Cheap Alicante

Alicante (Alacant in Valencian) is the second largest city in the Valencian Community and one of the most accessible budget destinations from the Netherlands. The old town with the Barrio Santa Cruz, the imposing Castillo de Santa Barbara and the broad Explanada de Espana with its mosaic boulevard make this Spanish coastal city a complete short break. See also our full Alicante travel guide with all neighbourhoods, activities and insider tips.

Cheapest months and flights

• Low season: January and November January has the lowest flight prices from Eindhoven: sometimes under 60 euros return with budget airlines. November is the cheapest month for hotels (30-40% below the summer peak). Temperatures are 16-18 degrees, perfect for a city break without beach crowds.
• Direct from Eindhoven: 9 flights per week, 2 hours 30 minutes Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet all fly directly from Eindhoven Airport (EIN) to Alicante (ALC), together around 9 connections per week. Flying time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Return fares start around 100-135 euros from Eindhoven in low season. From Schiphol there are around 20 connections per week (Transavia, Vueling, easyJet) with return fares from 88 euros.
• Best value: September Temperatures of 28-31 degrees, the Mediterranean is 25 degrees warm, 25-35% lower flight and hotel prices than the July peak, and noticeably fewer crowds on the beach and in restaurants. September is by far the smartest choice for a budget sun holiday.

Free and cheap sights

• Castillo de Santa Barbara: free entry, lift 2.70 euros The Castillo de Santa Barbara dominates the Alicante skyline from a 166-metre rocky hill. Entry is free, but the lift up costs 2.70 euros return. You can also walk up via the path from Playa del Postiguet (30 minutes, good fitness required). At the top awaits a spectacular panorama over the city, harbour and coast to Tabarca island.
• Barrio Santa Cruz: the picturesque old quarter, free Directly below the castle lies the Barrio Santa Cruz, a Moorish neighbourhood of narrow alleys, colourful flower pots and charming patios. Free to explore at any time. The best time to visit is early morning (before 10:00), when the neighbourhood is still quiet and local residents are having their morning coffee on the doorstep.
• Playa del Postiguet: free city beach right in the centre Alicante has a city beach within walking distance of the Esplanade and the historic centre. The beach is approximately 800 metres long, free of charge and easily accessible. In summer it gets busy; in September it is perfect. Further out lie the larger Playa de San Juan and Playa del Cabo de las Huertas, reachable by TRAM (1.45 euros per trip).
• MACA: free museum of modern and contemporary art The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante (MACA) is housed in the oldest public building in the city. The collection runs from Picasso and Dali to contemporary Spanish art. Free admission, closed Mondays.
• MARQ: the archaeological museum for 3 euros (free Sundays) The Museo Arqueologico Provincial de Alicante (MARQ) was voted European Museum of the Year. The collection spans prehistory to the Moorish period. Entry is 3 euros, free on Sundays. Closed Mondays.

Cheap transport to and in Alicante

From Alicante Airport (ALC) to the centre, bus C-6 runs in 35 minutes for 4.60 euros. The bus stops at the Intermodal bus station in the centre. A taxi costs 20-25 euros. There is no direct tram or metro from the airport; the nearest TRAM stop is in the city centre.

Within the city most sights are within walking distance of each other. The TRAM de Alicante connects the centre with the beaches to the north (Playa de San Juan, TRAM stop) for 1.45 euros per trip or 10 euros for a 10-journey card. Renting bikes from local providers costs around 10-15 euros per day; the city is relatively flat along the coast.

Budget food in Alicante

Alicante has a rich and affordable food culture. Tapas cost 2-5 euros per dish in local bars; the best and cheapest options are in the Barrio Santa Cruz and along Calle Mayor. The Spanish tradition of the menu del dia delivers a three-course lunch with wine or water for 10-15 euros; actively look for restaurants with the menu on a board outside, which tells you it is local and freshly made.

The Mercado Central on Avenida Alfonso el Sabio is Alicante's central market, open on weekdays and Saturdays. Fresh fish, olives, local vegetables and freshly baked empanadillas can be had for very little. A market lunch costs 5-8 euros. Avoid restaurants directly on the Explanada de Espana itself (pricier due to the location); walk one street back towards the centre and prices drop by half.

What does a weekend in Alicante from the Netherlands cost?

A long weekend in Alicante (3 nights) in low season is achievable for around 200-280 euros per person: return flight from Schiphol around 88-130 euros or from Eindhoven around 100-135 euros, hostel or budget hotel 14-35 euros per night (45-105 euros for 3 nights), food with tapas and a daily menu del dia around 20-35 euros per day. Without extravagance you can easily stay under 250 euros in low season.

🗺️ Budget accommodation in Alicante

Hotels, holiday apartments and hostels in Alicante on the map. The city centre and Barrio Santa Cruz are ideal for a short stay. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.

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