alicante places to visit

Alicante⁚ A Guide to Must-Visit Places

Alicante is a beautiful port city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It is known for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife. If you are planning a trip to Alicante, be sure to add these must-visit places to your itinerary;

Castillo de Santa Barbara

Perched atop Mount Benacantil, Castillo de Santa Barbara is a magnificent medieval fortress that dominates the Alicante skyline. The castle’s origins date back to the 9th century, when it was built by the Moors. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and rebuilt by various rulers, including the Romans, Visigoths, and Christians.
Today, Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alicante. Visitors can explore the castle’s many towers, dungeons, and courtyards, and enjoy stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Here are some tips for visiting Castillo de Santa Barbara⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes. The castle is large and there are many stairs to climb.
• Bring water and sunscreen. There is little shade in the castle, so it can get hot and sunny.
• Allow plenty of time to explore. There is a lot to see and do at the castle, so don’t rush your visit.
• Take a guided tour. Guided tours are available in English and Spanish.
• Visit the castle at sunset. The views of the city and the sea are especially beautiful at sunset.

Castillo de Santa Barbara is a must-visit attraction in Alicante. It is a fascinating historical site with stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Explanada de España

Explanada de España is a beautiful promenade located along the waterfront in Alicante. It is known for its stunning mosaic pavement, which features over 6 million colored tiles. The promenade is a popular place to stroll, relax, and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Explanada de España was built in the early 20th century. It was designed by the architect José Guardiola Picó, who was inspired by the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. The promenade is 500 meters long and 14 meters wide.

The mosaic pavement is the most striking feature of Explanada de España. It was created by local artisans and took over six years to complete. The pavement depicts scenes from Alicante’s history and culture, as well as traditional Spanish motifs.

Here are some tips for visiting Explanada de España⁚

• Take a walk along the promenade. The mosaic pavement is a work of art, and it is best appreciated by walking along it slowly.
• Sit on a bench and enjoy the views. There are many benches along the promenade where you can sit and relax while enjoying the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Visit the nearby restaurants and cafes. There are many restaurants and cafes located near Explanada de España where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
• Visit the nearby Mercado Central. Mercado Central is a large indoor market where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and other goods.

Explanada de España is a must-visit attraction in Alicante. It is a beautiful place to stroll, relax, and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Playa del Postiguet

Playa del Postiguet is the main beach in Alicante. It is a beautiful, sandy beach with clear waters and gentle waves. The beach is popular with both locals and tourists, and it is a great place to relax, sunbathe, and swim.

Playa del Postiguet is located in the heart of Alicante, just a short walk from the city center. The beach is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and lifeguards. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and bars located along the promenade.

Playa del Postiguet is a great place to visit all year round. In the summer, the beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. In the winter, the beach is a great place to walk, jog, or simply relax and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Here are some tips for visiting Playa del Postiguet⁚

• Arrive early to get a good spot. Playa del Postiguet is a popular beach, so it is important to arrive early to get a good spot.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun in Alicante can be strong, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring water and snacks. There are many restaurants and cafes located along the promenade, but it is also a good idea to bring your own water and snacks.
• Be aware of the currents. The currents in the Mediterranean Sea can be strong, so it is important to be aware of them when swimming.

Playa del Postiguet is a must-visit attraction in Alicante. It is a beautiful beach with clear waters and gentle waves. The beach is popular with both locals and tourists, and it is a great place to relax, sunbathe, and swim.

Mercado Central

Mercado Central is the central market in Alicante. It is a large, indoor market with over 200 stalls selling a variety of fresh produce, seafood, meat, cheese, and other food products. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and to buy fresh, high-quality food.

Mercado Central is located in the heart of Alicante, just a short walk from the city center. The market is open every day except Sunday, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The market is divided into different sections, each selling a different type of food. There is a section for fruits and vegetables, a section for seafood, a section for meat, and a section for cheese and other dairy products. There are also several stalls selling prepared foods, such as paella, tapas, and sandwiches.

Mercado Central is a great place to buy fresh, high-quality food. The prices are reasonable, and the selection is excellent. The market is also a great place to experience the local culture. The vendors are friendly and helpful, and they are always willing to answer questions about their products.

Here are some tips for visiting Mercado Central⁚

• Arrive early to get the best selection. The market is busiest in the morning, so it is best to arrive early to get the best selection of products.
• Bring a shopping bag or basket. You will need a shopping bag or basket to carry your purchases.
• Be prepared to bargain. It is customary to bargain with the vendors at Mercado Central. Be polite and respectful, and you may be able to get a good deal on your purchases.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Mercado Central is a crowded place, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to keep your valuables close to you.

Mercado Central is a must-visit attraction in Alicante. It is a great place to buy fresh, high-quality food and to experience the local culture.

Santa Cruz Neighborhood

The Santa Cruz neighborhood is the oldest neighborhood in Alicante. It is a charming and historic neighborhood with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful balconies. The neighborhood is home to several churches, convents, and other historic buildings.

The Santa Cruz neighborhood is located on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, just below the Castillo de Santa Barbara. The neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists, and it is a great place to wander around and explore the city’s history.

The Santa Cruz neighborhood is home to several important landmarks, including the Church of Santa Maria, the Convent of Santa Clara, and the Casa de la Asegurada. The Church of Santa Maria is the oldest church in Alicante, and it is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The Convent of Santa Clara is a former convent that has been converted into a museum. The Casa de la Asegurada is a historic house that is now a museum dedicated to the history of Alicante.

The Santa Cruz neighborhood is also home to several shops, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood is a great place to find souvenirs, traditional Spanish cuisine, and live music.

Here are some tips for visiting the Santa Cruz neighborhood⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes. The streets in the Santa Cruz neighborhood are narrow and cobbled, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a camera. The Santa Cruz neighborhood is a beautiful and historic neighborhood, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the sights.
• Be respectful of the locals. The Santa Cruz neighborhood is a residential neighborhood, so be respectful of the locals and their privacy.
• Be aware of your surroundings. The Santa Cruz neighborhood is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close to you.

The Santa Cruz neighborhood is a must-visit attraction in Alicante. It is a charming and historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture, delicious food, and friendly people.