‘Perfect’ Spanish coastal town is still most popular destinations for people flying from East Midlands Airport

Alicante remains one of the most popular destinations for people flying from East Midlands Airport – and September is the perfect time to visit.

The Spanish coastal town is served by all three of the main airlines that operate from East Midlands - Ryanair, TUI and Jet2 - with up to five departures a day next month.

September sees temperatures of around 28°C and the Mediterranean Sea remaining an inviting 25°C, while crowds have reduced as school terms resume across Europe and accommodation and flight rates are lower than during the peak summer period.

Book a Jet2 flight to Alicante here.

Alicante has more to offer than just spending time on the beach – although the city's main urban beach Playa del Postiguet, or the larger Playa de San Juan a short tram ride away, are well worth visiting. The historical old town offers winding, white-walled streets and flower-lined alleys, while a hike or lift up to the medieval fortress of Castillo de Santa Bárbara provides panoramic views of the coast.

Flights from East Midlands Airport to Alicante can be booked here: Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport

Other pleasant pastimes include a stroll along the esplanade, a visit to the Mercado Central to sample local delicacies and a boat trip to Tabarca Island, Spain's first protected marine reserve.

September is when the historic, former fishing neighbourhood of Raval Roig celebrates its patron saint festivities, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro. The streets fill with neighbours, traditional music and community parties.

Book a Jet2 flight to Alicante here.

Between 4 and 9 September, the town of Villena, a 45-minute trip north, hosts the Moors and Christians Festival, featuring 12,000 participants parading in jaw-dropping, elaborate medieval military costumes, complete with thundering gunpowder re-enactments and brass bands.

A similar distance east along the coast lies Benidorm, which stages its Gay Pride festival between 1-6 September, offering seven nights of incredible indoor and outdoor parties, featuring a truly international lineup of singers, dancers, drag artists, DJs and club nights from the biggest names in Spain, with a colourful parade on the Saturday.

Flights from East Midlands Airport to Alicante can be booked here: Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport