Alicante is such an underrated town in Spain, with most of its visitors flying in from the UK on route to let loose up the road in Benidorm. However, this Spanish, seaside city is worth your travel time and dollars to stay a little longer and uncover what it has to offer.
My original reason for staying in Alicante was also a stop-over while on my way to explore the rest of the coastline. However, the few days I spent in Alicante completely exceeded my expectations. It’s a pretty cool Spanish city, by the beach with an epic castle perched up on a hill.
Although Alicante is a large enough city to host an international airport, its hostel options are rather limited compared to other Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona. But don’t worry about a thang, in this guide I’ve collated the BEST hostels and budget stays in the city.
Whether you’re a solo traveller looking to make a few new mates, chill out by the sea or just after a place to crash before moving on – I’ve found the best of the best for every budget traveller heading to Alicante.
So, let’s get into it, amigo!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Alicante
- Best Overall Hostel in Alicante – Vad Hostel
- Best Hostel in Alicante for Solo Travellers – The Market Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Alicante – Zenia Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Alicante – Hostelole
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Alicante – Hostal Numero Trece
The 5 Best Hostels in Alicante
In a few minutes, you will be booking yourself into the perfect hostel in Alicante for you. With each of the stays a little different from the last, you will be able to find that hostel that best suits how you like to travel 🙂
Here are the top 5 hostels in Alicante:
1. Vad Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Alicante
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Address: Calle General Pintos 1, Alicante, Spain
Other than the beaches and historic beauty, your experience at this one-of-a-kind backpacker’s hostel will be one of the first things that come to mind when you are telling your friends about your trip to Spain! Being social, mixing with other travellers, and having a good time is the name of the game at Vad Hostel Alicante.
This hostel is GREAT for solo travellers. There is a super social vibe to the hostel which makes it easy to mix and mingle with fellow travellers. They hostel events such as pub crawls and BBQs to make it even easier to make a few new mates during your stay.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Social vibes
- Organised social events
- Clean (!!)
- Great kitchen
The hostel itself is a 20-minute walk from both the city centre and the beach. But what the hostel lacks in location, it makes up for in terms of vibes. The terrace is a popular spot to hang out and the dorm rooms feel spacious (a rarity, I know).
The rooms are clean and each bed has a privacy curtain. Plus, the air conditioning works a treat if you’re staying over the summer. This is without a doubt one of the BEST hostels in Spain, especially if you’re flyin’ solo.
2. The Market Hostel – Best Hostel in Alicante for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: Calle Diaz Moreu Nro.20, Alicante, Alicante, Spain
Not only will you have the beach, market, and the Ramblas waiting right outside your door when staying at The Market Hostel, but you will also have the Airport Bus whizzing you directly from the airport to your hostel! Plus it’s close to the train station too – making this hostel highly accessible for us travellers.
With some of the cheapest beds in town, this backpacker’s paradise has secured its spot as one of the best hostels in Alicante. Solo travellers will love the ease of coming and going from this hostel – it’s central and close to lots of public transport stops.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Convenient location
- Close to the Airport Bus stop
- Walking distance to Postiguet Beach.
Unlike Vad Hostel, The Market Hostel will have you smack bang in the middle of the action. Located in San Anton, just a few steps from the Central Market. You’ll be 100m away from the Old Town and the Rambia. You’ll also be just a 10-15 minute walk from Postiguet Beach. So, if you’re just in town for a short stay and want to explore all the sights on foot – this is a great choice!
Although The Market Hostel is overall a banger of a choice – its downfalls are that it doesn’t have a fully-equipped kitchen (just a microwave, no stove top) and the social vibes are not so high. But if you’re happy to eat out (surely a few tapas!) and happy for a more chilled-out vibe, you’ll love this spot.
3. Zenia Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Alicante
- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Private Room: From $92
- Address: Calle Francisco Salzillo 10, Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Spain
Zenia Hostel is unlike most other hostels. It’s got homestay vibes and boujeeness all wrapped into one as it’s located on a traditional Spanish estate. Yep, fancy – I know!! With a swimming pool on-site, multiple porches, terraces, a kitchen and sun beds: this hostel has everything you could need to just chill the f*ck out during your stay in Alicante.
This fantastically reviewed hostel opened its doors to all kinds of travellers – budget backpackers, families or groups of friends. There is a super friendly atmosphere. If you’re after a peaceful stay, outside of the city – this is the spot for you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swimming pool
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Close to the beach
- GREAT bang for your buck.
However, it is outside of the city and not just by a little. It’s a two-hour bus ride from the centre of Alicante. But if you’re planning to stay more than a night or two, it’s worth the trip. Once you get there, it’s only a 30-minute bus to Torrevieja. It is better suited to those who have a car.
The hostel is within walking distance of many beaches, grocery stores, and a shopping mall. Overall, this is a great place to stay in Alicante. Especially if you’re at that point in your trip when you want to chill out and unwind.
