Alicante, a lively gateway to the Costa Blanca on Spain's southeastern coast, offers more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Welsh sunseekers can fly from Cardiff to Alicante for as little as £28 one-way in November, according to current flight prices.
Mild winter climate and historic sights
Summer temperatures in Alicante typically exceed 30°C, while winters are mild, averaging about 15-20°C. Even in October, daily highs reach 25°C. The historic port city is the capital of the Costa Blanca and features landmarks such as Santa Bárbara Castle, a buzzing harbour, and beaches like Postiguet and San Juan.
Alicante's colourful past is visible throughout the city, shaped by different cultures over centuries, most notably the Moors, who ruled for hundreds of years. Their legacy lingers in the city's character, especially in the architecture of the old streets and in traditions.
Castle, promenade and museums
Santa Bárbara Castle, one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses, towers over the skyline from atop Mount Benacantil, offering views over the city and the Mediterranean. Dating back to the ninth century, it can be reached by hiking, by road, or via a lift from the seafront. Inside, exhibitions explore Alicante's history.
Below, the Explanada de España features over six million tiles in a wave-like pattern, lined with palm trees and cafés. The Archaeological Museum of Alicante displays ceramics, coins and ancient bones, while the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in the city's oldest civic building, shows works by Miró, Picasso and Dalí. The Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari is notable for its domed roof designed by Agustín Bernardino.
Tapas, markets and getting there
For food, tapas is Alicante's go-to dining experience, with plates including Ibérico pork, Manchego cheese and chargrilled octopus. Askuabarra Alicante offers classics like patatas bravas, steak tartare and piquillo peppers, while César Anca is another local favourite known for creative tapas, rice dishes, grill dishes and Spanish wines.
Alicante's Central Market, set in an early 20th-century building at the top of La Rambla, is a busy local haunt spread over two floors, where stalls sell fresh produce, seafood, artisan cheese, cured meats, spices and olives.
Ryanair operates a Cardiff-Alicante route in the winter 2026/27 schedule, with one-way fares starting as low as £28 in November, depending on dates and promotions. Flights land at Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, around 12 kilometres from the city centre, with the C6 airport bus the most affordable way into town; taxis are faster but cost more. Ryanair's standard fare includes only a small personal bag that must fit under the seat, and oversized bags at the gate can result in hefty fees.
