Alicante is the capital of the province of Alicante and is part of the Valencian community, speaking both Spanish and “Valenciano.” Alicante is one of the oldest cities in Spain, with settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Alicante is located on the Costa Blanca, Spain’s Mediterranean coast, and its well-known Paseo de Los Angeles Explanada, one of the country’s most spectacular seafront promenades, looks out toward the sea. The magic of this lovely harbour metropolis is not limited to the wonderful waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Panoramic views of the town and its harbor can be seen from the vantage point.
Alicante Setting
The strategic position of Alicante on the western beaches of the Mediterranean Sea has attracted a number of civilisations over the centuries. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and later Arabs all came to this coast in search of new trading routes. The Explanada de Espaa promenade is a long and wide walkway lined with shady date palm trees and dotted with terraces, pavement bars, and cafés. It runs alongside the waterfront, where you’ll find top-notch restaurants, family entertainment, local artisans selling their wares, and plenty of places to relax in the shade.
Alicante has chic restaurants, luxurious hotels, a cutting-edge marina, and a modern tram line that runs along the vast seashore as far as Benidorm, making it a consumer-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation. The city provides a wide selection of cultural events in a variety of locations across the city, including the Casa de la Cultura (Cultural Centre) and the Teatro Fundamental (Principal Theatre), a 19th-century neo-classical structure.
Alicante Beaches and Seaside
Seaside lifestyles are accessible almost all year in Alicante, thanks to the mild climate, and there are many beautiful beaches to choose from. The Playa de San Juan is a seven-kilometer stretch of golden sand flanked by a street that allows you to stop anywhere along the beach. El Postiguet is located nearly within the town itself, at the foot of the Benacantil mountain, next to the port and Los Saladares, Iying south of the settlement, within the Agua Amarga neighborhood. A rugged, rocky region with coves such as Los Cantarales, Los Judios, and Palmera can be found at Cabo de las Huertas. There are boat journeys available to the island of Tabarca, and the seas around the Isla de Tabarca are teeming with thrilling sealife.
Alicante Events
Alicante is a cultural hub with a diverse range of events and fiestas. A traditional arts and crafts market is held in Plaza de la Santisima Faz and nearby streets at the end of June. The theme of the event is medieval. The new esplanade in front of the port comes alive for the summer season competition with consistent dramatic productions and live shows at some point in July and August.
Easter week (Semana Santa), with its vibrant processions through the streets of Alicante, is one of the most exciting festivals in the region. Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos is a pageant that depicts wars between Moors and Christians during the Reconquista, or reconquest of Spain. The Hogueras de San Juan, or bonfires for the summer solstice, are a completely vintage tradition, with everyone dancing around the fires. The magic and allure of Les Fogueres de Sant Joan should not be ignored. The flames from burning bonfires light up the Alicante skyline on the night of June 24.
Alicante Old Town
The historic town center is home to a host of the best restaurants and tapas bars, serving authentic Valencian and international cuisine. Bars, cafés, taverns, cerveceras, pizza joints, and mesones abound, each with its own distinct style and personality. There are also numerous music bars and discos offering everything from salsa to jazz, rock to sevillanas, and much more. Alicante has a great nightlife all year round, with many bars and discos staying open until the early hours of the morning. Elegant pubs and restaurants with well-known delicacies can be found in the “cutting-edge” sector (between Alfonso El Sabio and the Explanada). Enjoy the Playa de San Juan’s seasonal nightlife throughout the summer.
In Alicante’s old city, also called “El Barrio”, there are numerous pubs, cafes and bars that have a lively ambience in the evening. The port, the seaside prom, and “los angeles Explanada” are Alicante’s late-night life, particularly during the summer. The train “TRAMnochador” is a unique facility that operates from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during the months of July, August, and early September and stops at all stations of the “Diskotheque-Mile,” including Playa de San Juan, El Campello, and Benidorm. Some stations and halts along the line have been refurbished and converted into restaurants, cafés, and pubs, which are open during the nice and cozy Mediterranean summer season nights.
