Alicante is a major resort in the province of Valencia in eastern Spain. Thousands of tourists come here to immerse themselves in the flavor of local history and soak up the clean beaches, enjoy ancient sights and taste the gifts of the Mediterranean Sea.
A little history
Behind long years During its existence, Alicante was under the rule of several civilizations, each of which had its own influence on the development of the city. The Greeks, Romans, Moors - everyone wanted to get a strategically important object on the seashore.More than 2,000 years ago, a small settlement of Iberians was conquered by the Greeks and became the city of Akra Leuke, or White Fortress. The Romans who came to power named the city Lucentum - the city of bright radiance. In the 8th century, the Moors became the masters here. And again the city received a new name - Al-Laqant. In the 16th century, Alicante passed into the hands of Castilian conquerors, and in the 19th century it became part of Spain, becoming a trading port.
Sights of Alicante
Such a rich historical heritage could not but leave its mark on the architectural development of the city. Gothic style and Romanesque culture, Baroque and oriental flavor are intertwined here.Fortress Santa Barbara
The main attraction of the city is the Santa Barbara Castle. It's hard not to notice him. The fact is that the castle stands on the top of Mount Benacantil at an altitude of 166 m. Located on three levels, the fortress is perhaps the largest in all of Spain. Each “floor” of the castle is a reflection of the era in which it was built. From the top of the mountain there is a stunning view of the city.
Castle of San Fernando
Another castle rises on the Tossal hill in the very center of Alicante. Built in the 19th century, it was intended to protect the city from Napoleon's troops. The fortress includes two bastions connected by transition walls. The inside of the fortress is equipped with barracks, a bunker and basic military supplies.
Basilica of Santa Maria
The Church of St. Mary was built in the 14th century on the site of a destroyed Muslim mosque. This is how the victors marked the expulsion of the Moors. The richly decorated basilica is decorated in gothic style. Later, the facade of the church acquired a majestic appearance in the Baroque style.
Cathedral of San Nicolas
The Cathedral of San Nicolas is another architectural monument, erected in the 17th century on the ruins of a mosque. Its construction is dedicated to the defender of Alicante - Saint Nicholas. It is believed that it fulfills the wishes of tourists. This makes it especially attractive to visit.
The cleanest beaches of Alicante have an excellent reputation. Large and small, sandy and pebble, they are conveniently located throughout the city.
Most popular beaches:
- Postiguet– one of the best beaches in Alicante. Stretching for almost a kilometer, it is located at the foot of Mount Benacantil in the very center of the city. Vacationers have a great opportunity to enjoy the view of the Santa Barbara fortress while strolling along the promenade, lying on the golden sand or playing beach sports.
- Calm waters and plenty of playgrounds made Albufereta beach popular for family holidays not only among tourists, but also among local residents. Another feature is that in ancient times the villas of the Roman nobility were located here.
- Perfect for those who like to relax in solitude Coco beach. It is quite small, but the picturesque nature and the opportunity to peacefully watch fishermen attract romantic dreamers here.
- The largest in length - San Juan beach. Stretching for several kilometers, it has become one of the favorite vacation spots of citizens and tourists. This is not surprising, since the beach has a “blue flag” - a guarantee of cleanliness and safety.
When is the best time to go to Alicante?
The best time to visit Alicante depends on the purpose of your trip.- Fans of fun holidays should come here in the summer, when the city hosts especially many festivals. The most significant festival is the Bonfire of St. John, when the entire city shines with numerous lights.
- Good periods for shopping are from January to March and July. During this time there are discount seasons.
- The summer months are ideal for beachgoers. In September the weather in Alicante is already quite cloudy.
- Sightseeing hunters should exclude September and October from their travel schedule, otherwise the impression of the beauties they see may be spoiled by the incessant heavy rain.
- Take a Spanish phrasebook with you, as communicating with the locals can be difficult due to the language barrier - English is not widely spoken here.
