Alicante is located on Spain’s southeastern coast and is the capital of the Alicante province. It’s a city that has a lot of charm, with narrow streets and colorful houses everywhere.
The food is great, it’s Spain after all, and the nightlife is absolutely first-rate. That’s how this small city has been attracting travelers of all types for years.
But it isn’t always easy to find the best neighborhood to stay in Alicante. In fact, there are lots of Alicante accommodation options for travelers of every budget and preference, you just have to know where to look.
And that’s why we’ve created this easy guide, so you can skip the hard work and move right to the fun part.
With our Alicante neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to find the options that suit your preferences, budget, and travel style.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Tokyo.
Old Town Alicante | Best Hostel in Alicante
This hostel is brand new and is located within walking distance of everything. That makes it one of the coolest places to stay in Alicante, particularly if you’re looking to have a really active holiday. The hostel boasts lovely rooms, each with different décor, shared bathrooms, and lots of common rooms for socializing. It’s without a doubt the BEST hostel is Alicante.
Les Monges Palace Boutique | Best Hotel in Alicante
This hotel is in an excellent location, close to all the most interesting attractions and sites. It’s a historical building with lots of original features from the early 1900s and offers free Wi-Fi as well as uniquely decorated rooms and all the comforts of home.
Beautiful Apartment | Best Airbnb in Alicante
Whether you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante for families or on your own, this apartment is a great choice. It’s in a lovely old building with lots of period details and is just moments away from the beach and the Castle of Santa Barbara. It can fit 4 people comfortably and contains everything you’ll need for a great stay.
Beautiful Apartment is one of our favourites in Alicante but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Old Town
Old Town is the center of Alicante city and it’s also home to most of the great historical buildings and cultural attractions. It’s a great place to choose whether you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante for your first time or even on repeat visits.
Elche
Elche is a neighborhood that many travelers miss, and this is a shame because it’s a vibrant local area with lots of attractions. It’s only a short distance from the center of Alicante and offers cheaper accommodation and food.
Postiguet Beach
Postiguet Beach is one of the most popular in Alicante and once you get there, you’ll understand why. It’s been a favorite coastal resort area for Spanish visitors for decades and is located close to the train terminal and international airport.
Alipark
Alipark is slightly west of Old Town and contains the Alicante train station. This makes it convenient for your explorations inside and outside of the city.
El Campello
El Campello is just a short tram ride from the center of town. This makes it the best neighborhood to stay in Alicante for convenient access everywhere and a bit of peace and quiet.
Alicante has been a popular tourist resort for many years. It’s located in Spain on the Costa Blanca and has been a working port since Mediterranean times.
The metropolitan area, which includes satellite towns, holds around 757,085 people as of 2014. This makes it the second-largest Valencian city.
There’s a lot to see and do in this city from historical attractions to a delicious culinary scene and vibrant waterfront area. Because of its popularity, Alicante is an easy place to travel, with a well-worn tourist path.
And the wider region contains several other resort towns and places of interest that make for fun day trips.
There are lots of popular neighborhoods and areas in Alicante. So, if you’re looking for a hotel or hostel in Alicante, here’s a guide to where to start looking.
Old Town is probably the most popular area for tourists and one of Alicante’s best neighborhoods for convenient access to everything. It contains most of the city’s historical attractions and is close to the waterfront area.
But if you want to see a more authentic side of the city, then try Elche. This is the best area in Alicante to stay in for budget accommodation and food options. And it contains several historical attractions that are often missed by travelers to the area.
And if you’re traveling for the nightlife, then try Postiguet beach, the legendary beach resort destination that’s just a few minutes from the train and airport.
Alipark is a more modern area that’s still close enough to Old Town so you can explore. It’s also near the Alicante Train Station, so it’s convenient for trips outside of the city.
Finally, if you’re with your family, then try El Camello. It’s a short distance from the center of Alicante but still close enough to be fun for the whole family. And it’s centered around the beach, so if in doubt then you can always head down there and see what’s going on.
5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Alicante
If you’re ready to start making your bookings, then here’s our easy Alicante neighborhood guide.
#1 Old Town – Where to Stay in Alicante for your First Time
Old Town is the center of Alicante city and it’s also home to most of the great historical buildings and cultural attractions.
It’s a great place to choose whether you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante for your first time or even on repeat visits.
Old Town gives you easy access to everything, from the famous waterfront to Santa Barabara Castle, where you can get the most stunning views of the city. It’s also a great place to find a delicious meal at one of the many little restaurants.
Basically, whatever you want to do while you’re in the area, this is one of Alicante’s best neighborhoods.
Loft House Historic Center | Best Airbnb in Old Town
This comfortable loft apartment is located on a quiet street just minutes from Santa Barbara Castle. It’s suitable for up to four guests and provides the comfort of home in an entirely new city.
It’s the perfect accommodation option whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Alicante with kids, friends, or on your own.
The Market Hostel Alicante | Best Hostel in Old Town
The Market Hostel prides itself on having a warm, friendly atmosphere that encourages visitors to sit and chat for a while. So, it’s a great place to stay when you want to make friends as you explore the city.
The rooms are comfortable and there’s a lovely Common Area as well as a kitchen available so you can cook and enjoy a meal with your new friends.
Les Monges Palace Boutique | Best Hotel in Old Town
This hotel is in an excellent location, close to all the most interesting attractions and sites. It’s a historical building with lots of original features from the early 1900s and offers free Wi-Fi as well as uniquely decorated rooms and all the comforts of home.
Things to See and Do in Old Town:
- Climb up Santa Barbara Castle and look out over the city and then head into the castle to see the exhibits.
- Wander the streets looking at historical buildings and hidden restaurants and cafes.
- Head down to the nearby waterfront area for a white sand beach and great nightlife.
- Try one of the boat tours that departs from the port.
- Spend some time in the Asegurada Museum of Modern Art, where you can see exhibits from across Spain.
- Check out the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, where its interactive exhibits will enthral young and old alike.
- Grab a seat at a local café and watch Alicante’s life go by!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI#2 Elche – Where to Stay in Alicante on a Budget
Elche is a neighborhood that many travelers miss, and this is a shame because it’s a vibrant local area with lots of attractions. It’s only a short distance from the center of Alicante and offers cheaper accommodation and food.
That’s why it’s one of the best places to stay in Alicante for budget travelers and those looking for a more authentic cultural experience.
But don’t think that you’ll be missing out on the history or culture if you stay in this area. It’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Elche Mystery Play, a 500 year old tradition during festival season.
There are also some great budget restaurants and cafes in this area, so you can enjoy amazing food at a cheaper price then you’ll find anywhere else in the city.
Private House with Outside Terrace | Best Airbnb in Elche
One of the reasons why this is one of the best areas to stay in Alicante is that you can get more space at a cheaper price. If you want all the comforts and space of home and then some, then spend a few nights at this private house.
You’ll love the Nordic style fireplace, the fully equipped bathroom and kitchen, and the outdoor area where you can have a meal and a few drinks under the Spanish sky.
Ibis Elche | Best Hotel in Elche
There aren’t any hostels in Elche, but this budget hotel is a great alternative. It offers basic but clean rooms at a reasonable price and is located close to everything you’ll want to see in this neighborhood.
There are also a range of room sizes available for every travel group size.
Tryp Ciudad de Elche Hotel | Best Hotel in Elche
If you’re still trying to decide where to stay in Alicante on a budget, this hotel will suit your needs. It’s centrally located in Elche, which will make it easy for you to explore, and offers stylish, large rooms at a great price.
It’s only 400 meters from the Palmeral de Elche Palm Garden, and there are a variety of restaurants close by. You definitely won’t go hungry when you stay in this hotel in Alicante!
Things to See and Do in Elche:
- See the Elche Mystery Play if you’re in town at the right time of year.
- Visit the Palmeral of Elche, A UNESCO World Heritage Site where over 200,000 palm trees are growing.
- Explore the beaches around Elche, which tend to be less crowded with tourists.
- Keep an eye out for restaurants that are crowded with locals, this is where you’ll enjoy a great meal at a cheaper price.
- Visit The Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche, where you can learn more about the neighborhood.
- Visit the Central Market and buy some fresh fruits or vegetables to cook or eat as snacks.
#3 Postiguet Beach – Best Area to Stay in Alicante for Nightlife
Postiguet Beach is one of the most popular in Alicante and once you get there, you’ll understand why. It’s been a favorite coastal resort area for Spanish visitors for decades and is located close to the train terminal and international airport.
That makes it a perfect combination of convenient and full of things to see and do.
Many of the hotels in this area were designed during the Golden Age of tourism in Alicante. So, they’re deliberately luxurious and family-friendly and have their original ambiance preserved.
This also means that the Postiguet Beach area isn’t the cheapest to stay in. But if you want pools, the beach, a great nightlife, and amazing shopping, this is one of the best places in Alicante to stay.
B&B la Milagrosa | Best Hostel in Postiguet Beach
This charming B&B is within a few minutes’ walk of the beach and of Old Town, so you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds when you stay there. It’s close to a lot of bars and restaurants for a good night out and has a terrace that offers a view of the Santa Barbara Castle.
This makes it an awesome choice when you’re looking where to stay in Alicante for nightlife and for beach relaxation.
Apartamento Postiguet | Best Hotel in Postiguet Beach
This property offers sea views and space for your pet tantalizingly close to Postiguet Beach. It’s also close to the art and history museum and the perfect place to base yourself for a beach holiday in Alicante.
There are two bedrooms and a private bathroom, so it’s a great choice whether you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante for one night or for even longer!
Hotel Albahia Alicante | Best Hotel in Postiguet Beach
Your budget will need to be a little flexible if you’re staying in the Postiguet Beach area, but this hostel in Alicante is a great mid-range option. It’s only 300 meters from the beach and the rooms are spaced over 3 floors.
The on-site restaurant is a great place to spend your time as it offers tapas with sea, views.
Things to See and Do in Postiguet Beach:
- Take the tunnel from the beach to Santa Barbara Castle and spend the day exploring Old Town.
