Alicante Overview

One of Spain's most popular spots, and deservedly so, Alicante nestles next to the Costa Blanca (White Coast) where some of Spain's most stunning beaches can be found. A great place for those looking for golden white beaches and a bustling night life, Alicante is the perfect place to party all night long, then kick back and recover on the beach through the day.

Castillo de Santa Barbara Not to be missed, the Castillo de Santa Barbara has everything you expect from a castle, including a drawbridge, hidden passages and a dungeon. Situated on the summit of Mount Benacantil, this fairy tale castle overlooks Alicante and acts as a stunning backdrop to the surrounding area. Within the castle you can also visit a beautiful sculpture garden which showcases some of Spain's master sculptors. Location: Google Maps Link

La Playa de San Juan A short drive from the city centre, La Playa de San Juan is Alicante's most famous beach. 7km of golden sand stretching along the Mediterranean coast, this is one of the best reasons to visit Alicante.

El Campello There are many restaurants and cafes here for lunch and dinner. In high season this is a lovely place to go in the evening, it is heaving with people out strolling and families having dinner. Look out for Churros, which are hot doughnut sticks that you dip into hot chocolate. There is actually a chocolate restaurant called Valor at one end of the promenade which is fantastic. It opens from 8am until 2pm and then opens again at 5pm until about midnight. Other places also sell Churros though, give them a go, they are fab!

Museo de la Asegurada

Impressive former prison and munitions store, today this imposing 17th century building houses an amazing collection of 20th century art including works by Spanish greats Picasso, Dali and Miro.

 

Isla de Tabarca A great day trip from Alicante, Isla de Tabarca is just 17km off the coast of Alicante you can reach it by one of the many glass bottom boats which leave from Alicante Port and Santa Pola (preferred).  Visitors can snorkel or take a glass-bottomed boat in the national marine park's crystal clear waters, or just sunbathe on the charming little beach.  Once a hideaway for pirates, the spot is now home to fish restaurants, fortifications, San Jose Castle and a small, local population.

 

El Barrio In the centre of the city, El Barrio is the throbbing heart of Alicante's night-life.  Here, you will have the opportunity to party until the morning in a vibrant Latin atmosphere.

Mundo de los niños

Children's world is situated in front of the Port in Alicante.  It is open in high season and is just for the children.  There is plenty to do there and is open until the early hours to suit the Spanish children's lifestyle!

Santa Pola

If the crowds of Alicante become too much for you, why not make a short drive down to the small fishing village of Santa Pola 18km south of Alicante. Still a popular spot for tourists, you can be guaranteed that the beaches will be that little bit quieter. The spectacular white sands of Gran Playa and Playa Lissa are particularly worth visiting. Beyond the beach, Santa Pola also has some beautiful churches worth visiting.

Festival de Sant Joan (San Juan)

Alicante's biggest festival running for a week in late June every year. Alicante is engulfed with street processions of floats bearing satirical figures made of wood and papier mache. The festival climaxes with a massive firework display and the burning of of all the floats.

 

Palmeral of Elche Is a plantation of palm trees in the Spanish province of Alicante. It is the largest palm grove in Europe and one of the largest in the world, surpassed in size only by some in Arab countries. The Palmeral includes the Parque Municipal and many other orchards, covering over 3.5 square km, including 1.5 km² within the city of Elche (Elx). It contains more than 11,000 palm trees, mostly date palms, with individual specimens up to 300 years old. The dates are harvested in December.

 

El Palmeral (Alicante) On the southern outskirts of the city, next to the sea, there is a palm tree plantation which has been used as a natural film location. Today it is one of the most delightful green zones of Alicante, called the El Palmeral park. It has waterfalls, ponds, flowerbeds showing a range of local flower and plant varieties, a children's playground, a cross-country biking circuit, an auditorium, promenades, a café, etc

 

Fonts d’Algar (Callosa) Beautiful natural waterfalls. An absolute must to visit. The land surrounding the waterfalls is is a mass of almonds, vines, kiwis and mangos which flourish on the surrounding terraces. The Fonts are known as the "Font de Fonts" (Spring of all Springs). This area produces more than half total Spanish crop of medlars (nisperos). You park your car among the fruit trees and take a short walk up into the hills. The sound of falling water soon fills the air. Paths fringed by bamboo and oleander eventually lead you to the falls. The Fonts themselves comprise numerous small springs which converge to form a magnificent waterfall and small lagoons of the "Fonts d'Algar". There are paths to explore, as well as the natural pools fed by the D'Algar waterfall. The spring waters are cool and refreshing and around 18°C - swimming is allowed if you want to cool off - or you can just doze in the shade of the trees. The Fonts D'Algar has its own restaurant, plus barbecue and picnic facilities.

Location: Google Maps Link

 

Sanctuary de San Pascual In Orito is beautiful. Located on a small mountain, with fantastic views over the area up to the small Spanish village Monforte del Cid. The Sanctuary is a small cave where San Pascual was looking for protection from the sun whilst walking his sheep and cows. People could visit him with all their new born children. Round the top of the mountain you can walk and enjoy from every place really unique views over the valleys. There is a small children’s playground and a picnic area with viewing points. Location: Google Maps Link

Alicante International Music Festival and Alicante e Esena

September see's Alicante's biggest arts festivals, first up is the music festival attracting some of the world's biggest names in all genres of music, later in the month the annual theatre festival commences.

 

Aqualandia (Benidorm) Is a modern water park, with excellent facilities, including picnic areas and a variety of restaurants. There are lawns and shaded areas for when you need a break from the sun and the many slides and chutes are surrounded by foliage.  Attractions include Niagara, with its beach, caves and calm waters, and the enormous Atlantic Surf pool, which comes complete with waves and is surrounded by the soft circular current of the Amazons. The Laguna has springboards, rings and nets and Adventure-land is designed especially for young children. For more adventurous visitors there are plenty of exciting rides, including Black Hole, Rapids, Kamikaze, Zig Zag, Pistas Blandas, Big Bang (the highest chute in Europe) and the newest ride, Splash - a multi-track water jump slide.

Open: May - Oct   Where: Benidorm   Cost: Approx €15 ~ €21   (group concessions available)   Opening Hours:10am-9pm   (closing time varies)   Web: www.aqualandia.net   Location: Google Maps Link