Ryanair has introduced two new UK routes to a vibrant Spanish city boasting balmy weather in December.
The budget carrier revealed its updated Alicante schedule, now featuring 79 routes from the Spanish hub. Ten destinations have been added to the roster, including Bratislava, Linz, Salzburg, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, Stockholm Västerås, Småland and Lanzarote.
Of particular note for UK travellers is Ryanair’s introduction of direct flights from Cardiff and Aberdeen to Alicante. The latter will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with fares starting from £22 in December.
The Cardiff to Alicante route will run on all but six days in December, with tickets currently available for just £20. There are numerous reasons why a brief winter getaway to Alicante might appeal. One key attraction is the climate.
The Costa Blanca city boasts December average highs of 18C, with the mercury occasionally hitting 23C. That is perfect for an afternoon spent on its sandy beaches, providing a welcome escape from the dreary UK weather. Alicante’s 300 days of annual sunshine, coupled with its stunning landscape, make it a favourite destination for European golfers. The city offers championship courses such as Las Colinas and Lo Romero, as well as resort courses like La Finca and Melia Villaitana.
The Alicante Golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, is a popular spot for those who enjoy a round of golf. For those less interested in golf, fear not. The city has plenty more to offer.
“Like Porto, it’s relatively small, so there’s plenty to see without it feeling daunting. It’s the perfect place if you’re planning a day trip, and the proximity of the city centre to the airport also makes it a great city break destination,” Clare Bolger pens in her travel blog.
“Many of Alicante’s buildings were damaged or destroyed during the civil war, so the post-war period saw a mix of restoration and new construction. Some buildings were restored to their former glory, while others were demolished and replaced with new ones. This has led to an interesting blend of old and new architectural styles which can be found throughout the city centre.”
The Castle of Santa Bárbara is perhaps the most iconic and striking building in the city. It towers above the old quarter, which serves as the venue for the annual Festival of Moors and the Night of San Juan.
“Walking around the winding streets of the Old Town is amazing, with an awesome amount of pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants,” Neil Kelly, from Liverpool, raved. “The architecture is absolutely fantastic. There are so many great-looking buildings to enjoy. I love walking down from Castillo de Santa Bárbara. The views from the castle are fabulous.”
A must-see attraction is La Explanada de España, a mosaic promenade composed of over 6.5 million marble tiles arranged in a wave-like pattern. It is flanked by palm trees, with stunning historic buildings on one side and a charming marina on the other.
A standout characteristic of Alicante is its excellent public transport network. The city boasts a tram service connecting the centre directly to the seafront, ensuring all major sights remain within easy reach.
Most first-time visitors will find themselves at Playa del Postiguet, which offers restaurants, pristine white sand and ample opportunities for aquatic activities. Just opposite the beach, a lift provides swift access up to the historic castle. The city’s other notable stretch of coastline, Playa de San Juan, lies several kilometres distant.
Cuisine represents a crucial element of any getaway. Fortunately, Alicante delivers an abundance of excellent establishments offering affordably priced regional specialities. Santa Gloria, Bar Cento and Café Tres Texturas rank amongst the dining spots deserving exploration. One particularly celebrated venue for morning meals is Brunch It, which focuses on fresh, nutritious fare and boasts of being Europe’s most renowned brunch establishment.
Should the Mediterranean atmosphere become overwhelming and you find yourself yearning for familiar flavours, Browns provides the perfect remedy with its British-influenced menu. “Another fabulous Sunday lunch the best Sunday lunch around. This carvery is amazing, nothing I can say, only FABULOUS,” writes Jackie M on Tripadvisor.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
