Ryanair is now flying to Spain’s ‘sunniest city’ with £23 fares and 20°C November highs

With palm-lined promenades, azure waters, and quaint, cobbled streets, there’s a lot to love about Alicante.

And now, there’s even more reason to book a long weekend in the Spanish city, because Ryanair has just launched new flights from Cardiff and Aberdeen — with fares cheaper than a Leeds to London train ticket.

If you’re taking off from Cardiff, flights operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. On Wednesday, November 19, Metro found a one-way ticket for £23.

The Aberdeen to Alicante route will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The day after, on November 20, you can bag a seat for £25. These routes will run as part of the winter schedule until March 2026.

And, with flight times ranging from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, plus a pleasant temperature of 20°C in November, it’s never been easier — or cheaper — to catch some winter sun.

So, let’s find out what all the fuss is about in Alicante, the port city on Spain’s Costa Blanca often described as the sunniest city in the country (though Cartagena just about beats it).

Things to do in Alicante

I recently enjoyed a long weekend in Alicante, and I can safely say it ticks all the boxes for a sunny city break at any time of year.

Beach lovers have plenty of options to choose from, but if you don’t want to venture too far from the city centre, your bes bet is Playa del Postiguet, Alicante’s main beach that boasts 900-metre sweep of golden sand.

With a stunning backdrop of the Santa Bárbara Castle (which we’ll get to later), and a string of beach bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect set-up for an afternoon of sunbathing, followed by some sightseeing.

For families, the bay of Playa de San Juan is a better shout for its calm, shallow waters.

And for somewhere quieter, try Playa de Muchavista at the end of Playa de San Juan.

Here, it’s a mix of sunbathing and water sports — from the comfort of your sunlounger, watch people paddleboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing, as well as playing volleyball on the sand.

You can find paddleboard rentals in various parts of the beach. Rates start around €10-€15 (£8.79-£13.20) per hour.

Hiking and history

Standing on Mount Benacantil overlooking the sea, Santa Bárbara Castle is a fascinating blend of Moorish, Renaissance and 18th-century architecture, and one of Alicante’s most iconic landmarks.

November is an ideal time to commit to the 2.3km walk that leads up to it, when temperatures are comfortable.

My sister and I did the moderate 30-minute hike in June, and battled highs of 28°C — trekking up the hillside in that heat was no joke.

There are two routes you can take: from the City Hall, passing the Old Town, or from the main beach.

From September to November, the castle is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm.

You can book a one-hour free guided tour, where you’ll explore the Old Dungeons, Cistern and Hospital.

City break non-negotiables

Don’t fancy the hike? There’s a lot to see on the ground, too.

Alicante Harbour is a hub for activities and nightlife, with boutique shops and waterside restaurants where you can enjoy dinner with a view.

There’s also the Central Market, a typical Spanish indoor market with vendors selling local produce, seafood, meats, plus cheeses and breads. Charcuterie board on the balcony, anyone?

Of course, no European city break is complete without a wander around the Old Town — and Alicante’s has charm in abundance.

Discover hidden plazas, marvel at old churches, and stroll back in time through the winding streets.

Old Town must-sees include Barrio Santa Cruz, the hillside neighbourhood, which features buildings including the 17th-century blue-domed Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the baroque Alicante Town Hall.

Another non-negotiable when you’re in Spain? Indulging in its famous tapas culture.

You’re spoiled for choice in Alicante — on every corner, you’ll find a quaint little spot serving patatas bravas and wine.

According to TripAdvisor, San Telmo Gastrobar, behind the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, is one of the best in the city.

Other highly-recommended eateries include Falafelmanía Restaurante, which serves Middle Eastern vegetarian and vegan home cooking, and Picaro 1999 steakhouse, which one reviewer called the ‘best place to eat paella.’