- Take the opportunity to purchase a tourist card. It will allow you to receive benefits for travel, accommodation and food.
- You can pay with a credit card almost everywhere in Alicante. The only inconvenience is that you need to present a passport or driver's license.
- Many stores don't accept large bills, so it is advisable to stock up on cash with a denomination of less than 100 euros.
- In restaurants and cafes there is an unspoken rule - to leave tips for the waiters, even if they are obviously included in the bill.
- Smoking in in public places prohibited. In hotels this can be done on the balcony, and in restaurants - in specially designated areas.
Alicante is a popular Spanish resort located on the Costa Blanca. It was chosen by both local residents and numerous tourists from all over the world. But here you can not only soak up the numerous beaches. This city has its own unique appearance. What to see in Alicante on your own? On this page of the site we will answer this question.
The main attraction of Alicante is the Castle of St. Barbara
The hallmark of this city is the Santa Barbara Castle. It is close to the main beaches and rises 166 meters above sea level on Mount Benacantil. From the city center you can walk to the castle in 10-15 minutes. Want to pass the time? Use the high-speed elevator to get to the top of the mountain.
You can explore the amazing buildings of this castle completely free of charge. There is a museum inside it. With the help of which the difficult history of these places is described.
The main attraction located in the city of Alicante is the Santa Cruz quarter. This ancient area, consisting of several narrow streets, lies at the foot of Benacantil. Santa Cruz is the real Spain. Not the one that appears in photographs in tourist guides or pictures from the Internet.
It is in these places, where houses have not been renovated for a long time, and neighbors pass the salt they run out through the window without leaving their apartment, that most Spaniards live. Do you want to see their life? Go to Old city. But be careful. Meetings with representatives of the criminal world who are eager to make money at the expense of tourists are not uncommon here.
Basilica of St. Mary - a symbol of victory over the Moors
The Church of Santa Maria was built in the 14th century on the site of a former mosque. Gothic architecture, which “superimposed” on a Muslim religious building, looks atypical for Spain. Over time, new halls were added to the main building. Inside there are sculptures of St. Mary and St. John. It is worth noting the gilded altar, made in the Rococo style.
Like the basilica described above, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas was erected on the site of the ruins of a Muslim mosque. Saint Nicholas is considered the patron saint of Alicante. But this saint is also the patron saint of travelers. Therefore, if you find yourself in this temple, you can ask Nicholas for something. It is believed that all prayers uttered in this church will definitely come true.
The construction of this complex began in 1616 and was completed in 1662. Later, it was repeatedly restored and completed. Experts note the unusual architectural style of this building. The relics of Saints Francis Javier and Felicita are kept in this temple.
An overview of the sights of this city cannot be imagined without mentioning the fortress of St. Fernando. This castle, which is located right in the center of Alicante, was built as a defensive structure against Napoleon's regiments. But the French never came here.
This structure consists of two interconnected bastions and several half-bastions. A deep ditch has been dug in front of the fortress. Today this place is very loved by locals. It is equipped with recreation areas, a football field and children's playgrounds.
Natural monuments of Alicante
In a review of the most interesting places in Alicante, one cannot fail to mention natural monuments. The most interesting of them is El Palmeral. There are many recreation areas, bicycle paths and a lake for boat trips. Most of the area is planted with picturesque palm trees. During the holidays, this park hosts various events.
Not far from the Esplanade embankment is Canalejas Park. It is inferior in territory to El Palmeral, but is famous for its trees. Many of which are over 100 years old. In addition to them, amazing ficus trees grow in this park, decorative fountains and sculptures. And the main highlight of this park is the huge map of Spain.
Alicante is the second most populous city in the Spanish province of Valencia, it is located on the Costa Blanca (Mediterranean Sea). The city is a major seaport connecting the province with Algeria and the Balearic Islands.
