Alicante

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Whether you’re flying from Birmingham Airport for a family holiday or a stag do, we’ve got all the shops, restaurants and facilities to kick start your trip the way you want to.

If you’re off on a stag or hen do then you’ll want to make your first port of call Wetherspoon, where you can toast the groom or bride to be with a bottle of bubbly or a refreshing pint. They serve food all day too, so you’ll be catered for whatever time you fly. If you’re heading off on a family holiday, we’ve got great family restaurants too like Giraffe located in our departure lounge. There’s also plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

Whether you want to do some window shopping or you’ve left some travel essentials to the last minute, Birmingham Airport has a huge range of shops for you to browse. Check out World Duty Free for great savings, grab a magazine and bag of sweets for the plane from WHSmith, and even get some new jewellery at Accessorize.

The airport is accessible whichever way you plan on arriving. If you’re driving to the airport you’ll find a choice of car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via the free shuttle bus. Book a car park space online in advance and save up to 70% off.

If you prefer to take public transport, you will find bus services running directly to the airport or to Birmingham International train station. There is free and frequent transport from the train station which takes you to the terminal in just a short time. Alternatively, taxis can drop you off right outside the terminal building.

Whether you’re looking to top up your Euros before you fly, or withdraw a few UK pounds for your return, head to one of our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge. If you prefer, you can pre-order currency before 3pm for next day collection at Birmingham Airport. Travelex’s ATM machines are operational 24/7, ready for any time of flight and offer both pounds and Euros, and accept most major cards.

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page. If you’re taking the little ones with you to Alicante, check out our tips for travelling with children.

Arriving at Alicante Airport

Alicante Airport has one terminal with multiple onward transport options for you to get to your next destination.

The arrivals hall is on Floor 0, where you will also find a taxi rank just outside the exit. A taxi to the city centre will take approximately 20 minutes and means you get door-to-door service. The departures area is on Floor 2 - where you will also find the bus station. If you’re going into Alicante, then catch Bus C-6. There are other buses available for travel to other towns in the area. Car hire is another option and a particularly great choice if you’re travelling with children and prefer the flexibility that having your own car affords.

www.alicanteairport.guide

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Alicante

There is no doubt that Alicante is a touristy town, influenced by the nearby airport and holiday resorts. Nevertheless, it’s an energetic, attractive Spanish city with a castle, old quarter and long waterfront.

Alicante is only one hour ahead of Birmingham - so there’ll be no jet lag here. Spanish is the official language but you will find that English is widely spoken in the region, particularly for people working in tourism. However, that doesn’t mean the locals won’t appreciate you learning a few local phrases: hello (hola), goodbye (adios), please (por favour) and thank you (gracias) are a good place to start.

Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate meaning the summers are dry and hot and the winters are mild and a little cool.

Culture in Alicante

Although renowned for its legendary nightlife and for being a popular stag party destination, there is more to Alicante than meets the eye. A gorgeous Spanish city with a gothic church, narrow cobbled streets, pastel coloured buildings and even a Museum of Contemporary Art, you can have a splendidly Spanish time in Alicante if you know where to look.

The colourful Spanish way of life spills over into its fiestas. Almost every week there is a fiesta somewhere in Alicante, so you should find something going on during your time there. One of the most prominent events in the city’s diary is the Fogueres de Sant Joan Festival held in June. It’s a festival dedicated to fire, with the main event involving setting alight satirical statues made of cardboard and wood.

From food and festivals to flaming cocktails and flamenco, there’s loads to keep you busy in this diverse city. Heading to Alicante for a hen or stag do? Read our article on planning a hen or stag weekend abroad.