Where to Stay in Alicante Spain: Best Areas & Hotels
Trying to decide where to stay in Alicante for your upcoming trip? You’re in the right place!
I live in Spain now, but I actually studied abroad in Alicante–so it’s a city I know well and love coming back to.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Alicante, explain what each neighborhood is like, and recommend top hotels in each one.
Whether you want to stay near the beach, close to the main sights, or somewhere with a good mix of restaurants and nightlife, there’s something here for you. Let’s get into it!
Alicante Neighborhoods Map
Before we begin, here’s a map to give you an overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Alicante. You can use this as a reference while reading through the guide.
The great thing about Alicante is that it’s a relatively small city so it’s very easy to walk from place to place.
The beach is only a 10-15 minute walk from most parts of the city center so no matter where you stay, everything is within pretty easy reach.
Best Areas to Stay in Alicante Spain
These are the best areas in Alicante to stay:
1. Barrio de Santa Cruz
Barrio de Santa Cruz (known simply as “El Barrio”) is my top recommendation for where to stay in Alicante–especially if it’s your first visit.
Situated just below the Santa Barbara Castle, this is the most picturesque part of the city, with narrow streets, open plazas, and colorful buildings climbing up the hillside.
I stayed here on my last trip and completely fell in love with the atmosphere. It feels super safe, very walkable, and there are always people out enjoying the terraces and restaurants.
It’s also where you’ll find a lot of Alicante’s nightlife, along with some of the best tapas bars and restaurants in the city. Plus, you’re less than a 10-minute walk from the beach.
The only thing to keep in mind is that it can get noisy, especially on weekends–so be sure to check hotel reviews for any mentions of sound if you’re a light sleeper.
Otherwise, if you want charm, location, and tons of cute local spots to explore, this area is hard to beat.
Best Places to Stay in Barrio de Santa Cruz
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Barrio de Santa Cruz:
- Eurostars Pórtico Alicante: Located right in the heart of El Barrio, this stylish hotel has stylish rooms, wood accents, and a clean, comfortable feel. It also has a great rooftop bar and restaurant with amazing views of the Santa Barbara Castle.
- Myflats Luxury Cathedral: I stayed here on my last visit and loved it. It was a super spacious studio with a full kitchen, washing machine, and a small balcony with amazing castle views. The location couldn’t be more central, just steps from restaurants and the cathedral.
- Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza: Just a short walk from the beach, this hotel has a rooftop terrace with awesome views of the city and castle. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and you’re right next to the City Hall square, so everything’s super easy to reach.
2. Alicante City Center
Alicante City Center sits just outside of El Barrio and stretches all the way to Plaza Luceros. It’s also not too far from the Renfe station, making it a convenient area if you’re arriving by train.
The vibe here is more residential, and while the buildings aren’t as picturesque as those in the old town, you’re still close to everything.
It’s a central location that feels a bit quieter but still walkable to the beach and the top things to do in Alicante.
I’d recommend looking for places closer to the Las Ramblas side of the city center–this puts you closer to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront, while still giving you easy access to spots like Mercado Central.
You also have Carrer Castaños and Calle San Francisco (“Calle de las Setas” or “Mushroom Street”), which are very popular spots for grabbing a drink or going out at night.
If you’re after convenience and a slightly more local feel without being too far from the action, this area is a great middle ground.
Best Places to Stay in Alicante City Center
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Alicante City Center:
- Occidental Alicante: A modern and comfy hotel right in the center of town–super close to shops, restaurants, Mercado Central, and public transportation. It’s a solid pick if you want something easy and well-located without being in the middle of the old town crowds.
- Apartamentos Teatro Alicante: Simple and affordable 1-bedroom apartments just a block from Carrer Castaños and a 10-minute walk to the beach. Great if you’re looking for a no-fuss place with a kitchen and laundry access in a central location.
- Myflats Premier Suites: Bright, modern apartments with lots of space and full kitchens, perfect if you want a more homey setup. You’re just a short walk from the beach and main sights, but in a quieter part of the city center.
3. Explanada de España
The Explanada de España is one of the most iconic spots in Alicante–and staying in this area puts you right along the palm-lined promenade with its signature wavy mosaic tiles.
It’s a beautiful place to wake up each day, with sunny skies, sea breezes, and that classic Spanish feel that instantly puts you in vacation mode.
You’ll be just steps from the waterfront, with super easy access to the beach, the marina, and lots of cafés and ice cream shops nearby.
This area is perfect if you want to be near the coast and enjoy relaxing strolls with a view.
It’s also a very short walking distance to El Barrio, so you’ll still be close to restaurants and nightlife, without being right in the middle of it.
Best Places to Stay Near Explanada de España
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay near Explanada de España:
- Casa Alberola Alicante: This adults-only boutique hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and is set in a restored historic building with tons of modern charm. It’s just steps from the Explanada and the marina, so you’re right in the middle of everything without being in a noisy spot.
