Albir holidays

How to reach Albir

• Flight time: There aren’t any flights directly into Albir, but you can fly into Alicante, which is the nearest airport. Flights from Dublin or other major Irish airports take about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Transfer time: From Alicante Airport, the easiest ways to get to Albir are by car, taxi, or shuttle bus, with the journey taking around 45 minutes. There's also a public bus that heads to Benidorm, and from there it’s a quick taxi ride to Albir.

• Price: A taxi from Alicante Airport to Albir will set you back about €60–€70. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter on the wallet, shuttle bus services only cost around €12 per person for a one-way trip.

Best time to visit Albir

Any season of the year is a great time to visit Albir, thanks to its lovely Mediterranean climate, which brings hot summers and mild winters. If you’re keen on avoiding the crowds and high prices, aiming for the off-peak times is your best bet.

• April to June is ideal for those looking for warm weather with fewer folks around. Average temperatures climb from 17°C in April to 25°C in June, with hardly any rain. It's perfect for lounging on the beach or taking in the sights without breaking a sweat.

• July to August is prime time for beach lovers. Expect temperatures to peak around 31°C with plenty of sunshine. It’s a bustling time in town, though you will notice the prices go up.

• September to November brings a more laid-back vibe. While temperatures drop from 26°C in September to 17°C in November and you might see a bit more rain, there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy.

• December to March might be cooler, with temperatures hovering between 12°C and 17°C. It's a fab time to escape the chill back home and enjoy a more active holiday without the queues.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The official language is Spanish, but you’ll find that English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Join the locals for an afternoon siesta when many shops take a break, and get used to having dinner a bit later, usually around 9 pm.

• Currency: Spain uses the Euro. You'll find ATMs easily, and credit cards are accepted in most places, but it’s handy to have a bit of cash on you for tipping.

• Getting around: Buses serve the main towns and attractions reliably, with single fares starting at about €1.50. Taxis are easy to find, but if you’re keen to explore a bit more, renting a car could be a great idea.

• Electricity and plug types: The voltage in Spain is 220 volts, and they use the continental two-pin round plugs. If you’re coming from Ireland, don’t forget to pack an adaptor!

• Time zone: Spain follows Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, and they do observe Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Albir

Albir, an authentic Spanish resort on the Costa Blanca, may be Benidorm's quieter, more compact neighbour, but still has all the attractions and amenities you could want for a fun-filled holiday.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Punta Bombarda Lighthouse: A scenic walk leads to this historic lighthouse, perched high on a rock from where there are magnificent views over the coastline.

• Serra Gelada Natural Park: Some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region may be had by hiking along the paths of Serra Gelada Natural Park.

The best districts

• Albir beachfront: At the heart of Albir, this area centres around the bustling promenade that runs along a stony beach; take in the sea views while browsing the shops or dine at one of the many beachfront eateries.

• Old Town Altea: The seafront promenade links Albir to Altea. Altea's pretty Old Town is a must-visit, with its narrow, cobbled streets full with beautiful whitewashed buildings. For more option on holiday packages in the area, check our deals on holidays to Altea.

Parks and gardens

• Eucalyptus Park: Shaded paths, picnic areas and a children's play area make this vast park a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Historical monuments

• Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana: Just around the headland in Benidorm, this 18th-century church is one of the most beautiful in the Costa Blanca.

• Guadalest Castle: A 20-minute drive inland, it's well worth the journey to see this medieval castle perched on top of a craggy mountain. The views are stupendous.

Day trips in the area

• Benidorm: For a change of pace, in-your-face Benidorm has long sandy beaches, lively nightlife and many family-friendly activities. With its pretty alleyways, the historic centre is a reminder of Benidorm's quaint past. Discover our great deals on cheap holidays to Benidorm.

• Calpe: Famous for its iconic rock formation, Peñón de Ifach, Calpe makes a great day out and the chance to sample some of the best local seafood. Take a hike up the rock for amazing views. Check our our best offers on holidays to Calpe.

• Villajoyosa: Villajoyosa is a delightful town to visit. Stroll through the streets admiring its colourful houses, visit the chocolate museum and relax on the beach. Don't miss the best holidays to Villajoyosa on lastminute.com.

