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About the Alicante, Spain Program

The Alicante program is a USAC specialty program. Learn more about on-site program elements and the city itself below.

About Alicante

A view of the Old Quarter and Alicante Castle at night in Alicante, Spain.Students at a festival posing in front of a colorful sculpture in Alicante, Spain.

  • Distance from Madrid: 221 miles
  • Distance from Barcelona: 300 miles

Nestled on the southeastern coast of Spain, Alicante overlooks the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. With its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, great mountain landscapes, and rich culture, it has become one of the most popular destinations in Spain. Boasting an average high of 72°F and low temperature of 56°F with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Alicante’s sandy beaches can be enjoyed most of the year.

Alicante’s broad, four-mile-long beach of San Juan is considered one of the finest in all of Spain due to its size, services, and upkeep. Kayaking, sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more are available.

Entertainment and nightlife is rich and extensive in Alicante. The Old Quarter of town, El Barrio, is overflowing with popular cafés set among traditional architecture. Alicante’s port, El Puerto, is the most modern area of leisure and entertainment, with restaurants and night spots overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The city hosts festivals nearly every month.