca sandstone porticos to Gothic bay windows. If it’s a Thursday, be sure to pop by the market in Plaza de la Constitución where you can pick up everything from clothing and leather goods to fresh produce and local delicacies.

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The popular destination of Benidorm is the best place for an action-packed holiday. With lots of watersports, family attractions and rowdy nightlife, it’s impossible to be bored. There are two main beaches to choose from – Playa de Levante if you want to be at the heart of the action, and Playa de Poniente for a more chilled-out option. For those travelling with little ones, a day at Terra Mitica theme park or Aqualandia is just what you need to combat any ‘I’m bored’ complaints.

If you fancy a breath of fresh air and a break from the crowds, the Sierra Helada Natural Park covers a large section of the mountains and cliffs around Benidorm. There are a handful of hikes to choose from, including one that takes you all the way up to the Benidorm Cross.

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Also known as Calpe, this seaside resort is a magical blend of beaches, culture and history. Its crowning glory is the 332-metre high Peñon de Ifach. This limestone rock formation is a nature reserve that offers challenging climbs with rewarding views of the coast.

Calp’s historic centre is the best place for sightseeing. The cobbled streets are lined with old churches and colourful buildings, many of which boast beautiful murals and mosaics. You’ll also come across historical attractions like the 13th-century Torreó de la Peça, a defensive bastion built to protect the town from invaders.

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Take a break from sightseeing by relaxing on the beach. Stretches of sand, such as Playa de la Fossa give you some really impressive views of Peñon de Ifach. Just behind the beach is the Las Salinas wetland area, where you can spot pink flamingos.

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Those wondering where to stay in Alicante for a typical beach holiday should head to the coastal city of Torrevieja. There are a handful of clean, family-friendly beaches to choose from, including the lovely La Mata and Playa del Cura. Want to admire the coast from a different angle? La Bocana Watersports Centre offers a range of activities like cable skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Head out even further with a boat trip to Tabarca Island, where you can explore the island’s old settlement and snorkel in the waters, rich with marine life.

Be sure to put aside some time to visit the Las Salinas de Torrevieja. These pink saltwater lagoons are a rather spectacular sight and a prime spot for birdwatching. When you just need a relaxed day, Torrevieja has plenty of green spaces and plazas to unwind in. Parque Jardín de las Naciones is one of the best spots, with playgrounds, a lake and shaded areas perfect for picnics.

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For a laid-back vibe, make your way to the coastal town of Dénia. With beautiful beaches, stunning natural surroundings, and plenty of things in town to keep you entertained, you can be as active or as lazy as you want. There are several beaches to choose from, including Les Marines (great for swimming and sunbathing), Les Rotes (rocky coves good for snorkelling) and Els Molins (a less crowded option).

In Dénia’s historic centre, follow the maze of alleyways to the Castillo de Dénia, a 10th-century Moorish castle which you can climb for jaw-dropping views of the city and coast. Feeling peckish? Dénia is the place to be for foodies, and you can’t visit without trying the Dénia red prawn. Found in the deep sea trench between this part of the coast and Ibiza, the prawn is a delicacy and you can enjoy it in a variety of dishes in Dénia’s many restaurants.

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So far on our list of where to stay in Alicante, we’ve only covered seaside resorts. But move inland a bit and you’ll find plenty of scenic towns and villages like Alcoy (also called Alcoi). Nestled in the Serpis River valley, the town is surrounded by stunning natural scenery including the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, El Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park and Sierra de Els Plans. It’s the best choice for those looking to spend time outdoors, whether that’s by hiking, cycling or birdwatching.

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Alcoy’s history stretches back to ancient times, and there is plenty to discover for history buffs – be it historical sites like churches or museums like Casa de la Cultura. If you’re here towards the end of April, definitely add the famous Moors and Christians Festival to your itinerary. Reenacting the conflict between the Moors and Christians, the festival involves parades, costumes, music and fireworks.

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Also inland is the city of Orihuela, just a forty-minute drive from Torrevieja. Located at the foot of the Sierra de Orihuela mountains, the city offers a blend of nature, history and culture. The best place to start your explorations is in the city centre, a lively area which has been declared a Historic Artistic Site thanks to its large number of monuments, museums and points of interest. Some of the most notable attractions include Casa Museo de Miguel Hernández, the home of the famous Spanish poet, and Colegio Diocesano Santo Domingo, a former convent with extraordinary architecture.

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There are also a handful of museums to discover, such as the Holy Art Museum for paintings, sculptures, clothing and religious books, as well as the Museum of the Town Walls for historic remains. In between all that sightseeing, don’t forget to fuel up on some delicious local cuisine. Typical dishes include arroz con costra (baked rice with a crust, topped with beaten egg) and olleta (a stew with rice, chickpeas, chestnuts, pumpkin, stock, olive oil, garlic and salt pork or bacon).

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Just a half-hour drive from Alicante is the city of Elche. A favourite with day-trippers staying in the capital, Elche has a lot to see and do. Wander through the historical centre to the Basilica of Santa Maria, the city’s most famous landmark. Built on the ruins of a mosque, this magnificent cathedral with its two blue domes is exceptionally beautiful.

When you need a break from walking around, there’s nowhere better to seek sanctuary from the heat than in Elche’s palm grove. This oasis in the middle of the city is home to Huerto del Cura, a serene botanical garden with an assortment of trees, bright blooms, sculptures, and peaceful ponds. If you’re in need of a new pair of shoes, you’ve come to the right place. Elche has a rich shoemaking heritage, and you can visit the Pikolinos shoemaking museum or buy top-quality shoes at bargain prices at the many stores.

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