Michael Cartwright Photography
ALICANTE: LIGHT, COLOUR & CULTURE – PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Following the success of our sold-out Málaga: Light, Colour & Culture trip, Alicante is the next stop in this growing series of immersive European photography workshops.
Join me for a 4-night adventure in Alicante, Spain, where we’ll explore the interplay of light, colour, and culture in a city that combines historic charm with Mediterranean energy. From the dramatic Castillo de Santa Bárbara overlooking the old town to the palm-lined Explanada and vibrant neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, Alicante is a city built for photographers.
Over 4 nights, we’ll capture golden-hour architecture, lively markets, street life, and seascapes. There will also be the option of a day trip to nearby Altea or Villajoyosa if the group decides — Altea with its whitewashed old town and iconic blue-domed church, or Villajoyosa with its boldly painted seafront homes.
With a small group of just 6 photographers, you’ll receive personalised guidance and plenty of time to refine your style across a mix of urban, cultural, and coastal settings.
FLIGHTS & TRAVEL
✈ Flights from Teesside International Airport (MME) to Alicante (ALC).
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Flight Duration: Approx. 3 hours
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Luggage Allowance: Includes a 10kg carry-on bag + personal item (small camera bag).
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Convenient Departure: Direct flights from Teesside make this an easy and stress-free trip for photographers in the North East.
ACCOMMODATION – NATURE BY RAIDOM, ALICANTE
We’ll be staying at Nature by Raidom, a modern, well-located hotel in central Alicante, close to the old town and seafront.
✔ Private single occupancy en-suite rooms with air-conditioning.
✔ Walking distance to key photography locations.
✔ Modern design and comfortable facilities.
✔ Free Wi-Fi & nearby cafés for reviewing and editing images.
Single rooms are included in the workshop price, with the option to upgrade to a double room for extra space. Breakfast is not included as we’ll often be shooting sunrise, but you’ll find excellent cafés nearby.
PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS & ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
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Barrio de Santa Cruz – Colourful houses, narrow streets, and authentic local life.
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Castillo de Santa Bárbara – Panoramic fortress views at golden hour.
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Explanada de España – Alicante’s famous tiled promenade lined with palms.
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Mercado Central – Bustling market stalls and vibrant street life.
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Alicante Seafront & Marina – Coastal light, reflections, and long-exposure seascapes.
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Optional Day Trip: Altea or Villajoyosa – Whitewashed charm or colourful seafront homes, depending on group preference.
WHAT TO BRING – SUGGESTED KIT (10KG ALLOWANCE)
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Camera Body – Mirrorless or DSLR.
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Lenses:
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Wide-angle (16–35mm or similar) – for cityscapes & landscapes.
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Standard zoom (24–70mm) – your all-rounder.
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Light telephoto (70–200mm) – details & portraits.
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Tripod – Essential for sunrise, sunset, and night photography.
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ND Filters – For long exposures on the coast.
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Spare Batteries & Memory Cards.
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Lightweight Laptop/Tablet – Optional for editing sessions.
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Comfortable walking shoes – Alicante is best explored on foot.
WORKSHOP PRICING & BOOKING
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£995 per person (Single Room)
Deposit: £295 to secure your spot – Balance due 8 weeks before departure.
Testimonials
I have just returned from a trip to the Arctic Circle arranged by Michael. The best I can say is that this was a trip of a life time! The tour was friendly with lots of laughs. Michael, Scott & Joe passed on their knowledge freely. Nobody was left out, there was something for everyone to do and along with the photo opportunities we had great fun on snowmobiles at midnight on a frozen river going from Finland to Sweden, a dog sled ride through a frozen forest , reindeer sled ride and so much more.
Would I recommend Michael Cartwright Photography?? Hell yes!! A trip I will never forget & many new friends made.
Mike Cook
Over the last 18 months I have been on a number of courses, workshops and photography holidays with Michael Cartwright and his team Scott Bonner and Joe Fletcher. Over that time my photography skills have really improved with their generous and friendly help and support. I have learned so much and met some great people along the way. The latest holiday in Arctic Finland / Sweden has been the icing on the cake. Well organised from start to finish with a range of activities and challenges. It was the most wonderful experience and I have some photographs that I really like. Huge thank you to the team and I can wholly recommend Michael Cartwright Photography!
Gill Davidson
Michael has a unique ability to take complicated subject matter and deliver it in a simple, passionate and infectious manner. He has taken me on a journey with his workshops from ‘extreme novice’ that was absolutely clueless to a confident enthusiast. I will be eternally grateful for all of Michael’s efforts in going the extra mile throughout my learning journey. He is a credit to his profession and he sets the standards for the rest of his industry to follow. Oh, and he is a thoroughly likeable chap too!
Stephen Smith
Great weekend away and I’m really pleased with my photographs! Thanks for a fantastic workshop, everything was first class, including the hotel, the food and the weather! I really enjoyed learning about different ways to compose my photos for a more professional feel. The workshop was well planned and was extremely informative and interesting. The fact that Michael kept a close eye on everybody's progress was an extra bonus. Thanks Michael
Uma Mannan
Both myself and my husband have been friends of Michael's for many years now during which time we have been on numerous photography trips with him!
We have thoroughly enjoyed every single trip from the Lake District, Paris, Budapest but my absolute favourite was the trip to Finland, we may not have been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights but what a fantastic adventure it turned out to be!! Each trip has been made extra special with the fabulous group of people that we have had the pleasure of making friends with, aside from that there is of course the excellent opportunity to take some amazing photographs of simply stunning scenery and architecture. The trips are always well organised and thoroughly thought through from beginning to end, as well as coming away with some truly amazing photos you will for sure meet some lovely people and make fantastic memories......
Jayne Stephenson
I attended my first camera course as a complete beginner, I didn’t even know how to turn the camera on! The initial course was perfect for me, very well explained throughout and left me wanting to know more. Michael and the team are brilliant teachers, they are all very patient and we have a lot of laughs along the way. Since learning how to use my camera I have progressed on to landscape workshops and now class myself as being very confident with my kit. I’ve joined Michael on many occassions and would definitely recommend these workshops!
John Conlin