- Go swimming, enjoy some water sports, or just relax the days away at the beach.
- Dance the night away at one of the many local bars located just moments from the beachfront.
- Go bar hopping and explore every one of the beachfront bars.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#4 Alipark – Coolest Place to Stay in Alicante
Alipark is slightly west of Old Town and contains the Alicante train station. This makes it convenient for your explorations inside and outside of the city.
It’s a more modern area, with fewer historical buildings but plenty of modern culture, restaurants, and places to explore.
This is the best neighborhood in Alicante to stay in if you want a quieter trip. Old Town can get extremely noisy and frenetic, so it’s nice to have an oasis outside of all those tourist trappings.
And best of all, this neighborhood mostly caters to the locals, so you’ll get a firsthand view of how the locals live.
Old Town Alicante | Best Hostel in Alipark
This hostel is technically located in Old Town, but it’s only a five-minute walk from Alipark. This makes it the best area to stay in Alicante for access to both parts of the city.
The hostel offers welcoming shared spaces as well as vibrant rooms and although space is fairly limited, you’ll make lots of new friends when you stay at this hostel.
La City Estación | Best Hotel in Alipark
Located across the road from the Alicante Train Station, this budget hotel is a great choice for any traveler. The rooms are soundproofed and offer satellite TV, heating, and air conditioning, and private bathrooms. They’re also clean, modern, and spacious, and available for great prices!
Beautiful Apartment | Best Airbnb in Alicante
Whether you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante for families or on your own, this apartment is a great choice. It’s in a lovely old building with lots of period details and is just moments away from the beach and the Castle of Santa Barbara. It can fit 4 people comfortably and contains everything you’ll need for a great stay.
Beautiful Apartment is one of our favourites in Alicante but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Alipark:
- Relax in the green spaces of Plaza de la Vina with a picnic, some friends, and a bottle of wine.
- Take a train to other parts of the coast and explore other towns.
- Explore the local restaurants for some of the tastiest eats you’ll find in the city.
- Spend an evening in a local bar and celebrate the end of the day like the locals do.
#5 El Campello – Best Neighborhood in Alicante for Families
El Campello is just a short tram ride from the center of town. This makes it the best neighborhood to stay in Alicante for convenient access everywhere and a bit of peace and quiet.
It also features the Muchavista beach, where you can enjoy lots of water activities, cafes, and restaurants. The area has a fun vibe and is very family-friendly, which is why it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante for one night or on a longer trip.
There are also some interesting historical and cultural attractions in this area. So, even if you get tired of the beach, you’ll have lots of other activities to cross off your bucket list.
Charming Bungalow | Best Airbnb in El Campello
If you need some extra space during your trip, then this lovely bungalow is one of the coolest places to stay in Alicante. It includes 2 bedrooms with four beds, which makes it a great choice if you’re traveling with your family or with friends.
The two terraces offer spectacular views and it’s located only 200 meters from the local beach.
Hostel San Juan | Best Hostel in El Campello
This hostel offers the best of both worlds. It’s located right in front of the beach and right on the edge of El Campello. This is one of the best areas to stay in Alicante for convenient access to all the charms of El Campello as well as a relaxed beach vibe that only comes from getting away from the main tourist beach.
The hostel is traditional, with 8 guest rooms and private ensuite bathrooms as well as a delicious Mediterranean restaurant on site.
Hotel la Familia | Best Hotel in El Campello
When you’re deciding where to stay in Alicante with kids, this hotel is the perfect choice. It’s located close to the beach, with stunning sea views, which means it’s close to all the best action in the neighborhood.
The hotel restaurant offers delicious local meals if you don’t feel like going far after a long day, and the rooms have a private bathroom and all the comforts you’ll need for your holiday.
Things to See and Do in El Campello:
- Take a trip to see the ancient ruins at La Illeta dels Banyets and experience hundreds of years of Spanish history.
- Spend a day or longer at Muchavista Beach snorkeling, windsurfing, or trying other water sports.
- Take the tram into Old Town and explore the historic buildings.
- Head down to the El Campello Marina for a fish market and great restaurants.
- Spend some time at Torre Vigía De La Illeta and learn about Costa Blanca’s historical stories.
- Take a trip out to Guadalest, which is a huge fortress in the nearby mountains, and enjoy the amazing views.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ’s on Where to Stay in Alicante
Choosing where to stay in a new city you’ve never been to can be really confusing and frustrating. To help you make the right decision, we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions on Alicante and its neighborhoods, so you can plan your trip without any issues.
What To Pack For Alicante
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Alicante
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Stay in Alicante
A trip to Alicante can be an enchanting time filled with Spanish food, Mediterranean culture, beaches, and long nights. But you’ll only enjoy all these treasures if you choose Alicante accommodation that’s comfortable and convenient for your needs.
Don’t risk making a mistake with your bookings and find yourself far away from the areas that suit your preferences. Use our convenient list to help you find the best neighborhood in Alicante to stay in, so that whether you stay in a hotel, hostel or BnB in Alicante, you’ll have a great time.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Spain.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Alicante.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Spain instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Spain to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Spain.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
