Alicante Information

Alicante city has a population of over 300,000 and combines both classic and modern societies, living in harmony. It offers business and pleasure, entertainment and education. its history reaches back to prehistoric times with remains being found here from the third century before Christ. Today, Alicante is a first rate tourist centre thanks to its splendid beaches, excellent climate and well known facilities. 

Besides its golden beaches and impressive Paseo Maritimo, Alicante has a wealth of history to offer the visitor and has an impressive mountain-top castle. The city also has a range of 18th century manor houses, all worthy of a visit.

The Castillo de Santa Barbara is o­ne of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. It occupies the entire summit and a large proportion of the slopes of the Benacantil mountain. It commands a unique look-out over the coastline, the Bay of Alicante and the surrounding farmland. Remains from the Bronze-age have been discovered o­n this site. The castle has three enclosures of differing dates, each with unique features. The castle can be accessed by a road leading up the western slope of the mountain, winding its way through pine trees.

Alicante also has an array of palaces worth visiting, including the Gavina Palace which now houses the Provincial Gallery with fine paintings from the 19th century. The main theatre dates from 1847 and is a fine example of classical construction

The bullring is o­ne of the oldest in Spain still in use. Built in 1849 it has since been restored and enlarged. The current design dates from 1888.

Recreation is the key word in Alicante and to this end there are numerous parks, gardens and plazas in which to soak up the sun and the atmosphere. Most have impressive water features, monuments and statues. When it comes to beaches, the Playa de San Juan is considered to be o­ne of the finest in Spain. A broad beach, some 5km long that has all the facilities you would expect, from hotels, bars, restaurants and even an 18 hole golf course.

There are three small coves, Palmera, Cantalares and Judios. They are difficult to access and therefore appropriate as nudist beaches. The small, sandy Almadraba beach and the well hidden Albufereta beach are ideal for water sports in safe surroundings. Further south is the Playa del Coco, next to the regional railway station. This beach connects to Playa del Postiguet, located close to the city centre, with an attractive promenade, flanked by palm trees.

The old quarter of the city is a maze of small streets climbing the hill. Many of the streets are lined with curios balconies and multi-coloured buildings. Higher up are white-washed houses that offer panoramic views of the city and the bay.

The harbour has been the strength of the city for centuries, sending products abroad and bringing in goods from all over the world. It was o­nce the port of Madrid. Today, modern facilities combine with tradition and history to provide a thriving centre. As well as a working fishing fleet there are pleasure crafts and passenger vessels, nautical schools and sailing clubs. There is also a wide selection of bars and restaurants. Some of the finest fish restaurants can be found here as well as a pulsating nightlife.

Alicante is a cultural centre and has a varied selection of events and fiestas. At the end of June a traditional arts and crafts market is staged in Plaza de la Santisima Faz and nearby streets. The event has a medieval theme. During July and August the new esplanade in front of the port comes alive for the summer festival with constant theatrical performances and concerts. The first ten days of December sees the International Puppet Festival that attracts people from all over the world - o­ne of the finest events of its kind in the world.