Alicante spain interesting places. Interesting places to visit in Alicante

Alicante is a small, truly unique city in Spain with access to the Mediterranean Sea and a long history. Greek, Moorish and Romanesque cultures are intertwined here. On the territory of Alicante there are many attractions, both architectural, historical and natural. Therefore, you should first draw up a program. And the advice of an experienced will give you the opportunity to rationally use your time.

What sights of Alicante can you see on your own in a day?

Fort Santa Barbara in Alicante Antoine Hubert

Fort Santa Barbara

One of the significant places of the Spanish province is its symbol - the fortress of Santa Barbara, which previously provided reliable protection to the townspeople. Today, exhibition halls representing the art of modern talents are located within the walls of the fortress, and from the top, where it is located, a view of the most beautiful panorama opens up.

Palace of San Fernando

In another part of the province, another well-known landmark of Alicante rises, a photo of which is definitely worth taking, this is the San Fernando Palace, built in the 19th century during the military operations for independence. It is located near the municipal park and is famous for its unique architectural exterior. From the territory of the castle you can watch the picturesque landscapes.

Arte Contemporáneo Alicante Museum in Alicante TijsB

look Beautiful places Alicante in this wonderful video!

Museum of La Asegurada

In the center of the province is the Museum of La Asegurada. This building in the 17th century was reserved for a grain warehouse. Currently, the works of the greatest artists of the 20th century are collected here, such as:

• Picasso;
• Alfaro;
• Gonzalez;
• Gris and others.

Opposite the museum is the building of the oldest basilica of Santa Maria, which has an architectural Gothic style. The construction of the temple was carried out on the site of an old mosque.

Basilica de Santa Maria in Alicante Diego Delso

Esplanade Boulevard

Also, the sights of Alicante, which you can see on your own in a day, include Esplanade Boulevard. Its peculiarity is the pavement, decorated with mosaics, created from 6,000,000 stones of different colors. The boulevard has been a favorite place for walks for citizens and guests of the province for many years. Not far from it is the Elch Gate Square, from which you can get to the oldest areas.

Mosaic boulevard Esplanade in Alicante Chilli Head

Santa Cruz area

If you are interested in seeing the oldest area of ​​the town, then take a trip to the Benacantil rock. This place has gained popularity due to the Harrison Wells located here and the Santa Cruz area at the base of the mountain. This part of the province has hardly changed since the 13th century. Here you can walk along the narrow streets, see small houses with wall cladding from those times when the Moors ruled. Tourists love to walk among the neat little white houses and beautiful flowers, of which there are many. You must definitely see these sights of Alicante in Spain and take photos as a keepsake of these most interesting and beautiful places.

Narrow street of Santa Cruz district in Alicante Olga Berrios

Archaeological Museum

Also, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum of the city of the 30s. It was originally located on the lower floors of the Deputies Building, but in 2002 it was moved to the old San Juan Hospital. This institution is very modern, as it has a variety of audiovisual equipment that plays videos of the history of the province. Also, there are samples of archaeological finds: from the Paleolithic era to the present.

Archaeological Museum in the square of Dr. Gomez Ulya Joanbanjo

Alicante attractions for kids

The map of Alicante presents attractions, both historical and the best resort areas of the country. Many vacationers are attracted not only by the architectural and landscape monuments located in the province, but also by its luxurious beaches. They are always clean and comfortable. In addition, there are small cafes along the coast. The weather is always great at the resort. Gentle sun rays and the sea delight visitors throughout the tourist season.

Terra Mitica Theme Park in Alicante Vicreate

Families often come to the province to relax, as Alicante has attractions for children and adults. A popular theme park where you can relax with the whole family is Terra Mitica, located in the Benidorm area and famous as the best place in the city for families with children.

Another great amusement park can be found in the Santa Pola area. Its area is 24000 sq. m. The complex has a variety of children's attractions, designed for different age categories.

Sea Lions at Rio Safari Elche in Alicante Jorge Elx

water parks

The sights of the province of Alicante, which children love to visit, include the Aquopolis water park, which is one of the largest entertainment centers in the southern part of the city. You can have a great time at the Rojales Water Park in Rojales. Children will also enjoy the Terra Natura zoo in Benidorm, which covers an area of ​​​​about 320,000 square meters. km. It is divided into four zones:

• Europe;
• America;
• Asia;
• Pangea.

