If shopping is on your mind you will find top quality stores with designer clothes and leather articles including the famous El Corte ingles department store in Alicante . International designer brands and boutiques are all present. At the same time As well a vast variety gift and handicrafts shops.
A city like Alicante has no dearth of high quality retail outlets, shopping malls and local souvenir stores for all your shopping needs. You will find something for everybody, from international labels to local crafts, in designer stores, department stores and even outdoors. Local products are of high quality, very beautiful and are the most popular purchases. Shopping in Alicante should include its rugs, toys and dolls, as well as for its 100% handcrafted pottery and basketwork items.
The main street markets in Alicante are Campoamor, Carolinas , Benalua y Babel (open on Thursdays and Saturdays). On Sunday mornings, stamp collectors and antique collectors congregate in the flea market held in the Town Hall square. And if you are here in the summer, be sure to visit the superb market on the Explanada de Espana.
Alicante and its surrounding towns are known for a wide range of handicrafts. Buy beautiful handcrafted ceramics from Agost, bags and wicker baskets from Gata de Gorgos, and woven rugs from Crevillente. Another local specialty is a "botijo," an earthenware jug traditionally meant for drinking. Other local products to add to your shopping list are leather goods, small mosaics, wines, and Alicante 's famed turrones.
Alicante Attractions
Alicante has a 7 km long shoreline which is lined by the grand seafront esplanade ( Paseo de la Explanada ). The seafront esplanade was created in 1957 and consists of intricate small marble tiles that represent the colors of Alicante . (Red, cream and black). There are several quaint restaurants, cafes all along the esplanade. There is no better place if you wish to spend a quiet, lovely evening doing nothing. Concerts are held here in the summers on Sundays and holidays.
Other sites to see are the municipal museum- the Casa de la Asegurada which is 17th century building worthwhile seeing in itself and it contains a 20th century art collection including by artists like Gris, Miro and Picasso.
paseo de la explanada
In the Palace of the Provincial Council you will be able to appreciate the Provincial Archeological Museum , with a big selection of archaeological remains from the Bronze Age, Iberian and Roman ceramics and Roman statues.
Do not miss out on the Museo de les Fogueres in the Santa Barbara Castle . Magnificent papier Mache effigies saved from the flames of the Fogueres fiestas are on display here. These works are true works of art and takes months to build to be burned to a cinder in one of the most spectacular fiestas every year. If you can come here in June to see the fiestas it is certainly worth wile. It all culminates on the 24th of June.
Alicante is also a golfer's favourite destination with several championship quality golf courses. Several of the golf courses are designed by famous names like Seve Ballestros.
El Barrio
This is the old part of the city which has beautiful historic churches and a unique 12th century cathedral. However, El Barrio is more famous for its exciting nightlife. The small resort towns surrounding Alicante also make for interesting day trips. You will have a nice time exploring these charming modern cities that have many hidden delights to offer.
Benidorm
Benidorm Beach
The costal resort of Benidorm is a must visit for its many attractions. It’s just 45 km north of Alicante and can be easily reached from the city. Stylish and modern, Benidorm's main attractions are its beautiful stretches of sandy beaches. It is also a tourist favourite for its seafront hotels, lively nightlife, endless restaurants, and superb shopping opportunities, with Benidorm being home to around 200 nightclubs and discos, more than 1,000 bars, and a host of English-style pubs.
benidorm beach
Elche
Is the third most important city in the Valencian Community owing to its population and a thriving shoe manufacturing business. Its famous for the ancient, splendid church: Basilica of Saint Mary, its religious play on the life of the Virgin Mary called the Mystery of Elche; and the El Palmeral: the largest palm grove in Europe and one of the largest in the world. That's why its designated as a world heritage site. Elche is a must for many reasons, such as its many nature reserves, its coastal towns and its impressive cuisine.
Denia
Denia is about 86 km from the Alicante area. Offering high-speed catamaran ferry connections to Ibiza and other nearby islands, Denia is a thriving holiday resort. Attractions in Denia include the Montgó Mountain and National Park, more than 20 of beaches, water sports, an excellent toy museum and the town's historic 11th-century castle.
Alicante is a great family holiday destination. Theme parks, Water parks and Animal parks are some of the main entertainment options when planning a fantastic family day out in Alicante .
Terra Mitica:
More than 25 rides, numerous shows, excellent shops and fabulous restaurants.
