myholidaysnow.co.uk

Winter sun, two words to conjure a blissful escape to a land where dreich has no meaning. As the worst of the Scottish climate descends in earnest in November with little chance of a respite before April, wouldn’t you rather be on the Med?

Alicante, gateway to the resorts of the Costa Blanca, and one of Spain’s most distinctive cities, might just be the answer.

Today’s Big Deal offers the chance of an escape to this old Moorish city, full of atmospheric streets, great bars, nightlife and temperatures guaranteed to put Glasgow’s in the damp shade.

Mediterranean nights

The Big Deal, exclusive to 5pm customers, flies you to Alicante, a jewel of the Costa Blanca, with colourful streets clustered beneath its medieval fortress.

The Big Deal offers return flights with Ryanair from Glasgow International, with luggage allowance and three nights room only accommodation, based on two sharing, in the 3* Best Western Hotel Albahia.

Flight dates

The city breaks are for a three night stay, flying from Glasgow International. The following dates are available – book early to ensure your preferences are obtainable:

24.11.2016 – 27.11.2016
01.12.2016 – 04.12.2016
08.12.2016 – 11.12.2016
15.12.2016 – 18.12.2016
12.01.2017 – 15.01.2017
19.01.2017 – 22.01.2017
26.01.2017 – 29.01.2017
02.02.2017 – 05.02.2017
09.02.2017 – 12.02.2017
16.02.2017 – 19.02.2017
23.02.2017 – 26.02.2017
09.03.2017 – 12.03.2017

Central accommodation

The Best Western Hotel Albahia is located between the city centre and the beaches of San Juan, Albufereta and Muchavista, just ten minutes walk from the beach. The old town of Alicante is about 30 minutes away on foot. Nearby trams offer connections along the coast, to Benidorm and the Terra Mitica Theme Park.

Comfortable, contemporary guest rooms have bright décor, air conditioning, satellite TV and most have a private balcony.

Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, 9 tennis courts, a free gym and a sea-view restaurant serving authentic à la carte Spanish meals. Tapas and pinchos are available at the bar.

Alicante attractions

The beaches of the Costa Blanca are the main draw for millions of package tourists, but even in winter the region has plenty to offer. The Terra Mitica Theme Park offers a variety of exhilarating rides and adventures in a coastal setting a short train ride from Alicante.

The city itself merits exploration. The dramatic medieval Castillo de Santa Barbara is an obvious focus. Most of the fortress dates from the 16th century and can be reached via a lift from the seaward side. The castle gardens are an attractive expanse of olive groves, walking trails and superb coastal vistas.

The cultural hub is the Museum of Contemporary Art, an elegant modern gallery housed in the historic Asegurada building. The impressive collection includes works by Dali and Picasso.

A considerable part of the city’s charm lies in the attractive warren of streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz around the cathedral, with late-opening bars, live music and atmospheric clubs.

Guest reviews

The Best Western Hotel Albahia has plenty of positive feedback on TripAdvisor. Recent contributions include the following, edited for length:

‘Rooms were outstanding, modernised, very clean, air conditioned, television, hotel phone and cleaned everyday with fresh towels.’

‘It’s a lovely hotel with very nice clean and modern rooms. All comfortable and easy.’

‘Staff are delightful, friendly, speak good English and so willing to please.’

Great getaway

The Costa Blanca holiday is a familiar option for Scots travellers, but this Big Deal winter break to Alicante offers the chance to see a less frenetic side of Spain’s Mediterranean coast and appreciate the laid-back charms of a fascinating city.

With plenty of sunshine and Alicante temperatures in the comfortable teens, it’s also the perfect chance to escape Scotland’s winter chill for a pre-festive getaway or for a welcome break in the new year.