Ryanair has unveiled two new UK routes to the vibrant Spanish city of Alicante, known for its colourful streets and balmy 20C weather in November.

The budget airline has expanded its Alicante schedule, now boasting 79 routes from the Spanish hub, with ten fresh destinations added including Bratislava, Linz, Salzburg, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, Stockholm Västerås, Småland and Lanzarote.

Of particular note for UK holidaymakers is the introduction of direct flights from Cardiff and Aberdeen to Alicante. The latter will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with fares starting from a mere £22 in December. The Cardiff to Alicante route will run almost daily in December, with tickets currently available for just £20.

Alicante offers an enticing prospect for a short winter break, with numerous attractions beyond its pleasant climate. The Costa Blanca city boasts November highs of 20C, providing ample opportunity to enjoy its sandy beaches and escape the dreary UK weather.

With 300 days of sunshine annually and a stunning landscape, Alicante has become a favourite destination for European golfers. 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.

The Alicante Golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, is a popular spot for those keen to tee off. But fear not if golf isn’t your cup of tea – there’s plenty more to love about this Spanish city.

A must-see attraction is La Explanada de España, a stunning mosaic promenade crafted from over 6.5 million marble tiles arranged in a wave-like pattern.

Palm trees line the walkway, with magnificent historic buildings on one side and a charming marina on the other. A standout characteristic of Alicante is its public transport network.

The city boasts a tram service connecting the centre to the seafront, ensuring all major attractions remain within easy reach.

Most first-time visitors will discover Playa del Postiguet, which offers cafés, pristine white sand and ample opportunities for water activities. Just opposite the beach stands a lift that whisks you up to the historic castle. The city’s other notable stretch of coastline, Playa de San Juan, lies several kilometres distant. 

“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,” Clare Bolger writes 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 stands as arguably the most iconic and striking structure in the city. It towers above the historic quarter, which hosts 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,” Neil Kelly, from Liverpool, enthused.

“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.”

Food represents a crucial element of any getaway. Fortunately, Alicante delivers numerous excellent establishments serving affordably priced regional cuisine.

Santa Gloria, Bar Cento and Café Tres Texturas rank amongst the dining spots deserving investigation. A much-celebrated destination for morning meals is Brunch It, which focuses on fresh, wholesome fare and proclaims itself Europe’s most renowned brunch establishment.

Should the Continental European atmosphere become overwhelming and you find yourself yearning for familiar flavours, Browns provides the solution with its British-style offerings.

“Another fabulous Sunday lunch the best Sunday lunch around. This carvery is amazing, nothing I can say, only FABULOUS,” writes Jackie M on Tripadvisor.