Mundomar Park
Watch the dolphins in their natural habitat. Suitable for old and young alike, adults as well as kids will gaze in awe as they begin their journey by the unique lagoon, crossing bridges and exploring its paths surrounded by dense vegetation, being greeted by flamingos and another colourful array of aquatic and tropical birds.
Aqualandia Water Park
It offers all kinds of water activities for every member of the family. There are several thrilling rides with the Kamikaze, Black Hole and Big Bang which is Europe 's highest chute ride. You will find shaded areas, hammocks or chairs and several cafes or restaurants.
Other sites to see are the municipal museum- the Casa de la Asegurada which is 17th century building worthwhile seeing in itself and it contains a 20th century art collection including by artists like Gris, Miro and Picasso.
paseo de la explanada
In the Palace of the Provincial Council you will be able to appreciate the Provincial Archeological Museum , with a big selection of archaeological remains from the Bronze Age, Iberian and Roman ceramics and Roman statues.
Do not miss out on the Museo de les Fogueres in the Santa Barbara Castle . Magnificent papier Mache effigies saved from the flames of the Fogueres fiestas are on display here. These works are true works of art and takes months to build to be burned to a cinder in one of the most spectacular fiestas every year. If you can come here in June to see the fiestas it is certainly worth wile. It all culminates on the 24th of June.
Alicante is also a golfer's favourite destination with several championship quality golf courses. Several of the golf courses are designed by famous names like Seve Ballestros.
El Barrio
This is the old part of the city which has beautiful historic churches and a unique 12th century cathedral. However, El Barrio is more famous for its exciting nightlife. The small resort towns surrounding Alicante also make for interesting day trips. You will have a nice time exploring these charming modern cities that have many hidden delights to offer.
Benidorm
Benidorm Beach
The costal resort of Benidorm is a must visit for its many attractions. It’s just 45 km north of Alicante and can be easily reached from the city. Stylish and modern, Benidorm's main attractions are its beautiful stretches of sandy beaches. It is also a tourist favourite for its seafront hotels, lively nightlife, endless restaurants, and superb shopping opportunities, with Benidorm being home to around 200 nightclubs and discos, more than 1,000 bars, and a host of English-style pubs.
benidorm beach
Elche
Is the third most important city in the Valencian Community owing to its population and a thriving shoe manufacturing business. Its famous for the ancient, splendid church: Basilica of Saint Mary, its religious play on the life of the Virgin Mary called the Mystery of Elche; and the El Palmeral: the largest palm grove in Europe and one of the largest in the world. That's why its designated as a world heritage site. Elche is a must for many reasons, such as its many nature reserves, its coastal towns and its impressive cuisine.
Denia
Denia is about 86 km from the Alicante area. Offering high-speed catamaran ferry connections to Ibiza and other nearby islands, Denia is a thriving holiday resort. Attractions in Denia include the Montgó Mountain and National Park, more than 20 of beaches, water sports, an excellent toy museum and the town's historic 11th-century castle.
Alicante is a great family holiday destination. Theme parks, Water parks and Animal parks are some of the main entertainment options when planning a fantastic family day out in Alicante .
Terra Mitica:
More than 25 rides, numerous shows, excellent shops and fabulous restaurants.
Mundomar Park
Watch the dolphins in their natural habitat. Suitable for old and young alike, adults as well as kids will gaze in awe as they begin their journey by the unique lagoon, crossing bridges and exploring its paths surrounded by dense vegetation, being greeted by flamingos and another colourful array of aquatic and tropical birds.
Aqualandia Water Park
It offers all kinds of water activities for every member of the family. There are several thrilling rides with the Kamikaze, Black Hole and Big Bang which is Europe 's highest chute ride. You will find shaded areas, hammocks or chairs and several cafes or restaurants.
Alicante Nightlife
The best place to go for nightlife in Alicante on the Costa Blanca in Spain is the old centre known as El Barrio. This area of Alicante is packed with bars beer cellars and pizza joints. The nice climate makes it comfortable to go out all year around in Alicante . Due to the enormous amount of bars and cafes, this city never sleeps. If elegant pubs and sophisticated restaurants is what you are looking for the area to choose is the modern zone between the Explanada and Alfonso El Sabio Street .During the summer months, you will find lots of music entertainment on the San Juan beach as well. The calendar of fiestas in Alicante on the Costa Blanca in Spain is packed with activities providing you with a true Spanish nightlife throughout the year.
