The coolest city on Spain’s Costa Blanca combines high culture, stunning food and balmy breezes all year round. So grab your sunnies and hit this fab corner of southeast Spain.

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There’s more to Alicante than golden sand and shimmering sea – but that’s where you’ll likely start. Whether you fancy the buzzy beach vibes of Playa de San Juan or the Insta-ready boardwalk of Esplanada d’Espanya, family friendly stretches for sandcastle-building or quieter coves, you’ll have plenty of choice.

It isn’t all about lounging around, of course. Alicante has incredible culture appeal, too, with not one but two castles, a bevvy of excellent art and history museums, a truly startling church in the Basílica de Santa María, a pretty old quarter and a roster of festivals. Those of epicurean tastes will also be well fed here: Alicante is possessed of a number of classy cocktails bars, and a truly tip-top tapas scene. It might not be a Costa Blanca no-brainer for all – but those are the folks that just haven’t been yet.