If you’re planning a weekend break to Alicante then I’m here to help you plan the perfect itinerary. I’ve just returned from my second girls trip to Alicante because we loved it so much the first time.
Alicante ticks every box:
- Great weather
- Sea views
- Gorgeous beaches
- Pretty city with a lovely little Old Town
- Great bars and restaurants
- Frequent, affordable flights
- It’s pretty cheap when you arrive
- But it isn’t tacky like Benidorm!
- A super easy airport transfer
- Small enough to see everything and not feel overwhelming
There’s something about a sunny weekend escape that just hits differently, especially when it involves sea views, tapas and minimal stress. Alicante might not always be the first place I think of for a weekend break, but after my second trip there, I can confidently say it deserves a top spot on the list.
If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward getaway with great food, relaxed vibes and just enough to do without feeling rushed, this Alicante weekend itinerary is exactly what you need.
I’d been the year before with my friends for an Extreme Day Trip to Alicante. We loved it so much we wanted to return for a full weekend in Alicante.
Here’s how we spent the perfect 48 hours in this underrated Spanish gem.
The Alicante weekend break itinerary
Friday: Flights, lunch in the marina, castle and easy dinner
I highly recommend booking the earliest flight to Alicante that you can find. I know the early morning wake up is tough but it’s well worth it to arrive by lunch time. Plus, the later flights tend to be a little rowdy with the Benidorm people so you may want to avoid that!
Finding cheap flights
I use Skyscanner to see all my flight options for my chosen dates. Play around with the calendar because sometimes it will be much cheaper to alter your dates slightly.
Getting from Alicante airport into the city
After landing we hopped straight onto the C6 bus from the airport. It’s cheap (about £4 for a single), easy and takes you directly into Alicante city centre. Honestly, it’s so quick and easy it’s not even worth getting a taxi.
You’ll find the bus stop outside and to the right. You may need to go up a couple of levels to get outside.
We got off the bus at the marina which took about 25 minutes. (Virtually everyone on the bus got off at this stop so I wouldn’t worry about knowing which stop to get off at.)
Lunch overlooking the marina
We headed straight to Samoa, a lovely bar overlooking the boats. We’d been here before and knew it was a gorgeous sun trap and a lovely place for that first glass of wine in the sunshine!
It was the perfect way to kick things off. Sitting by the water with a cold drink, sunshine on our faces and a relaxed lunch set the tone for the whole weekend. It felt like we’d instantly switched into holiday mode.
Santa Bárbara Castle
After lunch, we made our way up to Santa Bárbara Castle. Whether you walk or take the lift (we took the lift!), it’s absolutely worth it for the views alone. From the top, you get incredible panoramic views over Alicante, the marina and the coastline. It’s one of those places that really gives you a sense of where you are, and it made us even more excited for the rest of the weekend.
The perfect beach hotel
After taking our time exploring and soaking up the views, we headed back down and made our way to the tram. We jumped on Tram Line 3 to El Campello, which takes around 30 minutes and runs along the coast, so even the journey felt scenic. The tram was also quiet and cool so it was actually a really nice journey!
For this trip, we stayed at Alidreams Carmen Beach Apartments in El Campello, and it was such a great choice. It’s perfect if you want a quieter base just outside the city. We had the beach on our doorstep, a more relaxed vibe than central Alicante and easy tram access whenever we wanted to head into town.
@thetravelhack ? Alidreams Carmen Beach Apartments #alicante ? La Vida (feat. Kaala Shaw) [Radio Edit] – dbasser & Peter Guzman & Jose Alves
We’d been sent a pin number to check ourselves in and then spent some time unwinding by the pool. After an early start, this felt like exactly what we needed. No plans, no rushing, just a bit of downtime in the sun.
Travel Hack Tip: The only downside was we wished we’d picked up some drinks on the way to the hotel! I’d assumed there’d be a bar but there wasn’t and the nearest supermarket was a short walk away.
Easy Spanish dinner
For dinner, we headed to a local restaurant called Muchavista which was just a 4-5 minute walk from the hotel. The food was pretty average but the atmosphere, wine and service was brilliant.
This area has a more laid-back, residential feel, but we found some really lovely spots for a relaxed meal.
After dinner, we took a gentle stroll along the beach. The evening was warm and calm, and it was the perfect way to end our first day.
Saturday: Brunch, city strolls and a special dinner
Saturday was all about taking things slow and enjoying the best of Alicante at a relaxed pace.
We started the morning gently at the hotel. No alarms, no pressure. We eased into the day with a coffee and took our time before heading into the city.
