With Spain’s seventh busiest airport it brings in thousands of holiday makers to the country every year. In just under a decade it has managed to transform its self from a dilapidated port town to a bustling commercial hot spot filled with loads of interesting historic and contemporary places to visit. If you have the time when you arrive or manage to squeeze in an excursion during your stay I highly recommend stopping to smell the roses on one of Alicantes many meandering boulevards.
Hiring a car from Alicante airport at the start of your holiday will allow you to do this in your own time and comfort. Costs are very competitive and the process couldn’t be easier if you use our booking engine found at our website.
Unlike Alicantes coastal neighbors its a real town offering a glimpse of authentic Spanish life style and heritage. At night Alicante comes alive the Barrio Santa Cruz, or El Barrio being the throbbing heart of nightlife here. Tourists and locals alike come here in their droves to eat drink and be merry its a great place to spend an evening immersed in true Spanish life.
Simply sample the local Tapas or enjoy an ice cream, however with Alicantes fertile market garden plantations surrounding the city and a colorful Moorish history the cuisine is varied and delectable, you cant go wrong or run out of new exciting dishes to try. Nestled right on the Mediterranean coast the daily catch of seafood is simply delicious and doesn’t come any fresher. Grill, fried, or sauteed in local spices I guarantee you wont be disappointed.
The grand La Explanada de España, is the center of daytime activities in Alicante, with 6.6 million marble tiles recreating the waves of the Mediterranean and four rows of palm tress this is the greatest spot for a romantic saunter or some shopping.
Santa Barbara castle stands guard over the city, covering the entire top of Benacantil Mountain you cant fail to miss this impressive medieval fortress. One of the largest in Europe it gives visitors great views of Alicante and on a clear day you can see for miles out into the Costa Brava.
Originally built by the moors it gained its new name from the conquest of King Alfonse the Wise. Entrance to the castle is free, but if you cant face walking the long winding paths to gain access to it an incredible feet of engineering awaits you in a stone cut tunnel entrance opposite the Postiguet beach area. Cut through the solid rock this mountain literally has an elevator to get you to the top. For a small amount of money this is definitely the easiest way to the summit.
If you’ve had enough of peering over towering walls, scampering around the palace or church ruins and contemplating the murder holes where boiling oil would be poured on attackers, take the weight off your feet and enjoy a drink or lunch at either of the castles cafés with a stunning view to accompany your meal.
For a truly enchanting experience during the summer months out door concerts are held in the courtyards of the castle. Usually free its a fantastic location to take in some music.
Alicante has a wealth of Museums and galleries to suit all tastes, For the best of contemporary and classical entwined in one location take a trip to the Museo de Arte de Siglo XX La Asegurada (Museum of Contemporary Art) Here you’ll find Spain’s finest collection of contemporary art housed in a beautiful old granary built in 1687. You find work from artists such as Dali, Cocteau, Miro, Bacon and Picasso,
Voted Europe’s best museum in 2004, M.A.R.Q (Alicantes museum of architecture) is the city’s answer to making buildings and history come alive. Often considered a dull subject you don’t need to worry about finding any boring dusty displays here. Presented in a wildly interesting building with unique lighting and visual effects the artifacts jump out at you and suddenly appear far more relevant. Learn about all the cultures and peoples who over the centuries have called this region home. The sub aquatic section of this museum is a definite must see spot. Following through underwater tunnels you’ll see how the sea has also played an important role to civilizations in this part of the world; the tour culminates with a fabulous re-creation of a 5th century ship.
A Car Hire Alicante is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.
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