Spain Guide
Valencia and Murcia
Alicante (Alacant)
The thoroughly Spanish city of ALICANTE (ALACANT) has a decidedly Mediterranean air: its wide esplanades, such as the Rambla Méndez Núñez, and its seafront paseos, full of terrace cafés, are perfect for people-watching. Founded by the Romans as Lucentum (City of Light), and later dominated by the Arabs, the city was reconquered by Alfonso X in 1246 for the Castilian crown, and then incorporated into the kingdom of Valencia.
Today, Alicante is Valencia's second-largest city, and receives millions of visitors each year. With its long sandy beaches, mild and pleasant climate, renovated old town and lively nocturnal offerings, this is definitely a city to spend at least one night in. The main fiesta, Las Hogueras, at the end of June, ignites cracking celebrations.
The rambling Castillo de Santa Bárbara (daily: April– Sept 10am–8pm; Oct– March 9am–7pm; free), an imposing medieval fortress located on the bare rocky hill above the town beach, is Alicante's main historical sight. It's best approached from the seaward side where a 205-metre shaft has been cut straight up through the hill to get you to the top. The castle grounds, or Parque de la Ereta, are attractively landscaped, with olive groves, pathways, a café and tremendous views of the city.
The city's beach – Playa del Postiguet – gets very crowded in summer, and the beaches at San Juan de Alicante, about 6km out, are very built-up, but reached either by bus #21 or #22 from the Plaza del Mar or via the FGV tram (get off at the Costa Blanca stop). Playa Arenales, backed by sand dunes, is more pleasant; it's 12km south of the city and reachable by the hourly Baile bus from the main bus station. You can also take a day-trip to Isle de Tabarca (a marine reserve), to the south – boats leave, weather permitting, from the Explanada de España (June– Sept 6 daily; Oct– May daily; t965 216 396) – but the rock tends to get very cramped and crowded during the summer.