All zones symbolize certain natural elements. This zoo is home to more than 1,500 representatives of the fauna.

Safari Park

A lot of impressions for children and adults will be left by the world-famous safari park - Rio Safari Elche. Its territory is covered with numerous palm trees, as well as a variety of exotic animals. The park area is always open and ready to receive guests all season.

Beach with playground in Alicante Edd Turtle

If you look at the sights of Alicante and the surrounding area marked on the map, you can also note many other places that will be exciting and interesting for younger family members. With great delight, children will visit the magical Toy Museum, located in the city of Ibi, where a large number of factories are concentrated. Here you can see antique toys, as well as learn about the history and technology of their manufacture. A visit to the chocolate factory museum, located in the city of Villajoyosa, will diversify the rest, where they will demonstrate the fascinating process of chocolate production.

When planning a vacation with children, study in detail the photos and descriptions of the sights of Alicante. This will allow you to correctly distribute the time of your stay in the Spanish province and see the maximum number of interesting places in the city.

Attractions of Alicante and its environs

Beyond the coast and architectural monuments, do not ignore the outskirts of the city. After all, here you can visit the most interesting and informative excursions. Visit the Castle of Villena de Atalaya where you can take unique shots thanks to the unusual exterior and filling of the palace. A tour of the ancient rooms of the building will undoubtedly appeal to admirers ancient history and architecture.

Holidays on the island of Tabarka in Alicante Jnordmark

Tabarka Island

Near Alicante there is an interesting attraction - the island of Tabarka. This is a cozy and picturesque place where coastal waters, due to their unique nature and crystal clearness, are declared a nature reserve. Here you can relax perfectly, both alone and with your family.

Village of Guadalest

You should not ignore the village of Guadalest with a picturesque pine forest and numerous plantations of olive, citrus, carob and almond trees, which give a special unforgettable panorama during the spring flowering period. In addition, there is an extraordinary beauty transparent lake.

Street of the village of Guadalest in Alicante chisloup

The numerous attractions of Alicante (Alakan) include the beaches of the province:

• San Juan - stretches for 3 km in the busiest residential part of the province. Nearby is a picturesque embankment. The beach area is equipped with everything you need for have a great holiday: sports ground, cafe, bar, slides for children, equipment rental;

Sandy Playa de San Juan in Alicante Forcy

• El Postiguet is a holiday destination that has taken center stage in the province and is adorned with the Blue Flag. On the beach you can watch laser shows and fireworks;
• Albufereta - this beach is distinguished by golden sand and shallow water, which attracts families of vacationers;
• Almadraba is a romantic place where you can ride a boat or boat.

El Postiguet beach in Alicante Julio Latorre

The numerous sights of Alicante and the surrounding area will be remembered for a lifetime, because in this province, interesting objects are really unique places that you can also capture in photographs. However, not limited to one Alicante. Arriving in Spain, also visit Andalusia - the region on the southern coast of Spain, which we wrote about.

In the port you will find many tents with souvenirs, clothes, jewelry and local products, as well as cozy bars and restaurants with wonderful views, where you will be offered delicious tapas.

Until the summer of 2017, one more attraction could be seen here - a ship, which is a full-size replica of the famous ship Santísima Trinidad, which participated in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The beaches of Alicante

Speaking of must-see places in Alicante, one cannot fail to mention its beaches. Let's focus on three of them, which can be easily reached from the city center: Postiguet, Albufera and San Juan.

• Postiguet beach

Postiguet Beach is located five minutes walk from the city center and is preferred by Erasmus exchange students, pensioners and tourists staying in the city center. This is a small beach only 600 meters long with fine golden sand and clear water. In summer, it can be quite difficult to find a place here, so it’s better to come here in the morning.

• Albufera beach

A small, calm beach no more than 500 meters long, close to which there are nudist beaches and rocky bays where it is interesting to swim with a mask.

• San Juan

San Juan is six kilometers of soft golden sand and warm clear sea. The beach has a well-developed infrastructure: a promenade with numerous cafes, bars and restaurants runs along it. The location is perfect for family vacation and for lovers of water sports. This beach can be reached from the center of Alicante by tram. The trip will take half an hour.