The big night however is 24 June when they set fire on the effigies and the following fireworks.
La Loza
'La Loza' is another hit destination where the partying goes on till the early dawn hours. There is a variety of nightclubs in addition to elegant bars, sophisticated restaurants with international cuisine to offer. It is situated just behind the Explanada.
In summer, the Explanada offers an easy, carefree ambience where cafes, restaurants and tavernas tumble out onto the pavements inviting you to sit and stay a while.
You can also visit the stylish port and Marina area. With its many bars, café's and exclusive restaurants, you'll find everything you need for a wonderful evening out and the fine fish restaurants you will find here are a must to try.
El Pouerto
Hotel El Pouerto
The area surrounding El Puerto- the port- is the place to be for a evening in the city's more trendy and modern bars. This inevitably means higher prices, but popular music, lively atmosphere, and dance floors keeps the party rolling until the sun comes up.
hotel elpouerto
La Ruta de Madera
Music Clube
The famous "Ruta de Madera," or Route of Wood, is essentially a glorified Spain-style pub-crawl. Located behind the Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, the group of bars get their nickname from their characteristic wood decoration. With Alicante 's perfect weather year round, bar hopping your way through the Ruta de Madera is a fantastic way to spend a night having fun with friends and listening to live music and drinks. There are quite a few nice English and Irish pubs and bars here as well.
The big night however is 24 June when they set fire on the effigies and the following fireworks.
La Loza
'La Loza' is another hit destination where the partying goes on till the early dawn hours. There is a variety of nightclubs in addition to elegant bars, sophisticated restaurants with international cuisine to offer. It is situated just behind the Explanada.
In summer, the Explanada offers an easy, carefree ambience where cafes, restaurants and tavernas tumble out onto the pavements inviting you to sit and stay a while.
You can also visit the stylish port and Marina area. With its many bars, café's and exclusive restaurants, you'll find everything you need for a wonderful evening out and the fine fish restaurants you will find here are a must to try.
El Pouerto
Hotel El Pouerto
The area surrounding El Puerto- the port- is the place to be for a evening in the city's more trendy and modern bars. This inevitably means higher prices, but popular music, lively atmosphere, and dance floors keeps the party rolling until the sun comes up.
hotel elpouerto
La Ruta de Madera
Music Clube
The famous "Ruta de Madera," or Route of Wood, is essentially a glorified Spain-style pub-crawl. Located behind the Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, the group of bars get their nickname from their characteristic wood decoration. With Alicante 's perfect weather year round, bar hopping your way through the Ruta de Madera is a fantastic way to spend a night having fun with friends and listening to live music and drinks. There are quite a few nice English and Irish pubs and bars here as well.
Pick up your car at Alicante airport
There is no need to move around in different means of transport. If you wish so, we deliver your car directly to Alicante airport or to any other place stated in our reservation system.
Simplicity and transparency are our best weapons: every time you hire a car with caralicante.com all terms and conditions will be perfectly recognizable in detail (available types of insurance, amount of excess if there would be, mileage, etc.)
Simplicity and transparency are our best weapons: every time you hire a car with caralicante.com all terms and conditions will be perfectly recognizable in detail (available types of insurance, amount of excess if there would be, mileage, etc.)
Car Hire Alicante, Spain
Explore Alicante with a Hire Car from Auto Europe
alicante car hireAlicante, the City of Light, enjoys the reputation of a fabulous holiday destination on the Costa Blanca due to its splendid beaches, excellent climate and good atmosphere.
Drive down the wide, palm-lined avenidas, gazing across at white yachts glistening on the sea, or take in the delights of Alicante's old town, El Barrio, stopping at the region's famed Museo Arqueologico. The mixture of Spanish and Arab cuisine and its distinct Moorish flavour is a delight to gastronomic explorers. For art enthusiasts, why not visit the Museu de Arte del Siglo XX (Casa de la Asegurada), to admire masterpieces of Dali and Picasso. Take a day trip to the tiny fishing village of Tabarca, which offers turquoise tidal pools ideal for a swim, before you indulge in some fresh seafood in a restaurant overlooking the old fort.
