Alicante Costa Blanca Spain - exclusive holiday guide

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Alicante

The charming old town area of Alicante has a number of city centre hotels, studios and apartments to suit all budgets and tastes. The area is home to many traditional restaurants, cafes, local markets and a large shopping centre, making it a great choice for a family getaway.
The lively areas of Levante and Poniente Beach are known for their buzzing nightlife. Many hotels have their own bars, restaurants and entertainment options and you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Alicante holidays are filled with a fantastic selection of places to visit. Two of its top visitor attractions are the stunning medieval Santa Barbara Castle and L'Ereta Park. This dramatic hilltop castle, built on the imposing Mount Benacantil, is one of the biggest castles in Spain. Here you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city, visit the Museum of the City of Alicante, view exquisite modern Spanish statues and walk through the park from the castle to the old part of the city. The old city is packed with beautiful buildings including the Gravina Palace, which is now the site of the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts.

After drinking in the beauty of the city, head to the marina and explore Alicante's stunning beaches. Here you can admire the beautiful boats, while grabbing a bite to eat at one of the its reasonably priced cafes and restaurants. A visit to Postiguet Beach is a must for beach lovers. Famous for its soft, golden, sandy beach and clear blue waters, it offers a range of fun sporting activities for all on a holiday in Alicante to enjoy.

Alicante Culture.
Explore the different barrios (districts) of Alicante to really find the hidden cultural treasures of the city. In the Santa Cruz district you'll find some of the oldest buildings in Alicante and the beautiful old Plaza del Carmen.
Discover the Torreon de la Ampollo, one of the old towers that was used to defend the city that has amazing views of the city and sea.
The castle of Santa Barbara is a massive medieval fortress that overlooks Alicante from its impressive cliff-top position.
Parks like El Palmeral and Canalejas Park offer holidaymaker's green oases in the city, while grand buildings like the town hall and cathedral offer the chance to take in some of Alicante's rich history.

Alicante Restaurants.

Whatever your taste and budget, Alicante's range of traditional Spanish coast and international restaurants won’t disappoint. Discover charming tapas bars and courtyard eateries in the centre of the city.
Along the boulevard by the sea, the al fresco restaurants specialise in seafood and rice dishes; try tasty paella, mussels and fresh fish before sampling the local dessert, turron de Alicante.
There are plenty of fast-food places to grab lunch or a quick bite and don't miss the amazing ice-cream shops along the boulevard selling every flavour of ice-cream and sorbet imaginable.

Alicante Shopping.
Find traditional souvenirs at the markets or delve into the designer boutiques in Alicante.
The main spot for shopping in Alicante is the Rambla de Menez Nunes, where there is a range of traditional shops and familiar brands. Alicante is great for finding jewellery, leather bags and Spanish pottery.

Alicante Nightlife.
From beach parties to intimate wine bars, you'll find a night out in Alicante that suits your style.
Around the El Puerto, El Barrio and Esplanada areas you'll find a whole host of bars and clubs offering everything from Spanish music to electronica, while the 'chiringuitos' built along the beaches are the perfect place to grab a cocktail on the beach.

Beaches in Alicante.
The main beach in Alicante is the Playa del Postiguet, a kilometre long stretch of golden sand and blue waters. Families, couples and everyone who likes to bask in the Spanish sun will love Alicante's beaches. This beautiful beach is backed by a promenade lined with shops and cafes where you can find refreshment.

Beaches around Alicante.
Playa de la Albufereta - is northwest of Alicante but is great for those looking for something more secluded, with sandy shores, rocky outcrops and shallow waters. Playa de San Juan - is 10km outside of Alicante and is one of the best in Spain. It's 7km long and a kilometre wide, meaning there's always room even in the busy summer time. Playa de la Almadraba - is a hidden beach with dark sands and rocky outcrops next to Playa de la Albufereta; it's great for snorkeling.

Water Sports in Alicante.
If you want to have an adventure holiday in Alicante, take advantage of the water sports on offer.
You'll find windsurfing, jet skiing, boat trips, scuba diving, surfing and paragliding on the beaches in and around Alicante. The beautiful Mediterranean waters are great for water spouts and you’ll find sailing and diving centres dotted along the Alicante coast.