Sunny and friendly Alicante, spread out on the shores of a warm mediterranean sea and crowned with the "crown" of the ancient fortress of Santa Barbara, which keeps a long history, falls in love with itself at first sight. We hope that our short story about the sights of Alicante will inspire you to travel to this paradise, and you will see for yourself that this is a city you want to return to.

Today we will talk about the city of Alicante, Spain. Attractions of this resort town are hardly known to a wide range of travel lovers, but in vain - there is something to see here! Alicante is the capital of the Costa Blanca resort region, located in eastern Spain. Its name comes from the endless strip of white sandy beaches for which this part of the country is so famous.

The city has everything you need for recreation and entertainment on the sea coast, while there are also a number of historical attractions, including medieval fortress and a classic Mediterranean old town with whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. In the morning you will visit museums and churches, and in the afternoon you can swim in the crystal clean water or take a nap under an umbrella on the beach. The modern tram network of Alicante allows you to easily get from one end of the city to the other.

Fort Santa Barbara. | Photo: wikimedia.

Arriving in Alicante, it is simply impossible not to pay attention to its rich historical past, because the city was built at the base of the magnificent castle of Santa Barbara of the 9th century. This fortification was involved in the hostilities more than once, while it was impeccably preserved.

You can take a high-speed elevator here that will take you straight to the top of the mountain, and for the adventurous, there is a winding path leading to the entrance. It is better to allocate the whole day for exploring Santa Barbara, as there are a lot of interesting things here.

Climb up to the rooftop observation deck for breathtaking views of the city and see the castle's ancient rooms that house curious artefacts. There is a market in the courtyard where they sell trinkets and souvenirs. self made. You can take a break from antiquity in one of the many cafes.

Address: Castell de la Santa Barbara, 03002 Alacant, Spain.

Esplanade boulevard. | Photo: wikimedia.

The marble promenade of Alicante is very convenient to navigate, as it starts in the old town and stretches along the beach area and the port. In most Spanish cities, family walks along the coast are an integral part of life, so be sure to take a walk along the Esplanade to get into the values ​​​​of the Spanish way of life.

The boardwalk offers stunning views of the coast, and after dark in the summer, this brightly lit driveway offers a life-saving fresh sea breeze.

Address: Explanada de España, Alicante, Spain.

El Palmeral Park. | Photo: Roger Toledo. / Flickr.

El Palmeral Park, with its lush vegetation, waterfalls and many palm trees, is a small piece of Eden, located very close to the city center. Once here, you will immediately stumble upon small waterfall, a nice manicured garden or a bridge next to a waterfall.

The park has restrooms and a small kiosk where you can buy food and drinks, however we advise you to bring your own picnic food as it is expensive here. In this cozy park you can take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy getting to know the local flora.

Address: Parque el Palmeral, Avinguda d'Elx, 109, 03008 Alacant, Spain.

Modern Art Museum

Museum contemporary art.

Housed in the 17th century Casa de la Asegurada, this superb museum displays an excellent collection of 20th century Spanish art, including works by Dalí, Miró, Chillida, Sempere, Tàpies and Picasso.

The exposition is constantly changing, because the entire collection is too impressive. It was based on works donated to the city by the famous abstract artist Eusebio Sempere (a native of Alicante), whose work is dedicated to a separate section here.

Address: Museu d'Art Contemporani Maca, Plaza Sta. María, 3, 03002 Alicante (Alacant), Alicante, Spain.

Archaeological Museum of Alicante

Archaeological Museum of Alicante. | Photo: wikimedia.

This museum houses an impressive collection of pottery and artifacts from ancient Iberian art. Everything here is decorated in a very modern style, for the convenience of visitors there are interactive screens. There are also regular temporary exhibitions.

Address: Museu Arqueològic d'Alacant MARQ, Placa Dr. Gomez Ulla, S/N, 03013 Alacant, Spain.

In the very center of the city, not far from the town hall, there is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas of the 17th century, built and named after the patron saint of Alicante - St. Nicholas. And although the exterior of the cathedral looks quite simple, its imposing interior will definitely make a strong impression on you.

The luxurious gilded altar and the magnificent chapel of the Holy Communion deserve special attention. This unique historical monument is an example of the Herrera style - architectural school Spain XVI-XVII centuries. Herrera buildings are distinguished by strict facades and clear geometric lines.

