Alberto's Experience in Alicante, Spain

What attracts you to living in Alicante? Would you recommend it? What's it like?

Alicante is great, it has a good climate, and good atmosphere. You have everything you need in a relatively small space (it's not a very big city), and it is divided into three main areas: the centre - the beach - San Vicente. You can enjoy the good weather in all three areas, but depending on the time of year the people tend to spend more time at the beach area in the summer and in the centre and San Vicente in the winter. Alicante is a peaceful, easy-going and stress-free city.

What's student life like in Alicante?

It's very good! There are lots of Erasmus students and lots of young people. The people are really nice and are willing to help you if you need it. When it comes to studying, the central libraries are open 24/7 (easy access).

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

Not a lot. It is not one of the most expensive places to live within the EU. If you know where to go and don't go to expensive places, you won't spend a lot. It is considered a cheap and affordable place to live.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Alicante? Do you have any advice?

I live in Alicante and study tourism. There are lots of hotels of all types scattered across the three areas of the city. There are also very well-priced flats for Erasmus students that have great locations (Plaza de Luceros in the centre).

What is the food like in Spain? What are your favourite dishes?

The food in Alicante is delicious! There are lots of types of rice, beer, tapas, there's a fantastic atmosphere when people go out to eat, and the food is really good quality. There is also a wide variety of fish options. Going to a place that does really good rice dishes is unbeatable. I recommend "Casa Pepe" on San Juan Beach.

What places do you recommend to visit in Alicante?

You can spend the afternoon walking through the old town and Santa Barbara Castle, the sights are really special and the narrow streets have such charm. There are museums, adventure tourism areas, adventure sports and coastal tourism. There's something for everyone!

What about eating out in Alicante? What are your favourite places?

I recommend you visit "@ALICANTE SIBARITA" on Instagram where you can find good restaurants for young people, and by that I mean cheap. There are lots of places of gastronomic interest for young people (Instagram and Facebook).

You'll find the best-known tapas restaurants in Alicante on "San Francisco Street" (Calle San Francisco), which is really good because they're all concentrated in the same place. On "Labradores Street" (Calle Labradores) you can also find great places close to the centre, with lots of young people. There are lots of restaurants that offer a range of high-quality food that is typical of Alicante, and there's always something for every taste.

Which places do you recommend for nightlife in Alicante?

"El Barrio" (the old town), "Concerto", "the port" (but less so), Mulligans... In El Barrio there are lots of bars where people go out to drink. Four streets full of people and you can go in any bar you fancy. People are always going in and out of different bars, it has a really cool atmosphere.

Do you have any advice for future students in Alicante?

Get to know people, try to familiarise yourself with the culture of Spain and Alicante, go to the beach, get drunk and have an amazing time. Alicante is a really cool place! There aren't any dangerous areas nor are there usually confrontational people. Alicante is great, you will go sightseeing, experience the cuisine, siesta, do touristic activities in the afternoon and from there you'll be having G&Ts, followed by eating pizza and churros at 7 in the morning watching the sunrise on Postiguet Beach (the central beach).