Cheap flights from Madrid to Alicante

Arriving at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) from Madrid, you're just 9 kilometres south of the city centre—a straightforward 20 to 40-minute journey depending on your transport choice. The airport is well connected by the AO motorway bus service, which departs regularly throughout the day and costs around €6 to €8 per ticket, depositing you near the main train station.

For more direct access, licensed taxis wait outside the terminal and typically charge €25 to €35 for the journey into town, negotiable beforehand at the information desk. Car hire is also available if you plan to explore the broader Costa Blanca region, though parking in the historic centre is limited. Alternatively, the airport is served by regional train connections, though bus remains the most economical option for most travellers heading to the seafront or old quarter.

Having travelled down from Madrid, you'll find Alicante's compact historic centre remarkably walkable and densely packed with character. The Castillo de Santa Bárbara dominates the skyline from Mount Benacantil, offering panoramic views across the Mediterranean and the city's terracotta rooftops. At sea level, the elegant Explanada de España stretches along the waterfront—a tree-lined promenade perfect for evening paseos—whilst the golden sweep of Playa Postiguet provides instant seaside relief just metres from the old town.

The Barrio Antiguo (Old Quarter) rewards unhurried exploration, with narrow medieval streets opening onto hidden plazas and tapas bars. History enthusiasts should visit the MARQ archaeological museum, housed in a beautifully converted Renaissance palace, whilst food-focused visitors gravitate toward the traditional fish market and surrounding restaurants.

• Castillo de Santa Bárbara—hilltop fortress with city views
• Barrio Antiguo—medieval quarter with winding streets and plazas
• Explanada de España—iconic waterfront promenade
• Playa Postiguet—sandy beach adjacent to the old town
• MARQ Museum—Iberian and Roman artefacts
• Playa de San Juan—longer beach ideal for families

The culinary traditions you'll encounter in Alicante differ subtly from Madrid's inland fare, shaped by centuries of Mediterranean and Moorish influence. Paella Alicantina is the signature rice dish—distinct from its Valencian cousin, it typically features rabbit, green beans, and tomato rather than seafood, finishing with a prized socarrat (crispy bottom layer). Beyond paella, expect arroz con conejo (rabbit with rice), esgarraet (a refreshing salad of salt cod, orange, and onion), and gazpacho served ice-cold on warm afternoons.

The region is renowned for turrón (nougat candy), which locals claim as their own invention, particularly the denser varieties studded with whole almonds. Visit the Mercado Central to watch vendors selling fresh fish, jamón ibérico, and local cheeses, or enjoy informal dining in waterfront chiringuitos (beach bars) where espetos (grilled sardines) and fresh gambas a la sal (salt-baked prawns) are summer staples. Sweet-toothed visitors should try esparelló, a traditional pastry-and-marzipan confection.

• Paella Alicantina—rice with rabbit and vegetables
• Arroz con conejo—rabbit and rice, baked in earthenware
• Esgarraet—salt cod, orange, and onion salad
• Turrón de Alicante—premium nougat with almonds
• Espetos—fresh grilled sardines
• Gambas a la sal—whole prawns baked in salt