Alicante has rightfully become a famous tourist center of the coast, where numerous streams of people constantly come to rest. This city is famous not only for its sun, beaches and sea, but also for its distinctive architecture, numerous attractions and famous festivals. In addition, Alicante is a university city, the streets of which are always full of young people.
Climate and weather
The resort is characterized by a dry Mediterranean climate, with rain (autumn and spring) and moderate temperatures. Temperatures in winter range from 6.2 to 16.9 ºС, and in summer - from 20.5 to 30.7 ºС, the average annual temperature is 17.8 ºС. Weather fluctuations during the day are insignificant, but the westerly wind can increase the temperature by 15 ºС or more, although the thermometer rarely rises above 40 ºС.
The average annual precipitation is 366 mm. In September and October there are heavy rains; during this period, about 200 mm of precipitation can fall per day. There are up to 37 rainy days in a year.
Region |
Region Valencia |
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Population |
331,750 people |
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324 BC e. |
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Population density |
1648 people/km² |
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Timezone |
UTC+2 (summer time) |
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Postal code |
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International dialing code |
Nature
Alicante lies on the Mediterranean coast, on a plain crossed by a series of hills and hills. The city is home to several mountains (Benacantil, Tossal) and ridges (San Julian and Grossa). Between them there are small ravines, many of them equipped with canals.
Along the coastline there are beaches: El Saladar, San Juan, El Postiguet, La Almadraba, La Albufereta and Agua Amarga. Between the beaches of San Juan and La Albufereta is the Cape of Cabo de las Huertas with many coves. Two rivers also flow through the city - Rambla de las Ovejas and Monnegre.
Attractions
The main symbol of Alicante is the fortress of St. Barbara, located high on a cliff. Once upon a time there were fortifications in its place, and the Benacantil rock itself was of very important strategic importance. There are observation decks near the castle, from where you can enjoy the panorama of the city and the coast.
The main religious building of Alicante is the Monastery of Saint Veronica and the Holy Face, opened in 1766. Valuable religious relics are collected within the walls of the monastery; every year in May many pilgrims come here.
It is worth noting the Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 17th century. The cathedral is made in unusual style Eresko, and received its name in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the city. This saint is the patron saint of all travelers, and therefore tourists, which makes him even more attractive.
Among the cultural institutions of Alicante, it is worth noting the Gravina Art Museum, which houses outstanding collections of paintings and sculptures by local artists. The Archaeological Provincial Museum is also interesting, receiving the title of the best museum in Europe in 2004. The collections on display include artifacts from the Stone Age and later archaeological periods. The city also has original museums, such as the Well Museum and the Fire Museum.
Nutrition
If speak about national cuisine in Alicante, it is necessary to note the variety of ingredients and good combination spices However, other cuisines, such as Mediterranean, are also available in large quantities.
The city's culinary culture is recognized as one of the best in the world. The main dishes of Alicante include all kinds of seafood, chicken, vegetables and pork, and garlic is considered a traditional seasoning. Rice is used in abundance almost everywhere, especially in combination with seafood and fish.
Grilled mushrooms, potato dishes and lamb chops are also popular in the main restaurants and cafes. Although we should not forget about the most beloved Spanish dish - paella, in Alicante it is prepared with a special aroma of saffron and fire. Fried shrimp are considered the most delicious dish. Dessert includes a glass of liqueur and frozen cake. Speaking of desserts, it is worth saying that grapes, citrus fruits, cherries, persimmons and figs are often used here.
Accommodation
In Alicante, if you exclude the period from July to August, there are no special problems with accommodation. Tourists and guests of the city have a lot of options for accommodation - a variety of hotels and inns, as well as campsites, hostels and boarding houses. Room rates range from 20 € and above. The price depends on the status of the hotel, its location and the services offered.
Numerous real estate agencies in the city can always help you find any rental housing for your vacation, from a small apartment (from 200 € per week) to a luxurious villa (1000-1500 €).
