Alicante: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The beautiful Costa Blanca in the Spanish province of Alicante boasts dazzling white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. At the same time, with its numerous tourist offerings, it is one of the most popular and famous holiday regions in the country. The white coast of Alicante enchants you with its beauty and many possibilities.
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Alicante - Must-see attractions
Santa Barbara Castle
Directly by the sea, above the city beach of Alicante, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara rises on Mount Benacantil. This strategically advantageous location prompted the Moors to build the defensive fortress. The oldest parts of the complex date back to the 14th century. Visitors can walk from the harbor to the highest point of the castle complex. At the top, the panoramic view over the bay of Alicante rewards the climb. It's more convenient to take the elevator opposite Playa de Postiguet to the top.
Alicante City Hall
At the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the town hall of Alicante, with its stucco-decorated facade, turrets, and wrought-iron balconies, catches the eye from afar. Inside, magnificent meeting rooms like the Blue Salon and a chapel continue the splendor. Visitors can admire the art collection housed in the town hall or the exhibition of archaeological finds. A plaque at the entrance of the building indicates that the town hall is located at the geographical zero point in Spain.
Postiguet Beach
Located right next to the elegant Explanada promenade, Playa del Postiguet is ideal for relaxing after sightseeing or shopping. The coastal section is particularly popular for its fine, golden sand and calm waters. Over about one kilometer, there are play areas for children and sports areas where active people can engage in beach volleyball, among other activities. In the summer, sun loungers are available for relaxation. The adjacent street cafes and restaurants cater to culinary needs.
Esplanade of Spain
Once the promenade was built on the ruins of the city wall. Today's promenade dates back to the 1960s. What is special about the Explanada are its three-colored mosaic stones. The red tone resembles a marble that is only quarried in this region. A walk along the Explanada, lined with tall palm trees, takes visitors past some of Alicante's landmarks such as the Casino, the Gran Sol Hotel, or the Casa Carbonell. In summer, artisans, street performers, and musicians populate the promenade.
Archaeological Museum Alicante
The exhibition is dedicated to different eras in five themed rooms. Interactive applications and artifacts bring visitors closer to prehistory, Iberian, Roman, medieval culture, and modern times. Exhibits up to 100,000 years old and Iberian ceramics are among the highlights. The artifacts from Moorish, Roman, and Greek times illustrate the influence of various cultures on Alicante. Those who want to learn details about the transformation of the city's history can join one of the multilingual tours.
Central Market of Alicante
The building alone, in which the Mercat Central d'Alacant is housed, is a sight in itself. The brick building framed by palm trees resembles more a place of worship than a market hall. Inside, lovers of Mediterranean delicacies will find their hearts' delight. Freshly caught fish, fragrant bread, and cheese in all variations are offered at the stalls. You should definitely try the salted fish and quality wines produced in Alicante. Dates or the honey almond nougat called Turrón make nice souvenirs.
Alicante - Climate
Alicante and the Costa Blanca offer a mild subtropical Mediterranean climate. This means: hot but dry summers and mild winters. Overall, there are more than 300 sunny days and little rain. You can spend a beach and swimming vacation from June to October. In the peak summer, temperatures climb to 34 degrees. And even in September, you often still enjoy 30 degrees and a warm sea, which only cools down a bit in October. Even in winter, the thermometer usually stays in double digits with a good 6 hours of sunshine a day.