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Articles > Europe > Spain > Alicante > A Visitor’s Guide to Alicante
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A Visitor’s Guide to Alicante
Alicante, in the Valencia region of Spain, is best known for its Costa Blanca (also known as the White Coast) beaches, lively festivals, and handicrafts. One of the largest beaches—San Juan—was awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union numerous times. For the most part, Alicante's beaches are within easy access of restaurants, cafes, tourist centers and restrooms. Those who have safety concerns about swimming can head out to Saladares-Urbanova Beach, which has a lifeguard on duty in the summertime. The city even has a nudist beach at El Cabo de las Huertas. Equipment and mooring for boat rides is provided by the Real Club Náutico and Alicante-Costa Blanca Nautical Club.
If parks and gardens are more your scene, be sure to visit the Panteón de Quijano, Portal de Elche and La Ereta Park. Here, you'll find open areas and fields for sports. Canelejas is a larger park with even more amenities where the whole family can spend the day for a picnic and relax. For something similar but a little out of the ordinary, Palmeral, which features an abundance of tropical plants at its location near the sea, is a must-see for nature lovers. There is also a theme park on Tossal Mountain, featuring a mini golf course and specially designed areas for skaters and joggers.
Nightlife in Alicante begins and ends late. El Barrio is a vibrant entertainment area lined with cafes, taverns, bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is alive with the sounds of salsa or jazz being played live. Popular dance clubs like Paradís and Ovuca Club are available for those who like to dance the night away. As a result of the late night culture, most restaurants don't start serving dinner until 9 or 10 pm. If a more modern, fine dining experience is preferred, the area near the Esplanada may be more up your alley. While in Alicante, be sure to sample the local wines and desserts and don't miss out on the opportunity to buy some of the city's handmade crafts. The city's nightlife is at its best in the summertime when the festivals call out the party-goers to take to the streets.
May or June is festival time in Alicante. The Bonfires of St. John, celebrated during the time of the summer solstice, is one of the most important and popular festivals of the region. The residents of Alicante burn their old furniture as firewood, stage bullfights and sports matches, and light firecrackers. Many of the major Spanish festivals are also celebrated in Alicante. For the celebration of the battles between the Moors and Christians, residents wearing medieval costumes march the streets (or ride horses, camels or elephants according to their role as Christians or Arabs) in a procession. It doesn't take long to discover that the carnival atmosphere is hugely popular in Alicante.
If parks and gardens are more your scene, be sure to visit the Panteón de Quijano, Portal de Elche and La Ereta Park. Here, you'll find open areas and fields for sports. Canelejas is a larger park with even more amenities where the whole family can spend the day for a picnic and relax. For something similar but a little out of the ordinary, Palmeral, which features an abundance of tropical plants at its location near the sea, is a must-see for nature lovers. There is also a theme park on Tossal Mountain, featuring a mini golf course and specially designed areas for skaters and joggers.
Nightlife in Alicante begins and ends late. El Barrio is a vibrant entertainment area lined with cafes, taverns, bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is alive with the sounds of salsa or jazz being played live. Popular dance clubs like Paradís and Ovuca Club are available for those who like to dance the night away. As a result of the late night culture, most restaurants don't start serving dinner until 9 or 10 pm. If a more modern, fine dining experience is preferred, the area near the Esplanada may be more up your alley. While in Alicante, be sure to sample the local wines and desserts and don't miss out on the opportunity to buy some of the city's handmade crafts. The city's nightlife is at its best in the summertime when the festivals call out the party-goers to take to the streets.
May or June is festival time in Alicante. The Bonfires of St. John, celebrated during the time of the summer solstice, is one of the most important and popular festivals of the region. The residents of Alicante burn their old furniture as firewood, stage bullfights and sports matches, and light firecrackers. Many of the major Spanish festivals are also celebrated in Alicante. For the celebration of the battles between the Moors and Christians, residents wearing medieval costumes march the streets (or ride horses, camels or elephants according to their role as Christians or Arabs) in a procession. It doesn't take long to discover that the carnival atmosphere is hugely popular in Alicante.
About the Author
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Alicante accommodation and vacation rentals.
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Number of votes: 1
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