Alicante (Spain) > Reviews (10)

Alicante (Spain) is like my second home , although I have recently bought an apartment in Guardamar Del Segura (Alicante), thirty minutes drive from Alicante city . I have been visiting this part of Southern Spain for more than twenty years. During my twenty year visit , I have seen Alicante & its surrounding towns turn from shabby non-existent places into bustling and vibrant resorts. Anybody visiting Alicante & its surrounding resorts today , would not believe the dramatic changes that have taken place over the last 20 years or so. The scale of growth & expansion in the Alicante province is truly amazing - it no longer plays second fiddle to cities such as Barcelona & Madrid. This beautiful city & its neighbouring resorts all of which lie on the Costa Blanca coastline are growing not only in size but in popularity. So much so , that permission has been granted to build new villas , bungalows , & apartments along the whole of the Costa Blanca coastline. This alone is an indication of how far this part of Spain has flourished - Alicante is on demand & not only with the tourists but with the natives as well. Today , Alicante is the second largest city in the region of Valencia , a central location on the Costa Blanca. It`s exceptional location between the mountains & the mediterranean sea provides the city with a striking & special kind of beauty - it occupies an impressive site & whereever one roams the distinctive aroma of the sea is spread throughout the entire city.

What To Do & Where To Go:
••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Alicante is full of historical attractions as well as an array of museums & monuments - Throughout the history of Spain , Alicante has had its fair share of wars & conflicts and this is all too evident when visiting the many attractions on offer.

•• Castillo de Santa Barbara ••

This is the most symbolic building in Alicante & so therefore visiting this castle is a must ~ the Santa Barbara Castle is located on the top of Benacantil moutain and stands approx 170m above sea level. When visiting the castle you can either drive to the top or you can board a lift that takes you straight to the top - visitors can board the lift from the Postiguet beach. The castle dates from the 16th century & once inside , it provides a splendid & magnificent panoramic view of the city , the entire coastline as well as neighbouring resorts and islands. Within the castle`s walls you will find archeological findings & many things of interest.

•• Cathedral Church of St Nicholas of Bari ••

This magnificent cathedral was completed in 1662 and is one of Spain`s best examples of renaissance style with baroque elements - highly ornate & extravagant in style. Of special ineterest once inside are the decorative grilles , the covered walk way & alter as well as the baroque style of wooden doors. Basically , a fine example of baroque architecture , art & style from the 16th to 17th century period.

•• Isla de Tabarca ( Island of Tabarca) ••

This is one of my favourite islands & I have been to this place several times ~ This island is infact a natural monument and the waters are protected , listed as a Marine Reserve ~ no fishing or hunting aloud. When bathing in the transparent clear waters , you will notice the abundance of wildlife , colourful fish big and small swimming alongside you. Tabarca is a haven for snorkellers & scuba divers and so if you like all of that then this a must visit. Tabarca is located about 15 nautical miles from Alicante city & trips to the island are easy to arrange. There is no need to pre-book as there is a boat that leaves every half hour from the port ~ Its approx a half hour trip & at a cost of £8.00 return. This is the only inhabited island in the whole of the Alicante/Valencia region (approx 200 people live there) & it continues to attract tourists year in & year out. It also has an important set of ancient fortifications , an 18th century church & the castle of San Jose. Tabarca was declared as a historical monument in 1964.

•• Archeological Museum ••

This museuem is an excellent example of Alicante`s three thousand year history , revealing all its past under one roof ~ The vast array of archeological remains on display to the public is very thorough. Large collection from the Bronze Age , Iberian & Roman statues , as well as popular ceramics from the 16th-19th centuries. When visiting this museum it will help you undertsand the city & its inhabitants all the more , so its definetely worth a visit .

•• Museum of the Bonfires ••

Located inside the Santa Barbara Castle , this museum contains sculptures & models saved by the flames of the popular "Las Hogueras" fiestas of Alicante. ~ Its worth a visit & seeing its in the castle itself you can kill 2 birds with one stone.Golden Sandy Beaches:
••••••••••••••••••••••

From the moment you approach Alicante city you can`t help but notice the long & wide stretch of coastline -Alicante looks towards the sea & this is undoubtedly one of the cities main selling point as well as the mild climate which makes beach-life possible all year round. Alicante has lots of beaches to choose from and each is unique in its own way.