- Hospes Amérigo: This elegant hotel is set in a former convent and has an enclosed rooftop pool and spa with amazing views of Santa Bárbara Castle. The location is hard to beat—you’re just a short walk from the beach, the Explanada, and the old town.
- Hotel Serawa Alicante: This modern, eco-friendly hotel focuses on clean design and sustainability, offering a fresh and unique place to stay. It’s in a great spot near the waterfront and Explanada, perfect if you want something a little more relaxed and contemporary.
4. Playa del Postiguet
Playa del Postiguet is Alicante’s main beach, and staying in this area means you’ll have the sand and sea right at your doorstep.
This is where you’ll find the iconic Meliá Alicante, perched on the pier next to the marina. There are also several restaurants along the port, perfect for a drink or a meal with a view.
There are also some residential buildings that rise up just behind the beach, and some of them offer vacation rentals with stunning views of the coast. It’s a good area if being close to the water is your top priority.
Keep in mind that the beach can get crowded, especially during the summer months–but if you love being by the sea, this area makes a great base for experiencing the Costa Blanca.
Best Places to Stay Near Playa del Postiguet
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay near Playa del Postiguet:
- Meliá Alicante: This popular hotel is right between the beach and the marina, so the location couldn’t be better. Many of the rooms have sea views and private terraces, and you’ll have direct beach access along with a pool and a few great dining options on-site.
- INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante Porta Maris: This modern hotel is part of Melia’s lifestyle brand and is just steps from the sand with big rooms, most with balconies looking out over the sea. It also has a pool, spa, and easy access to both the beach and the old town.
- Alicante Ocean View Apartment: If you prefer more of a homey feel, this apartment is a solid pick. It’s got a terrace with amazing sea views and is just a short walk from the beach, shops, and restaurants—great if you want your own space but still be near all the action.
5. Playa de San Juan
Playa de San Juan is a long, sandy beach about 30 minutes from Alicante’s city center by tram. You can catch the tram at Mercado Central or Plaza Luceros, making it an easy ride out to the coast.
This area feels more local and residential, with fewer tourists and a much quieter atmosphere. The beach is wide and open, with clear turquoise water and some great paella restaurants right along the shore.
While it’s a beautiful spot, I wouldn’t recommend staying here for your first visit—unless your main goal is to relax by the beach and enjoy a slower pace. It’s also a good fit for families or larger groups looking for more space and a low-key vibe.
It’s peaceful and scenic but removed from the main attractions, so it’s best for a laid-back, beach-focused trip.
Best Places to Stay Near Playa de San Juan
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay near Playa de San Juan:
- Port Alicante City & Beach: This laid-back hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the beach and has both a rooftop and a ground-level pool. There’s a tram stop nearby, so getting into the city is super easy, and the area feels calm and safe—perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed stay.
- Hotel Almirante: This hotel has direct access to Playa de San Juan, which makes beach days a breeze. It’s got a big outdoor pool, a chill garden area, and an on-site restaurant if you feel like staying in for lunch or dinner.
- Myflats Campello Beach: A great option if you want a modern apartment setup just outside the main beach area in El Campello. It’s close to Muchavista Beach, with outdoor pools, a gym, and a garden area–great for families or longer stays where you want a bit more space.
Tips for Booking Your Stay in Alicante
Here are a few tips for booking your stay in Alicante Spain:
- Check the reviews for noise complaints: Areas like El Barrio are known for nightlife, so if you’re a light sleeper, it’s a good idea to see if past guests mention late-night noise or thin walls.
- Confirm if there’s air conditioning: Summers in Alicante can get very hot, and not all older buildings have proper A/C. Double-check the listing so you stay cool and comfortable.
- Look for elevator access: Some older apartment buildings don’t have elevators, which can be tricky if you’re carrying luggage or staying on an upper floor.
- Be prepared for hills or stairs: Especially in El Barrio, some of the streets can be steep or full of stairs. Keep this in mind if you have mobility concerns or heavy bags.
- Book early during peak season: Alicante is especially popular in the summer months, so hotels near the beach or in El Barrio can fill up quickly. Booking in advance gives you better options.
- Look for luggage storage options: Check to see if your hotel offers luggage storage options before check-in or after check-out, which is helpful if your travel times don’t align. The last hotel I stayed at offered luggage storage but it was at a separate address. Sip & Wonder is also a cute coffee shop in Alicante that offers luggage storage.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Stay in Alicante Spain
I hope this guide helped you figure out where to stay in Alicante Spain for your first visit!
Whether you want to be in the heart of the old town, near the beach, or somewhere a little more local, there’s a neighborhood that’ll match your travel style.
If it’s your first time here, I still recommend Barrio de Santa Cruz (El Barrio) as the best area to stay in Alicante city to be close to the main sights, the castle, and the beach.
But no matter where you stay, Alicante is extremely walkable and full of amazing things to see, eat, and experience.
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