If you ask people about cities in Spain, you would probably be told about Barcelona and Madrid, may be some people would mention Valencia and Sevilla, but Spain definitely isn’t only about them. Alicante is situated 2 hours away to the south from Valencia and it makes city sunnier and warmer, sea here is cleaner and warmer as well, but that’s not as crowded as other Spanish cities.
Where to Go?
Barrio Santa Cruz
Is very good point to start exploring the city: wander through snow-white houses, covered with azulejo and flowes, give a look at Ermita Santa Cruz chapel and go up to park de la Etreta, and don’t forget to watch panoramic views of the cities all around you.
Castillo Santa Bárbara
Just wear your most comfortable shoes and certainly climb to this castle. It was pirate fortification, than strategic point in the Civil war now it’s a museum that would probably astonish you because there is a perfect view from the top to the city, boundless sea and lots of seagulls.
Playa San Juan
It’s s beach situated just 30-min driving from the city center and very popular among locals: you can easily come here with a TRAM line or some bus lines.
Muelle Levante
This is my favourite secret point in Alicante: when you come to the Postiguet beach, turn right and follow the sea-front till it ends and then you see the entrance to the huge promenade just over the sea. Here you can just sit and enjoy the sea and lots of yachts.
For breakfast:
Dulce affaire – for the traditional Spanish breakfast in a very beautiful place, I advise you to order “petit affaire” breakfast with two half of baguettes, olive oil, minced tomato (pa amb tomaquet – “bread with tomato” is very popular here), variety of jams, croissant, coffee and fresh orange juice.
La madrilène – typical Spanish churrería (churros is kind of Spanish donuts, having shape of long strips, and fried in oil), where you can find both popular types: thin and thick, these ones are famous for Valencia.
Farmer’s – a small café in the area of Marcado, a little bit away from the city center, with good coffee and huge variety of different croissants, sandwiches and salads.
La mas coketa – gorgeous place for brunch and you definitely need to taste baked camembert with strawberry jam.
Food & Bavarage
- Boca de vino – tapas bar, where menu is drawn on walls; it’s a little bit more expensive than in average, but with a very good choice. They have a very good wine menu with possibility to take just one glass; do not miss this opportunity to try some wines. Must-try of tapas is baked pie with mozzarella and jamon and cheese plate.
- Seicento Cucina and cocteleria – is good Italian place with outside terrace, I recommend to try bruscettas and sautee with mussels.
- The good burger Portal de Elche – you can come here for good burgers with natural meat, when you are tired of eating only jamon and cheeses.
- El Mirador – restaurant in Tryp Alicante Gran Sol hotel with amazing view up to city, port and mountains, a very good spot to start your night with a glass of wine or cocktail.
What to See?
My advice is not to stay only in Alicante, but explore the Province of Alicante with lots of small towns in the coast, moreover Alicante is connected with all of them with very convenient public transport including buses and light railway TRAM.
Calpe/Calp
This town by itself isn’t very interesting, but there is situated unique natural park Peñon de I’fach, which is a huge rock in the sea with a height more than 300 meters. It’s really the best place for hiking with beautiful views. Be careful and wear appropriate shoes and take water with you and check the route before because some parts could be pretty hard.
Benidorm
Only 75 minutes from Alicante and you are at heaven of German, Dutch and English. It has such a pretty old part of town, lots of cafes for every taste, especially I recommend bakery with traditional Spanish pies – empanadas. There is situated as well very famous view point Balcon del Mediterraneo, which is perfect spot for watching sunsets.
Altea
Is very unusual town for Valencian Community because all the houses there are white, covered with blooming flowers and green. Town is situated between sea with stone beach (that’s why it’s not a good place for bathing) and mountains and it causes wonderful landscapes all around.
La Vila Joiosa
Is situated along the sea coast, with tiny houses, painted in different colours, where you can’t find two similar ones and it more reminds Cinque Terre in Italy. Due to the legend fishermen did that not to be lost after a long absence. Moreover there is a place for the biggest chocolate factory in Spain – Valor, where you can go with excursion.
Written by – Anastasia Ilina (@amnastiia).