If you are planning to visit Spain on business or holiday, rent a car and enjoy the flexibility and freedom of your own transport. Auto Europe offers airport car rental at all major pick up locations together with a large rental car fleet, so finding a car hire in Alicante airport is both easy and economical
Alicante Car Hire Day Trips
* The old village of Altea
* Cuevas del Canelobre
* Torrevieja
Car Hire Alicante Airport Driving Distances
* Alicante Town Centre: 13 kms/8 miles
* Benidorm: 64 kms/40 miles
* Denia: 110 kms/68 miles
* Murcia: 90 kms/47 miles
Why choose Auto Europe for Car Rental in Alicante
We are specialists in car rental in Alicante and other destinations in Spain. We have a strong relationship with the best car rental companies around the world giving you the benefit of having the best options. Book cheap car hire in Alicante, Spain with Auto Europe and expect the following:
* Best Price Guarantee
* Inclusive Prices with no hidden cost
* No cancellation or amendment fees (if advised 48 hrs in advance)
* 24/7 Customer Support
alicante car hireAlicante, the City of Light, enjoys the reputation of a fabulous holiday destination on the Costa Blanca due to its splendid beaches, excellent climate and good atmosphere.
Drive down the wide, palm-lined avenidas, gazing across at white yachts glistening on the sea, or take in the delights of Alicante's old town, El Barrio, stopping at the region's famed Museo Arqueologico. The mixture of Spanish and Arab cuisine and its distinct Moorish flavour is a delight to gastronomic explorers. For art enthusiasts, why not visit the Museu de Arte del Siglo XX (Casa de la Asegurada), to admire masterpieces of Dali and Picasso. Take a day trip to the tiny fishing village of Tabarca, which offers turquoise tidal pools ideal for a swim, before you indulge in some fresh seafood in a restaurant overlooking the old fort.
If you are planning to visit Spain on business or holiday, rent a car and enjoy the flexibility and freedom of your own transport. Auto Europe offers airport car rental at all major pick up locations together with a large rental car fleet, so finding a car hire in Alicante airport is both easy and economical
Alicante Car Hire Day Trips
* The old village of Altea
* Cuevas del Canelobre
* Torrevieja
Car Hire Alicante Airport Driving Distances
* Alicante Town Centre: 13 kms/8 miles
* Benidorm: 64 kms/40 miles
* Denia: 110 kms/68 miles
* Murcia: 90 kms/47 miles
Why choose Auto Europe for Car Rental in Alicante
We are specialists in car rental in Alicante and other destinations in Spain. We have a strong relationship with the best car rental companies around the world giving you the benefit of having the best options. Book cheap car hire in Alicante, Spain with Auto Europe and expect the following:
* Best Price Guarantee
* Inclusive Prices with no hidden cost
* No cancellation or amendment fees (if advised 48 hrs in advance)
* 24/7 Customer Support
How to get a cheap alicante car hire
The cheap alicante car hire test is similar to our cheap Alicante flights section, I did a cheap Alicante car hire test. Obviously pricing varies a lot depending on the time of the year and the car you want to hire. I chose a smaller car and used a hiring time of a couple of days in my example.
Here are the results of our Alicante car hire comparison.
Alicante car hire test :Car Hire for 28 March 2009 - 3 days - Economy Class - with AC
(Test performed 3. March 2009)
Car Hire Company
Alicante Car Hire in GBP
Car / Details
auto-europe.co.uk
54
Renault Clio 2dr
travelselect.com
59
Fiat Punto
priceline.co.uk
62
HOLIDAY AUTOS / Renault Clio 5dr
ebookers.co.uk
65
AVIS / Renault Clio 2dr
opodo.co.uk
63
HOLIDAY AUTOS / Renault Clio 5dr
expedia.co.uk
67
AVIS / Opel Corsa
Car Hire Company
Alicante Car Hire in GBP
Details Car Hire
Results on the cheap alicante car hire test:
Our first choice for a cheap alicante car hire would be split between the local specialiced Alicante car hire companies and auto-europe.com . They are cheap, the online booking procedure is simple and the website is really fast. Second choice would be travelselect.com as it seemed to me they do go for a local car rental host. priceline.co.uk , opodo.co.uk and Lunn Poly book cars using holiday autos which is a very established car hire company.
Quick tips on car hire
Up until last year, we hired a car at Alicante airport every summer during our vacation. I guess it is pretty much the same all around Europe on how to rent a car. So allow me not to go into it.
