Begin your visit to Alicantewith an incredible view over the city. High above the town, sitting on top ofBenacantil Hill, is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. You can reach the summit onfoot, by car or by lift and enjoy the views from the walls.
Under the fortress stretch the streets of the OldCity. The Casco Antiquo is an area full of art museums and historic buildings.The Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari is considered one of the finest examplesof Spanish Baroque architecture, while the Basilica de Santa María is theoldest church in the city, and it is still used today. Visit the administrativeheart of Alicante, Alicante Town Hall and admirethe rich interiors that were once commonplace in the region.
To enjoy the beaches of Alicanteyou don’t have to go far. Follow the mosaic tiles of the Esplanada de Espana toreach the Playa del Postiguet, at the foot of the Benacantil. Or take the tramto the vast bay of the Playa de San Juan for a day of sailing, volleyball andwindsurfing.
Taste fresh food and join the locals at the MercadoCentral. Visit the Port of Alicante, where the restaurants are famous for theirseafood dishes. Make sure you try the paella and arroz negro, a rice dish thatis made with black squid ink.
Alicante is a compactcity and most attractions are within walking distance of the historic centre,while an ever-growing network of trams and buses will take you to the moredistant destinations. Even the depths of winter the Mediterranean climateprovides mild temperatures and it rarely rains.
The port is a popular gateway to the city and manyvisitors arrive by ferry or cruise ship. The nearest international airport isjust 20 minutes away by bus, and there are regular high speed train connectionsfrom Barcelona and Madrid.