About Travelling to Alicante, Spain

The city of Alicante, located on the southeast coast of Spain, is one of the most frequently visited destinations on the Mediterranean's Costa Blanca. Tourists from across the world are attracted to Alicante year round for its famous stretches of white beaches and its decidedly cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Geography

Alicante is the eighth largest metropolitan area in Spain. This city of over 300,000 citizens often seems larger due to the constant presence of temporary residents and international tourists. The official languages are Spanish and Valencian, although English, German and French are widely spoken and understood. Alicante's climate is temperate in every season. While the wet season occurs in November, rainfall is brief and not routine.

Transportation

Alicante's El Altet International Airport has two terminals serviced by many international carriers via most major European cities. By train, Madrid, Barcelona and Seville run multiple daily connections to Alicante's centrally located station. A smaller train station also links Alicante to other communities along the east coast of Spain. For local travel, Alicante's tram and bus systems provide access to nearly all corners of the city.

Lodging

Options for hotels and lodging in Alicante cater to nearly every whim, from 5-star luxury resorts to budget-friendly youth hostels. Most of Alicante's hotels are downtown and around the harbor, and many offer all-inclusive packages. Privately owned condos are also available as rentals, providing an ideal alternative for families or extended stays. For nature lovers, there are many campsites open all year along Alicante's coastlines just outside the city.

The City

Alicante offers a variety of sightseeing attractions. Much of the city's historical attractions, as well as its nightlife, centers in Old Town, or El Barrio. In the heart of Alicante, the Santa Bárbara Castle, atop Mount Benacantil, is one of Spain largest medieval fortresses. The climb results in unforgettable vistas of both the city and the Mediterranean. The Explanada d'Espanya, running along the yacht harbor, is characterized by beautiful sidewalks of Moorish mosaics and quaint Spanish boutiques and outdoor cafés.

Beaches

Alicante attracts visitors from all over the world to its many beaches,which are open throughout the year. San Juan Beach, one of Alicante's biggest and most popular, is busy with cafes, restaurants, and even a golf course. Postiguet Beach is another popular destination, centrally located at the monumental Castillo de Santa Bárbara. For those interested in diving, the Isla de Tarbaca and the rocky coves of Cabo de las Huertas provide an alternative to the traditional sunbathing experience.

Cuisine

Alicante boasts many world-class restaurants whose menus blend classic and modern Spanish and Mediterranean tastes. Arrocerías, or restaurants specializing in rice dishes, are prevalent throughout the area, and offer regional rice dishes that feature other traditional ingredients such as pork, shellfish, or even squid. From the world-renowned vineyards of Spain, El Fondillón is a sweet red wine unique to the Alicante province.

Culture

Some of Spain's greatest museum's are in Alicante. The Provincial Archaeological Museum (MARQ), named European Museum of the Year in 2004, houses over 80,000 artifacts from prehistoric times to the Medieval Era. The Museo De La Asegurada features such Spanish greats as Picasso, Dalí and Miró. The art of bullfighting is celebrated at the Alicante Bullfighting Museum, while the critically acclaimed University of Alicante Museum exhibits local contemporary and experimental art.

References

• Alicante.com
• Alicante Tourism
• Alicante-Spain.com