Alicante Holidays

Last minute breaks to Alicante

The town of Alicante, in the centre of the Costa Blanca, is ideal for family holidays, despite being so near the airport. Historic and picturesque, it is a bizarre mix of the Baroque and the African feel: caftan clad women mingle with beach sellers hawking African carvings, while in the town are sights to rival those of Venice. 
Although Alicante has a reputation for cheap, all inclusive holidays these are mainly taken at the purpose-built beach resorts, away from the main town area. Alicante was once a major sea port, and is rich in museums, galleries and Baroque architecture. This comes as a surprise to people who thought booking last minute breaks on the Costas meant sun, sea and Sangria – though there’s plenty of that as well.

Family holidays in Alicante

Alicante was made for all inclusive holidays and family breaks –  you can spend all day on Blue Flag Playa San Juan beach, paddling and sunbathing, or alternatively have a more active time at Playa Albufereta, where there are numerous water sports to try. Take a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants, and then enjoy a puppet show in Palmeral Park – the city is dotted with palm clad green spaces, should you want a respite from the beach.
Above the town, the Santa Barbara castle bristles with history. The oldest ramparts date from 400 BC, and family breaks aren’t complete without exploring the spooky dungeons and tunnels. Culture vultures can enjoy the museums and galleries – including the modern Museo de Arte, housed in Alicante’s oldest building.
Every year, there are fiestas and parades marking different parts of the calendar. Book last minute breaks in June, and you can take part in the bonfire festival of Saint Joan.

Out and about

Alicante is surrounded by beautiful beaches but, for a different experience, visit the city of Elche. As well as stunning parks and gardens, it is surrounded by Europe’s only palm forest, and rises like an oasis in the desert. 
If your family holidays must include some rock-pooling, you’ll find it on the tiny island of Tabarca. The picturesque fishing village  is overlooked by an interesting old fort, and there are plenty of rocky beaches and tidal pools to explore – as well as some superb seafood restaurants. A more noisy experience can be had with an excursion to Benidorm, and the Terra Mítica theme park. Alternatively, take the family to the spectacular Canelobre Caves in Busot. 
Whether you laze on the beach, go active on water sports, spend the time sight seeing or do a mixture of all three with great all inclusive holidays, we at Future Travel have plenty of last minute breaks in Alicante.