Entertainment and relaxation
Alicante offers a variety of opportunities for both nightlife fans and lovers active rest. One of the most prestigious nightclubs in the city is Club Z, where the “golden youth” have fun. It should be noted that the club has a strict dress code, so you need to be careful with your outfit. There are several bars on the beach where themed jazz and blues parties take place every day.
Those vacationing with children should definitely visit the Disneyland park with attractions, toy stores, game rooms and a cafe. There are many beautiful walking parks in the city.
Alicante will also delight fans of beach activities. The most popular beach in the city is Postiguet, which is perfect for families. Fans of water activities can go to the nearby beaches, which are well equipped.
In addition, festivals and holidays are constantly held in the city, especially in summer. My favorite was the festival of San Juan (the night of traditional bonfires).
Purchases
Alicante has a large number of large shopping centers, such as Gran Via, Plaza del Mar, Puerta del Mar and El Corte Inglés. In such places you can always find any purchases, and at the same time have a snack and have fun. In the old part of the city there are many interesting small shops offering souvenirs and antiques. There are also various mid-price shops located there.
As practice shows, prices for almost all goods here are quite reasonable, however, in July, as well as from January to March, there are discount seasons. During this time, discounts (REBAJAS) are provided almost everywhere and on everything (50-70%).
It is also necessary to remember that on Sundays all shops are closed, except for 24-hour shops. The exceptions are the first Sunday of the sales season and several Sundays before the Christmas holidays.
Transport
It is comfortable to travel around the city by bus. They run here very often, and at any stop there is a timetable and a map of all routes. The only inconvenience is that the names of the stops are not announced on the buses. A single ticket costs €1.25. It is much more profitable to buy a travel card (BonoBus), which is charged for 10 or 30 trips. In this case, one trip will cost 0.7 €.
Another urban mode of transport in Alicante is TRAM (metro of the city and province). It includes the metro itself (overground and underground) and electric trains (urban and suburban). Tickets for this type of transport are valid for 1.5 hours; during this period you can make any transfers without additional payment. The fine for an unpaid train in the city is 50 €.
Connection
There are three major mobile operators in Spain (Orange, Vodafone, Movistar), and other companies are also gaining momentum. Roaming is provided by all operators, and special tariffs are provided for non-residents of the country when connecting. You can make a call from any street machine or at the city post office (from 0.15 €). The Internet in Alicante is also available to absolutely everyone (1.4 € per hour).
Safety
Just 10 years ago, Alicante and its local surroundings were quite unsafe. However, in connection with the development of the tourism sector of the city's economy, the government has taken a number of practical and strategic measures, thanks to which the city has become safe and cozy. According to National Police statistics, the crime rate in Alicante decreased by 21.9% (2003-2009). It should be added that in 2011 the crime rate reached minimum threshold thanks to the excellent level of police work.
Despite this, tourists should be careful and take precautions to protect personal belongings, because in Alicante, as in all resort centers, pickpockets and scammers are active.
Business climate
Alicante is an excellent base for successful business. The city's economy is based on beach tourism, as well as the export of wine, citrus fruits and olive oil. Construction also provides considerable profits on the coast. The food industry can be quite profitable. If the restaurant, bar or cafe is well located, profits will flow all year round. Other service sectors are also in stable demand.
Real estate
Having your own property in Alicante guarantees a high standard of living. This is supported by excellent ecology, favorable climate, healthy eating, the absence of daily stress that is inherent in megacities and the adequate attitude of Spaniards towards other nationalities and religions. An important argument is also the possibility of purchasing a multiple visa for a year with the right to stay in Spain for 180 days annually.
In addition, buying any real estate in this area is a profitable investment, because before the crisis, prices were steadily increasing every year by 10-15%. According to the forecasts of most analysts, this process will continue for quite a long period of time.
