Alicante is one of the most popular cities to visit in the Costa Blanca. From the Old Town to the city beaches there are a variety of attractions and activities to see and do.

For a classic tour of the city, head up to the 16th century Castillo de Santa Barbara. Perched 600ft atop Mount Bencantil, the castle provides stunning views of the city, surrounding sea and mountains. You can drive, walk, or take the mountain lift to reach the top.

More can be learned about the history of Alicante at the MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum, which showcases displays of archaeological findings, videos and other multimedia exhibitions.

The Old Town has some of the oldest buildings in Alicante, including the town hall, San Nicolas Cathedral, and several art museums. The area is also the centre of Alicante’s nightlife with a variety of good bars and restaurants.

When it comes to beaches, Alicante has some of the finest in Spain. The Playa de San Juan is a popular 5km long stretch of soft, white sand. Almadraba and Albufereta beaches are smaller, but they’re ideal for water sports, or if you like to sunbathe in peace and quiet.

There's so much to discover in Alicante. Hire an Avis car to see the city in style and comfort.

Conveniently located at Alicante airport and train station, we provide everything you need for peace of mind when exploring the area.

Positioned on the eastern coast of Spain, Alicante is an ideal starting point for any road trips further afield. There are plenty of day trip excursions you can make and a drive in your hire car will provide scenic views along the way.

Valencia
The city of Valencia is just a two-hour drive from Alicante. The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic-looking complex comprising of a science museum, IMAX cinema, and planetarium. Valencia proudly shows off its Spanish roots in places such as the Palacio Congresos, the Museo Historia, and Plaza Reina. A trip to Valencia is worth the journey.

Murcia
Less than an hour's drive south on the E-15 from Alicante is Murcia. This is one of south-east Spain's least visited resorts, but despite the lack of tourists, Murcia has a multitude of attractions, including Rococo buildings, eclectic tapas bars, and beautiful beaches.

The Island of Tabarca
From the port of Alicante, the island of Tabarca is only 11 nautical miles offshore and comprises of several islets. Its 18th century fortified walls have been declared a Historical and Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest. Other points of interest include the coves and beaches, a museum, and a picturesque fishing port.

Spain is yours to discover. All you have to do is drive.

Until the mid-nineteenth century Alicante was corseted within the walls that surrounded it. The city has been open to the sea since there was no longer the risk of attacks by sea. Alicante began to build its seafront when the walls were demolished in order to grow.

Alicante offers several enclaves worth visiting, such as Elche, Orihuela and, of course, the tourist city par excellence, Benidorm, with its extensive beaches and its wide range of leisure and entertainment. With Avis you can enjoy your visit to any of these destinations with ease. Our Alicante car rental offices in this city are located at the airport and at the railway station.

Places of interest

Alicante offers open spaces in which to enjoy its fine weather, such as the Paseo Marítimo or the Paseo Volado, built to mark the departure of the Volvo Ocean Race from Alicante in 2008 and from which you can see the sea under your feet. Let's not forget the Rambla, the avenue that differentiates the old town from the historic center, or the Gabriel Miró square, which represents the essence of the bourgeois city and the idea of ​​urban embellishment of the new ruling class. It is always advisable to rent a car to facilitate your travel.

The Castle of Santa Bárbara, on the summit of Mount Benacantil, is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain from which we can see the bay of Alicante. It can be accessed by means of an elevator embedded in the rock in front of the Postiguet beach, from which you can see in the mountain of the castle int the shape of a profile of a face, " Cara del Moro ", one of the most characteristics features of the city.

The Old Town has some of the oldest buildings in Alicante, including the town hall, San Nicolas Cathedral, and several art museums. The area is also the centre of Alicante’s nightlife with a variety of good bars and restaurants. More can be learned about the history of Alicante at the MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum, which showcases displays of archaeological findings, videos and other multimedia exhibitions.

• Carnivals - much enjoyed and vibrantly fills the city with colour (February / March)
• Moros y Cristianos - the main festival of the province that is celebrated in five zones of the city on different dates. Spectacular staging of the reconquest of the Arab zone.
• Summer party in honor of the Virgen del Remedio, patron saint of the city (August 3-5)
• Bonfires of San Juan - major festivals of the city declared of International Tourist Interest (June 20-24)
• Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen, with the traditional maritime procession that takes place in the Club de Regatas de Alicante on the island of Tabarca in honor of the patron saint of sailors (July 16)