How about a visit to the beautiful Santa Barbara castle in the morning, a spot of lunch in one of Alicante Old Town’s many shady squares, followed by the beach in the afternoon and a leisurely stroll along the promenade and marina in the evening? Sounds tempting? These are just some of the attractions of Alicante itself!
Alicante
Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencian Region. It is the capital of the southern most of the three Valencian provinces and is situated on the coast and surrounded by mountainous terrain well as beautiful beaches. Alicante town has theatres, cinemas, numerous restaurants, bars, and night-clubs as well as the beautiful promenade along by the marina. The city is built on two ancient Roman settlements, one of which gives the city its nickname The City of Light. These remains are constantly being discovered during road-building and construction. There is also much remaining evidence, in the form of ruins, culture, and language, of the long occupation by the Moors.
Museums in Alicante
There are three museums in the centre of the city and there are two castles, one of which, Santa Barbara, has its own museum and art gallery. Alicante’s multicultural heritage has been strengthened by the success of its tourist industry and its world-wide export of shoes, toys, citrus fruits, and almonds.
Alicante is a busy, bustling seaside city, with the backdrop of the marvelous castle of Santa Barbara perched on a mountain overlooking and protecting the city and its bay. Its old narrow streets are full of charm and history. The port of Alicante is home to fisherman and a large nautical fraternity, and as is often the stop-over point for cruise liners.
Alicante Explanada
The heart of Alicante is the grand Explanada de Espana. Stretching around the marina, this elegant boulevard with its wavy red, black and cream tiles, is probably one of the most famous sights in Alicante and the most historic. Created in 1867, it is the ideal area for the Spanish custom of the paseo (evening stroll). With dramatic marble tiles depicting the waves of the Mediterranean and rows of palm trees offering shade even in the heat of summer, plus pavement cafes, shops and stalls – it is a must for every visitor!
Palmeral Park – Alicante
Often used as a film location and for wedding photographs, on the southern outskirts of Alicante is El Palmeral Park. The park contains waterfalls (including one which you can walk behind!), lakes and hundreds of palm trees and shrubs. Covering a total of 72,000m2, this area is definitely a must see on your visit. Take an early morning stroll in Alicante along the footpaths lined with colourful flowerbeds, or take a boat around the lake, have a snack in the kiosk, or take a picnic in the designated shady picnic areas whilst the children play in the playground. In the summer evenings, the summerhouse holds regular family entertainment, including a children’s theatre.
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