• ~ La Playa de Dan Juan ~ This is an open beach & its the most popular of all Alicante`s beaches. Fine golden sand that stretches 10 miles , the water is clean and boasts the "Bandera Azul" (Blue Flag) thus indicating that it is safe to swim in. The beach has toilets , showers , play areas for young children , first Aid & life guards are always at hand if need be. The Playa de San Juan is flanked by a road that has lots of hotels , retaurants , & bars. This area of Alicante is more prone to tourists.

• ~ La Playa Albufereta ~ This is more of a secluded beach , a smaller stretch of sand but nonetheless its still popular with the locals. You will find that at times there are a lot of high waves , especially on a windy day.

So if you fear the sea & you prefer flat and calm waters then this is not for you.

• ~ La Playa Postiguet ~ This beach is situated within the city itself , and lies at the bottom of the Benacantil mountain , right near the port. The characteristics of this beach are the same as Playa de San Juan. Fine golden sand that stretches for miles , ammenities galore & lots of water sports on offer.

• ~ La Playa Salador/Los Judios ~ Located south of the city , both are nudist beaches (You will get ur fair share of nuts there :O))

So there you have it , an array of different style of beaches to suit all needs .................Spanish Cuisine:
•••••••••••••••

The Spaniards like their food , its an important part of the Spanish way of life. As a seaport , Alicante`s main food source is fish & so this is the basis of their cuisine. A combination of savoury rice & fish dishes can be found in many of the tapas bars as well as the innumerable restaurants scattered all over the city. The following dishes are some of my favourites :

• La Alicantina • This is fried chicken & rice as the basic ingredients , accompanied by shellfish & then seasoned with a bit of basil and a touch of black/red pepper ........ Absolutely delicious Yummy !!

• Arroz Negro • Many of you might not like this dish but I surly do ..... Fried rice with squid , the ink of the squid turns the rice black but nonetheless another exquisite dish worth trying.

• Caldero • ... This is fish soup & is very popular with the locals ........ A bit of french bread and a glass of red wine goes down nicely with this meal.

Apart from the main dishes you also have a series of tapas dishes such as:

• Calamares • ( Stuffed squid fried in batter )
• Gazpacho • ( Swordfish stew )
• Gambas • ( Fresh prawns & shrimp)

&

If your one of those people who doesn`t like sea food , then don`t despair as Alicante also offer a variety of international cuisine available in many fine restaurants in and around the city as well as a fine collection of red , white & rose wines.

Alicante at Night:
•••••••••••••••••

Alicante is defintely a nocturnal city , a bit like me I guess ....... Its mild inviting climate is one of the reasons why Alicante City is buzzing at nights and more so in the summer months. There are many places to drink , eat & party , all of which continue into the early hours of the morning. There is an area of Alicante called " El Barrio" , it is the old part of the city and here you will find lots of cafes & taverns , each with its own unique style & personality ..... A variety of venues also offer live music such as salsa , sevillanas , jazz etc.......

The new part of town which is still expanding , known as Alfonso El Sabio & the Explanada offers other types of attractions & entertainment. Modern wine bars & pubs , decorative hi-tech venues , an array of night clubs & dance floors. You will notice that the younger Spanish generation hang out here (16-40) as well as thousands of tourists , unlike the old part of town you will see more families , married couples & little brats running all over the place.

:O)

If your into clubbing & you manage to be in Alicante in any of the summer months ( June- Sept) then look no further coz ur in the right city. Ask for the "Trensnochador" , which means NIGHT OWL OR NIGHT TRAIN .... Basically , its a train that runs only at nights and it links you to all the trendy clubs & nightspots from Alicante up to Altea .... Its very popular & it gives the club scene of Alicante another dimension , the best in the Cosat Blanca area.