Address: Concatedral d'Alacant Sant Nicolau de Bari, Plaza del Abad Penalva, Alicante, Spain.

This old part of Alicante, a bit like a village, is located near the city center. Casco Antiguo stretches along the hillside below the castle, and in order to get around it completely, you will have to climb its steep streets and stairs, hidden between high whitewashed walls.

Locals are proud of their homes, decorating balconies and doorsteps with fresh flowers and painting door shutters blue and green. If you need a breather, you can always stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants, of which there are a lot in this part of the city.

Address: Barri Vell - Santa Creu, Alicante, Spain.

Alicante boasts a picturesque and spacious harbor with huge breakwaters. It is always full of yachts and private boats, and the local yacht club is full of life day and night. Tourists are very fond of visiting the harbor, so there are many various cafes and restaurants near it, where you can safely drink coffee while admiring the sea horizon.

The promenade is an ideal place for daytime walks under the bright sun. At night this place becomes even busier. We advise you to go here for a romantic dinner in one of the restaurants on the waterfront, which offer a gorgeous view of the marina.

Address: Marina Deportiva del Puerto, Muelle 8 Zona de Levante, s/n, 03001 Alicante, Spain.

Price calendar for tours in Alicante:

Church of St. Mary

Church of St. Mary. | Photo: wikimedia.

The Basilica of Saint Mary, located in the historic quarter of Santa Cruz, is the oldest church in Alicante. It was built by the Catholic Monarchs in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque. Initially, it had a Gothic appearance, but then in the 18th century the church was rebuilt in the Baroque style.

On the main facade of the exterior, there is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, on which Juan Bautista Borja worked. Inside the church, note the rococo high altar and ornate chapels.

Address: Esglesia de Santa Maria d'Alacant, Plaza Santa María, Alicante, Spain.

Archaeological Museum Lucentum. | Photo: wikimedia.

The ruins of the Roman city of Lucentum, which is considered the predecessor of Alicante, are located about 3 km east of the city center in the town of Tossal de Manises. During the excavations, archaeologists discovered many samples of pottery.

Arriving here, you can see the outlines of the ancient streets, as well as see the ruins of the baths, the forum, a large house with a columned courtyard and other dwellings of the ancient Romans.

Address: Lucentum Ruinas Romanas, 03016 Alacant, Spain.

City hall. | Photo: wikimedia.

The City Hall is located just behind the Explanada de Espana park near the Plaza Puerta del Mar. This grandiose Baroque building features a beautiful Churrigueresque façade and two imposing towers 35 meters high.

At the stairs leading to the building, you can find a topographical sign - a zero mark, used in Spain to measure the height above sea level. Once inside, be sure to go to the incredibly beautiful "blue room" (Salón Azul). It also houses a number of curious paintings by the legendary Dali.

Address: Ajuntament d'Alacant, Plaça de l'Ajuntament, 1, 03002 Alacant, Spain.

Postiguet beach. | Photo: wikimedia.

Postiguet Beach, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful beaches Alicante. It is truly huge and stretches along the entire city up to neighboring San Juan. Just a few hours spent on stunning white sand lapped by clear blue waters will let you forget about the hustle and bustle of the bustling city.

At the height of the summer season, Alicante attracts thousands of tourists, and many fly here precisely because of the Postiguet beach, so it is always crowded here. However, do not despair, because you can go sunbathing in less popular and well-known areas where there are no crowds of people.

Walk along the promenade away from the city center towards the opposite end of the beach to enjoy a more relaxing holiday. There are beach bars where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea. At sunset, it makes sense to take a walk along the promenade and drop into one of the many beach restaurants to taste the local food.

Address: Platja del Postiguet, Carrer de Jovellanos, Alicante, Spain.

This charming and romantic park with giant green trees symbolizes the locals' tribute to the famous writer Gabriel Miro. The center of the square is decorated with a magnificent fountain with classical statues, and a bust of Gabriel Miro himself can be found at one end of the square.

Along the edges of the square are magnificent buildings in the Art Nouveau style and other monumental buildings. You can go for a walk here to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city (fortunately, the square is located very close to the center). Visitors can relax on the terrace or take a leisurely walk through the ancient trees dotted with ancient trees in the park.

Address: Plaza Gabriel Miró, 03001 Alicante, Spain.

