Alicante

Alicante is a Mediterranean city first and a beach destination second, which gives its shoreline a lively, lived-in energy throughout the year.

Cafés, the marina, the Explanada promenade and compact streets of the old centre all sit close to the sea, so a beach visit can blend naturally into an urban day.

El Postiguet lies directly below the city and is generally sheltered by the bay, while longer sandy stretches continue north toward San Juan.

Rather than offering only one fixed mood, the location changes with season, wind and the movement of people along the waterfront.

The Mediterranean is often inviting, but easterly winds and short-period storms can change an apparently gentle shore surprisingly quickly.

Saturday, July 11, is shaping up to be a beautiful day along our stunning coastline. This morning, the clear skies and moderate breeze are setting the tone for a fantastic day ahead. With temperatures expected to rise to 32°C, it's going to be a warm and sunny day, perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities. As the day unfolds, we can expect plenty of sunshine and gentle winds, making it an ideal day to get out and enjoy the beach, the water, or the many scenic trails and paths that our coastal area has to offer.

The beach is looking particularly inviting this morning, with a calm and gentle surf that's perfect for swimmers, surfers, and paddleboarders. The waves are very small, at just 0.3m, and the water temperature is a warm 27.4°C, making it ideal for a morning dip or a paddle out to catch some waves. The sheltered water and rocky headland provide a safe and calm environment for all water sports, and the good water quality ensures a pleasant and healthy experience. For those planning to head out on the water, it's worth noting that offshore conditions may be a bit choppier, but for beachgoers, the conditions are looking great.

For runners and cyclists, the morning conditions are looking perfect, with clear skies and a moderate breeze that will help keep you cool as you make your way along the flat coastal path. However, don't forget to plan your outdoor activities around the very high UV index, which is expected to peak at 9 today. It's essential to avoid direct sun between 12pm and 4pm and to wear full coverage to protect your skin. As the afternoon develops, the wind is expected to remain moderate, which should make for pleasant conditions for tennis players and other outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're planning a leisurely bike ride or a more intense workout, the conditions are looking great.

As the day develops, we can expect the clear skies and gentle winds to continue through to lunchtime and beyond. By lunchtime, the sun will be high, so don't forget to take those precautions to protect your skin. As the afternoon develops, the conditions will remain pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. Heading into this evening, the sky conditions are unclear, but with the warm temperatures and gentle winds, it's shaping up to be a lovely evening to get out and enjoy the coastal scenery. Whatever your plans are for today, make the most of this beautiful day and get out to enjoy all that our stunning coastline has to offer.

Castillo de Santa Bárbara is the city’s defining landmark, occupying Mount Benacantil above the harbour and forming the backdrop to El Postiguet.

The old quarter of Santa Cruz, the port and Alicante’s long defensive history help the resort coast feel connected to a much older city.

The landmark is not simply decorative; it helps orient the coast and connects present-day leisure with earlier patterns of defence, trade or fishing.

The immediate shore is urban and sandy, framed by the marina and Benacantil, with drier Alicante hills visible inland.

This is not a secluded landscape; its appeal comes from the close meeting of beach, port, castle and city streets.

Dry hills, intense light and a long relationship with fishing and maritime trade give this coast a character that extends beyond its modern resort development.

Alicante suits visitors who want swimming, restaurants, museums and evening life within walking distance rather than a separate resort enclave.

The landscape is best appreciated slowly, allowing time for a promenade walk, a viewpoint and a second look at the sea before swimming.

The visual calm of a sunny day should never replace local flags, lifeguard advice or a direct check of waves and currents.