| |
Guide to Alicante, Spain
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Alicante
|
AlicanteAlicante - after centuries of war, foreign rule, and domestic struggle - has altered itself into a town of thrills and traditions that will leave you with a fascinating experience of authentic Spanish life and energy. Transformed from a meagre port, it is now home to a bustling, frenetic town of spirited people famous for their idiosyncratic and exuberant festivals. From the beach to the city centre, Alicante is a busy haven with plenty of places that will surely strike your interest, no matter what whets your appetite.
When to go:
During the summer an intense number of tourists flock to its places of interest. Prices are highest during this period, and the parties most intense. Spring and autumn are also ideal periods in which to visit Alicante, providing a wholly pleasant and fulfilling time to visit.Getting there:
El Altlet International Airport, located 10km from the center of Alicante, brings in flights from major European cities and domestic locations such as Madrid, Ibiza, and Barcelona. From there, it's either the bus service (which transports passengers to the Plaza del Mar), or taxi to get to your destination in town.
Places to go:
Apart from the beaches and the hotel pools, there are numerous locations within Alicante that are worthy of a visit, and getting around by rented car is favoured. Services are available at the airport, but there are local car rental agencies that may be offering a great bargain, so it could be worth looking around before jumping for the first offer.Of course, the Spanish are well known for their fiestas and celebrations, and Alicante highlights those times to the fullest. In late April, the town holds the Muslim and Christian Festival, remembering the Reconquista. Hundreds of townspeople come out to join the parade wearing exotic costumes. The Reconquista is remembered as the time the people of Alicante defeated and expelled the Moors from their land in the 13th century. The most notable celebration is the Festival de Sant Joan, which is held over the course of a week in late June. The people drink and dance all day and all night, stopping only to hold a procession of extravagant and bizarre floats, holding what are known as forgueres. These are large, strange, farcical papier mache figures. On the night of June 24th the festival reaches its peak, with a fantastic display of fireworks, burning of the floats and figures, and all are then hosed down by the fire department, including the people, but surely that's to be expected with the summer heat. More dancing and drinking follow the events. It surely is an erratic spectacle to behold.Visiting Alicante, the Castillo de Santa Barbara is a must see. It has long been seen as the symbol of Alicante, with enormous walls, which seem reminiscent of fantastical fairy tales. This structure sits on the summit of Mount Benacantil, which then overlooks the entire city and gives an amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea. It is most satisfying to visit the Castillo via the passenger lift from Postiguet beach.Make your way to the Isla de Tabarca, which is home to a medieval fort, cosy little beach and some great seafood restaurants, and an interesting experience would be to take a glass bottom boat from Alicante port.Another essential part of Alicante is the museum, or should we say Museo de la Asegurada. Once used as a prison in the 17th century, it holds a moving collection of 20th century art by the likes of Gris, Miro, Picasso, and Dali.
|
|
|
