Holidaymakers are paying more than ever to stay in Alicante, with hotel prices rising by almost 8% in the first half of the year as demand for the Costa Blanca continues to grow.
A new Hotel Barometer from industry analysts STR and Cushman & Wakefield shows Alicante was one of Spain’s strongest-performing tourist destinations between January and June, combining rising occupancy with higher room rates as the country heads towards another record-breaking tourism year.
Across Spain, the average hotel room cost €163.40 per night during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 4.9% compared with the same period last year. Hotel occupancy also edged up to 74.1%, while revenue per available room (RevPAR), one of the industry’s key performance indicators, climbed by 5.6% to €121.20.
The report says Spain’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate strong demand despite an uncertain global economic and geopolitical backdrop.
Alicante among Spain’s busiest destinations
Alicante recorded one of the highest hotel occupancy rates in Spain during the first half of the year, with hotels filling an average of 83.3% of their available rooms. Only Valencia, at 91.2%, achieved a higher occupancy among the country’s leading tourist destinations.
Alicante also enjoyed one of the biggest year-on-year increases in occupancy, rising by 5.2%, second only to Valencia.
At the same time, hotel operators increased their average daily room rates (ADR) by 7.9%, making Alicante one of the fastest-growing hotel markets in Spain. Only Valencia, with a 9.5% increase, and the Balearic Islands, with 9%, recorded stronger growth.
Benidorm remains excellent value
Despite the rising prices, Benidorm continues to offer some of the most affordable accommodation among Spain’s major holiday resorts.
The average hotel room in Benidorm cost €89.90 per night during the first half of the year, up 6.4% on 2025 but still well below the national average and significantly cheaper than destinations such as the Balearic Islands, where average nightly rates exceeded €190.
Barcelona remained Spain’s most expensive major city for hotel stays, with an average room rate of €195.50, ahead of Madrid on €181.40.
Tourism demand stays strong
The figures suggest Spain is heading for another record tourism year, driven by consistently high demand from both domestic and international visitors.
While Marbella generated the highest revenue per available room at €218.70, the continued growth in Alicante underlines the Costa Blanca’s enduring appeal as one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- Average hotel price in Spain: €163.40 per night, up 4.9%
- Alicante hotel occupancy: 83.3%, one of the highest in Spain
- Occupancy growth in Alicante: Up 5.2% compared with 2025
- Average daily room rate in Alicante: Up 7.9% year-on-year
- Benidorm average hotel rate: €89.90 per night, up 6.4%
- Most expensive Spanish city: Barcelona, with an average room rate of €195.50 per night
