Alicante, Costa Blanca

Alicante is the provincial capital of the Alicante region.

Boulevard
Boulevard

First, the town is situated in the middle of the Costa Blanca coast.
At the North of Alicante is “Northern Costa Blanca”.
With  popular tourist city’s as Benidorm, Calpe, Denia, Valencia, ….

At the south of  Alicante is situated “Southern Costa Blanca” .
With lovely towns like Santa Pola with fortress and castell , Torrevieja and his salt lakes  and Orihuela Costa .

Connecting the coast in the Orihuela
Connecting the coast in the Orihuela

Weather

Of course, Alicante has a Mediterranean Sea climate.
Because of  the influence of the azul Blue sea.
As a result hot summers and mild winters. So,  it rains only  about 20 days each year.
So, there are more than 300 sunny days or 3 000 hours of sunshine per year.
For instance, the average day temperature from march till October is around  25 degrees.
Even in winter the temperatures are good.
Instead in winter,  if you want to stroll for the evening , it is better to bring a jacket .

What to see in Alicante.

First, the town is  best known for its Mediterranean Sea harbor and his airport  El Altet ( El altet Airport ).
Also known as Miguel Hernandez airport.
But the city  is not only the place, where most of the flights in El Altet airport are landing.
Besides the important airport, the  city is self is full of attractions, museums, parks, bars, restaurants. All of them are suitable for every one.
Indeed,the town is beautiful and attractive , and not only a place to start your sunny holiday.

Boulevard with palm trees

First off all the town is famous for its wonderful boulevard with palm trees and the beaches.
During a scroll, it’s very nice to drink something in one of the many little bars and nice restaurants.
The best of it is that most of  them are nearby the old harbor and in the city.
The place to be for a real Spanish “tapa”.

As  you take your time to visit the town, you will  discover a town plenty of huge plaza, parks and the many shops in the shopping streets.

In Alicante there are eight kilometers of sun-baked beaches at the  Mediterranean sea .

The next best the night life in “El Barrio“, a district of Alicante.
Equally important, the town provides a nightlife until the late ( or early) hours for locals and  tourists.
At the past the original name of Alicante was ” Lucentum” . This is translated as ” City of Lights”.

Alicante Cultural.

Castillo de Santa Barbara.

Highest attraction is the “Castillo de Santa Barbara” or the Castle of Santa Barbara.
On top of the hill is the location of the beautiful castle.
As a result the Mount Benacantil gives an astonishing view on the city.

Castillo de santa barbara Allicante
Castillo de santa barbara Allicante

So, “El Castillo de Barbara”  is one of the largest medieval fortress of the Costa  Blanca.

Furthermore , it is also an important land mark on this Spanish coast.
On the top , inside the castle there is a museum of the city of Alicante.
Of course the museum introduce you to different historical Spanish quests throughout the centuries.

From below at the beach, you can even  the view and see a see a part of the castle.
Because, the part is in the shape of a head it is  known as the ” Moors head”.
At the past, on the slopes of the Mount Benacantil have been found remains of the Bronze Age, Iberian and Roman influence.
But the origin of the “Castillo de Santa Barbara” is in the late 9th century with the Muslim occupation.

Now, if you want make a visit to the castle, the easy way is with an elevator.
Or the more beautiful way, walking a path with amazing sea view and panorama over the city and the port . We did enjoyed very much.
As a result, taking the path you also can admire the old barrio of Santa Cruz. This is the old quarter of Alicante.

Opening hours Castle

First  : open daily from 10.00 till 19.00.
But on bank holidays: from 10.00 till 14.00.
Closed on Monday.
While last lift up is at 18.30
Last lift down  at 18.45
Presently  the entry is five euro.

At last the adress : Avenida de Juan Bautista Lafora 6 03002 Alicante

MARQ

Now, the MARQ is the archaeological Museum from Alicante .
In fact , it is one of the best museum in Spain.
In brief, if you like archaeology read more about on our page : MARQ, in Alicante city.

MARQ Alicante

The old quarter of  El barrio de Santa Cruz

Below the castle,  you can discover the oldest en the most authentic quarter of the city.
With little streets and  flowers everywhere. After all, there are some very old houses with authentic charm. Because, the streets are narrow and lovely white houses.
As a result that they are  very attractive for photographers with their  nice white houses .

Furthermore in the old quarter, there is an old chapel dating from the 18th century.

