More than 300 sunny days a year, beaches that can be enjoyed even in autumn, an old town full of character and gastronomy worth planning a separate trip for. British newspaper The Times has dedicated a major feature to Alicante – a city that, according to the publication, undeservedly remains in the shadow of more famous destinations.
The newspaper’s main advice is especially relevant for those who do not enjoy summer heat and tourist crowds: the best time to visit Alicante is autumn or winter. At this time of year, it is still possible to walk by the sea, sit on open terraces and discover the city at a calmer pace.
For travellers planning a short break outside the high season, Alicante becomes one of the most convenient destinations on the Costa Blanca: the city is compact, walkable, sunny and rich in attractions.
Alicante is at its best in autumn and winter
The Times notes that Alicante is often perceived as a summer destination, although autumn and winter are precisely the seasons that show the city at its best.
Unlike July and August, when temperatures reach their peak and the flow of tourists becomes especially dense, the off-season in Alicante still offers comfortable conditions for walks, beach time, gastronomic routes and cultural discovery.
In winter and autumn, the city does not lose its Mediterranean atmosphere: bars and cafés continue to operate outdoors, the promenade remains lively, and Postiguet beach is suitable not only for photos but also for long walks by the sea.
A sunny city many people underestimate
In the article, Alicante is presented as a calm coastal capital that stands apart from the noisier tourist stereotypes of the Costa Blanca.
Special attention is given to the Santa Cruz district: white houses, steep streets, flower pots, bougainvillea and the route up to Santa Bárbara Castle.
This part of the city shows Alicante not as a seasonal resort, but as a living Mediterranean capital where everyday life continues all year round. More about the old town can be found in the article on Santa Cruz and Alicante’s historic centre.
A 48-hour route: old town, castle and sea views
The Times suggests starting a trip around Alicante in the old town, on the streets of Santa Cruz, in La Ereta Park and with the climb up Mount Benacantil to Santa Bárbara Castle.
From the upper terraces of the fortress, there are views of Postiguet beach, the port, the city centre and the bay. For those who do not want to walk up, there are convenient alternatives – a bus from Plaza Puerta del Mar or the lift from the beach side.
In autumn and winter, this route becomes especially comfortable: there is enough sunshine, but the heat no longer makes it difficult to climb to the viewpoints and walk through the historic quarters. The main places for walks are collected in the guide to Alicante’s attractions.
Culture instead of summer rush
After the castle, the British publication recommends heading to the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, MACA, located next to the Basilica of Santa María.
The museum presents works connected with different decades of contemporary art, as well as a collection dedicated to the artist Juana Francés – one of the notable figures of 20th-century Spanish abstraction.
This route is particularly well suited to an autumn or winter trip: in one day, it is possible to combine a walk through the old town, a museum visit, lunch in the centre and an evening on the promenade.
Alicante’s beaches remain part of the trip even outside summer
One of Alicante’s main advantages is the possibility of not giving up the sea after the high season ends.
Postiguet beach is located next to the centre, so it can easily be included even in a short itinerary: in the morning you can climb to the castle, during the day visit museums, and in the evening go down to the sea.
For longer walks, San Juan is a good option – a wide sandy beach that is easy to reach by tram. How to choose between these two beaches can be found in the overview of the best beaches in Alicante.
Explanada, terraces and city life all year round
A separate place in the route is occupied by Explanada de España – one of Alicante’s main symbols.
The promenade along the port, with its wave-shaped mosaic made of millions of marble tiles, is described by the British newspaper not only as a beautiful place for photos, but also as an important urban space.
This is where the advantage of Alicante in autumn and winter is especially easy to feel: you can stroll without hurry, take a table on a terrace, watch city life and enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate.
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Central Market and gastronomy as a reason to travel
Gastronomy occupies one of the central places in The Times article. Special attention is paid to Alicante’s Central Market, where visitors can see the city’s everyday life, try local products and feel the atmosphere of a true Mediterranean capital.
Among Alicante’s gastronomic symbols, the article mentions red prawns, arroz a banda, mojama and turrón. All this makes the city especially attractive for an autumn or winter trip, when gastronomic routes become just as important as the beach.
More ideas for discovering local cuisine are collected in the Alicante gastronomic guide.
From Postiguet to Albufereta: a seaside walk at any time of year
Among The Times’ more unusual recommendations is a walk from Postiguet beach to Albufereta along the Vía Verde de la Cantera.
The route follows part of a former railway line and passes through tunnels carved into the rock. It reveals another side of Alicante – not only the old town and the port, but also coastal neighbourhoods, coves and archaeological heritage.
In Albufereta there are remains of the ancient Roman city of Lucentum, so a walk by the sea easily becomes a route that combines beach, history and coastal views.
Why Alicante is worth choosing for autumn and winter
The idea of The Times comes down to a simple but important point: Alicante should not be seen only as a destination for July and August.
In autumn and winter, the city becomes calmer, but it does not lose what matters most – sunshine, the sea, terraces, gastronomy, the historic centre and a convenient scale for walking.
For those who want to avoid the summer heat but are not ready to give up southern light and the Mediterranean way of life, Alicante becomes one of the best destinations in Spain.
If you are planning a short trip for 2–3 days, you can find a ready-made route in the article “Alicante itinerary for 2–3 days”.
Alicante Smart Hotel – a convenient base for an autumn or winter trip
Autumn and winter are an excellent time to stay in Alicante and explore the city without hurry. Alicante Smart Hotel is located in the Carolinas Bajas neighbourhood, close to the centre, transport links, Postiguet beach and the main city routes.
This location is convenient for walks around the old town, trips to the beaches, gastronomic routes, museum visits and short journeys around the province. Alicante remains sunny and lively all year round, and outside the summer season it becomes especially comfortable.