Volvo Ocean Race Museum. | Photo: Jose Luis RDS / Flickr.

This museum is dedicated rich history famous round-the-world race Volvo Ocean Race. It shows visitors photos and videos of races from previous years, and offers the opportunity to ride a 3D simulator to experience the incredible spirit of the competition. Here you can look at one of the yachts participating in the competition: how about jumping on board and spending 10 months here on the high seas?

Address: Museo Volvo Ocean Race, Muelle Levante, 10, 03001 Alicante, Spain.

Central Market. | Photo: wikimedia.

If you like to cook for yourself, then there is no reason not to visit this large indoor market on Alfonso el Sabio Avenue. Spain's central markets are more like temples of food, and Alicante is no exception. Here you will find many fish and meat stalls and at the same time find true culinary inspiration!

Seafood stands are a special pride of the market: their counters are almost always bursting with fresh crabs, lobsters, squids and other delicious seafood. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also plentiful, while you can find local delicacies like turrona and try Mistela, a sweet dessert wine.

Address: Mercat Central d'Alacant, Avenida Alfonso El Sabio, Alicante, Spain.

Island New Tabarka. | Photo: santapolero / Flickr.

Not far from the coast of Alicante is amazing island Tabarka. Here is a picturesque little town with white houses and an old church. Getting to the island is not difficult, since boats depart from the port of Alicante daily.

The boat trip itself will give you a lot of positive experiences, as the waters around Tabarka are considered a Mediterranean marine reserve for their outstanding beauty, amazing flora and fauna. There is a restaurant and a shop on the island, but we recommend that you take everything you need for a picnic with you, as prices can be “biting” in the summer season.

There is a beach and a small coastal path that you can walk along, looking for perfect place for a picnic under the bright Spanish sun. Be sure to bring sunscreen with you, because there will be nowhere to hide from its rays!

Address: Nova Tabarca, Spain.

Elche palm forest. | Photo: wikimedia.

About 20 minutes west of Alicante is the city of Elche, where you will find the largest palm forest in Europe, which was planted by the first Muslims who settled here in the early Middle Ages. More than 200,000 trees grow here, most of which belong to the species phoenix dactylifera (the pollen date).

Interestingly, these trees have never been in Spain - they appeared here only with the arrival of the Moors. The forest is an object world heritage UNESCO, and the best way to get to know it is by walking along the Ruta del Palmeral, a circular hiking trail that starts and ends at San Placido Gardens.

Address: El Palmeral, Passeig de l'Estació, s/n, 03202 Elx, Alacant, Spain.

Tourist.Ru

This article provides a rating of the main attractions of Alicante and the surrounding area in 2020 with a photo and description. The best sights of Alicante are shown on the map. You will also learn what to see and where to go in Alicante, first of all on your own and with children, as well as get acquainted with the sights of the province of Alicante in the cities of Benidorm, Elche, Torrevieja and others. Informative and interesting excursions in Alicante are available as part of the project.

Alicante is a picturesque area between Murcia and Valencia, which is rich in historical, natural, religious and architectural attractions. The Costa Blanca attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. the globe, because it is here that you can catch more than 300 sunny days a year. diversify beach holiday You can go for walks and sightseeing.

Arriving in the city of Alicante, it is impossible not to notice the main attraction - the fortress of Santa Barbara on Mount Benacantil. The fortress of St. Barbara has been towering over the city since the 9th century, but earlier household items dating back to the Bronze Age were found in its place.

At the foot of the mountain lies the ancient district of Santa Cruz, walking along which will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of Alicante and feel the national flavor.

The jewel of the city is the port of Alicante, which is used for both commercial and passenger traffic. A ship is moored in the port for eternal rest. Holy Trinity", now serving as a museum. You can also visit the sailing museum in the port.

Very popular walking places are the Alicante promenade and the Puerta del Mar square with the Carbonel house. The house has a very interesting story and superb pompous architecture, making it one of the most photographed in Alicante.

From Puerta del Mar begins the famous Esplanade Boulevard, which attracts tourists with a palm alley with mosaics. In the evening, the boulevard is filled with street performers and musicians.

A relatively new, but beloved tourist attraction is Mushroom Street or San Francisco Street. The once dangerous and criminal street in 2013, by decree of the mayor, was decorated with huge mushrooms, which served to attract tourists and open legal businesses on it.

