Marion Timms:
Wasn’t sure what to expect from Alicante but have been pleasantly surprised. Of course the sandy, white beaches are the reason most of us come here but there’s also a lot of history, so if you get tired of the beach you have the option of doing some sightseeing in
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Alicante promenade |
Overview Alicante, situated on a bay between two capes on the east coast
of Spain, is the centre of the popular Costa Blanca holiday resort
region. The city has a distinct African flavour with women clad in
caftans and hawkers selling African carvings along the waterfront
and esplanades. Alicante's historical central district, though, is
filled with Baroque buildings, bearing testimony to the city's past
when it was a major seaport.
The main thoroughfare of the city is the Rambla, lined with palm
trees, outdoor cafes and ice-cream parlours serving the unusual
local drink, horchata, made with almonds. There are shops aplenty,
parks and gardens, marble paved plazas and the broad Explanada
d'Espanya encircling the yacht harbour with its mosaic promenade.
Visitors come to Alicante mainly for the beaches, particularly San
Juan which sports villas, hotels and restaurants.
The city has an international airport that makes it the gateway to
the nearby package tour resorts such as Benidorm and Torrevieja,
and ensures that the city is crowded with tourists all year round.
Alicante's energy reaches a peak during the last week of June each
year when visitors and locals alike throw themselves into
celebrating the unrivalled fiesta of Saint Joan.
Restaurants The top-rated eateries in Alicante are El Monastrell, El Cisne
de Oro, Cooperativa San Miguel Restaurant and Restaurante La
Cantera.
Negatives Alicante can be come quite crowded during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Castell de Santa Barbara
The impressive castle that towers over Alicante was originally
built by the Carthaginians in 400 BC and later used by the Romans
and Moors. The fortress is massive, encompassing moats,
drawbridges, tunnels, cisterns and dungeons, not to mention a
stately tower and keep. From...
see full detailsElche
For a change from beaches, just 12 miles (19km) inland west of
Alicante is Europe's only palm forest, forming a lush oasis around
the city of Elche (Elx). The city boasts several beautiful parks
and public gardens. The Parque Municipal is one of...
see full detailsIsla Tabarca
The tiny islet of Tabarca is becoming an increasingly popular
day trip destination from Alicante, with its quiet fishing village
offering an old fort, several very reasonably priced fresh seafood
restaurants, a rocky beach with clear turquoise water, and several
coves and tidal pools...
see full detailsMuseo de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada
In the Plaza de Santa Maria stands Alicante's oldest building, a
former granary dating from 1685. Ironically the city's oldest
building contains its most notable modern art collection, donated
by painter and sculptor Eusebio Sempere in 1977. Among the
noteworthy paintings on display are...
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