To conclude, the old area is popular for tourist . So you can find also many nice  ( tapa) bars and little restaurants.

Alicante Old Quarter
Alicante Old Quarter

Castillo de Fernando 

In addition a part of the Castillo de Barbara, is the Castillo de Fernando.
It was built against the foreigner advances.
In brief, it is not so impressive.
But the ornate doorway and the parts of the Castillo de San Fernando are still worth to see.

Basilica de Santa Maria .

Next the “Basilica de Santa Maria” or the St Mary basilica.
In the past, this building  was built between the XIV and the XVI centuries.
So now s a result that the basilica is an example of the Gothic style in Alicante. Because of this , it is one of the most important attraction of the town.
In particular it is nice to known is that it has been constructed over the ruins of a Moorish Mosque.

Reminder
Most of the museums are closed on Mondays and for the famous Spanish Siesta which is mostly from 14.00 till 17.00.

The town Hall of the Ayuntamiento.

All  the Spanish town have an important building in their center, the town hall or “Ayuntamiento”.
In alicante is is a very nice building to admire.
Behind the Santa Maria  and nearby  the La Explanada park.

Next  at the  “Ayuntamiento” there is an interesting instrument to discover . Indeed a standard for measuring ,  a small disc to measure the correct  height above the sea level in all other parts of the Spanish Region.

Isla de Tabarca.

One example of a nice family trip is a boat trip .
In brief : one of the to do attractions with good weather is a trip to the island of Tabarca.
The island is located  on the front off  the coast of Alicante.
Nearby  the harbor there are several companies who are sailing to the island Tabarca.
As you can see on other webpage : a nice trip for the lovers of scuba diving and snorkeling.

Beaches.

The most important the  beaches in Alicante  has been awarded  with the Blue Flag.  The beaches are long and open, ideal for swimming and sunbathing even with children.
In front of the beaches, there are a good selection of water sports, shops, bars and restaurants.
As a result that in summers season it become crowdy.

The Marina.

In short, the Marina is the meeting place of tourists. The place to be .
Naturally  you can enjoy the  luxury and admire the beautiful yachts and  boats. Side by side the Marina,  there are shopping centers, fine restaurants and excellent bars.
In brief, the Marina offers a luxury ambiance which reflects in the higher prices for the food and drink facilities.
So go for a nice walk, and enjoy the Spanish life style.
The Marina is located close to the ” Zone de Levante”.

The daily central marketplace or Mercado central.

Every market is the place to be  for fresh food and good quality. So also the Mercado central of Alicante.
The market is very famous with the the locals.
There are nearly 300 stalls  selling fruit, bread, fish , meats , pastries, flowers and typical  food of the region.
Some stalls have a family tradition from nearly more than 100 years.
You will love the many colors and tastes of the market.
There are two floors . The ground floor is the place to be  for meat cheese, ham. The underground is  the selling place for  fish, fruit, vegetables, pastries, bread .
Of course, nearby there are bars and  little restaurants.
Nearby is also the floral market.
The market is open from 7:00 till 14:30 from Monday till Saturday.

We think that the Mercado central is well worth a visit because it is a nice way to learn the real Spanish way of life.

Like Spanish markets ? read more about on our page Markets in the South Costa Blanca  

Markets-Costa-Orihuela-Costa-Blanca
Markets-Costa-Orihuela-Costa-Blanca

Parks.

If you take you time, there are also a lot of parks in Alicante to discover.
The nice things about the parks is, that most of the time they offer all sort off activities.
For instants some times there is  music, often dance. Furthermore an open air exhibition.

Palmeral Alicante
Palmeral Alicante

While the oldest park in the town,  is the Canalejas Park.


In the park you can find sculptures  of lions and dogs, children’s play zone , fountains and a map of Spain in stone.

canalejas park Alicante
canalejas park Alicante

Like wise another nice park in Alicante  is ‘El Palmeral’.
On the edge of the city you can find the ” Palmera”  what  means the  palm trees.
At sum, El Palmeral park has hundred of palm trees, beautiful waterfalls and “zen” lakes.
The Palmeral park is open the all day, from 9 to midnight.

Connection.

First of all, Alicante is well-connected by train, bus and trams (also at night).

In fact, the coaches are managed by Alsa, the company  which rides all over Spain.

Alicante is connected to High Speed rail network which should decrease the travel time between popular destinations like Madrid (normally 4 hours).