In Alicante it is possible to get a tourist card. It gives visitors a number of undeniable advantages: travel on a tourist bus, travel benefits and discounts in most hotels and restaurants. The cost of the card depends on its validity period (from 13 to 18 €).
Please note that in Alicante they speak two languages: Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian. In the city itself, Spanish is used more often, but in the nearby towns - Valencian, although everyone understands Spanish. Significantly worse with English. There is a chance to speak English only in car rental stores, hotels and some restaurants. Therefore, it is worth buying a phrasebook or installing a dictionary on your phone.
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Weather in Alicante by months:
| Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Water temperature in the sea |
Number of solar hours per day |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| During the day | At night | |||||
| January | 15.4°C | 8.8°C | 22.0% | 1 day (24.6 mm.) | 14.9°C | 9 o'clock 51m. |
| February | 15.4°C | 8.7°C | 22.7% | 1 day (15.5 mm.) | 14.0°C | 10 o'clock 47m. |
| March | 17.7°C | 10.3°C | 24.8% | 2 days (42.4 mm.) | 14.3°C | 11 o'clock 58m. |
| April | 20.5°C | 13.0°C | 21.2% | 2 days (26.2 mm.) | 15.9°C | 13:00 12m. |
| May | 23.2°C | 16.2°C | 15.8% | 1 day (13.7 mm.) | 18.8°C | 14h. 16m. |
| June | 27.6°C | 20.3°C | 9.0% | 1 day (10.8 mm.) | 22.7°C | 14h. 48m. |
| July | 30.6°C | 23.2°C | 7.4% | 1 day (9.1 mm.) | 25.8°C | 14h. 32m. |
| August | 31.2°C | 23.9°C | 9.6% | 1 day (14.3 mm.) | 26.9°C | 13:00 36m. |
| September | 28.3°C | 21.6°C | 13.6% | 1 day (19.1 mm.) | 25.6°C | 12h. 25m. |
| October | 24.6°C | 18.0°C | 18.2% | 2 days (31.3 mm.) | 23.0°C | 11 o'clock 12m. |
| November | 19.2°C | 13.0°C | 25.6% | 3 days (31.1 mm.) | 19.5°C | 10 o'clock 6m. |
| December | 16.5°C | 9.7°C | 20.5% | 1 day (16.3 mm.) | 16.6°C | 9 o'clock 33m. |
*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years
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How much does a holiday in Alicante cost? August 2018.
tour cost
My husband and I have visited Spain and Alicante in particular several times. The last time we went was in August 2018. We got a Spanish visa in Moscow with biometrics (finger scanning), which cost each person 55 euros. The flight in that direction cost 38,000 rubles for two (S7 Company). And in the opposite direction - 40,000 by Aeroflot. That is, for two, a round trip flight cost 78,000 rubles.
We stayed at the NH Alicante 4* hotel, it doesn’t have a bad location, although it’s a decent walk to the beach, about 30 minutes. For 8 nights we paid 56,000 (the price includes only breakfast), but for the center of Alicante in the hottest season, it’s not at all expensive !
A walking tour of Alicante when purchased at the hotel costs from 25 euros per person (depending on the size of the group). We also went on an excursion to Guadalest - an incredibly colorful mountain lake with a wonderful village. This bus trip cost 45 euros per person. Then we went on an excursion to Aitana Safari Park - it costs 50 euros per person, but we took the excursion with lunch +15 euros per person. Lunch was in the “menu of the day” format, which means we didn’t have to make much choice ourselves.