The best brunch in Alicante
When we were ready, we hopped back on the tram and made our way into Alicante for brunch. One of the best spots we found was Eat My Trip, and it was well worth it. This place is known for its beautifully presented brunch dishes that are as delicious as they are Instagrammable.
We went for something indulgent and really enjoyed it. Think colourful smoothie bowls, stacked pancakes and creative takes on classic brunch favourites. We finished with mimosas and cheesecake for an extra special treat.
City stroll and shopping
After brunch, we spent some time wandering around the city. Alicante has a lovely, walkable centre with plenty of little streets to explore, shops to dip in and out of and cafés where we could stop for a drink if we felt like it.
Rooftop drinks
Next, we headed to Terraza Mira Miralta for rooftop drinks. The views from here are incredible. We could see over the rooftops, up to the castle and the sparkling coastline beyond. It’s such a good spot for a mid-afternoon drink and a chance to take in Alicante from a different perspective.
It’s also worth noting that this gorgeous rooftop bar is actually a hotel so if you’re looking for a city-centre hotel in Alicante then check out Eurostars Portico Alicante.
Voltereta Tanzania
We made sure not to stay too long because we had an early dinner reservation, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole weekend.
We had booked Voltereta Tanzania for 4:30pm, and it’s not your average restaurant. Dining here felt more like an experience as you step into an African safari themed space. It’s incredible that this is tucked away just off the busy city streets. If you walked past you’d never know what was inside! It’s creative, immersive and so much more than a typical meal out.
@thetravelhack @volteretarestaurante ? Let Me Be (Remastered 2026) – Bella Dolz
The fusion food was fantastic with lots of sharing plates so you can sample lots of delicious dishes. The atmosphere was fun and it’s one of those places we’ll be talking about long after the trip.
We’d actually been to Volteretta Bali during a weekend break to Valencia a few years before and now I’d love to visit all the Volteretta restaurants in Spain!
Back to El Campello
After dinner, we headed back to El Campello on the tram. One of the things I loved most about this trip was getting the best of both worlds. We had lively city moments balanced with calm, beachside relaxation.
Before the day ended, we spent a little time on the beach. Even just sitting on the sand and watching the waves felt so peaceful after a busy day.
Sunday: Slow Sunday morning and tapas
Sunday mornings on holiday always feel a bit bittersweet, but we still had time to enjoy a few more moments before heading home.
We started with another slow morning at the hotel. We took our time packing, enjoyed a final coffee and soaked up those last few hours of sunshine.
At about midday we took the tram back into Alicante city centre and kept things simple. This wasn’t the time for a packed schedule.
We found a nice café for a coffee, then headed to Vino Y Mas for a relaxed tapas lunch. It was exactly what we wanted before a flight. The food was easy, delicious and perfect for sharing.
We ordered a few dishes, took our time and just enjoyed the atmosphere. It felt like the perfect way to round off the trip.
After lunch, we made our way back to the airport for around 2:30pm. Once again, the C6 bus made everything really easy, so there was no stress about getting there on time.
And just like that, our Alicante weekend came to an end, and we were already thinking about when we could come back!
Tips for Planning an Alicante Weekend Break
If you’re thinking of recreating this itinerary, here are a few practical tips based on my experience:
Use public transport
I found the tram and bus systems in Alicante fantastic. It’s clean, reliable and easy to use. Staying slightly outside the city, like El Campello, worked really well because the connections are so good and we found the hotel for a really affordable price.
Book restaurants in advance
Places like Voltereta are popular, so I’d definitely recommend booking ahead, especially for a weekend.
Embrace a slower pace
We didn’t try to cram loads into this itinerary, and that’s exactly why it worked so well. Alicante is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for food, drinks and soaking up the atmosphere.
Pack for beach time
Even if you don’t plan to spend all day on the beach, it’s worth bringing swimwear. I loved having the option to dip in the pool or relax by the sea.
Travel light
We took just backpacks for this trip, and it made everything easier, from airport transfers to hopping on and off the tram. We all used The Travel Hack Backpack as it slips under the seat on Ryanair flights so you don’t need to pay for it.
Here are my tips for packing light for a weekend away.
Is Alicante Good for a Weekend Break?
Absolutely. Alicante is one of those destinations that delivers exactly what I want from a short trip. There’s sunshine, great food, easy logistics and a laid-back vibe.
It doesn’t feel overwhelming, and it’s not overly touristy in the way some Spanish cities can be. For me, it strikes that perfect balance between having enough to do and still feeling relaxed.
Whether I’m travelling with friends, family, my partner or even solo, it’s a brilliant choice for a quick escape.
If you’ve been overlooking Alicante for your weekend breaks, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. It’s easy, affordable and surprisingly charming!
