Alicante tops summer time journey rankings as demand for Costa Blanca holidays will increase Credit score: RomanSlavik.com, Shutterstock
Alicante has been named one in every of Europe’s fastest-growing summer time locations, with a brand new surge in demand for holidays on Spain’s Costa Blanca by British vacationers. The town ranks on the high of the trending summer time decisions, beating out some conventional Mediterranean hotspots, in line with new journey knowledge.
For a lot of vacationers, its enchantment is straightforward to grasp.
It is obtained sunshine, seashores, metropolis dwelling, nice meals, an airport with good flight connections, and it does not value as a lot as you’d discover in a widely known resort. With many holidaymakers maintaining a tally of their price range, Alicante provides a golden alternative.
Because of this, one in every of Spain’s most acquainted coastal cities all of the sudden turned one in every of Europe’s most talked about summer time resorts.
Alicante tops the record of summer time journey traits
TripAdvisor’s 2026 Early Summer time Journey Index highlights the locations with the most important year-on-year development amongst UK vacationers between June and August.
Spain fared nicely total, with Alicante ranked first, and Playa de Palma, Malaga and Sitges additionally within the high ten. Rhodes, Budapest and Dublin additionally made it into the rating, as did common cities comparable to Alvor, Ksamil and Krakow. This not solely makes Alicante a really robust group, but additionally exhibits one thing broader.
Spain continues to be the primary place UK vacationers look to when the summer time reserving season begins. When evaluating climate, flight time, worth and friendliness, Alicante stands out.
Why so many vacationers select Alicante now
Alicante has all the time been common, however this yr appears completely different. This metropolis provides the form of trip that many individuals want now. With its heat local weather, ocean views, and walkable streets, there’s a lot to take pleasure in even with out a packed schedule.
You may be on the town as quickly as you land and may begin having enjoyable instantly. It is extra necessary than individuals understand.
After an extended yr at work, many vacationers need a carefree trip from the second they arrive. Alicante makes it occur.
The local weather can be an enormous attraction. Summers are sizzling, dry, and secure, however the sea breeze moderates the height temperatures. For vacationers who e-book months prematurely, making certain sunshine is usually half the choice they’ve already made.
Then there’s value.
In comparison with extremely booked Mediterranean resorts, Alicante can supply higher offers on inns, flats, meals and native transportation, particularly in the event you e-book correctly.
What guests really do after they arrive
One of many causes Alicante continues to draw repeat guests is that it provides all kinds of journey choices.
Some individuals come for the seaside however principally steer clear of the sand. Others search eating places, nightlife, and a metropolis environment. Many individuals need somewhat little bit of every little thing.
Postiguet Seaside stays one of many metropolis’s biggest belongings and is positioned proper subsequent to the centre. You possibly can spend the morning within the metropolis and go for a swim proper after lunch.
Then there’s the Santa Barbara Citadel, a landmark on a hill overlooking the town. This is likely one of the locations that vacationers keep in mind not just for its historical past but additionally for its views of the bay.
The Explanada de España under stays one in every of Spain’s most well-known promenades, with its mosaic pavements and palm timber, and fixed visitors from morning till late at night time.
Those that choose older neighborhoods typically go to Santa Cruz. There, slender streets, flowers and colourful facades give the town a very completely different really feel from the beachfront.
Alicante is a contemporary but historic metropolis, and that is a part of its appeal.
The primary cause individuals come again is the meals
While you ask returning guests what they keep in mind most, meals typically comes up instantly. Alicante is a handy metropolis the place you may eat scrumptious meals with out spending an excessive amount of cash. Contemporary seafood, rice dishes, tapas and lengthy al fresco lunches are all a part of the rhythm right here.
Native favorites embrace rice cooked in a wealthy fish inventory, arroz a banda, grilled shrimp, salted fish dishes, and conventional small plates to share with drinks.
The Central Market is one other common spot for vacationers who wish to see native life past the vacationer sights.
You possibly can browse cheeses, meats, fruits, and seafood whereas listening to the completely different languages round you.
That claims loads about Alicante as we speak. We welcome guests from in every single place whereas sustaining native delight.
Ease of entry offers Alicante an added benefit
Accessibility is extra necessary than shiny brochures. Alicante Airport has heavy visitors from many UK and European cities, with common direct flights, making it straightforward to plan a brief break or a week-long vacation.
Particularly for UK vacationers, the mix of quick flight instances and heat climate is difficult to beat. You can even depart within the morning in opposition to grey skies and stroll the promenade the identical day. That comfort typically interprets into curiosity and reserving.
Why this summer time is so busy
With elevated demand and Alicante topping the development rankings, it may be a very busy season in Alicante.
Vacationers contemplating July or August are clever to e-book lodging early, particularly centrally positioned inns, seaside areas, and household flats. Eating places and seaside golf equipment are additionally prone to really feel strain throughout busy durations.
Nonetheless, recognition often follows worth, and Alicante has loads of that proper now.
For many who ask why this Spanish metropolis all of the sudden seems throughout summer time journey lists, the reply is easy. Folks can get the holiday they need with out the problems.