Food and products
In Alicante, cafes and restaurants are divided into two types: for tourists and for locals. If you prefer beautiful views, the city center, closer to the beach, where you can often hear street music, a lot of foreigners and higher prices - any places along the Esplanade and adjacent streets, around Plaza Ayutamente (by the way, there are often various city events like costumed processions, free concerts). We were at the Restaurante Terre Alicante - celebrating a small family holiday. We took for two a salad with red tuna - 6.5 euros, baked tomatoes with onions and anchovies - 13 euros, mussels - 9 euros, and salmon with sauce - 16 euros; with the meal they took a glass of wine for 7 euros and a bottle of water for 4 euros. In total we ate for 63 euros. For those who like simpler food and want to join the Spanish culture without spending a lot - I highly recommend the place - D "Tablas. Here you can try a wide variety of tapas - a national Spanish snack. Any tapas costs only 90 euro cents, and beer for him - 60 euro cents (130 ml). A cup of coffee in any cafe costs from 2 euros. By the way, the usual McDonald's and Burger King are not a cheap pleasure in Spain. You can have a snack with the "For 1 euro" promotion, which includes a hamburger /cheeseburger - 1 euro, small fries - 1 euro, small coffee American - 1 euro. Everything else in American fast foods costs significantly more (for example, a Big Mac is 7.60 euros). But our most favorite place in Alicante, which we visit all the time - Restaurante Colonial - this is a Buffet restaurant, that is, a buffet - you pay for the entrance and eat as much as you like. A visit costs 13.90 per person, and you can try a lot from seafood paella, to fried shrimp, from beef chop, to rolls, cakes, Chinese chicken in sweet and sour sauce and much more. It is worth noting that, of course, the quality of the dishes is not at the Mechelin level, the emphasis here is mainly on quantity rather than quality, so if you are coming to Spain for the first time, not for a long time, or want to try truly Spanish cuisine, I do not recommend coming here , this place is more for locals. Booze costs separately - for 4.60 you can take a glass of cola (or other soda) and then fill it yourself for free as many times as you like. Once we took a bottle of red sparkling wine - Lambrusca - 13 euros.
Prices in stores are reasonable, especially in the Mercadona and Masymas chains. Bread costs around 1 euro, you can buy a kilo of strawberries for 4 euros, pizza from 2 euros, delicious ice cream in a tub for only 2 euros, and also a set of chocolate donuts for 2 euros, gazpacho - 1.75 euros, 2 kg of pork - from 5 euros, a jar of olives - from 3 euros, spices from 1.5 euros. The cheapest is alcohol in stores. Liter bottle beer costs from 70 euro cents, and wine from 1.70 euro per bottle.
Souvenirs and other goods
We always buy magnets as souvenirs - in Alicante they cost from 2 euros to 5-6 euros, although there are many promotions - 3 for 5, etc. For clothes, we bought a lot of T-shirts in the Plaza Mar shopping center - 3 euros each, a women's leather biker jacket for 25 euros, summer dress for going out for 40 euros, and a silver pendant with a chain for 25 euros (with a discount, without a discount it cost 40 euros). We also bought a cool women's two-piece swimsuit in a Chinese store - for 15 euros.
Family holiday
It seems to me that Alicante is most suitable for a family holiday. Why? Well, the city is distinguished by its comfort and quiet way of life. Here, both the indigenous population and tourists prefer walks through beautiful parks and embankments, and relaxing on cozy and clean beaches. Sometimes it seems that this city is completely protected from nightclubs, discos, parties, in a word, vibrant nightlife. Although this is far from true. In Alicante, of course, there are the entertainment venues and programs listed above, but, nevertheless, a calm and quiet lifestyle dominates. But the city has this peculiarity: this tranquility is filled with brightness and stunning emotions. This is the paradox of Alicante! It’s worth coming here not for the intense nightlife, but for a beautiful and cozy holiday, which is ideal for a variety of families!
Where is the best place to stay?
While still at home, we booked a room at the four-star NH Alicante hotel. It is located a stone's throw from the beach, which saved us a lot of time. As for the room, it was spacious, bright with beautiful interior. I liked that all spa treatments were free. All employees speak fluent English English language, so we had no problems with communication. Among the features is the swimming pool on the roof of the hotel, where there was a beautiful view of Alicante. The cost of a room per night was about 150 euros.