The sights of Alicante are not limited to the territory of the city. In the province, it is worth visiting the Aitana Safari Park - a unique habitat for wild and rare animals, which is worth spending a whole day to visit. In Elche there is a large zoo "Rio Safari", and in Benidorm the zoo "Terra Natura" deserves attention.

As part of the tour, travelers often visit the island of Tabarka, which is famous for its authentic fishing village and picturesque landscapes.

Undoubtedly, the number of surviving castles and fortresses in the province of Alicante is amazing, which is quite a difficult task to go around in one trip. The most visited are Santa Pola Fortress, San Fernando Fortress, Biar Castle, Saks Castle and many others.

If a limited amount of time is allocated for sightseeing in cities, then it is worth starting the voyage by visiting the main iconic places.

Alicante is not only the fortress of Santa Barbara, the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Esplanade Boulevard. A personal route to the best sights can be built taking into account interests and time. It would be an unfortunate omission not to include the museums of Alicante in your list, especially since most of them do not charge an entrance fee.

History buffs will appreciate the MARQ archaeological museum and the excavations of the Roman city of Lucentum. The Fogueres Museum or the Fire Museum will tell the history and development of a major holiday - San Juan, the main characters of which are bonfires and fireworks. The Belem Museum will appeal not only to adults, but also to children. Here is a unique collection of handmade Christmas miniatures.

The cultural program can be diversified by visiting the theater. The main theater of Alicante "Teatro Principal" has been open since 1847. Its facade is made in neoclassical style, and the interior ideas are taken from the Italians.

Palmeral Park is a favorite place for walks of tourists and locals. Palm Park is located on the coast a few kilometers from the city center. Much closer is Ereta Park - at the foot of Mount Benacantil. It is from the park that an excellent panorama of the city opens. Quiet and cozy square Gabriel Miro is famous for centuries-old ficuses.

The architectural appearance of the city is complemented by the Central Market of Alicante. Erected at the beginning of the last century, the market building perfectly reflects the eclectic style.

If you have time, you can go sightseeing in the area. The Monastery of the Holy Face or Santa Faz is located 5 km from the center of Alicante. This monastery is popular among travelers because it is here that a piece of canvas is kept, with which Saint Veronica touched the face of Christ during the procession.

Canelobre Cave is located 23 km from Alicante. Entrance to karst cave located at 700 m above sea level. Canelobre is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and natural beauties thanks to its unusual shape, illuminated stalactites and tunnels.

The sights of Benidorm are not inferior in importance and beauty iconic places city ​​of Alicante. The most visited place can be called the "Mediterranean Balcony" - an observation deck on a rock, offering excellent views of the sea, beaches and the island of Benidorm. The highest public observation deck is located at the Gran Hotel Bali. No less popular is the Cross of Benidorm, from where the city can be seen at a glance.

One of the best places from where you can admire the city is the mountain Tossal de la Cala. On a picturesque mountain besides viewing platforms it is worth visiting the ruins of an ancient Iberian settlement and the chapel of Ermita Virgen del Mar.

Not inferior in popularity to the port of Benidorm and Old city. Walking through the Old Town, you will certainly see the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne, built in the 18th century. Not far from the Old Town is Elche Park - the central park of the city. You can get to know the local nature in the best possible way in national park Sierra Helada.

A few kilometers from Benidorm is located fairytale castle Count Alfas, where demonstration medieval knightly tournaments are held.

25 km from Benidorm is one of the most important areas of the entire province of Alicante - the municipality of Guadalest. San José Castle and the Emerald Lake are the main attractions and symbols of the scenic area. Guadalest holds the record for the number of museums. By the way, all of them are unusual: the museum of microminiatures and microgiants, salt and pepper shakers, retro cars, the medieval torture museum, the ethnological museum of Guadalest and many others.

The small town of Elche is primarily famous for its palm forest, which many tourists rush to visit. Under the protection of UNESCO is the small Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche. Also in the ranking of the best attractions is the 15th century Altamira Palace, the 14th century Arab baths, the La Calahorra tower and the paleontological museum.

The sights of Torrevieja are not limited to the standard set of fortresses and cathedrals. The main attraction for tourists is pink lake Torrevieja. The lake has a unique color due to the high content of salt and special bacteria. We can safely say that there are only a few such lakes in the world. Also in the city it is interesting to visit the Museum of the Sea and Salt, the museum of the submarine "S61 - Dolphin" and see the Torre del Moro tower.

