Alicante. Second City of the Communidad de Valencia.
About a 45 minute drive along the N332 (travelling north from the Orihuela Costa), with stunning views of the coast, the Mediterranean, the Salt Lakes of Santa Pola & the Flamingos (depending on the time of year) or onto the AP7 / A7 (you can avoid the tolls) from the Orihuela Costa, lies Alicante City. Hisotrical, breathtaking and friendly, Alicante is the 2nd city of the Communidad de Valencia and is the main city of the Ditputacion de Alicante (the local area).
Arriving from the Orihuela Costa, you can feel the difference of being in a city.
Alicante isn't a massive, sprawlling metropolis and has a rough population of 240,000, but it's architecture, the Port, the Marinas, the Castillo de Santa Barbara, overlooking the coast and inner city...all contribute to a City that at the very least, deserves a visit, if not more.
Alicante (Alacant), is both historical & modern. It's Castle, - Castillio de Santa Barbara, perched on top of Monte Benecantil at a height of approx.166metres, the Cathedral San Nicolas de Bari in the heart of the old quarter and the old Bullring and the Iglesa de Santa Maria, the baroque Town Hall providing an imposing entry to the old quarter .... these all contribute to the feel of the cityy, the old quarter has narrow and winding streets leading to palm filled plazas where you can cool down, relax and enjoy a glass of Sangria or a menu del dia, where afterward you can meander through the shadowed streets behind the impressive Town Hall, or by the side of the Cathedral, visit the Mercado...a bustling indoor produce market where you can get local fruits veggies, cheeses and more..
If you like it modern, Alicante is a haven for shoppers, with the very popular and chic El Corte Ingles Department Store (2 seperate buildings), not unlike John Lewis in the UK. Alicante is also home to many boutique stores, amazing nightlife and a great clubbing scene.
It is renowned throughout the country for the Hougeras de San Juan (the San Juan Bonfires), each summer, where there is a massive parade of papier-mache effigies of local polititians, celebrities etc, all stuffed with fireworks and at midnight, they are set alight, in a blaze of noise and colour, heralding a ahole week of midnight firework displays from the Playa Postiguet, nestled under the shadows of the Castllio de Santa Barbara.
Jump a bus from the N332 or take a pleasureable drive north and explore this vibrant city's offerings. Sip a long drink on the Marina, gamble in the Casino, or the banks of the Mediterranean, take a trek to the Castle (to which entry is FREE, unless you take the elevator) and absorb in the breathtaking views of the city, mountains and the marina and sea and then relax and top up the tan on Playa Postiguet...all before the sun goes down.
At - a - Glance. Alicante City.
Here is a quick giude to what Alicante has on offer:-
- Nearest Beaches - Playa Postiguet. Under the Castle, by the Tram Station, main road & Marina. You just can't miss it.
- Access - Via N332, by Train, by bus, by plane, by tram. Access all areas
- Facilities - Everything that a modern City has to offer...and then some. History, culture, religion, gastronomy, great transport
- Public Transport - A throng of local buses, the stylish & air conditioned tram system takng you into the city or along the coast to San Juan, Benidorm, Altea and beyond
- Shopping - From Country favouite depertment store 'El Corte Ingles' to the market, shopping malls galore and boutiques, Aicante has an eclectic mix to suit everyone.
Tram-Tastic.
Discover more than the offerings of the city by taking a ride on the Tram.
The Alicante tram system runs from Playa Postiguet, travelling north and connecting with Costal areas such as San Juan, Villa Joyosa, Finnestrat, Benidorm, Alte and further north.
The tram is an exciting way to discover parts of the Northern Costa Blanca, for a very reasonable price, as you can buy day passes and hop-on-hop-off where you think you would like to explore.
The tram also runs into the city, by the train (RENFE) station and is soon to be extended into the new Terminal at Alicante airport, making the connection with the city, traffic free
Recommended. Alicante. (in no particular order).
The Castillio de Santa Barbara.
Take the lift, carved into the mountain and via a long tunnel access. or drive up the winding road to this Moorish Castle, built into the mountain itself. Visit the art galleries there, take in the views and see this beautiful and historic city from a great height.El Corte Ingles.
The John Lewis of Spain. Whether you are visiting or live here, there will be something in this mega department store that you will love. Whether you can afford it or not is another matter of course.El Bocaito.
There are 2 of this traditional Tapas Restaurant here in Alicante. Go for the one in town (C/ Isabel La Católica 22 - 965 922 630)...less touristic, bigger selection.Alicante Marina.
Mega Marina, with masses of bars, cafes reataurants and a Casino, for those who like a flutter. Grab a menu-del-dia or an evening meal and watch the goings on as it gets heaving in the later part of the evening.The Old Quarter.
Narrow streets, filled with small Family restaurants, boutique stores and meandering alleys all add to the attraction of Alicante's old quarter. Visit the Church and the Cathedral and then take the walkway up to the Castle for some amazing views of Blue tiled Church domes, the Bullring and the city.