What to do at the resort?
My husband and I are not fans of excursions, so interesting places walked by ourselves. What I liked the most was the Santa Barbara fortress, an ancient castle built back in the 9th century. The area around the castle is very picturesque, which makes it possible to take wonderful photographs or sketches. The local Esplanade is very popular in the city. This is not surprising, since she is incredibly beautiful. My husband and I especially enjoyed walking along this embankment. In addition, Alicante has many restaurants, cafes, bars and other establishments where you can eat after a walk or at the end of a busy day. Of course, you can also have a good time on the beach. Lying on the warm white sand under the bright sun, while listening to the gentle roar of the waves, who wouldn’t like that?
Both my husband and I had positive impressions of the beaches. All the beaches we visited were clean and beautiful. The central beach of Playa de la Postiguet is very good, located at the foot of the mountain, which gives it some zest. The beach is located in the city center, so there are a lot of people here. Even despite the crowds, Playa de la Postiguet remains incredibly clean and comfortable. What I remember most is the beach in the bay of Cape Cabo de Huertas, although we only visited it once because it is difficult to get there. But those who spared no effort and time will be rewarded not only with the beauty of the area, but also with sparse crowds, clean water, and a unique atmosphere. A great place to retire, do yoga or meditation!
Is it worth a holiday in Alicante?
I can safely say that Alicante is worth going to. In this Spanish city you will renew your strength and return vigorous and full vital energy! Moreover, the area in Alicante is surprisingly beautiful. Connoisseurs of beauty will appreciate the picturesque landscapes. Beaches, hotels, entertainment venues, attractions and recreation areas - in all this regard, the resort does not lag behind, and even surpasses. In general, we were glad that we came to Alicante! For me, it will remain a cozy city in Spain that my heart will want to see again!
On this excursion we will visit the home of the influential Orduña family, who ruled Guadalest since 1699. Let's get acquainted with the preserved collection antique furniture and household items of this house, let's examine the library...
In the territory where modern Alicante is located, people appeared about 7,000 years ago. Remains of settlements dating back to the V-III millennia BC. e., were discovered by archaeologists on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, towering above the city. In the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e., when Phoenician and Greek merchant ships began to moor off the eastern coast of Spain, Iberian tribes lived on these lands.
On the site of the future city of Alicante, the Greeks founded a trading colony-fortress, which in the 3rd century BC. e. came under the rule of Carthage. Presumably in 230 BC. e. The Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, the father of the invincible military leader Hannibal, established a well-fortified settlement here, giving it the name Akra Leuke, which means “White Fortress”. Later, the Romans, who captured the fortress, named it Lucentum - “City of Light”. Over time, the Romans were replaced here by the Visigoths, and starting from the 8th century, the power of the Moorish emirs was established here for a long time. The Moors gave the settlement its name, which, nevertheless, was consonant with the Roman one - Al-Lukant. Modern city has two official names- Alicante (in Spanish, or Castilian), and Alicante (in Valencian - an dialect of Catalan).
Al-Lukant remained under Moorish rule until the mid-13th century. In 1248, it was recaptured by the troops of the Castilian king Ferdinand III and his son Alfonso, who led the Reconquista; later the city belonged to the crown of Aragon. After the unification of Castile and Aragon in 1469, Alicante received the status of a royal city. For almost two centuries it was a major Mediterranean shopping center, from where grain, wine, olive oil, oranges, wool. But between 1609 and 1614, when, at the behest of the Spanish King Philip III, the Moriscos, the descendants of the Moors who converted to Christianity, were expelled from the lands previously owned by Muslims, Alicante lost its financial and economic elite and its most enterprising citizens. The deportation led to a decline in trade and stopped the development of the region for a long time.
