Alicante is a well known town along Costa Blanca, popular for its long stretch of sandy beaches. It is located on the east coast of Spain and it is the capital of the Province of the same name. It is the second largest town in the Valencia region. Along the harbor you can find long beautiful alleys for nice relaxing walks, enjoy the shady palm trees and the mild climate.
Modernity runs alongside tradition and you can find traditional villages tucked away in the mountains.
A Little Bit of History
The first settlement in this area was centered on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, because it combined the privileges of being close to the sea and the protection of being high above the surrounding land.
The Moors built the present day city with the protection of the castle.
A Promenade in Alicante
The city was conquered by Alfonso in 1246 for the Castilian crown and in 1308 it was incorporated with the Kingdom of Valencia by Jaime II.
In 1490, Ferdinand granted the City Charter and 100 years later it became the natural port of Castile.
The city flourished economically and the population grew considerably.
Port of Alicante
After a series of wars and conflicts, this port city began to recover in the 18th century.
With the arrival of railway line in 1858, Alicante became an important port. Today, it is the second largest city in the Valencia region and derives much of its income from the tourist industry.
Some of the important celebrations here are the Las Hogueras de San Juan, Carnival, Holy Week and Santa Faz.
Balcon del Mediterraneo in the neighboring Benidorm
This colorful port city has many arts and crafts markets scattered throughout its streets, and they offer beautiful local handicrafts.
Where is Alicante?
- 111.2 miles/ 179 km from Valencia, Spain
- 41 miles/ 66.1 km from Torrevieja, Spain
- 27.8 miles/ 44.8 km from Benidorm, Spain
- 78.9 miles/ 127 km from Cartagena, Spain
- 50 miles/ 80.6 km from Murcia, Spain
- 52 miles/ 83.8 km from Javea, Spain
- 217.4 miles/ 350 km from Granada, Spain
- 8.7 miles/ 14.1 km from Alicante Airport, Spain
- 60.9 miles/ 98.1 km from Murcia Airport, Spain
- 107.4 miles/ 173 km from Valencia Airport, Spain
Things to See
- Santa Barbara Castle
- Santa Maria Church
- Archeological Museum
- Nativity Scene Museum
- Castle of San Fernando
- Guadalest Valley
- Lucentum
- Pozos de Garrigos
- Icarus
- Mercado Central
- Town Hall
- Walking
Beaches
Seaside View from the West
- Postiguet Beach
- San Juan Beach
- Guardamar Beach
- La Albufereta Beach
Excursions
The bustling neighboring resort of Benidorm
- Canalobre Caves
- Benidorm
- Santa Faz Pilgrimage
- Island of Tabarca
Alicante is a booming province, partly due to the surge in tourist activity.
You should stay here at least for a night to experience the frenetic and Spanish nightlife of this town.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
