SPAIN · CITY BREAK & BEACH

Cheap city break Alicante

Alicante is sun, beach and atmosphere on the Costa Blanca, with a lively historic centre and cheap direct flights from the Netherlands. 3 days from €310 per person.

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Quick answer: Alicante is reachable with a direct flight from Eindhoven or Amsterdam Schiphol in about 2 hours 45, with Ryanair or Transavia. Return tickets often cost €65 to 120. The best months are May, June, September and October: 24 to 29 degrees and affordable prices. A long weekend (3 nights) realistically costs €310 to €420 per person, all in.

Updated on 12 August 2026

When is the best time to go?

May, June, September and October are ideal: 24 to 29 degrees and swimmable sea without the July-August crowds. Thanks to the mild climate, Alicante is pleasant even in winter at 17 to 19 degrees.

The best areas in Alicante

  • Casco Antiguo The old town below the castle with narrow lanes and tapas bars.
  • Santa Cruz Colourful houses, flower pots and the best views over the city.
  • Centro Around the Explanada and the market, handy and lively.
  • Playa del Postiguet The city beach within walking distance of the centre.
  • San Juan Longer beach just outside town, popular in summer.

Top 5 things to do in Alicante

  • Castillo de Santa Bárbara Hilltop castle with panoramas over city and sea, free to climb.
  • Explanada de España Famous wavy mosaic boulevard lined with palm trees.
  • Barrio Santa Cruz Wander through the most colourful quarter in town.
  • Playa del Postiguet City beach within walking distance, free.
  • Mercado Central Modernist market hall for fresh tapas and produce.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

Ryanair, Transavia and Vueling fly direct to Alicante (ALC) from both Eindhoven (EIN) and Schiphol (AMS) in around 2 hours 45. Bus C-6 from the airport reaches the centre in 20 minutes for €3.85. A rental car is handy for day trips to Benidorm, Altea and the Sierra Espuna mountains. Book via DiscoverCars for a rental car at Alicante Airport, typically €25 to 50 per day.

What does an Alicante city break cost?

Hostels (2026) from €14 per night, mid-range hotels €55 to 110, Airbnb apartments €75 to 90. Food is excellent value: tapa €2.50, menu del día €12 including a drink, dinner at a restaurant €18 to 25. Castillo de Santa Barbara is free; city beach is free; bus C-6 is €3.85. For a long weekend (3 nights, flights, hotel and food) budget realistically €310 to 420 per person.

Hostel/night
from €14
Mid-range hotel
€55-110/night
Return flight
from €65
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Frequently asked questions about Alicante

When is the best time to visit Alicante?

May, June, September and October: 24 to 29 degrees and swimmable sea without the summer crowds.

Which area is best to stay in Alicante?

The Casco Antiguo and Santa Cruz: charming, central and within walking distance of beach and castle.

How do I get to Alicante from the Netherlands?

Direct from Eindhoven or Schiphol to Alicante (ALC) in about 2 hours 45, with Ryanair, Transavia or Vueling.

What does an Alicante city break cost?

From €310 per person for 3 days including a direct flight; hostels from €14 and mid-range hotels €55 to 110 per night.

How do I find the cheapest flights to Alicante?

Book Ryanair or Transavia 6 to 10 weeks in advance for the lowest price. Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday and compare departures from both Eindhoven (EIN) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) for the cheapest ticket to Alicante (ALC).

How far in advance should I book for a cheap Eindhoven to Alicante flight?

Book Ryanair from Eindhoven (EIN) to Alicante (ALC) 6 to 10 weeks ahead for the lowest price. Tuesday and Wednesday are cheaper flying days than weekends. Also compare Amsterdam Schiphol: Transavia or Vueling sometimes offer lower fares, especially for last-minute travel. The early morning flight (6:00 to 7:00) is almost always cheaper than afternoon or evening.

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