At the beginning of the 18th century, Alicante's economic situation continued to deteriorate, and in 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the city was briefly occupied by the allied forces of several kingdoms and principalities of Europe supporting the territorial claims of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. Alicante also survived the siege during the Napoleonic wars. At the end of the 19th century, agriculture began to boom in the region, the seaport of Alicante was enlarged, Railway connected him with Madrid. The city's economic situation has improved. Already by the beginning of the twentieth century, Alicante was developing quite dynamically, including thanks to the neutrality of Spain during the First World War, when various types of goods and industrial products were exported through its port.
Apartments and apart-hotels are in demand among tourists with an average budget. There are quite a lot of them in Alicante - both in the central urban areas and right on the coast. A wide selection of accommodation where you can settle in with the comfort of home allows both couples with children and groups of 6-8 people to stay here. During the season, the average cost of renting a modest apartment with own kitchen and a bathroom costs from 300 € per week, living in a luxury apartment can cost 1,500 € per week. Prices fall 2-3 times as you get closer winter season. In winter, a number of hotels in Alicante are closed for renovations and preparations for the next holiday season.
Transport
Public transport in Alicante is represented by buses and the light metro Tram. Its opening hours are 06:00-23:00.
Buses serve 50 routes, traveling throughout Alicante and connecting it with the suburbs. City buses are red, suburban buses are blue. Drivers do not announce the names of stops, so it is advisable to carefully study the route map; traffic patterns are indicated on stands located at all stops. You must enter the bus through the front door and exit through all the others.
The light metro is also very convenient way movement. The lines for it are laid above and below ground; an underground tunnel can be used to get to the old part of the city. The land line connects urban areas and connects Alicante with its suburbs, as well as with some nearby cities, such as the resort of Benidorm, which is 40 km away, and Denia, which is about 90 km away.
The cost of a one-time trip within the city is 1.45 €. Tickets can be purchased from special machines or directly from the driver (this applies to buses). It is advisable to pay the driver without change, at least with a banknote of no more than 20 €.
It is convenient to use BonoBus magnetic travel cards, valid for 10 or 30 trips. In this case, one trip will cost you less than 1 €. Such cards are sold at kiosks called Tabacos and at the Tram ticket offices at the final stops. You can top up your balance there or use special terminals for selling tickets Venta de billetes/Maquina Automatica. The ticket is valid for 1.5 hours. During this time, you can change, for example, from a bus to a metro or move from one route to another.
For children under 5 years of age, travel on the metro is free; on buses, this rule applies to children under 3 years of age.
A popular form of transport in Alicante is a taxi. You can call a car by phone or go to the nearest specialized parking lot - they are scattered throughout the city. Fixed tariff – 2 € per km in daytime, from 22:00 to 06:30 the price increases by 20%.
For lovers of comfort and freedom of movement, car rental companies - international and local - offer their services. The latter are noticeably dumping, but their level of service is not always the best. On average, renting a car costs from 50 € per week in the off-season, and up to 200 € per week in peak season. It is worth considering that in the historical part of Alicante the streets are narrow, the traffic on them is one-way, and it is almost impossible to park for free. In city parking lots, depending on the area, prices are as follows: 1.20-2 € per hour, or 9-24 € for 8 hours.
Those wishing to rent a bicycle can use the services of Sport Bike and Blue Bike rental & tours. On average, renting a bicycle costs from 12 € per day and from 54 € per week.
How to get there
12 km from Alicante is international Airport. It is small, but this does not prevent it from ranking as the fifth busiest air gateway in Spain after Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga. From Moscow, direct, non-stop communication with Alicante airport is carried out by aircraft of Aeroflot, S7, Air Europa Lineas Aereas airlines. Travel time is 5 hours 15 minutes. These same companies, as well as a number of European air carriers, operate flights with transfers at major airports on the continent. In this case, air travel can take from 8 to 13 hours.
From the airport to the center of Alicante it is convenient to get by bus, which follows route C-6. He makes stops at the railway station, at the Central Market, at Puerta del Mar, located near the seaport.
