Gate-side prices, duty-free labels
Most flights out of Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport use Terminal NAT, and Express Duty Free sits airside there after security. It’s the standard last-stop shop: liquor, perfume, cosmetics, chocolates, and cigarettes stacked along the walk to the gates. Expect mainstream spirits and fragrance brands rather than niche labels, with prices typically a bit under Spanish high-street shops thanks to duty-free rules on some routes.
Opening hours generally track the NAT terminal schedule, with shutters up for early departures around 05:00 and closing after the last evening wave. You’ll see classic 1‑liter whisky bottles, gin, and vodka near the entrance, then skincare and make‑up counters in the middle, and gift confectionery toward the gate side. Tobacco cartons sit in their own section with clear per‑country allowance signs.
Snacks and gifts run through the usual airport suspects: big Toblerone bars, Spanish turrón from Alicante/Elche, and multi-pack chocolates. Prices on branded sweets are often better than the smaller gate kiosks in NAT, especially on 3‑for‑2 deals. For quick presents, the turrón boxes around €6–€10 hit the local angle without taking up half your carry‑on.
Liquids rules still apply before the till, so anything over 100 ml has to be bought after security here and will be sealed in a tamper‑evident duty‑free bag. Keep the printed receipt inside that bag; some EU airports ask to see it on transfer. Tip: if you’re tight on time, walk straight down the center aisle toward your gate and grab from the last promo stand instead of browsing every side aisle.