Alicante

Alicante has accrued a long and illustrious history ever since it was founded by the Romans, who called it Lucentum (the City of Light). This city in the Valencian Community has its own identity and is well known for its beaches and cuisine.

The most noteworthy places of interest in Alicante include its imposing castle and the attractive seafront promenade, where you can take a quiet walk or relax at a café and enjoy the sea breeze.

What is there to see in the city of Alicante?

Santa Barbara Castle

Santa Bárbara Castle dates back to the 16th century and provides stunning views of Alicante from the top of Mount Benacantil. You can go up to the castle on foot, an effortless, rewarding stroll, and there is also a lift for those who prefer an easier ascent.

In addition to the views of the city, the marina and the Mediterranean Sea, this castle looks over the ruins of several fortified towers that were part of the network designed to defend Alicante from the Berber pirates.

Monuments of interest

Some of the most important points of interest in the capital city of Alicante are San Fernando Castle, the Cathedral of San Nicolas (built on the site of an old mosque), the Palace of Gravina (which was completed around 1800 and is now home to the Museum of Fine Arts.)

The Museum of Modern Art (dating back to the 17th century, where you will find works by Dalí, Miró and Picasso, among others).

The Central Market (built in 1912 and featuring various modernist architectural styles) and Casa Carbonell (one of the most spectacular buildings in the city, built in the 1920s by a wealthy textile baron).

Beaches

Sun, sea and sand ... Alicante boasts plenty of blue-flag beaches on which to enjoy a quiet swim. Some of the most noteworthy are:

• San Juan beach. 3 km of fine sand make it one of the main attractions for visitors to Alicante.
• Cabo de la Huerta. Small rocky coves with crystal clear water, located right next to San Juan.
• Aguamarga. Especially adapted for dogs.
• Playa de la Almadraba. Less crowded than others in the high season, with gentle waves that are conducive to enjoying a peaceful sunset.
• Playa de la Albufereta. Located to the north of the city, close to archaeological sites of interest and the place where Alicante was founded.
• Playa del Postiguet. A pleasant urban beach located just below Santa Bárbara Castle, next to the marina.
• Playa de Saladares-Urbanova. A quiet beach with delimited nudist areas around 5 km away from the city.

What is there to see in the province of Alicante?

Tabarca Island

Nueva Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, a picturesque, not to be missed spot for tourists. A 45-minute cruise from Alicante will take you there. This small group of islands was once a refuge for pirates and Berbers, and is now famed for its charming fishing port, crystal clear water and quiet sandy coves.

Altea

Sweeping down from the cape of Mascarat and nestled in a bay, Altea carves a gap between the sea and the mountains, giving rise to a symbolic image of the Costa Blanca highlighted by the blue and white dome of its Parish Church. This delightful Mediterranean town in Alicante is well known for its beautiful beaches and pretty town centre.

Jávea

Jávea is a coastal town located between two capes, La Nao and San Antonio. The population of the entire area and each of the three environments into which it is divided (the town, the port and the sandy coastal areas) strike a balance between the important traces of the civilizations that decided to create a settlement there and the modernity of a tourist destination.

In the old town, whitewashed houses with stone doors, windows and balconies line the narrow streets; on the coast, beaches, coves and up-market residential complexes are linked by a network of viewpoints with amazing views of the sea.