Ryanair has just added two new routes from Cardiff and Aberdeen to a stunning Spanish city with gorgeous beaches and year-round sunshine
Ryanair has introduced two new UK routes to a vibrant Spanish city boasting balmy weather in December.
The budget-friendly airline has revealed its updated Alicante schedule, now offering a whopping 79 routes from the Spanish hotspot. Ten fresh destinations have been added to the roster, including Bratislava, Linz, Salzburg, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, Stockholm Västerås, Småland and Lanzarote.
Of particular note for UK holidaymakers is Ryanair’s launch of direct flights from Cardiff and Aberdeen to Alicante. The latter will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with fares starting from just £22 in December. The Cardiff to Alicante route will run almost daily in December, with tickets currently available for a mere £20.
There are countless reasons why a quick winter getaway to Alicante might be appealing. One major draw is the climate. The Costa Blanca city boasts December highs of 18C, occasionally reaching 23C on the warmest days. That makes for a perfect afternoon lounging on its golden beaches, providing a welcome escape from the dreary UK weather.
Alicante’s 300 days of annual sunshine, coupled with its stunning landscape, has made it a favourite amongst European golf enthusiasts. The city is home to championship courses such as Las Colinas and Lo Romero, as well as resort courses like La Finca and Melia Villaitana.
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The Alicante Golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, is a popular spot for those keen to hit the greens. But fear not if golf isn’t your cup of tea. 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,” writes Clare Bolger 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 is the stage 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,” raves Neil Kelly, from Liverpool. “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 is La Explanada de España, a mosaic promenade composed of over 6.5 million marble tiles arranged in a wave-like pattern. It’s 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 find themselves at Playa del Postiguet, which boasts restaurants, pristine white sand and ample opportunities for water-based activities. Just across the street from the shoreline, there’s a lift that whisks you up to the historic fortress. The city’s other notable stretch of coast, Playa de San Juan, lies several kilometres distant.
Food plays a crucial role in any getaway. Fortunately, Alicante offers numerous excellent establishments dishing up affordably priced regional cuisine.
Santa Gloria, Bar Cento and Café Tres Texturas represent just a handful of the dining spots deserving attention. One much-talked-about destination for morning meals is Brunch It, which focuses on fresh, wholesome fare and bills itself as Europe’s most renowned brunch establishment.
Should things begin to feel overly Continental and you find yourself yearning for familiar flavours, Browns delivers proper British-style cooking. “Another fabulous Sunday lunch the best Sunday lunch around. This carvery is amazing, nothing I can say, only FABULOUS,” writes Jackie M on Tripadvisor.