Alicante Travel Guide

Alicante is, arguably, one of the most tourist-driven cities along the Spanish coast. Don’t let that put you off. It’s a dynamic place with long stretches of golden sand, waterfront bars and restaurants, and a maze-like old quarter filled with pretty attractions and boutique shopping. Whether you’re coming to experience Alicante’s legendary party scene, an attraction-filled getaway with the family or a romantic weekend break, Alicante has got you covered. Don’t just confine yourself to the city though. If you’ve nabbed an Alicante car rental, you’ve got the freedom to explore beyond the city walls where you’ll find pretty white-washed villages and remote, empty beaches. Paradise.

Dining in Alicante

On the face of it, you may not expect Alicante to have one of Spain’s most exciting gastronomic scenes. However, dig around a little and you’ll find just that. Those with deep pockets can indulge at the Michelin-starred Maria Jose San Roman or pick up innovative seafood dishes at one of the waterfront restaurants. Then there’s the tapas. Try La Taberna del Gourmet along Calle San Frenando which has been awarded Spain’s best tapas for several years running. The tapas bars in the old town don’t need to break the bank either. You can pick up a beer and a mouth-watering tapa for just €1.50. Bargain. A car rental in Alicante comes in mighty handy when you’re trying to get to those tucked away gems outside the centre.

Attractions in Alicante

While it’s tempting to kick back on the sunny beaches occasionally dragging yourself down to the ocean to cool off, there are plenty of things to do for those who don’t want to be a beach bum. History buffs shouldn’t miss a climb up Santa Barbara Castle, a 10^th-century fortress which overlooks the city the top of Mount Benacantil or the Basilica de Santa Maria to view the structures intricate Baroque stonework and the 17^th-century century organ. Alternatively, you can dive into Alicante’s art scene. Try the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) which houses an impressive collection of works from some of the greats like Pablo Picasso.

Alicante driving routes

If you’ve scored one of the Alicante car rentals, you don’t have to confine yourself to the city. Drive down to the port to catch the ferry to Tabarca Island where you can dive into the protected marine reserve where you can swim with many creatures of the deep. Or visit Canelobre Caves, just 24 kilometres from Alicante, where you can head underground to visit ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Then there is Guadalest Valley where you can go hiking between the mountain villages, visit one of the many rural museums or shop for locally-made handicrafts.

Alicante car rental

Picking up a hire car at Alicante airport couldn’t be easier. After you’ve arrived, head to one of the booths inside the terminal building to pick up your rental. The drive down to your hotel shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. Try to pick a hotel with free spots to leave your car overnight because parking spots in the city come at a premium. You may be on holiday, but it’s worth remembering that Spain has strict driving rules. Swap out those beach flip-flops for proper shoes when driving and be careful with your drinking – in Spain you’re allowed just 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood.

Driving information for your car rental in Alicante

Speed Limits in Spain:

Motorways and Dual Carriageways = 120 km/h

Roads with more than one lane in each direction = 100 km/h

Ordinary Roads = 90 km/h

Road Markings & Signs:

Yellow Zig-Zag Marker = No Parking Allowed

Blue Line Marker = Parking is Limited

Blue diamond + White Number = Maximum Advised Speed Limit

Important Driving Rules:

Age Limit = 18

Alcohol Limit = 0.05%

Seatbelts = Compulsory by law

Useful Spanish Translations:

Toll Road = "Peaje"

Motorway = "Autovia"

Roundabouts = "Rotondas"