Alicante Travel Guide - Spain
 

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  ATTRACTIONS

Explanada d'Espanya
This district is very popular with the locals as well as tourists for its great view and range of activities.  The Explanada d'Espanya extends around part of the yacht harbor which includes a great promenade of mosaic sidewalks under the palms.  There are unlimited shopping options along the well-managed boulevards.  

Ayuntamiento
Alicante's 43 meters-high town hall is a Baroque-style building dating from the 18th century.  The Blue Room constitutes a major interest as it was used as a Royal Chamber by Isabel II in 1858 and there is also a wonderful side chapel presided by a representation of the Virgin produced by Lucas Espinós.

Iglesia de Santa Maria
The Iglesia de Santa Maria is the oldest church in the city that was built on the former site of a mosque sometime between the 14th and 16th century.  The church houses several important works of art and the exterior boasts a wonderful Baroque stonework.

Catedral de San Nicolas
This 17th century cathedral stands over 45 meters tall and is an important landmark of the city as it's the cathedral of Alicante's patron saint.  The Communion Chapel of the cathedral is regarded as one of the most exquisite examples of Spanish Baroque.

Museo Arqueológico
Alicante's archaeology museum was constructed in 1932 to house an extensive collection of artifacts belonging to the history of the region.  It is considered to be one of the best in Spain with the most advanced facility and cutting-edge multimedia presentations.

Castillo de Sana Barbara
Squatting on a disproportionately large area of the Benacantil mountain, the Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.  The castle has three enclosures of differing dates with a unique feature pertaining to each period.  From up here, the fortress commands a clear lookout over the coastline and the surrounding countryside. 

San Fernando Castle
The San Fernando Castle was built on Mount Tossal in the early 19th century principally as a fortress against Napoleon's encroaching invasion.  Its main interest today however lies in the sightseeing and leisure activities in its thematic park.

Beaches
Visitors to Alicante will find no shortage of beaches as they are aplenty in the region.  Playa de San Juan is often praised as one of the finest beaches in Spain.  The small, sandy Almadraba beach and the well hidden Albufereta beach are ideal for watersports in safe surroundings.  Further south is the Playa del Coco, next to the regional railway station.  This beach connects to Playa del Postiguet, located close to the city center, with an attractive promenade flanked by palm trees.  The last of the city's beaches is Saladar, broad, sandy and open. The pedestrian walkway here gives panoramic views of the bay of Alicante.

 
 

Suggested Hotel in Alicante

Hesperia Alicante Golf & Spa is a luxury hotel, spa and golf complex surrounded by landscaped gardens and a lake, just 800 meters from the seven kilometers stretch of sandy beach at Playa de San Juan. Contemporary luxury meets Baroque Flair in the 156 air conditioned guestrooms. All have balconies or terraces overlooking the grounds or the golf course, cable TV, Safes and minibars. The private bathrooms come equipped with hairdryers and bathrobes.

 


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