If you’re looking to beach, chill by the pool and make your own meals (another great way to save a few extra bucks) – this is a great spot to perch up for budget backpackers.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Hostelole – Best Party Hostel in Alicante
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Address: Calle Poeta Quintana 26, Alicante, Spain
If you want to stay right in the thick of the action and not wanting to miss a beat of the heart of Alicante, you will want to be sure to stay at Hostel Ole! Putting you right by Mercado Central and the famous Santa Barbara’s, you will have all the best sights, restaurants, and bars right outside your door.
When the sun goes down, that’s when the party really starts! This youth hostel is home to its very own live music, giving you a local touch to exploring the best bars and clubs in Alicante.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great location (central and 10 minutes walk from the beach)
- Bar on-site with live music
- Close to the airport bus stop
There isn’t ample space to hang out in the hostel, there is a chill-out space upstairs with tables but it’s not the easiest place to mix and mingle. But if you head downstairs in the evening, there is a pub literally in the same building. Enjoy the live music and a few beers. The cafe next door also does a bangin’ breakfast!
However, you’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re not keen to join in. There is live music in the same building, so if it’s peace and quiet you’re after – this is not the top pick for you.
5. Hostal Numero Trece – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Alicante
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Address: Calle Maestro Caballero,13, Alicante, Spain
At Hostal Numero Trece, you will not only be getting some of the cheapest dorm beds in all of Alicante, but you will also be staying just minutes away from the gorgeous beaches and waters of the Mediterranean!
With some of the best places to visit in Spain, such as the Central Market and Museum of Modern Art, right outside your doorstep, you couldn’t ask for a better place to kick off your holiday in Alicante. What really makes this hostel stand apart is its laid-back boutique style, perfect for cosying up with a good book in one of the lounges and chatting with other travellers!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Digital nomad heaven.
- Great location
- Laid-back vibe
This is the BEST hostel for digital nomads in Spain. There are tables to work from in the shared space and great free WiFi. The place is clean and quiet. There is the opportunity to meet new travellers but there isn’t an overall social vibe, so there is no guilt to sit and get some shit done on your laptop.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Alicante Hostels & Budget Stays
Thought that was it? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back with more Alicante hostels and budget stays. There are even more places to choose from for us budget backpackers.
Here are a few more hostels and other budget-friendly stays in Alicante:
Barrio Boutik Hostal
- Private Room: From $228 (3-night stay)
- Address: Carmen, 9, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Are you travelling with your partner and need to inject a little extra romance into your holiday? Barrio Boutik Hostal will give you all the privacy and style of a hotel while still having the vibe and charm of a backpacker’s hostel.
When you are not cosying up in one of the spacious rooms of the guesthouse, you will find that this stay has a quirky and boutique design perfect for kicking back in and enjoying the atmosphere. When you finally manage to tear yourself away from your bed, you will find that the beach and all the best sights of Alicante are just a few steps away from your door!
Hola Hostel Alicante
- Private Room: From $54
- Address: Calle General Primo de Rivera 10, 03002 Alicante, Spain
If you are a digital nomad, eventually you will need to find a hostel to base yourself on and get some work done. Hola Hostel Alicante may not have any dorm rooms, but the budget private rooms, undeniable style, and spacious lounges will make for the ideal place to call home and get down to work.
After you put your finishing touches on your latest video or article, that’s when the fun can really begin! From Hola Hostel you will that the beaches, markets, and the famous San Nicolas Co-Cathedral are just a stone’s throw away from your door!
Love Alicante
- Private Room: From $327
- Address: Calle San Vicente 19, 4 Dch, 03004 Alicante, Spain
Love Alicante will have you staying in some of the cosiest and cheapest budget rooms in town with all of the best sights of downtown Alicante within your grasp. From the castle to the beach, you will be able to start your Spanish adventure simply by stepping out of your guesthouse.
This budget hotel has so much more to offer than just a great location, Love Alicante will have you taking in the city with style from the comfort of your very own balcony. Complete with a shared kitchen and comfortable beds you will have to tear yourself away from every morning, this is one stay that you will be coming back to again and again!
Guest House Capitan Meca
- Private Room: From $54
- Address: Calle Maria Josefa Agreda y Muñoz, 4 , 2 Dch, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Spain and Europe as a whole are not a cheap place to travel. Luckily for you, this budget guesthouse will have you saving a few extra Euros without giving up any of the comfort and privacy of staying in a hotel! Guest House Captain Meca adopts a colourful artsy style in its rooms, giving you a boutique experience on a backpacker’s budget.
With its clean kitchen and shared bathroom, there is no better way to save money while still pampering yourself than by staying at this cosy hotel. What will really make you want to stay in this guesthouse is the fact that the beach and all the best restaurants in Alicante can be found just outside your door!
