Cheap flights from Barcelona to Alicante

Flying from Barcelona, you'll land at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), just 9 kilometres south of the city centre. The airport is well-connected with several efficient transport options to suit your preferences and budget.

The most economical choice is the airport bus, operated by ALSA, costing €3–6 with a journey time of 30–40 minutes to the city centre. For speed and convenience, taxi or ride-sharing services (Uber) cost around €15–25 and complete the journey in 20–30 minutes. Train services via Cercanías also connect the airport to central Alicante, offering scenic views at moderate cost, though journey times reach 50–60 minutes. Most visitors favour the bus for value, whilst those prioritising speed choose taxis or apps.

Arriving from Barcelona, you'll notice Alicante offers a more intimate Mediterranean charm with pristine beaches and layered history. The Explanada de España, a tree-lined waterfront promenade with striking marble mosaics, sets the city's relaxed tone and provides the perfect introduction to coastal living.

The whitewashed Barrio del Carmen winds uphill to the magnificent Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a medieval fortress commanding panoramic bay views. History lovers should visit the MARQ Archaeological Museum, showcasing Roman and Moorish treasures. Beyond culture, beautiful beaches like Playa del Postiguet lie minutes from the centre, whilst the serene El Palmeral palm grove offers respite from the bustle.

• Castillo de Santa Bárbara – hilltop fortress with expansive views
• Explanada de España – iconic waterfront boulevard
• Barrio del Carmen – charming old town with character
• El Palmeral – UNESCO palm grove sanctuary
• MARQ Museum – ancient artefacts and history
• Playa del Postiguet – central beach

Coming from Barcelona, you'll find Alicante's cuisine lighter and seafood-focused, reflecting its southern Mediterranean position. Rice dishes dominate menus, with paella—whether seafood-laden, made with rabbit, or prepared Alicantino-style with beans and meat—appearing throughout the city and region.

Traditional dishes include all i pebre, a rustic rabbit stew with paprika and garlic, and esgarraet, a refreshing salt-cod and orange salad. Seafood reigns supreme: gambas (king prawns), monkfish, and daily catches feature prominently in beachside chiringuitos and proper restaurants alike. Sweet treats worthy of attention include turrón (almond nougat from nearby Jijona) and torrijas (caramelised bread), perfect for gifts or indulgences.

• All i pebre – rabbit and paprika stew
• Esgarraet – salt-cod and orange salad
• Paella Alicantina – rice with beans and meat
• Gambas al Ajillo – prawns in garlic and oil
• Turrón de Jijona – almond nougat
• Arroz a Banda – fish-stock rice with seafood