Flights to Alicante, Spain, tend to be lengthy from New Zealand and can range anywhere between 30-60h. The quickest flight from Auckland International (AKL), New Zealand, stands at around 30h, while other more economical flight options are available for durations between 48h and 62h. Alicante flight deals are not currently available from New Zealand’s other major airports of Wellington Airport (WLG) and Christchurch Airport (CHC), leaving Auckland International Airport as the only viable route.
Unfortunately, direct flights from New Zealand to Alicante are not available. Flights to Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), Alicante, however, are available from Auckland International Airport, which include either two or three layovers. You can choose a shorter route of about 31h 45min with two layovers – one at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) for roughly 2h 55min and another at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) for 2h 05min. Alternatively, for a more economical option, you could take a longer route with three layovers, at Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport (KUL), Dubai Airport (DBX) and Barcelona Airport (BCN), for around 1h 35min, 3h 45min and 17h 25min respectively; this amounts to a total journey time of approximately 48h 50min and includes an overnight flight for the first leg of the journey to Kuala Lumpur. Another cheaper option including two layovers, in Singapore and Frankfurt (FRA) at around 16h 55min and 17h 15min, are available with a total journey time of roughly 60h 20min.
To transfer from Alicante Airport to the city centre, you can use the public transport network, via the C-6 bus line, which operates all day, departing every 30min or so. The journey from the airport to Luceros central station will take around 25min at an approximate cost of € 4 (NZ$ 6.45), and you can find the bus stop on the second floor outside the main building, to your left as you exit the airport. Taxis are also available and will get you there slightly quicker, in around 15min, at an approximate fare of € 20 (NZ$ 35).
Alicante city has many cultural attractions and beaches to explore and a convenient modern tram network, making it easy to find your way around the city to your chosen spots. Try a visit to the medieval Santa Barbara Castle on the hill, which you can either walk up or take the lift, for great views over the city. The old part of the town has many museums and churches to visit. The oldest church in the city, Basilica of Santa Maria, is near Postiguet Beach, and next to it, you can visit Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, to view works of celebrated painters such as Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miro. Alternatively, you can enjoy walks along the elegant marble promenades and the many quality beaches this coastal city on the Costa Blanca has to offer.
Citizens of New Zealand are required to obtain a Schengen visa to travel to Alicante in Spain, only if they intend to stay longer than 90 days. For stays shorter than this, a valid passport and an ETIAS authorisation is a mandatory requirement, which is valid for five years and has unlimited entries, for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This can be applied for online for a small fee.
Travelers will need to book flights to Alicante (ALC) if they wish to fly to Alicante. The Alicante airport is 9.7 km from the city center.