This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Alicante.
Guess what? Alicante is also named and spelled Alacant - It is the same destination. Goodbye confusion.
The first Iberian settlements near Alicante date back to the third century BC. In the first century, the Romans captured the Iberian city Leukante or Leukanto and this is believed to be the origin of today’s name. From the eighth to thirteenth centuries, the city was under Islamic rule; it was renamed Medina or Al-Laqant. After that, it was part of the Kingdom of Castile and then Aragon before it was finally incorporated by the Spanish Kingdom in the sixteenth century.
Alicante is very famous for its beaches, which are visited by tourists from the whole world. There are long kilometers of sandy beaches, situated very close to the city. The temperature is high all year long and you can have a great holiday. The transport connections are very good and the airport has many flights to different countries. There are, of course, many other things to do and see in Alicante apart from partying and going to the beaches. You can visit the Castle of Santa Barbara; the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante; the Museum of Bellas Artes Gravina in a building from the eighteenth century; the festival the Bonfires of San Juan in July; the Easter festivities in Alicante; and the Moors and Christians festival, which is dedicated to the medieval fight against the Muslims.
Alicante hostels are quite numerous, although some of them operate only in the summer season. Be aware that some of the hostels in Alicante have good facilities but some people party too hard in the summer, so be sure to check if you are going to stay at a party hostel in Alicante or a more relaxed place. Most hostels in Alicante are located near the Castle of Santa Barbara, but there are hostels in Alicante in almost any part of the city. Some of the hostels in Alicante are located just meters away from the sandy beaches.
Written by local enthusiast for Alicante hostels
George Traveller