Alicante | Spain

Alicante serves as the capital of the Alicante province and is the primary commercial and tourism hub of the Costa Blanca. It is situated on the Mediterranean coast, dominated by the Mount Benacantil massive.

Historical Timeline

Founded as Akra Leuke by Greek traders and later established as Lucentum by the Romans in 201 BC. Governance eras include the Islamic period (Al-Laqant, 711–1248), during which the city developed as a strategic port for the Taifa of Denia. It was incorporated into the Kingdom of Castile and later the Kingdom of Valencia. The modern urban form was defined by the late 19th-century expansion following the demolition of the city walls and the development of the maritime front.

Demographics & Population

As of 2026, the city population is approximately 340,000, with a metropolitan area reaching 770,000. It has one of Spain’s highest percentages of foreign residents (approx. 15%), primarily from Algeria, Morocco, Romania, and the UK. The median age is 43.8 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Casco Antiguo (El Barrio): The historic core at the foot of the castle; known for narrow streets and concentrated nightlife.

Centro: The administrative and shopping hub centered on Avenida Maisonnave and the Rambla de Méndez Núñez.

San Blas: A traditional residential district west of the train station.

Playa de San Juan: A secondary urban center located 6 km north, characterized by high-rise residential complexes and a massive beach.

El Campello: A northern coastal suburb integrated into the city’s tram network.

Top City Landmarks

Santa Bárbara Castle: A 9th-century fortress on Mount Benacantil; one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses.

Explanada de España: A promenade composed of 6.5 million marble tiles creating a distinct wave pattern.

Concatedral de San Nicolás: A 17th-century Herrera-style cathedral with a 45-meter high dome.

MARQ (Archaeological Museum): An award-winning museum focused on the province's history from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.

Basilica of Santa María: The oldest active church in the city, built in Valencian Gothic style over a former mosque.

Transportation Network

Public transit consists of the Alicante Tram (connecting the center to Benidorm and Denia) and a comprehensive bus network (SuBús). Taxis are white; the primary hailing app is PideTaxi, though Uber and Cabify have a significant presence. The Alicante-Terminal station serves high-speed rail (AVE) to Madrid (2h 15m).

Safety & "Red Zones"

Alicante is generally safe. Petty theft is prevalent on Postiguet Beach and in El Barrio during weekend nights. The Virgen del Remedio and Juan XXIII districts in the northern periphery are considered "red zones" due to high rates of social marginalization and crime; these areas should be avoided.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average fixed broadband speed is 220 Mbps. 5G coverage is universal via Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. Card acceptance is 100% in all commercial zones. Following the Eurozone standard, the currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are concentrated on the Rambla and near the Central Market.

Climate & Air Quality

The climate is hot semi-arid. Summers are long and humid (21°C to 31°C). Winters are exceptionally mild (7°C to 17°C). Air quality is generally high due to coastal breezes.

Culture & Social Norms

Language: Both Spanish and Valencian are official; Spanish is dominant in the city center.

Hogueras de San Juan: The main festival (June 20–24), involving the burning of large satirical monuments.

Tipping: Not required; €1–€2 is standard for table service in restaurants.

Gastronomy: Focused on Arroz a la alicantina (rice dishes); traditional turrón (nougat) originates from the nearby town of Jijona.

Accommodation Zones

Centro / Explanada: Recommended for logistics and first-time visitors.

Playa de San Juan: Recommended for beach-focused stays and families.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: €1.50–€1.90

1 Standard Lunch (Menu del Día): €12.00–€16.00

1 Single Tram/Bus Ticket: €1.45

Nearby Day Trips

Tabarca Island: Spain’s smallest permanently inhabited island and a protected marine reserve.

Elche (25 km): Home to the Palmeral (UNESCO-listed palm grove).

Guadalest (60 km): A dramatic mountain village built into the rock.

Benidorm (45 km): A major skyscraper-heavy resort town accessible by tram.

Facts & Legends

The profile of Mount Benacantil is known as La Cara del Moro (The Moor's Face) due to its resemblance to a human profile. Legend says it is the petrified face of a Moorish king who died of grief. A verified historical oddity: Alicante was the last city to remain loyal to the Second Spanish Republic during the Civil War, with the final evacuation ships departing its port in March 1939.