Tip for sailors :  The iconic Volvo Ocean Race.

Since 2008 Alicante is the home of the Volvo Ocean Race, the world toughest race for sailors.

Volvo Ocean Race Alicante
Volvo Ocean Race Alicante

Indeed, the  race is the example of months mental and physical roller coaster.
Because the race is days and nights of speed, storms and adventures.

During eight months the sailors Race over the oceans around the world.
Now, it will be the fourth time the town is the opener of the action since the Ocean Race set up his permanent headquarter in the harbor of Alicante.

Read more about it on our page  Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante  

Volvo Ocean Race Museum.

Additionally , there is also an exhibition which explains why the Volvo Ocean Race is so special .

While, a team of 25 photographers  capture superb shots. As a result a report of every drop of blood , sweat and tears on board.
So, the Museum offers a family friendly tours trough the history of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Naturally they use multimedia  with games, video and a simulator of the race.
So,  the Museum give you a view of the legends  of the race,  the technology, the equipment.

More sports news in Alicante : the return of the Vuelta.

Once again, the town of Alicante will be on the route of the famous ” Vuelta” .
With this Vuelta attracting the top of the cyclist of the world, Alicante hoops that the residents and the tourist will have the change to see the famous cyclists  .

Alicante Vuelta
Alicante Vuelta

As a result, an audience of 5 million people will watch the race. And this promotion will be seen in more than 50 countries.
So, welcome Vuelta to Alicante !

Life as a fisherman in Alicante

Today, fishing tourism is one project in Alicante.
So, professional fleets of older or traditional crafts to carry out activity’s.
More specifically, this means that they can have small groups of tourists on board of their ship.
In fact, small groups of interested people who want to known nearby the experience of professional fishing.
Now, the tourist can spend a day of the life of a fisherman.
Even help participate in bringing in the fish to the  harbor and auction.
Everything is on board. So you can enjoy a wonderful day fishing at the Costa Blanca.
Some offer a half day , others a full day fishing trips. Everyone is welcome.From novice to experienced fishers.
In brief : enjoy a great day fishing in Alicante.

TRAM of Alicante

Presently, 30 years of transporting passengers with 100 million passengers.
This landmark figure is celebrating his 30 birthday.
Currently, the TRAM operates 5 lines with 69 stations ans stops.
Now, it is  modernizing its line with Benidorm.
So, the old Tram have now a greater comfort and a higher speed .
In addition, a reduction of breakdowns and delays.

TRAM
TRAM

Guide covering Alicante.

A series of 7 themed guides  about the Alicante  are find online.
The guides covers  the landscape, the sea, the wetland, the forest…
This easy reading guides give you  details for walking, scuba diving, cycling, climbing and of course  tours of the  salt history.
Important to known : they are  available in English.

Tips for trips Alicante

If you are staying in Alicante you can easy go to the popular  Benidorm with his many family attractions parks.
In fact, you can read more about it on our page Benidorm. While it is a hour drive.

Benidorm
Benidorm

Besides, nice to see are also the waterfalls of Algar and Guadalest.
In brief, it is a countryside trip. But worth the trip to the ancient villages and the refreshing waterfalls.

Guadalest Algar waterfalls
Guadalest Algar waterfalls

Or  the Orihuela Costa is also nice to visit.
This part of the Costa Blanca is  the favorite place for the golf players.

Orihuela Costa Cabo Roig
Orihuela Costa Cabo Roig

Casino Gourmet Alicante

First, there is a new meeting place for the lovers of gastronomy : Casino Gourmet Alicante.
Now, in the old Casino there are several bars and restaurants .
So you have a large  choice between the Spanish and the International Gastronomy.

Casino Gourmet Alicante
Casino Gourmet Alicante

In fact, if you want , you can chose for “pintxos” the tapas from San Sebastian in North Spain.
Or the “jamon of Trevelez” of South Spain.
But also taste the sweet temptations of the Spanish kitchen.
Or the kitchen from Italy or Mexico.
While the hamburgers are made on the grill.
So after renovation the casino has a new destination .

Casino Gourmet Alicante
Casino Gourmet Alicante

To conclude

As you can see, there are lots of possibilities in the city.
Nearby the crystal blue sea, a lively center, a beautiful beach promenade and many shops.

So, Alicante is  a good holiday destination worth coming to.