Sensational beaches and pumping nightlife are the best known tourism images of Alicante, which is situated on the Costa Blanca of Spain, a near neighbour of famous British package holiday destination Benidorm. But Alicante is a fascinating mix of Spanish and Moorish history, with a stunning castle standing sentinel over the city. A motorhome hire in Alicante can take you off the beaten track, to explore pockets that those in the resorts miss.
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What to see and do in Alicante
Visiting the Castle of Santa Barbara is a must do. This imposing structure was built in the 9th century, and has everything you would expect to find in a Medieval castle: canons, a palace, dungeons, a moat, and of course a look-out tower with incredible views. It’s a hard walk uphill to get to the castle, so an option is to take the lift through the innards of the mountain it sits upon. In July and August, concerts take place in the courtyard of the castle in the evenings.
The Museum of Archaeology in Alicante, or MARQ, as it is abbreviated to, is not just a professional institution and education space, but an institution that strives to make the study of ancient things a 21st-century experience. It tells the story not just of artefacts found, but the methods of archaeology, from exploration in the field, to urban and underwater search techniques.
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Food, drink and nightlife in Alicante
There is no down season for tourism in Alicante. In summer, crowds can spill onto pavements and terraces, enjoying the beachside and marina locations, while in winter there are plenty of indoor venues. La Marcha Alicantina, as the night-time activity is known, has become a tourist attraction in its own right. You’ll find tapas bars, cool dance clubs and Irish pubs all alongside each other in the streets, particularly in ‘el Barrio’ around the cathedral. But it’s not all about the partying, as tea is an imported drink taken seriously here. Visit Teteria Waslala to taste any of their 120 varieties on offer, in a pleasingly artful setting - the menu starts with a short story and the walls are covered with canvases.
Horchata is the local soft drink, a dairy-free milky offering made from tiger nuts. Take time out on the esplanade to stop at the kiosk Peret, where for nearly 100 years they have been scrubbing, crushing and mixing the nuts with a blend of water and sugar to make this distinctive local refresher.
Where to stay in Alicante
The Costa Blanca is well served for upmarket, full-service campgrounds, many with direct beach access and swimming pools. La Marina Camping and Resort is a fabulous beachside complex, with a huge pool complex, including a swim-up bar and waterslides. Marjal Camping Resort is an award-winning eco complex that is a little further inland, but still allows for cooling off with swimming pools.
Road Trips from Alicante
Alicante has its own airport just 9km from the city. Valencia is around 160km away, and the inland city of Murcia can be driven to in around an hour. If you need to experience Benidorm, you can be there in half an hour. In case you would like to explore more of Spain in your campervan hire, you could reach its Capital, Madrid in about 4 hours.
Safety Tips on the Costa Blanca
Crime rates in Spain are some of the lowest in Europe, but petty thefts and property crimes on the Costa Blanca are higher than the Spanish average. Use common sense with your possessions, both in your camper and on the street. Always lock up, and don’t leave valuable items unsecured.
