ALICANTE

The Costa Blanca's main centre, a prosperous and bustling city in a fine coastal position, with interesting buildings, churches and museums, excellent restaurants, good shops and tourist facilities. For anyone on holiday in the region, Alicante is a must a good contrast to days on the beach. Within easy reach are the historic cities of Elche (Elx) and Orihuela, both fascinating in their own way, the wine-growing area around Monovar , and a string of Moorish castles and small white towns. The scenery of the hinterland ranges from the mountains above the Vinalopo valley to the fertile plains, palm forests and salt flats behind the southern coast. Each of the seaside towns has its own character and charm, offering the essential holiday ingredients of sun, sand and sea. 

Curving round a bay and dominated by the ruins of its ancient castle, the city of Alicante, despite its thousands of foreign tourists, remains truly Spanish. It has everything you would expect of a Mediterranean city: a long and honourable history, venerable buildings, palmlined avenues and seafront paseos, and all the amenities of a thriving modern provincial centre. The year-round mildness of the climate, sandy beaches and good hotels are added attractions for its many visitors.

The first settlement was established by the Greeks, who founded a colony they called Akra Leuka, the 'white headland', near modern Alicante. The Romans followed. Founding their city of Lucentum, the City of Light Like the rest of southern Spain.Alicante was invaded and settled by the Moors from the second half of the 8th century. For 500 years it was an Arab city and it was only in 1246 that Alfonso X regained it for the Castilian crown. In 1308 Alicante was incorporated into the kingdom of Valencia by Jaime III. Today it is the second largest city in Valencia and the capital of the fourth wealthiest province in Spain. Its prosperity based on traditional and modern industry. Agriculture and tourism This stylish city has much to offer both residents and visitors; its festival of the Hogueras de San Juan is one of the most spectacular in Spain.

ALICANTE TOWN  HALL

The twin towered 18thcentury town hall is one of Alicante's finest baroque buildings. An ornate doorway in the centre of the fa9ade opens into a vast hall, from where an elegant stairway sweeps up to the state rooms and chapel on the first floor. Upstairs, the Salon Azul contains the city's earliest charter of privileges, and a small picture gallery. The lovely chapel is adorned with beautiful painted tiles, and over the altar hangs a painting of St Nicolas of Bari, the city's patron.

ALICANTE CITY CENTRE

Alicante's centre consists of the old barrios, clustered at the foot of Monte Benecantil, and the broad avenues of the 19thcentury city. Head for the Santa Cruz district, to find some of the city's oldest buildings, such as Museo de la Asegurada la museum of 20th century art, two 19th century sanctuaries and some great tapas bars. Ramblas Mendez Nunez demarcates the 19th century commercial centre, home to the colorful Mercado Central, one of the region's largest daily food markets. The main shopping area runs along the Avenida de Maison nave and the streets around Avenida de Francisco Soto. This leads down to the Paseo de la Explanada de Espana, a lovely 19th century palm shaded walkway running parallel to the sea. Behind the Explanada lie the port and marina, an area well served by terraced bars and cafes.

ALICANTE PARKS

Alicante has two major parks, the Parque Tossal, near the city's other castle, San Fernando, and EI Palmeral, on the southern outskirts. Both are laid out with palms, trees and exotic plants and have good facilities for children.