Experience in Alicante, Spain by Nonie

What is it like to live in Alicante? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

In my opinion, Alicante’s best tourist attractions are its excellent beaches especially the famous white beach of El Campello. Every year without fail these beaches receive the Blue Flag award by the E.U.
During the summer season, beaches like the spellbind San Juan, Urbanova and Postiguet have an educational leisure area for the mentally handicapped and an access point for the elderly and physically disabled.
Alicante is also the perfect destination for all year-round enjoyment. Water sports, jet skiing, yacht charters, sailing, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing competitions and of course water skiing.
San Juan Beach
This soft sandy beach is almost three kilometres in length. Its facilities include lifeguard watchtowers, a Red Cross guard post, car parks, footbaths, toilets with wheelchair access. It is perfect for enjoying water-based activity sports and also has children’s play parks and many dog parks. Along the beachfront there are all kinds of shops and restaurants.Postiguet Beach is in the city proper, at the foot of Mount Benacantil is the Santa Barbara Castle. Walk along the gorgeous promenade and view the beautiful bay. The beach here is of sparkling sand and is ideal for sunbathing, reading, picnicking. The Length is about 900m.
La Albufereta, Situated to the north east of the city, between the Serra Grossa and el Tossal de Manises, this is a small secluded beach and is perfect for enjoying family get togethers or watersports
Then you have La Almadraba and Cabo de las Huertas collection of sandy beaches and rocky coves are worth exploring. Crystal clear waters along the beaches of San Juan and Albufereta. They are ideal for those wishing to quietly enjoy the sea away from the larger, busier beaches. There are mountains of bargains to be had in the Sunday and Wednesday markets in El Campello and you'll meet all types of happy people. I've lived in many parts of Spain but find Alicantinos to be the most friendliest of all, we've enjoyed living here for over twelve years. There are excellent tapa bars within the heart of the town and along the beach you'll find the well know rice and paella restaurants, Expect to pay more for anything served along the seafront as rents are high for the proprietors there. There is a much need three story car park for only 3euro per day. From the city or El Campello you can take the line 3 direct to Benidorm with links to Calpe and Denia where you can enjoy all the music, exclusive restaurants and cheap eateries. A visit to Benidorm Palace is a must. We have been dozens of times, with family and friends to enjoy a superb 4 course dinner and an excellent show.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

As a teacher of English I've had the pleasure of getting to know many interesting students as they spent weeks and some times months with my husband and I. The French students find the price of everything much cheaper of course so they tend to eat out a lot between classes and picnic on the beach. the German and Italian students love exploring caves, mountain climbing and seem to stick to their own type of cuisine so luckily my husband is a good cook and enjoys telling stories of countries he's been to as he's an avid traveller. There are more private teachers of English than academies as the over all pay in Spain is sadly below average.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

During the summer months it is expensive to rent good clean apartments and nowadays more people are renting than buying due to banks not giving mortgages. It is still possible to but an apartment for under 150 Euro as bank have put repossessed homes back onto the market. Hotels still have bargains if you are not looking to go 5 star.
Some teachers offer accommodation with meals plus classes and this can workout not only the cheapest option for the student but beneficial in raising their language skills as learning becomes enjoyable with day to day conversation to back up the classes of vocabulary and grammar taught during a previous daily lesson. living in a family home means you have people to take you or point you in the right direction to the many attractions and explain the Spanish way of life. I've made life long friends with students from many parts of the world.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Alicante? Is there any advice you can give?

Travel in pairs or groups and always haggle over prices. If you are young and alone have family member or teacher do a full check on the area and home you are about to stay in. Even the best hotels have instant bargains but for July, Aug, Sept, it is best to reserve booking well in advance. This week we were reading newspapers stating that hotels were 85/% booked up weeks before Easter. I'd also advise students who are coming to live in teachers homes to have actual telephone conversations first to ensure all is above board and to ask for references from past students. Crime is very low in Alicante but each city has its share of pickpockets so travel with eyes wide open and if students are going out partying to enjoy but don't go swimming after drinking or a big meal. Also, the pavements are of many beautiful shades of tiles but when we get a sun shower, the streets become very slippery. Not that we get much rain at all.

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

Paella, there are many types of paella but the most popular is prawn or chicken. Fish is still plentiful and not too expensive and served up with fresh salads and rice dishes which taste delicious on sunny days. Buffets are all the in thing now and although there are not many the ones that offer the best food suit all tastes and can be great for students on a budget. 8 to 10 Euros can fill you up for the whole day. We love picnics on the beach of canned fish, cheese, advocados and fruit washed down with a bottle of cold spring water.

What places would you recommend visiting in Alicante?

Mountains, beaches, and caves. There are guided tours and open top buses circling the city all day long with all night buses and sometime trams to take travellers from famous spots. the island of Tabarca offers day trips by boat and according to taste these trips can be ordered to suit a specific group. Graduation parties, birthdays and weddings are often celebrated on these trips.

Is it good to eat out in Alicante? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Tapas are everywhere and great value for money. Isidro in Benidorm is famous for its delicious buffet and along the beach of El Campello you can find all the famous dishes and even a delicious fish and chip restaurant called O'Neil's. If you like Indian there are three and we certainly like their hospitality.

Is the nightlife good in Alicante? Where is good to go?

Oh yes. there is a safe, very active night live in Alicante. Many clubs and discos offer food and drink at ridiculously low prices with ushers standing outside offering free drinks and tasty morsels to entice the partygoer inside. Alicante city proper is the place to be or Benidorm if you are a party goer. We enjoy sitting on El Campello beach wall on a warm Saturday night listening to a group of guitar players and singers strut their stuff as revellers dance about in swimwear.

What advice would you give future students heading to Alicante?

Take plenty of sunscreen filter of a very high factor. Don't fall asleep in the mid day sun. Alcohol in moderation if you are over 18 but as it will be very hot it is not advisable during the day. Many a good holiday has been spoiled by hospital stays after drinking to much alcohol, mostly due to the very low price. Drink plenty of water. If you've come to study remember the doing is in the succeeding as the succeeding is in the doing.
Have fun and enjoy beautiful Alicante.