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If you have decided upon the Alicante region of Spain for your vacation this year, you will want to know how to choose a hotel in this area. There is such a wide choice of hotels in the Costa Blanca region in general, and in the Alicante area in particular that you will certainly be spoiled for choice. Alicante Hotels can range from inexpensive and rudimentary to luxe and expensive. Decide what suits your taste, budget and plans and then go searching.

The best advice is to start your search early. Especially during the high season of summer, you need to book well in advance to get exactly what you want. An early search on the Internet will give you a wide choice in terms of location, price and amenities. You may also want to talk to a travel agent; many times agents get packages of airfare/hotel rates that can’t be beat.

If you know of a few hotels that you would consider, you may want to contact them directly. Many times they reserve special rates for repeat customers and these are not listed either on the Internet or with travel agents. If you use all three of these options and compare what you find on the Internet with what you find from a travel agent or directly, you will surely find the best rates.

What should you consider when you are shopping for a hotel in Alicante? Location is always an important consideration. There are many hotels in Alicante’s downtown and harbor area. If you are more interested in being by the sea, close to the beaches and having a beautiful view, the harbor area is for you. But if you plan on sightseeing and want to visit museums and eat at fine restaurants, you should consider the downtown area. If you stay in the downtown area, you will not need a car, since most of the attractions are within walking distance.
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Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, it is always the perfect season to visit Murcia. The weather in Murcia is like that of other cities along the Costa Blanca. It’s all about location, actually. It is no wonder these cities in this Mediterranean region were so desirable and are still today. It is because the light ocean breezes keep things temperate and it’s as if the mountains to the west offer protection from any type of uninvited weather pattern. The average temperature throughout the year is 18 degrees Celsius (65F).

Winter Wonderland

Winter, generally the months of December and January, is the coolest with temperatures about 10 degrees Celsius (50F). This is a great time to take in outdoor hiking or even golf. You can dress comfortably in light sweaters but be sure to bring at least a light jacket for evenings when the ocean breeze cools things off further.

Spring Fling

Spring warms up a bit and makes for a great beginning to the true tourist season. The weather is warm enough for swimming and all kinds of outdoor dining experiences without being the peak of tour time. Students with Spring fever begin to emerge, but will soon be departing to their summer homes.

Sizzlin’ Summer

With the introduction of more tourists and the exit of full-time students, the city changes as dramatically as the climate. It can really heat up in the summer reaching about 40 degrees Celsius (104F)! The ocean breezes keep the shore pleasant enough, but the inner city, located about 45 km away, doesn’t usually benefit from ocean winds. The buildings and pavement can make it unpleasant for walking, and many older buildings are not equipped with air conditioning. Summer, however, is the perfect time to just relax at the beach. You can plan your activities that require exertion (golf, hiking, sight seeing) for the early morning hours then retreat to the cool ocean waters for the rest of the day. Once the sun sets about 8 p.m. it will once again be a good time to walk the city streets or dine out.

Festive Fall

Fall is when school starts again and the city once again transforms back into a pleasant, mild spot for late season vacationers. Temperatures will return to a pleasing 24 degrees Celsius (75F). Water temperatures remain warm enough to enjoy swimming in the ocean any time of year.

In short, there is not bad time to visit Murcia. The Murcia weather is predictable and consistent. It is safe to say, it is a great day in Murcia, no matter what day you are talking about.
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As you approach Altea, Alicante either from the south coming from Benidorm or from the north from Calpe or Denia, the blue mosaic domes of the church are its landmark telling you that you have arrived at one of the most beautifully landscaped tourist areas on the Costa Blanca, Spain. Altea seems to have it all; the year round mild climate, cute little corners, its whitewashed houses, the marvellous views of the sea and the tranquil atmosphere that you breath when you are here is everything that anyone could ever dream of. It is a perfect example of how you can make privileged tourist area without hurting the natural surroundings and grace of the original town. Even with the massive construction and expansion of hotels and restaurantes, it has been respected and has not endangered its enchantment.

If you have come in a an economical flight to the Alicante Airport, the car hire offers are abundant and you can take a nice drive to Altea in about an hour on either the National freeway N-332 or on the pay highway AP-7. Or from the airport there are buses from the company called Ubesa which connects Alicante, Valencia and Benidorm. Just ask the driver to tell you when you get to the bar called Granada which is opposite the newly renovated train station. Or if trains seem more appealing, you go from the airport to the train station in Alicante and then on to one of the three stops made in Altea.

The tourist that you will usually find in Altea are quite different than what you think. Many of the Spanish painters, writers and show business people take shelter there because of its tranquility. These usually stay in the old neighbourhood near the church, the typical restaurants with either international cuisine or good home cooking and the quite sinnuous streets. There is a more modern part to the town at the foot of the hill, but still respecting the architecture of old.
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Alicante, Spain is located in Eastern Spain in the southern portion of the land of Valencia. Alicante is surrounded by Murica to the south, Valencia to the north, mountains to the north and west, and the Mediterranean Sea on the east. Popular travel destinations in the Alicante province include Alicante, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Alcoy and Elche.

Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencia region. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer. About six million people visit the Costa Blanca every summer and most enter through the Alicante Airport. The city has been called the best all around city in Spain.

Weather and Climate

This area has a typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are dry and hot. The winters are temperate. There is rarely any snow at all in the coastal areas. The weather is nice in both the summer and winter, making this area a good choice for vacations at all times of the year. Spring and autumn tend to bring rain storms, so keep this in mind when choosing a time for your trip.

Accommodations and Hotels in Alicante

Hotel options are abundant in this city. There are many hotels of all kinds, from basic accommodations to luxury hotels. Compare hotels and prices on the internet or through a travel agent. If you are planning to travel to the area during peak season, be sure to plan early. Some hotels fill up quickly, so make your reservations early.

Property rental is a good alternative to a hotel for some people. If you are planning an extended stay or are travelling with children, consider renting an apartment. You may be more comfortable and feel at home in a private residence. In addition, you can save money by enjoying some meals at home, rather than in a restaurant.
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