Located on the Costa Blanca of Spain, Alicante has many places to visit. These places range from quaint villages, to the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara and the bustling nightlife of the city's Barrio de la Santa Cruz.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
Located on the summit of Mount Benacantil, the Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful sights in Alicante. It has hundreds of years of history, a wide range of activities, and breathtaking views. The fortress also features a restaurant, café, and indoor exhibitions.
One of the best things about the Castle is that there are no admission fees. You can walk, take a bus, or rent a car to get there. If you are coming with a group, you can hire a private tour guide. This will give you the undivided attention of a local guide, and will include visits to top attractions in Alicante. The price of the tour varies depending on how long you plan to visit.
There is also a free lift to the Castle. You can find the entry on the Boulevard Jovellanos. You can also take a bus to the castle. It costs a couple of euros for a ride.
The Castillo de Santa Barbara has one of the largest lookouts in Spain. The view from here is sweeping and offers panoramic views of Alicante, Campello, and the sea. The views are especially beautiful at night, when it is lit up. You can also walk through the castle.
The Museum of Santa Barbara displays artifacts from the Middle Ages. It also tells the story of the castle. You can also view the ancient relics that date from the 11th and 12th centuries.
Huerto del Cura
Located in the municipality of Elche, Spain, Huerto del Cura is a garden that is filled with palm trees and exotic plants. Huerto del Cura has been declared a National Artistic Garden and has been a favorite tourist attraction for years. The garden is home to cacti and palms from around the world.
The Huerto del Cura is surrounded by the Elche Municipal Park, one of the most famous palm groves in the area. The grove is home to 200,000 date palm trees. The park also contains numerous cooling fountains and shady benches. It is also home to several species of exotic tropical plants and Mediterranean plants.
The park is open to the public on most days from 9am to 6pm. Visitors can see various plant species, including tropical species such as hibiscus flowers, as well as tropical birds.
The park also includes a water park with thrilling slides. In addition, there are children's play areas and games facilities. A central cafe and fountains are also located in the park.
In addition to the park, there is also a palm grove known as El Palmeral Park. This park is part of Europe's largest palm forest. It is also home to a museum.
The museum has a great collection of Iberian and Spanish art. It also hosts high-quality temporary exhibitions. It also contains a large collection of ceramics.
The park is also home to the famous La Cara del Moro, also known as the "moor's face." This moor is believed to have been used as a sacrificial moor during battles.
El Postiguet Beach
Located in Alicante, El Postiguet beach is a perfect place for a family day out. It offers clean, shallow waters and a 3,000-foot stretch of sand. The beach also offers a variety of activities such as water sports. It is safe and has modern beach services.
It is a very popular beach and is close to the city center. Visitors can walk from the city center to Postiguet. The beach is free to access. There are also plenty of public parking spaces. There are also restrooms on the beach that are adapted for people with reduced mobility.
The beach is also nearby the port of Alicante. It is also very near the castle of Santa Barbara. There are many restaurants and cafes on the beach. The beach is also famous for its fireworks during Bonfires.
El Postiguet beach is very popular with young people. In the high season, the beach gets crowded. If you wish to avoid the crowds, you should arrive early. In the high season, there are several parties on the beach. It is also very popular with locals. You will also see people gathering here to watch the fireworks on Saint John's Eve.
There are many accommodations near El Postiguet beach. However, it is recommended to book your accommodations in advance. You can also find budget accommodations. For example, La Lonja is a budget hotel that is close to Alicante's main attractions.
Villajoyosa
Located in the province of Alicante, Villajoyosa is a small seaside town known for its beautiful beaches and colourful houses. It is located near Benidorm and Alicante. It is perfect for families and nature lovers. It is also an ideal day trip from Alicante.
The city has a very old and charming historic centre. The town walls are still standing. The old town is situated near the Amadorio riverbed.
The main beach front runs from the harbour to the old town. There are many small coves to explore in the area. One of the most popular coves is Playa del Moro. There are many restaurants along the beach front. The beach is also a great spot for water sports.
The town centre of Villajoyosa has many narrow side streets. The town is also known for its traditional Spanish charm. The town has a long history as a fishing village. Many houses were built in bright colors to help distinguish one house from the next. The town still has fishermen's cottages.
The town also has a great tradition of chocolate production. The Valor brand is one of the most important chocolate brands in Spain. The company still operates in Villajoyosa. It has a chocolate museum and a factory store. It also hosts archaeological and contemporary art exhibitions.
The town also has a large number of cafes and restaurants. One of the best things to do is to explore the local market.
Guadalest
Located in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante province, Guadalest is a town that offers visitors an incredible landscape. It is surrounded by mountains and has a mild climate. It also has a small village that offers visitors some excellent museums.
One of the most popular attractions in Guadalest is the Castle of San Jose, also known as the Castell de Guadalest. This Gothic castle was built in the 11th century. It has magnificent views of the valley.
Another attraction in Guadalest is the Orduna House, located inside a tunnel. It is a restored building that shows ancient life in Guadalest.
Other museums in Guadalest are the Ethnology Museum, the Microgigante, the Vall de Guadalest Museum, and the Belen Museum. Several exhibition rooms are also available. These museums have a wide range of exhibits to display.
Guadalest offers a number of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes. There are also souvenir shops. During high season, Guadalest can be quite crowded. If you are planning a trip, it is best to arrive early to take pictures and eat.
The Guadalest Reservoir is also very popular. The reservoir is painted in turquoise blue and is located about an hour north of Alicante. The reservoir also has hiking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the natural landscape.
The Algar Waterfalls are cold streams that originate in the mountains. There are several falls on the route.
Santa Cruz
Located at the foot of Mount Benacantil, the Santa Cruz neighbourhood is one of Alicante's most attractive areas. It's full of colourful buildings and traditional Alicante lifestyle. It's also home to the renowned Santa Cruz Hermitage, one of the city's oldest landmarks.
This lively neighbourhood has an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. You'll also find plenty of entertainment and shopping. The market is a great place to pick up some local snacks and specialty items.
The city is home to several museums, including the MACA Contemporary Art Museum, which features works by Picasso and Dali. It also includes a small children's play area.
Alicante's Marina offers a variety of yachts and private boats. You'll also find an assortment of shops and cafes. There's a wide beach nearby that's perfect for water-based activities.
The area also hosts the four-day May Crosses festival in May. It's a lively event that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It includes a procession through the streets, adorned with elaborate paper-macho figures.
You'll also find a number of viewpoints in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. The best ones are located in the Hermitage and the Santa Cruz Quarter.
If you're in the mood for shopping, head to the Alicante market. This bustling establishment is open Monday through Saturday. You'll find over 245 stalls offering a wide variety of products. The market is also the perfect place to soak up the vibe of Alicante. You can find everything from fresh produce to tasty cuisine.