Cheap holidays to Alicante from the UK
Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team
| Airport code | ALC |
|---|---|
| Typical direct flight time from the UK | about 2h 24m |
| Best weather | April–June and September–October |
| Usually cheapest | November–February, avoiding Christmas |
| Usually most expensive | August, when Spanish holidaymakers fill the coast |
| Currency | euro (EUR) |
Alicante (and nearby Benidorm) is one of the cheapest places to fly to in Spain thanks to heavy low-cost competition from almost every UK airport.
✦ Search live fares: “Cheap flights to Alicante from the UK”When is the cheapest time to fly to Alicante?
Fares to Alicante follow UK school holidays as much as the weather. The weeks that are usually cheapest are November–February, avoiding Christmas, while August, when Spanish holidaymakers fill the coast tend to cost the most. The climate pattern is mild-to-warm winters, which is exactly when UK demand rises, so the sweet spot for value and weather is normally April–June and September–October – ideally outside half-term. Moving a trip by a few days, or flying midweek (Tuesday and Wednesday are often quieter), can make more difference than which website you book on.
The table below shows the typical demand pattern we see for UK departures. It's a guide, not a price promise – use the live search for real fares on your dates.
| Month | Typical price level from the UK |
|---|---|
| Jan | Mid-range |
| Feb | Often dearer |
| Mar | Mid-range |
| Apr | Often dearer |
| May | Often cheaper |
| Jun | Often cheaper |
| Jul | Mid-range |
| Aug | Mid-range |
| Sep | Often cheaper |
| Oct | Often dearer |
| Nov | Often cheaper |
| Dec | Often dearer |
In short: if you only care about price, look at May, Jun, Sep, Nov first.
Which UK airports fly to Alicante?
Alicante has had direct or easy one-stop services from these UK airports (schedules change by season, and some routes run in summer or winter only):
- London Gatwick
- London Stansted
- London Luton
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Newcastle
- Leeds Bradford
- Liverpool
- East Midlands
- Belfast
Always compare two or three airports you can reach. A cheaper fare from an airport an hour further away often beats the cost of the train or parking at your nearest one.
✦ Search live fares: “Alicante from Manchester next month”Do I need a visa for Spain?
Spain is in the Schengen area: UK passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180, and the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) registers your fingerprints and photo on first entry. Check your passport was issued less than 10 years ago and has at least 3 months left after you leave. Always check the FCDO Spain travel advice before you book and again before you fly.
What money do I need in Alicante?
The local currency is the euro (EUR). Use a fee-free travel card where you can, withdraw from bank ATMs rather than airport exchange desks, and when a card machine asks whether to pay in pounds or the local currency, choose local – the "pay in pounds" option usually has a worse rate. Our travel money guide explains more.
Where should I stay in Alicante on a budget?
Central Alicante near the Explanada is good value; Benidorm has the widest range of budget hotels. Staying one or two metro stops away from the main sights usually saves a noticeable amount per night without adding much travel time. Check reviews for noise, heating or air conditioning depending on the season.
What can I do for free or cheap in Alicante?
- Postiguet beach right in town
- Santa Bárbara castle views
- The Explanada de España promenade
Budget tips for Alicante
- The C-6 airport bus is the cheap way into town.
- The TRAM runs along the coast to Benidorm and beyond.
- Midweek flights from regional airports are often the cheapest seats.
- Fly hand luggage only where you can – bag fees often cost more than the price difference between airlines.
- Use flexible dates and set a price alert so you can pounce when fares drop.
- Get a travel eSIM if your UK plan charges for roaming.
How do I find the cheapest Alicante deal with HopCheap?
Type what you want in plain English – for example “Alicante in May under £200 from Birmingham” – and our AI deal finder reads your dates, budget and departure airport, checks live fares and explains why each option is good value. HopCheap never takes payment: you book directly with the airline or partner.
✦ Search live fares: “Alicante for 2 adults, flexible dates”Related guides
- Cheapest winter sun destinations from the UK
- Winter sun under four hours from the UK: the best budget options
- UK travellers to Europe: entry rules to check in 2026
- Flexible date search: how to find the cheapest fares
- Hand luggage only: beating budget airline fees
More Europe destinations: Barcelona · Malaga · Palma, Mallorca · Tenerife · Lisbon · Porto. See all destinations.
Frequently asked questions
When is the cheapest time to fly to Alicante from the UK?
Usually November–February, avoiding Christmas. Prices rise during august. Use flexible dates to find the cheapest days.
How long is the flight from the UK to Alicante?
Direct flights take around 2h 24m, depending on your departure airport.
Which UK airports fly to Alicante?
Routes have run from London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and others. Schedules vary by season.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Spain?
Spain is in the Schengen area: UK passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180, and the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) registers your fingerprints and photo on first entry. Check your passport was issued less than 10 years ago and has at least 3 months left after you leave.
We don't quote fixed prices because fares change constantly – the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.