From sunlit concerts to late-night firework shows, we've highlighted some of the best events in Alicante that could make your getaway that little bit more special.

Los Reyes Magos (January)

A religious parade with floats, nativity scenes and lights decorating the streets.

Carnival (February-March)

The streets come alive with colourful costumes, music and dance parties.

Cruces de Mayo (May)

The cobbled streets fill with music, dancing and flowers in this annual celebration of the cross.

Bonfires of San Juan (June)

The arrival of summer is celebrated with a festive dinner and midnight bonfires followed by a firework display on the beach.

Medieval Market (June)

A Medieval-themed market with traditional music, food and entertainment to take you back in time.

FIJAZZ Festival (July)

This jazz festival welcomes some of the greatest international musicians.

Nuestra Señora del Remedio (August)

In celebration of Alicante’s patron saint - Our Lady of Remedy - a concert is held, followed by a feast and a procession through the streets.

Virgen del Socorro (September)

The Raval Roig neighbourhood plays a central part in this celebratory feast, with dancing, music, food and fireworks.

The Christmas Light Switch On (November)

A magical moment where the Christmas lights are turned on in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Christmas festivities (December-January)

Visit Alicante’s Plaza de Toros for festive activities such as tobogganing and ice skating.

From action-packed clubs to swanky cocktail bars, Alicante is just as lively in the evening as it is during the day. For an electric night scene with banging beats from international DJs, head to Metro Dance Club. It’s one of the most famous discos in the city, and it won’t disappoint. Confetti and Ten 10 are also popular clubs, open well into the early hours for non-stop dancing. Prefer something a little more laidback? Check out the LGBT-friendly Canibal Lounge Pub for a vibrant atmosphere with drag queen acts, or sample a range of classic cocktails in a cosy setting at Gatsby Cocktail Club.

​Rice and seafood lovers will have a field day in Alicante, with fresh fish and paella gracing almost every menu. What sets Alicante paella apart from the rest, is the salmorreta sauce which the rice is cooked in, made from tomatoes, parsley, garlic and ñora peppers. Hearty dishes such as olleta - a pork dish cooked with lentils, chickpeas and various beans, and borreta - a traditional stew made from salted cod, potatoes, vegetables and chickpeas - are also popular. For something sweet, give Toña Alicantina a try - it's a sweet treat that sits somewhere between a cake and a bread. You’ll find plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants dotted around, but Restaurante Dársena is the place to be for Mediterranean specialties along the seafront, and if you can’t decide what to eat then be sure to stop by D'Tablas Alicante, where waiters circulate with a selection of tasty tapas dishes every few minutes, and you can choose whatever takes your fancy!