What to do in Alicante in winter: the 5 best plans

The province of Alicante is one of those places that, far from losing its charm with cold weather and the coming of winter, becomes even more attractive if possible. The Costa Blanca is an ideal destination to visit in Spain during the winter season, thanks to its mild temperatures (with a 19.3 °C yearly average!) and Christmas traditions.

Its spots and dreamy villages guarantee a good time at any time of the year, but the beginning of the winter season is the perfect time to soak in all the magic and contrasts in Alicante, a province that is synonymous of sun, good food and a wide cultural offer.

Our route to discover what to do in Alicante in winter will take us to more than one village in the province, so we recommend you go hassle-free and rent a car with Wiber Rent a Car at the Alicante Airport. Along the way, we will discover the charms of winter tourism down the Costa Blanca and watch it deck out to welcome Christmas. Will you come with us?

Winter must-sees in Alicante

One of the main advantages of being a tourist in Alicante in winter is that, as it is low season, the province is not as crowded and you will have the opportunity to enjoy all its wonders more calmly.

Furthermore, there are things you can only experience at this time of year, when the Christmas spirit takes over its denizens and magic fills the streets in the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful villages.

1. Alcoy's legendary Tirisiti Nativity

Christmas in Alicante would not be the same without the legendary and world-famous Tirisiti Nativity, a puppet show performed since the 16th century and which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Indeed, it is the most singular and ancient event represented in Spain with puppets.

To visit Alcoy in December is to experience the most classical traditions and Christmas spirit, but watching this famous puppet show is not the only reason to travel here. The city is one of the great mountain cuisine references in the Community of Valencia and its architecture (bridges, medieval towers, the “Casa del Pavo”, war shelters) is well worth a visit.

2. Ibi: the capital of handcrafted toys in Alicante

Between the 1940’s and 1980’s, the toy industry was the economic motor of this town in the province of Alicante. The handcrafted toys manufactured here brought Christmas joy to thousands of children all over Spain. For this reason, Ibi is a must-see if you are wondering what to do in Alicante in winter.

The little ones’ excitement over presents from Papa Noel and the Three Wise Men can be felt all over this town, also known as the “Villa del Juguete” (Toy Village). Its citizens’ devotion for toys is undoubtedly palpable. This reflects on the fact that the entire town revolves around the toy theme: a themed hotel; the Valencian Toy Museum; the House of the Three Wise Men… Ibi is all about Christmas history and passion for Christmas. With over 100 years behind it, toy manufacturing is still the town’s motor since the first one was made in 1905.

3. Jijona: the birthplace of the most typical Christmas sweet in Alicante

Another place to discover in Alicante in winter is Jijona. This is the birthplace of a type of nougat known as turrón, the sweet protagonist at all Christmas meals. Here, they vindicate the traditional value of artisanal nougat, far from mass productions and white labels. Of course, the city hosts the Nougat Museum, a true homage to its star product.

Also, to properly digest all that nougat, Jijona is one of the best places in the province of Alicante for hiking lovers, with great points of attraction such as the “Llibreria”, the “Carrasqueta” or the Castle, all very close to the city. And, incidentally, Jijona has around one hundred ancient fountains.

4. Orihuela: great architectural and artistic heritage

The city of Orihuela, located in Alicante’s region of Vega Baja, is also one of those perfect places to visit in winter. This region is generally not very well known, but it has places like Orihuela that are full of magic and definitely worth discovering.

The region is on par with many Spanish capitals as far as the architectural and artistic heritage found on its streets. The Episcopal Palace, the Sacred Art Museum, the Diocesan School or the San Juan de Dios Museum are tourist points of attention that stand out thanks to their beauty and architecture.

Besides, one of the things that Orihuela is best known for is being the birthplace of Miguel Hernández, one of the most renowned Spanish poets and a symbol of the fight against Franco’s regime. Here you will find the Museum House, where the poet lived with his family and where you can see a series of testimonial elements from the life of this genius from Alicante.

5. Alicante in winter: enjoy it without all the summer overcrowding

If you are wondering what to do in Alicante in the winter, the answer is easy: the same as in summer (except going to the beach), but without all the tourist crowds. Wrap yourself up in the winter sun of the Costa Blanca capital and enjoy its great attractions like visiting the Santa Bárbara Castle, strolling around the old town or losing yourself in the colorful Santa Cruz district. You can also take a walk around the famous and sunny España Esplanade, the promenade across from the Postiguet, and sit at one of its terraces to enjoy an exquisite hot chocolate with churros.

We leave you here besides some other wonderful roadtrips that you can enjoy around, like the Marina Baixa road trip or visiting the Vinalopó Castles.

In short, it is always a good time to discover all the spots in Alicante and get to know a friendly, accessible, beautiful and cheerful city. Will you join us in our winter plans?