Activities for families in Albir

With Benidorm on the doorstep, it's no surprise that there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained on holidays to Albir.

• Theme parks: Located in Benidorm, Terra Mítica theme park offers thrilling rides, shows and attractions based on ancient civilisations.

• Water parks: One of the biggest water parks in Europe, Benidorm's Aqualandia is perfect for a fun-filled day for people of all ages with its thrilling slides, pools and attractions.

• Animal attractions: A 10km drive inland from Albir, at Terra Natura visitors can see a range of creatures in their native environments and discover conservation initiatives. Mundomar in Benidorm is another animal and marine park where dolphins and sea lions are a favourite with the youngsters.

• Other activities: Enjoy a round of mini-golf at Mini-golf Albir, a fun and enjoyable activity that the whole family can participate in.

Free things to do in Albir

Your Albir holidays don't have to break the bank if you take advantage of the many free things to do as well as enjoying the obvious must-see attractions.

• Beach days: Spend a day at Albir's Blue Flag beach soaking up the sun, without spending a Euro. The stunning turquoise-blue waters are ideal for swimming, and they contrast beautifully with the white-stone beach.

• Waterside strolls: Walk the coastal promenade that connects Albir with neighbouring towns – the walk to Altea is especially picturesque. Another option is to stroll around Albir Marina gazing at the boats.

• Hiking trails: Explore the natural beauty of the area by taking advantage of the numerous free hiking trails around Albir. The Serra Gelada Natural Park has trails that cater to all levels, which all offer breathtaking views of the coastline. One of the most popular routes leads to the Punta Bombarda Lighthouse.

• Free events: Many of the towns and villages in the vicinity of Albir have cultural events and festivals happening throughout the year. These events, which frequently include colourful parades, music, dance and fireworks, are a great way to be entertained for free.

Nature and outdoor activities in Albir

• Water sports: Every kind of water sport imaginable can be enjoyed in the crystal-clear waters around Albir – from paddleboarding and kayaking to snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing. Many local companies offer rentals and lessons for both beginners and more experienced water sport enthusiasts.

• Cycling: Albir is a cyclist's paradise with its well-maintained cycling routes that vary in difficulty. Local companies hire out bikes so you can explore the picturesque landscapes, quaint villages and coastal views.

• Horse riding: Discovering the scenic countryside around Albir on horseback offers a unique outdoor experience. Guided tours are available for all skill levels.

Local dishes in Albir

The distinct cuisine of Costa Blanca, which reflects the region's mix of traditional Spanish flavours with Mediterranean ones, is one of the best parts of any visit to Albir.

Some typical dishes

• Paella: This famous Spanish dish features saffron-infused rice with a mix of seafood, chicken and vegetables. Each restaurant has its own twist on this classic.

• Fideua: Similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice, fideua is packed with seafood and has a unique flavour.

Tapas dishes

• Patatas Bravas: Spicy fried potatoes served with a tangy tomato sauce and aioli are a staple in Spanish tapas bars and perfect for sharing.

• Calamari: Lightly battered and fried squid rings, often served with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Meat dishes

• Carne a la Parilla: Grilled meats, simply seasoned with salt and pepper, allow the natural flavours to shine.

• Albóndigas: These Spanish meatballs are made from a mixture of pork and beef, and cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gambas al Ajillo: Bursting with flavour, prawns sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chilli are a favourite among seafood lovers.

• Pulpo a la Gallega: Octopus served on a bed of sliced potatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with paprika.

Sweets and desserts

• Turrón: Traditional Spanish nougat made from honey, sugar, egg white and almonds, which comes in various textures and flavours, is a popular choice during the festive season.

• Leche Frita: Another local favourite, leche frita is made from thickened milk that is cut into squares, fried and dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

Local drinks

• Horchata: A refreshing beverage made with tiger nuts that is ideal for drinking on warm summer days.

• Agua de Valencia: Made from a mix of cava (Spanish sparkling wine), orange juice, vodka and gin, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for enjoying in the sunshine.