Alicante, Spain — Where to Go
Alicante Sightseeing Overview
Alicante's past is that of any other corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by the Greeks who named it Akra Leuke (White Peak), it was later captured by the Romans who renamed it Lucentum (City of Light). In the second half of the eighth century, it was conquered by the Moors, and the city was finally retaken in 1246 for the Castilian crown. In 1308, it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Valencia. Today Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencian Country and a great travel destination.
With its compact city center, Alicante is an easy city to get around on foot. Most of the main attractions are located within the historical quarter. From the cathedral, the labyrinth of narrow walkways in the Old Quarter are just a few steps away, where the Church of Santa María, the MUBAG and the town hall are side by side with the liveliest bars and terraces of el Barrio.
The most prominent symbol of Alicante is the Castle of Santa Barbara, which looks out over the city and the sea, from the summit of Mount Benacantil.
The Explanada de España is one of the most appealing promenades of the city. With palm trees and flower beds, the romantic setting is completed by the occasional café.
There is a beach for everyone in Alicante, and any one of them would be the perfect setting for an afternoon's sunbathing. The first, running north to south, is San Juan, long, broad and busy. It is a resort in itself, with hotels, restaurants, icecream bars, even a golf course. It really comes into its own as a top summer clubbing destination.
The scene changes completely with a series of small coves to the south, Palmeral, Cantalares and Judíos. Next, you come to small, sandy Almadraba, and watersports-friendly Albufereta. This is linked by tram to Alicante's city beach Playa del Postiguet. After crossing the city and port, the last beach is the wide, sandy Saladar or Urbanova beach, with panoramic views across the bay.
Alicante Tourist Information
Tourist Info Alicante
Rambla de Méndez Núñez 23
Tel: (96) 520 0000.
Website: www.alicanteturismo.com
Other Alicante tourist office locations include the train station (tel: (96) 512 5633) and the coach station (tel: (96) 592 9802).
Alicante Sightseeing
There are currently no tourist passes in Alicante.
Alicante Sightseeing
There are currently no tourist passes in Alicante.
Key Attractions in Alicante, Spain
CastillodeSantaBárbara(Castle of Santa Barbara)
Dating from the ninth century and Moorish in origin, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara is the most emblematic construction in Alicante. Located on the summit of Mount Benacantil at 166m (544ft) above sea level, the castle is built in several fortified levels.
Monte Benacantil
Tel: (96) 526 3131.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2000 (Apr-Oct); 0900-1900 (Nov-Mar).
Admission charge: N (charge for lift).
Disabled access: Y.
IglesiadeSantaMaría(Church of Santa María)
This is the oldest church in Alicante and was built in the gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the ruins of what was once the main mosque during the Moorish occupation.
Plaza de Santa María
Tel: (96) 521 6026.
MARQ(ArchaelogicalMuseumofAlicante)
Situated in the former Hospital de San Juan de Dios, this Alicante museum contains an important collection comprising pieces from Palaeolithic times to the Middle Ages, offering an educational experience. Voted Best European Museum in 2004.
Plaza del Doctor Gómez Ulla
Tel: (96) 514 9000.
Website: www.marqalicante.com
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1100-1400 and 1800-midnight, Sun 1100-1400 (Jul-Aug); Tues-Sat 1000-1900, Sun 1000-1400 (Sep-Jun).
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
ConcatedraldeSanNicolásdeBari(CathedralofStNicholasofBari)
Built in the Renaissance style of the Spanish architect Juan de Herrera, this is one of the most important buildings in the Old Town. Of special interest are the cloister, adorned with baroque doors, the altar, the communion chapel and the 45m- (147ft-) high dome.
Plaza Abad Penalva
Tel: (96) 521 2662.
Website: www.concatedralalicante.es
Opening hours: Daily 0800-1930/2000.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
Ayuntamiento de Alicante (Alicante TownHall)
A fine example of baroque civic architecture finished in 1760, Alicante's Town Hall is flanked by twin towers. Of interest inside are the Blue Room, the Plenary Room and the chapel. On the first step of the stairway on the first floor is a small metal disc indicating sea level, which is used as a reference point for measuring the height above sea level in all other parts of Spain.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento 1
Tel: (96) 514 9100.
Website: www.alicante-ayto.es
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1400.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
Further Distractions
MUBAG(FineArts)
An 18th-century building, located in Alicante's Calle Gravina, MUBAG houses the main artforms from the Alicante area, from the Middle Ages up to 1920. The collection is put into context using period furniture and textiles.
Calle Gravina 13-14
Tel: (96) 514 6780.
Website: www.mubag.com
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1400 and 1700-2100, Sun 1000-1400 (May-Sep); Tues-Sat 1000-1400 and 1600-2000, Sun 1000-1400 (Oct-Apr).
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
SanJuanBeach
The most beautiful beach in the province, only 20 minutes' drive from Alicante's city center, San Juan beach boasts over 7km (4.5 miles) of spacious, wide beach with fine sand. Facilities include watersports areas, leisure areas and a tourist information point. Every main beach offers a free training circuit for a wide variety of exercise routines. During the holiday season, a team of physiotherapists offer advice.
