Alicante is a surprising city full of life, contrasts, and beauty. The original name of the city “Lucentum” translates as “City of Light”. It is not only a city but also a port with stunning palm lined beaches and boulevards, huge plazas, beautiful parks. Boasting a good climate, and great nightlife; it is a modern seaside city which has conserved its charm, a place where culture, tradition and history can still be felt. The area around Alicante has been inhabited for over 7000 years. The first tribes of hunter-gatherers moved down gradually from Central Europe between 5000 and 3000 BC. Amongst the most notable features of the city are the Castle of Santa Bárbara, which sits high above the city, and the port of Alicante. The latter was the subject of bitter controversy in 2006–2007 as residents battled, successfully, to keep it from being changed into an industrial estate.
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Highlights and attractions
Visit the castle of St Barbara
The Santa Bárbara castle is situated on Mount Benacantil, overlooking the city. The tower (La Torreta) at the top, is the oldest part of the castle, while part of the lowest zone and the walls were constructed later in the 18th century. From the top you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
Visit the city centre and marina
The promenade Explanada de España, lined by palm trees, is paved with 6.5 million marble floor tiles creating a wavy form and is one of the most lovely promenades in Spa
in. The Promenade extends from the Port of Alicante to the Gran Vía and ends at the famous statue of Mark Hersch. For the people of Alicante, the promenade is the meeting place for the traditional Spanish paseo, or stroll along the waterfront in the evenings, and a venue for outdoor musical concerts. At the end of the promenade is a monument by the artist Bañuls of the 19th century. Barrio de la Santa Cruz is a colourful quarter of the old city, situated on the south-west of Santa Bárbara castle. Its small houses climb up the hill leading to the walls and the castle, through narrow streets decorated with flags and tubs of flowers. L'Ereta Park is situated on the foothills of Mount Benacantil, on the way to the castle. It runs from the Santa Bárbara castle down to the old part of Alicante and consists of several levels, routes, decks, and rest stops which offer a panoramic view overlooking the city.
Visit Tabarca island
Just a few kilometres from Alicante on the Mediterranean Sea lies Tabarca island. What was once a haven for Barbary pirates is now a beautiful tourist attraction. This small island was one of the first protected nature and marine reserves created in Spain. It is the perfect place for a day out to enjoy the history, sea, beaches, and fabulous local gastronomy.
There are catamaran services from Alicante and Santa Pola. You can even charter a yacht with crew to take you on a fabulous day out to Tabarca Island where you can picnic or lunch at one of the informal beachfront restaurants on the island.
Beach "El Postiguet"
The coastline of Alicante has 15 kilometres of fabulous beaches – the majority with blue flag status. Playa Postiguet is Alicante’s main beach, close to the city centre, old quarters, and main boulevards. It is a popular sandy beach just along from the leisure harbour and in front of Santa Barbara Castle. There is a variety of facilities for water sports, beach games, play areas, disabled access, etc. It is close to the tram line which links Alicante to the other northern Costa Blanca resorts. Y can take a stroll along the shady, seafront esplanade where there is invariably something fascinating to watch or activities to take part in, exhibitions, kite competitions, naval displays, boating events, beach gym, tight rope walker etc., you will never get bored and you will also find a great choice of eateries and street cafés to enjoy, and many craft stalls to browse.
Visit "Palmera" cove
Cala Palmera is a slightly smaller cove also popular with naturists. The beach of San Juan offers seven kilometres of fabulous golden sands extend from Cabo de la Huerta to El Campello. A wide, non-crowded beach with gently sloping sands.
Commuting
- By road:
From Madrid and central Spain: A-3, subsequently N-430, and N-330.
From the Mediterranean take the A7/E-15 motorway in either direction (north to Valencia, Cataluña, or south to Murcia, Andalucía, etc.).
Madrid-Alicante (links to Northern Spain).
Barcelona-Alicante (links to France & the rest of Europe).
Murcia- Alicante.
- By air:
Alicante-Elche International Airport is located nine kilometres from Alicante (approx. 15 mins.). There are flights to the main Spanish & European airports.
Schools
University of Alicante
The University of Alicante was established in 1979 on the basis of the Center for University Studies (CEU), which was founded in 1968. The University main campus is located in San Vicente del Raspeig/Sant Vicent del Raspeig, bordering the city of Alicante to the north. The University has a modern campus of one square kilometer. It comprises over seventy departments and research groups in areas of Social Science and Law, Experimental science, Technology, Liberal Arts, Education and Health Sciences, and five research institutes.
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