Shopping in Alicante

Alicante's shopping scene has improved in recent years and offers everything from excellent shopping centres and malls to markets.

Key areas

The heart of the shopping district is in and around Avenida de Maisonnave. Here you can find a vast array of shoe shops, boutiques and specialist shops. Other more traditional centres are the Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, as well as La Rambla, Calle del Teatro and Calle Gerona. You can find a good selection of turrón (nut nougat), the local delicacy, at Turrones Teclo, Calle Rafael Altamira 13. El Barrio, the old quarter, also teems with shoppers.

Markets

The Central Market on Avenida Alfonso el Sabio is not to be missed. It is open Monday to Friday 0730-2030, and Saturday 0730-1500. For the freshest fish get there early, but it also sells fruit, vegetables, cheese and meats. The biggest street markets in Alicante are Campoamor, Carolinas, Benalúa and Babel. On Sunday mornings, stamp collectors and antique enthusiasts congregate in the flea market held in the Town Hall square. The Esplanade is the ideal place to purchase arts and crafts, leatherwork and costume jewellery from street stalls, which spring up during the summer only.

Shopping centres

Spanish department store El Corte Inglés has two malls in the city - one offering fashion and the other household appliances and food. They are located on Avenida Federico Soto and Avenida de Maisonnave. Alternatively, check out Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2, Avenida de Denia; Centrol Comercial Panoramis, Muelle Poniente 6, near the harbour; Centrol Comercial Gran Via, Calle de José García Selles; and Bulevar Plaza, Avenida de la Estación.

Opening hours

Most shops in Alicante open at 0930/1000, closing between 1330/1400 for lunch and reopening from 1700 to 2000 on weekdays. On Saturdays they generally only open for half a day and on Sundays remain closed. However, several larger stores stay open all day, including Saturdays.

Souvenirs

Pick up high-street fashion labels, traditional handicrafts, leatherware such as handbags and shoes, and inexpensive jewellery.

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Featured Hotels

Hostal Les Monges Palace

This charmingly renovated budget hotel features brickwork, balconies, pillars and quirky interior touches in its 18 rooms, some furnished with antiques and wonderful paintings. Expect plenty of historical glamour despite the price – the building is more than a century old.

Hostal La Milagrosa

Set on a side street in the old town, this family-run hotel offers small, simply decorated rooms (some with shared bathrooms), plus complimentary breakfast served on a roof terrace with views of the town. There's also a shared kitchen and self-service laundry facilities.

Eurostars Lucentum

Named after the ancient name for Alicante when the Iberians and Romans lived there, 'Lucentum', this hotel is a good choice in terms of location. It's close to the central market, port and old quarter, and close to a new tram spot, great for sight-seers. The hotel has 169 rooms and free Wi-Fi connection.

Hotel Rambla

The location of this small budget hotel is unbeatable - a few minutes walk to the Esplanade and the Marina, and only a few minutes more to the beach. Although rooms are on the small side, they're air-conditioned and have minibars and high-speed Wi-Fi. Breakfast can be taken in a nearby restaurant.

Sercotel Spa Porta Maris Hotel

This hotel boasts 114 modern, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking Postiguet beach and the marina. There is free Wi-Fi plus an urban spa featuring a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. The rooms are quite functional-looking but you can't beat the location.

TRYP Alicante Gran Sol Hotel

This 80-room seafront hotel is not the best looking among its peers with its 1970s build but has all the amenities you would expect – comfortable rooms, fully equipped bathrooms, air-conditioning and satellite TV. Rooms on the upper floors have great views.

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