Alicante – the capitol of Costa Blanca

Alicante is a city and port in Spain on the Costa Blanca, the capital of the province of Alicante in the south of the Valencian Community. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. The population of the city of Alicante proper is about 330,000.

Discover Alicante with all your senses: Its beaches, monuments and fantastic museums all form part of this city’s great appeal bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and renowned for being a dynamic city, with a warm climate.

Urban beaches, wild coves, fine golden sand, crystal clear waters. Alicante gives you all the Mediterranean to enjoy your favorite sports or just relax in the sun.

The Castle of Santa Bárbora

The Castle of Santa Bárbara played a major role in Alicante’s history. The castle is the city’s hallmark. Visitors can discover its historic halls and water reservoirs, enjoy guided tours, shows and events, as well as grand views of the Mediterranean throughout the year. Free admission.

The Castle of Santa Bárbara is perched on top of M­ount Benacantil at a height of 166 metres, and stands one of Spain’s largest mediaeval fortresses, providing great views of Alicante’s perfect bay.

It has three different enclosures from three distinct periods – the upper enclosure, “La Torreta”, is where visitors will find the keep and the most ancient remains of the fortress, which mostly date from the 14th century.

Alicante beaches

Some of Alicante’s best tourist attractions are its excellent beaches. Year after year they receive the Blue Flag award by the European Union, which earns them well deserved international recognition. This includes San Juan beach, the Cabo de las Huertas coves, Almadraba beach, Albufereta beach, Postiguet beach and Saladares-Urbanova beach.

Tabarca Island

Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Region of Valencia and is located opposite the city of Alicante, 11 nautical miles offshore and near the Santa Pola headland. In the past, its shores were a refuge for Berber pirates.

Once on the island, visitors can enjoy the coves and beaches with their crystal-clear waters and a picturesque fishing port with excellent eateries offering the opportunity to try the traditional “caldero”, the island’s typical dish.

Alicante Airport

Alicante Airport, also known as Alicante-Elche Airport, is currently the fifth largest airport in Spain and is the gateway to the Costa Blanca resort region, serving both Valencia Community and the Region of Murcia. Alicante-Elche Airport is located 9 kilometres southwest of Alicante city. A big proportion of the flights are international.

Source: alicanteturismo.com