Fiestas in Alicante:
••••••••••••••••••

Its funny how fiesta rhymes with siesta & its quite fitting seeing that Spain in general always seem to be celebrating some festive occasion & when their not partying they are sleeping " LA SIESTA" ........ What a carefree nation , but hey it works for the locals & it surly works for me.

All cities/towns in Spain completely transform themselves when the fiesta season arrives & Alicante is at the forefront when it comes to festive celebrations. The locals "Alicantinos" prepare & transform the city into a grand spectacle , one of the most important festive occasions in the calender month - known as " Les Fogueres de Sant Joan" held towards the end of June. Hundreds of monuments made out of wood & paper mache parade the streets of Alicante , with on-looking spectators smiling and clapping at what they see. Finally ending the day with a massive firework display & eventually all monuments are thrown into a bonfire ...... This festive celebration lasts 5 days from 24 June - 29th June.

Another of Alicante`s famous summer celebrations is the " Feast of San Pedro" , this takes place on the 27th June - This is a colourful spectacle of processions , superb firework displays & live outdoor music that can be heard no matter what part of the city your at. Locals & tourists dancing to the early hours of the morning , the atmosphere is buzzing , vibrant & thrilling ........ A must see if you plan to visit Alicante.

&

If you think that isn`t enough festive celebrations then prepare yourself for more ........ All the neighbouring resorts/towns on the outskirts of Alicante are preparing for the July fiestas ....... So as you can see the festive celebrations are all timed perfectly so you can literally attend all of them if you wish. Towns such as:

• Guardamar
• Torrevieja
• Santa Pola
• La Mata

All the above resorts/towns are only a 30 to 45 mins drive.

Shopping:
•••••••••

A holiday vaccation is not quite complete without your memento or souvenir & Alicante will not dissapoint for all you shopping freaks (Moose) :O) ....... There is something for everyone - from authentic local ceramic shops to the latest trendy designer & footwear shops. I will advise you check out the leather shops , quality items at affordable prices ..... Belts , bags , shoes , jackets , coats , items that cost a fortune in London/England. Alicante also offer an array of large department stores but these are located in the city centre.Gardens & Promenades:
••••••••••••••••••••••

Alicante is full of beautiful parks & gardens , palm trees lined up in rows as well as stunning water fountains , pine groves on the slopes of the Santa Barbara Castle ......

It also boasts one of the most amazing seafront promenades in Spain , known as " La Explanada"...... The promenades surface is lined with marble floor & when strolling out for a walk in the summer breeze you appreciate the beauty of this man made walk way ....

Absolutely stunning ! ............. A must see ...... The promenade also has a pavilion where live bands gives concerts on festive days.General Information:
••••••••••••••••••••

•Languages Spoken : Spanish & some English

•Currency: The Spanish Peseta is no longer with us .... Instead the currency used now is EURO

•Location: Alicante : Southern Spain

•Climate: Hot ... Average temp all year round is 18C

•Duration of Trip: 2 hours departing from GatwickAirport & vice versa

•Airport Name: The Altet Airport ...... 15 miles from Alicante city centre

•Roads: ... Alicante is on the A-7 motorway & the national route is N-340 which connects to Valencia

•Price in peak season: £170 - £200 (2 weeks return)

•Non-Peak: ...... £50 - £130

•Accomodation: Yet again it will vary , depending on which month you plan to visit ... Private £300 Per Week (2/3 bedroom)non-private £150 plus per week.

•Car Hire: Cheapest according to my experience was £55 per week at Alicante Airport .. This may vary according to make & model of car & company used

•Accessibility: Alicante is a city with excellent road , air & sea links.

Tourist information Office:
••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You can obtain complete information from the following tourist office , thus enabling you to make the most of your stay.

Explanada de Espana 2

03702 Alicante

Tel: ... (96) 520 00 00

Bottom Line:
••••••••••••

So there you have it .............. VIVA ESPANA

Enjoy your trip !

Highly Recommend !!

Thanks 4 reading ...... Versatile 2003 ©