Getting around Alicante

Public transport

TAM (tel: +34 902 106 992; www.alicante.subus.es) operates Alicante's public transport. Alicante is a relatively compact city and its major attractions are all within walking distance. However, a reliable bus service does operate in and around the city. Bus 9 goes to San Juan Beach every 20 minutes from the railway station. You can buy single tickets from the driver or passes for discounted travel from kiosks, Caja Rural de Alicante offices and TAM ticket offices. The buses run frequently from morning until night and some services extend into the early hours at weekends. City transport passes known as Mobilis are available.

Public transport in Alicante also includes five tram lines (tel: +34 900 720 472; www.tramalicante.es) that connect all the main areas of Alicante and its suburbs with Benidorm, Altea and Denia. Special tourist trams also exist. These include: 'Tren Arqueológico' archaeological train covering the MARQ archaeological museum, Lucentum and L’Illeta dels Banyets (in El Campello); 'Tren Ambiental' taking passengers into the countryside; 'Tren Cultural' cultural train connecting outlying districts and towns; 'Tren Senderista' ramblers’ train connecting with the starting points for excursions; and the night tram that runs in July and August to major nightlife spots.

Taxis

Reliable companies include RadioTele Taxi (tel: +34 96 510 1611 or 525 2511) and Area Taxi (tel: +34 96 591 0591).

Driving

Driving in Alicante is generally problem-free. The Explanada de Espana along the seafront is a good reference point, as it connects to the centre of the city and most of the major routes. Parking can be a problem but there are two large car parks available - one near the Meliá Hotel, and one near the Panoramis shopping mall, both near the harbour.

Car hire

Supplements are often charged for drivers under the age of 25 wishing to hire a car in Spain. A valid passport is required as proof of identity. Along with several smaller agencies, the following major companies provide car hire in Alicante: Avis (tel: +34 902 103 652; www.avis.es), Enterprise (tel: +34 96 512 2172; www.enterprise.es), Europcar (tel: +34 902 503010; www.europcar.es) and Hertz (tel: +34 96 592 2587; www.hertz.es).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bicycles and scooters from Rent and Go!, Avenida de Costa Blanca 95, San Juan beach (tel: +34 96 515 0914; www.rentandgo.es).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Eurostars Lucentum

Named after the ancient name for Alicante when the Iberians and Romans lived there, 'Lucentum', this hotel is a good choice in terms of location. It's close to the central market, port and old quarter, and close to a new tram spot, great for sight-seers. The hotel has 169 rooms and free Wi-Fi connection.

Hotel Rambla

The location of this small budget hotel is unbeatable - a few minutes walk to the Esplanade and the Marina, and only a few minutes more to the beach. Although rooms are on the small side, they're air-conditioned and have minibars and high-speed Wi-Fi. Breakfast can be taken in a nearby restaurant.

Sercotel Spa Porta Maris Hotel

This hotel boasts 114 modern, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking Postiguet beach and the marina. There is free Wi-Fi plus an urban spa featuring a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. The rooms are quite functional-looking but you can't beat the location.

TRYP Alicante Gran Sol Hotel

This 80-room seafront hotel is not the best looking among its peers with its 1970s build but has all the amenities you would expect – comfortable rooms, fully equipped bathrooms, air-conditioning and satellite TV. Rooms on the upper floors have great views.

Meliá Alicante Hotel

This established Alicante hotel is located between El Postiguet beach and the Marina, close to the town hall and the MUBAG Museum, and not far from the shopping district and the historic centre. Facilities include a business centre, restaurants and bars. Guests can use the spa at the adjacent Spa Portmaris.

NH Alicante

Modern design and comfort are combined in the NH Alicante, located just 10 minutes from the centre of Alicante. There is a smart, elegant air to the 100 spacious guest rooms, as well as a free spa, gym, cocktail bar, roof terrace and restaurant.

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