Centric Rooms Mercado
- Private Room: From $43
- Address: Carrer Pintor Velazquez, 11, 03004 Alicante, Spain
For just a few extra Euros you can leave the dorm rooms behind and move into your very own spacious private room at Centric Rooms Mercado! These budget rooms will have you living a life of added luxury, giving you some much-needed peace and quiet after staying in so many dorms. Even backpackers need a break sometimes.
Putting you within a stone’s throw of the San Nicolas Co-Cathedral, you will find all the best sights and restaurants around your budget hostel! For cheap rooms and extra comfort, Centric Rooms Mercado is the place for you!
Angel and Nuria’s BnB
- Private Room: From $177 (2-night stay)
- Address: Alicante, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
This luxurious and homey BnB makes for the perfect apartment to wake up in, with light pouring in from the many windows and stunning views of the surrounding city and sea, this BnB is an experience in itself.
Complete with a living room, kitchen, and cosy bedroom, you will feel as if you are moving right into Alicante! With the beach just 15 minutes away and tons of restaurants and bars nearby, staying in this BnB is an absolute no-brainer.
Socorro 11
Socorro 11 has budget hotel rooms that even the cheapest backpacker’s hostels can’t keep up with! For the lowest price in Alicante, you can wake up in your own private room with stunning views of the Mediterranean from your window. With the beach right outside your hotel, you can’t get much closer to the action than this.
When you aren’t lounging about in your spacious room, Socorro 11 will get your adventure started off right with their very own tour desk. From travel advice to beaches just a few minutes away, this is one of the best budget Alicante hotels to call home.
Habitaciones Mercado Central
For just a few Euros more you can upgrade yourself from a dorm bed to this cosy private room in downtown Alicante! Each of these simple yet homey rooms will have you staying just minutes away from all the top sights in Alicante.
With the beaches, markets, and museums just a short walk away, you will never have to worry about hailing a taxi or hopping on a tram. And for a budget price, you will have all the added comfort and privacy of an Alicante hotel room but for the average price of a backpackers hostel. For a good night’s sleep and a great location, you could not ask for a better place to call home!
Maria’s BnB
If you want to truly feel at home in Alicante, Maria’s BnB will give you all the charm and comfort of staying with a friend, the privacy of a hotel, and the price of a backpacker’s hostel. Each of their cosy rooms will have you well-rested and ready to hop out of bed and start exploring the city the next morning.
With the beach only two minutes away from the BnB, your adventure waits just a few minutes outside of your door. Top it off with the best markets and museums of Alicante within walking distance of your apartment, you are sure to fall in love with this BnB!
Olga & Dominica’s BnB
Regardless if you are looking for a little added luxury or just some more room to spread out in, this BnB will give you free rein of an entire apartment. With its sunny and spacious rooms and kitchen, you will feel just like a local living in the heart of Alicante.
With the lively market, castle, beaches, and all of the best restaurants nearby, you could not ask for a better place to call home. No matter if you are a large group or just looking to snug up with your partner, this one-of-a-kind BnB is the perfect place to kick off your dream vacation in Alicante!
Centro Historico
From the very second you step into this gorgeous BnB in Alicante, your jaw will hit the floor. This boutique-style luxury apartment is nothing short of stunning, with its open living room and views looking over the centre of Alicante, this is one loft you will never want to check out of!
With all the best bars, restaurants, and bars nearby, you will always have the choice of dining in or treating yourself to one of the restaurants serving mouthwatering Spanish cuisine by your apartment. What will truly astound you is the fact that this BnB will give you this entire loft for not much more than what you would pay for a dorm bed.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Alicante
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Alicante.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About the Best Hostels in Alicante
Deciding on the best hostels is never easy, especially if you have as many options as in Alicante. To make it a bit easier for you, I’ve answered the most frequently asked questions on Alicante hostels:
What to Pack for Your Alicante Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Alicante?
Hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect price starts from $20+ per night depending on the season.
What are the best hostels in Alicante for couples?
Experience the privacy and style of a hotel while still having the vibe and charm of a backpacker’s hostel with your partner in Barrio Boutik Hostal.
What are the best hostels in Alicante near the airport?
The Market Hostel is just a 22-minute drive from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport. It’s also close to the Airport Bus stop, whizzing you directly from the airport to your hostel.
Final Thoughts on Alicante’s Hostels
You can almost smell the food from here! All the great restaurants, sandy beaches, and romantic Spanish houses nestled along the coast await you in Alicante. With roaring nightlife and so much to explore in the city, you could spend days in Alicante and barely scratch the surface of what this city has to offer.
What will set the tone for your adventure is the backpacker’s hostel you call home. From places where you can get some much-needed “me time” and Alicante hostels designed for socialising, you are bound to find that one stay that fits how you like to travel!
Wherever you end up, I hope you have an incredible time in Alicante!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Spain for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Spain covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Spain if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Spain before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Spain to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
