When it comes to sun-soaked getaways, Spain is perhaps one of the most obvious destinations to choose. Head to the gorgeous coastal city of Alicante and you can enjoy glorious weather, beautiful beaches and a buzzing nightlife, alongside a host of fascinating cultural attractions.
Beaches
Alicante is famous for being one of Spain’s top beach destinations. Arguably, its best-known and most popular stretch of sand is Playa de Postiguet, situated on Alicante’s attractive bay. A fantastic place to soak up the sun, it can get quite busy, so it is worth familiarising yourself with some of the other local beaches in case you crave a little quiet.
Playa de San Juan, for example, is Alicante’s largest beach and is, typically, much less crowded than Postiguet. A short tram ride from the city centre, this shore also has plenty of amenities, such as hotels and restaurants along the waterfront.
Indeed, perhaps one of the best things about coming to Alicante is you can actually stay at hotels on the beach, which is bound to appeal to eager sun-seekers.
Water sports
As you would expect given it is home to several beaches, Alicante is also an excellent place to try a number of water sports. You can simply enjoy a selection of these at the local beaches, but enthusiasts might prefer to head to the Marina Alta Nautical Sports Resort, which offers everything from scuba diving and sailing to water skiing and kayaking.
Cuisine
Of course, Spain is famous for its cuisine. Alicante serves up all the national staples you would expect, including plenty of paella and fresh fish, but there are a number of local dishes you should look out for too.
Turron de Alicante, for example, is a kind of Spanish nougat and is an immensely popular dessert. Rice features heavily in local cooking, as does alioli, which is similar to garlic mayonnaise. There are plenty of restaurants and bars near the port; indeed, you will find the nightlife here is some of the liveliest in the city.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
When it comes to attractions, Alicante has some fascinating historical sites. One of the best to add to your itinerary is Castillo de Santa Barbara, which is perched on the Monte Benacantil Hill. Dating back to the 9th century, the fortification can be reached by cable car – which runs through the mountain itself – that leaves just opposite Playa del Postiguet.
Come here and you can enjoy some of the best views across the bay you are likely to get, while you can also explore the fascinating castle, which comprises impressive grand halls, an old keep and a more modern lower area that dates back to the 18th century.
Lucentum
If you are keen to discover a little of the city’s history while enjoying the sunshine, a visit to Lucentum is a must. You can reach the site, which is situated approximately 3 km from the city centre, by coastal tram.
This archaeological site is the Roman predecessor to Alicante, and you can see the rough town plan and walls as they were laid out in Roman times. These date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, making them the oldest remnants of the destination you will see while you are here.
