Holidays in Alicante: tourist reviews

This welcoming and friendly resort in southern Spain on the Mediterranean coast, with 200 km of beaches, has long attracted tourists from all over the world for many different reasons.

At Granfield Estate, we’ve been living in Alicante province for years, and we’re always happy to share insider tips with visitors and clients alike.

A Year-Round Pleasant Climate

Firstly, the weather here is almost never bad. Life on the Costa Blanca is pleasant at any time of year. In summer it isn’t unbearably hot, but warm and comfortable; in winter the weather is mild, sometimes a little fresh and cool, but never truly cold. You can sunbathe and swim all year round, although the Spaniards themselves usually don’t go into the sea in the winter months. The average annual air and water temperature is around 18–19°C.

History, Architecture, and Cultural Heritage

Secondly, there is enormous historical and cultural value. In the city and its surroundings you’ll find a huge number of sights and landmarks, historic buildings from different eras and in various architectural styles.

The picturesque Explanada de España with its mosaic paving, the harbour with its beautiful yachts and cruise liners, Santa Bárbara Castle built in the 9th century, castles, basilicas, churches and cathedrals, charming narrow Spanish squares and alleyways, numerous museums and galleries – and of course simply stunning views. There is plenty to do and see in addition to relaxing on the beach.

Festivals, Nightlife, and Entertainment

Thirdly, the city offers a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene and a constant feeling of celebration and holiday. Even outside the high tourist season – roughly from October to May – there are always carnivals, parades and festivities taking place, so boredom is not an option.

Education and Study in Alicante

On top of that, Alicante also offers opportunities for international education. It is home to one of the largest universities in Spain (the University of Alicante) and many language schools, where you can obtain a quality education, train for an in-demand profession and enjoy a residence permit for the duration of your studies.

What Tourists Say: Reviews of Holidays in Alicante

“We discovered this magical place and have been here both in winter and in summer – it’s always great, every season has its own charm. Now we’re thinking about buying a property in Alicante, because staying in hotels all the time works out expensive, and having your own place is always better.”

Adam Shawky

“Hotels don’t have their own private beaches – you can go to absolutely any beach, even if you’re not staying at the nearby hotel. They say it’s like this along the whole coast. It’s really convenient for those who rent apartments or flats in Spain without direct beach access, and for locals too. The sand is clean everywhere; you can rent a sunbed or a chair, or just lie on your towel.”

Borodina

“What I liked was that, apart from lying on the beach, you can go on excursions, touch a bit of eternity, wander through authentic old streets and admire the architecture.”

Luiza-Spb

“I enrolled my son at the Enforex Language School Alicante. We spent a long time choosing and ended up picking this one because it’s cheaper than Barcelona, there are opportunities to practise not only Spanish but also other world languages, the student life is vibrant and interesting, the weather is fantastic and the environment is very international.”

Traveller

“We were in Alicante in spring. The sea was still a bit chilly for swimming, so we spent a lot of time walking around the streets, both in the old quarters and the newer districts. By the way, shopping in Spain is in no way worse than in Milan – as long as you come in the low season. In summer everything is more expensive because of the influx of tourists.”

Kristina90

“Personally, I actually enjoyed holidaying in February more than in summer. In August you could hardly move for tourists and prices were much higher for everything. In winter it’s so calm and peaceful. Yes, the water is cool, but for us, coming from snowy Moscow, it felt wonderful.”

Ivan-Petov

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see that buying or renting a property in Alicante is often much more cost-effective than staying in a hotel. It could be a small studio for a student, a large family house or even a villa on the shores of the Mediterranean in Spain. Property prices vary widely – we can find an option to suit almost any budget.

And by the way, when you buy a more expensive property, you may be able to obtain a Spanish residence permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to vacation in Alicante?

Alicante is great at any time of the year, but the choice depends on your preferences. For beach holidays, the ideal period is from June to September (+28–32°C, sea +24–27°C). The "velvet season" in September–October has fewer tourists, warm weather, and the sea is still swimmable. Winter (December–February) attracts those who prefer a quiet vacation: +15–18°C, empty beaches, and cheaper hotels.

Can you swim in the sea in Alicante during winter?

Locals usually go into the sea from May to October. Tourists from northern countries often swim in March–April (+15–17°C). In winter, the water temperature drops to +13–15°C — for most, this is uncomfortable for swimming, but walks along the promenade and outdoor activities are available year-round.

Are there any paid beaches in Alicante?

No. According to Spanish law, all beaches are public — entry to any beach is free, even if there is a hotel nearby. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella (5–10 €/day) or bring your own. This is one of the great conveniences for those renting apartments or having their own property without direct beach access.

Is it profitable to buy real estate in Alicante instead of renting a hotel every time?

If you visit regularly — definitely yes. A couple of weeks in a hotel during the high season costs 2,000–4,000 €. With your own apartment, these expenses go towards a mortgage or maintenance of a property, which simultaneously increases in value and can generate rental income in your absence. Granfield Estate will find a suitable property and calculate the actual economics for your case.

Our team at Granfield Estate lives and works on the Costa Blanca year-round. If you’re considering a move to Spain or looking for property in the area, we’re happy to share our local knowledge — get in touch for a free consultation.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33