But, I found some special issues which you might consider on your next car hire in Alicante:
* Air Condition
Starting from April until November temperatures can be up to 40 C. Even now (in March) we already had days with 28 C. Needless to say that either air condition or opening the window manually are the two choices you have. (I go for the first option :-)
* Baby/Children Seat
If you are travelling with a baby or child (we did over many years) you should really consider bringing your baby/child-seat with you. Sure, you can hire them with your car - but we tried this twice - and always got just dirty and insecure seats. We are certainly not the only one, because whenever I wait for my luggage at the airport I see people carrying there baby seats.
So don't care if it means a little bit of hassle - for your childrens safety it is worth it!
* Extra Driver
It doesn't matter if you booked an extra driver at home - make sure at the car rental desk that they got the extra driver registered. If you and your partner want to drive the car - it must be in the papers you sign at the airport - (it does not matter what you might have ordered at your travel agency).
My wife and I had exactly this problem some years ago. So - please double check, if the extra driver is in the paper.
* Booking at Home
Please make sure you book your car via your travel agency or via an internet travel agent. It is cheaper and easier, as particularly during summer season car rental companies are heavily booked. Book your car from home - before you travel to Alicante.
The following car rental companies have permanent Alicante car hire offices at the airport:
Finally, please have a look at our Alicante airport car hire parking plan, on how to find your car hire company at the airport. See where you will find the car hire counters and the parking lots where you can pick up your car. Full of information about major and local companies who offer alicante car hire.
Here are the results of our Alicante car hire comparison.
Alicante car hire test :Car Hire for 28 March 2009 - 3 days - Economy Class - with AC
(Test performed 3. March 2009)
Car Hire Company
Alicante Car Hire in GBP
Car / Details
auto-europe.co.uk
54
Renault Clio 2dr
travelselect.com
59
Fiat Punto
priceline.co.uk
62
HOLIDAY AUTOS / Renault Clio 5dr
ebookers.co.uk
65
AVIS / Renault Clio 2dr
opodo.co.uk
63
HOLIDAY AUTOS / Renault Clio 5dr
expedia.co.uk
67
AVIS / Opel Corsa
Car Hire Company
Alicante Car Hire in GBP
Details Car Hire
Results on the cheap alicante car hire test:
Our first choice for a cheap alicante car hire would be split between the local specialiced Alicante car hire companies and auto-europe.com . They are cheap, the online booking procedure is simple and the website is really fast. Second choice would be travelselect.com as it seemed to me they do go for a local car rental host. priceline.co.uk , opodo.co.uk and Lunn Poly book cars using holiday autos which is a very established car hire company.
Quick tips on car hire
Up until last year, we hired a car at Alicante airport every summer during our vacation. I guess it is pretty much the same all around Europe on how to rent a car. So allow me not to go into it.
But, I found some special issues which you might consider on your next car hire in Alicante:
* Air Condition
Starting from April until November temperatures can be up to 40 C. Even now (in March) we already had days with 28 C. Needless to say that either air condition or opening the window manually are the two choices you have. (I go for the first option :-)
* Baby/Children Seat
If you are travelling with a baby or child (we did over many years) you should really consider bringing your baby/child-seat with you. Sure, you can hire them with your car - but we tried this twice - and always got just dirty and insecure seats. We are certainly not the only one, because whenever I wait for my luggage at the airport I see people carrying there baby seats.
So don't care if it means a little bit of hassle - for your childrens safety it is worth it!
* Extra Driver
It doesn't matter if you booked an extra driver at home - make sure at the car rental desk that they got the extra driver registered. If you and your partner want to drive the car - it must be in the papers you sign at the airport - (it does not matter what you might have ordered at your travel agency).
My wife and I had exactly this problem some years ago. So - please double check, if the extra driver is in the paper.
* Booking at Home
Please make sure you book your car via your travel agency or via an internet travel agent. It is cheaper and easier, as particularly during summer season car rental companies are heavily booked. Book your car from home - before you travel to Alicante.
The following car rental companies have permanent Alicante car hire offices at the airport:
Finally, please have a look at our Alicante airport car hire parking plan, on how to find your car hire company at the airport. See where you will find the car hire counters and the parking lots where you can pick up your car. Full of information about major and local companies who offer alicante car hire.
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