Located on Spain’s southeastern coast, Alicante is known to many Brits as the gateway to reach the infamous Benidorm. But let me tell you, Alicante has a lot more to offer than the carnival of a town that is Benidorm.
Not only does Alicante have a fantastic airport, but the city itself is worth at least a few days to explore. Whether you’re into history, arts, culture, food or just beaching it up – you can get a taste of all the best aspects of Spain in this bustling little city.
My favourite activity in Alicante is to walk up the top of the Santa Barbara Castle. You get to stroll through narrow streets packed with colourful houses, explore the Castle at the top of the hill and marvel at the views across the city and sea.
But it isn’t always easy to find the best neighbourhood to stay in Alicante. In fact, there are lots of Alicante accommodation options for travellers of every budget and preference – you just have to know where to look.
That’s where I come in!
I’ve created this easy guide, so you can skip the hard work and move right to the fun part. With this Alicante neighbourhood guide, you’ll be able to find the best options that suit YOU.
Let’s get into it, amgio.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Alicante?
- Alicante Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Alicante
- Alicante’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
- FAQs on Where to Stay in Alicante
- What To Pack For Alicante
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Alicante
- Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Stay in Alicante
- Buy Us a Coffee!
You won’t want to miss Alicante off your Spanish travels, it’s a gorgeous coast town with a lot to offer. Once it’s locked and loaded in your itinerary, you’re going to need to decide where in this city is best for you to stay.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the top five areas to stay in Alicante including the top accommodations and things to do in each. But, if you’re short on time and just want the TLDR version, these are my top three picks for places to stay in 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.
Vad Hostel Alicante | Best Hostel in Alicante
This hostel is fairly 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 social holiday. The hostel boasts lovely rooms, each with different décor, shared bathrooms, and lots of common rooms for socialising. It’s without a doubt the BEST hostel in Alicante.
SEABLUE Ocean view in the centre | 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, modern building and offers gorgeous views of the city and sea from the balcony. It can fit two people comfortably in a king room and contains everything you’ll need for a great stay.
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. 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 visit in Spain, with a well-worn tourist path.
The wider region contains several other resort towns and places of interest that make for fun day trips. There are lots of popular neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhoods for convenient access to everything. It contains most of the city’s historical attractions and is close to the waterfront area.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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. It contains several historical attractions that are often missed by travellers to the area.
And if you’re travelling 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 centre of Alicante but still close enough to be fun for the whole family. And it’s centred around the beach, so if in doubt then you can always head down there and see what’s going on.
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Alicante’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
Alicante is an underrated place to stay in Spain. From beaches to mountains, it’s got not only epic natural landscapes but it’s also rich in history and culture. I’ve broken down the top five neighbourhoods below depending on what type of traveller you are, just to make your life that little bit easier 🙂
1. Old Town – Where to Stay in Alicante for Your First Time
Old Town is the centre 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 neighbourhoods.
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.
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 travel 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.
Penthouse in the Old Town | Best Airbnb in Old Town
This penthouse is not only beautiful, comfortable and full of character but it is also fully equipped with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. Located centrally in the Old Town, surrounded by tapas bars and restaurants. The terrace in the apartment offers gorgeous views of the Santa Barbara Castle.
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 depart 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.
- Join a secret flavours food tour and feast your way around the hidden foodie gems across the city.
- Grab a seat at a local café and watch Alicante’s life go by!
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Elche – Best Place to Stay in Alicante on a Budget
Elche is a neighbourhood that many travellers 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 centre of Alicante and offers cheaper accommodation and food.
That’s why it’s one of the best places to stay in Alicante for budget travellers and those looking for a more authentic cultural experience.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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 than you’ll find anywhere else in the city.
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 neighbourhood.
There is also a range of room sizes available for every travel group size.
Tryp Ciudad de Elche Hotel | Another Great 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 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!
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.
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 neighbourhood.
- 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 (or Playa del Postiguet in Spanish) is one of the most popular in Alicante and once you get there, you’ll understand why. It’s been a favourite 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 convenience and 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 ambience preserved.
This also means that the Postiguet Beach area isn’t the cheapest to stay in. But if you want pools, the beach, great nightlife, and amazing shopping, this is one of the best places in Alicante to stay.
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 three floors.
The on-site restaurant is a great place to spend your time as it offers delicious tapas with Mediterranean sea views.
Alicante Ocean View | Best Apartment 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 three bedrooms, so it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with family or friends to Alicante.
Olé Backpackers Hostel | Best Hostel in Postiguet Beach
Olé Backpackers Hostel is actually a bit more central than being smack-bang on the beach, however, it’s 10 minutes on foot until you’re on the sand. Close enough! The hostel is also close to the main street, next to the bustling ”Mercado Central”. The hostel has a social vibe and it’s super welcoming!
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.
- Take in the views while getting your body moving on a city and beach bike tour.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Alipark – Coolest Place to Stay in Alicante
Alipark is slightly west of Old Town and is home to 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 neighbourhood in Alicante to stay in if you want a quieter trip. Old Town can get fairly busy, so it’s nice to have an oasis outside of the tourist hustle. Best of all, this neighbourhood mostly caters to the locals, so you’ll get a firsthand view of how the locals live.
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 traveller. 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!
Old Town Alicante | Best Bed and Breakfast in Alipark
This B&B 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.
This awesome Alicante B&B 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 bed and breakfast.
Apartment in the centre with elevator & sea views | Best Airbnb in Alipark
Located on the 10th floor, this apartment offers epic views and plenty of sunshine. It is ideally placed in a quiet neighbourhood but close to public transport. You’ll be within walking distance of the promenade, Mushroom Street, the beaches and downtown. Plus, there is a cute cafe across the road and a local grocery store nearby.
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 Neighbourhood in Alicante for Families to Stay In
El Campello is just a short tram ride from the centre of town. This makes it the best neighbourhood 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.
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 neighbourhood.
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.
Hakuna Matata Beach Hostel | 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.
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 two bedrooms with four beds, which makes it a great choice if you’re travelling with your family or with friends.
The two terraces offer spectacular views and it’s located only 200 meters from the local beach.
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.
- Top up your tan by relaxing on the sandy San Juan Beach.
- Spend a day or longer at Muchavista Beach snorkelling, 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.
- Join a day trip out to Guadalest, which is a huge fortress in the nearby mountains, and enjoy the amazing views.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs on Where to Stay in Alicante
To help you make the right decision, I’ve answered the most commonly asked questions on Alicante and its neighbourhoods.
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
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Is Alicante cheap for a holiday?
Yes, Alicante is what I’d consider a backpacking-friendly destination. There are plenty of free activities, including museums, stunning beaches and budget places to stay. Plus, if you’re coming from the UK or Europe, you can get some super cheap flights.
Which is better, Alicante or Benidorm?
If you’re after a more authentic Spanish experience, Alicante is your best bet. Benidorm can be a hell of a good time if you’re on a stag/ hen’s do but it lacks a bit of Spanish charm (in my humble opinion).
Where is the best place to stay in Alicante for families?
El Campello is my top pick for where to stay with families in Alicante. It’s just outside of the hustle and bustle of the centre, but still has plenty going on to keep the family busy.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Alicante
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Alicante.
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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.
If you’re still unsure where to stay, you can be pretty safe by choosing the Old Town. It’s got a little something for everyone and is home to the city’s top attractions. Plus, it’s very easy to get to and from the Airport.
I hope you love Alicante as much as I do – enjoy the walk to the castle, chill out on the beach, then spend an evening eating lots of tapas and drinking endless sangria. Ahhh, a Spanish dream!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- 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.
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