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.
Attractions
Castellde 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 the top of the castle there is a
wonderful view of the bay and city. The castle can be accessed in
an elevator from the Explanada d'Espanya.
Telephone: 96 526 3131;
Opening time: Daily 10am to 8pm (April to September), 9am to 7pm (October to March);
Admission: Free
Elche: 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 the most
popular, festooned with palm trees, grassy promenades and
children's playgrounds. Most beautiful is the Hort del Cura, filled
with shade trees and bright flowerbeds.
Transport: Elche can be reached by an hourly train service from Alicante, or by regular bus connections
IslaTabarca : 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 ideal for bathing. The island lies 10 miles
(16km) south of Alicante and can be reached in an hour by ferry
from the dock on Explanada d'Espanya in the city.
Museude 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 those
of Dali, Picasso, Calder and Miro.
Address: Plaza de Santa Marķa, Alicante;
Telephone: 96 514 0768;
Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 9pm (10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm from October to May); Sundays 10.30am to 2.30pm; closed Mondays;
Admission: Free, guided tours are also available at no cost if booked in advance
Amanda and Tim; Nov 2007:
Spain is lovely and interesting, as long as you avoid the tourist areas (e.g. Benidorm). So far I have only travelled on the Mediterranean, but the food is great, wine is cheap, and as a poor international student, I... more
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