In the province of Alicante, a huge number of castles from different eras have been preserved. The main attractions of the municipality of Orihuela are the castle and the cathedral of the same name. In Villena, you can visit Atalaya Castle, and in the small town of Novelda, the castle de la Mola is very popular next to the beautiful church of St. Mary Magdalene. The city of Alcoy attracts travelers with the historic Barcel Castle and incredible bridges erected in past centuries.

Whichever town in the province of Alicante you visit, you will be able to feel the national spirit everywhere, admire the beauty of nature and enjoy the splendor of ancient cathedrals and fortresses. To fully cover the main attractions of Alicante, it is better to rent a car.

Alicante for children

Holidays with children in Alicante will be unforgettable if you diversify it with a visit to the largest amusement parks.

In the city of Alicante, there is an amusement park "The World of Children" for children. School-age children may be interested in visiting the Water Museum, where they will tell in detail about the process of water supply. In Elche, there is the Rio Safari zoo, where you can not only watch animals, but also participate in the feeding process. For young intellectuals, a visit to the Elche Paleontological Museum is suitable.

In the coastal town of Santa Pola, the local oceanarium and Pola Park amusement park deserve attention. In Rojales, not far from Santa Pola, it is worth taking the baby to the Ciudad Quesada water park.

Benidorm presents a much wider range of children's entertainment. First of all, it is worth visiting the large zoo "Terra Natura" and the adjacent water park "Aqua Natura". Nearby is the amusement park and attractions "Terra Mitica". Closer to the coast is the Mundomar theme park and, next to the latter, the Aqualandia water amusement park.

10 km from Benidorm, in the municipality of Villajoyosa, there is the Valor Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of the famous Spanish chocolate, as well as buy everyone's favorite treat. In the municipality of Gijón, there is another "delicious" museum. The Turron Museum is a kind of the only exposition that tells about the production of local delicacies. Naturally, turron can be tasted and purchased as a gift to relatives and friends.

Torrevieja attracts travelers with children with good opportunities for active rest. There are two water parks in the city - Aquapolis and Flamingo, as well as large park entertainment and attractions "Recinto Ferial".

The popular Spanish resort of Alicante occupies a central place among the towns of the Costa Blanca, a real pearl of the Mediterranean. In the midst of the summer heat, the beaches of the city are very crowded, as not only foreign tourists, but also the Spaniards themselves love to relax in this place.

Tourist Alicante is comfortable hotels, snow-white yachts, well-groomed embankments and magnificent beaches. Also, the city has another side - traditional Spanish streets, old facades of dilapidated houses and powerful fortresses from the decline of the Spanish colonial empire. If you alternate educational walks around Alicante with a vacation on its impeccable coast, the vacation promises to be varied and eventful.

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What to see and where to go in Alicante?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

1. Esplanade of Spain

Walking boulevard, the heart of tourist life in Alicante. Restaurants, shops and banks are located here. In the evenings, performances are shown in a special concert pavilion. The street stretches for 500 meters from the city port to a small cozy square. The pavement of the Esplanade is lined with multi-colored stone, forming a harmonious pattern. On the sides are slender palm alleys.

2. Port of Alicante

The port of Alicante is a picturesque marina - a mooring place for yachts, boats, motor boats and other types of vessels. Here often anchor the Mediterranean cruise ships. The harbor is also of great economic importance, with cargo ships arriving regularly. At the port, tourists can order boat trip on a yacht or rent a whole ship. Along the port of Alicante stretches the main walking street - the Esplanade of Spain.

3. Fort Santa Barbara

The fortress is one of the main historical sights of Alicante. It is located at the top of Mount Benacantil. The construction was erected in the 9th century during the reign of the Moors over the Iberian Peninsula. Until the 18th century, the fort was of great strategic importance and was used for its intended purpose. Until 1963, the fortress was in disrepair. After the restoration, its territory was open to the public.

4. Fort San Fernando

The castle is located in the central part of the city. It was erected in the 19th century in order to repel a possible attack by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte. But the French never came to Alicante. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque park, perfectly adapted for sports and walking. After a long period of neglect, the fortress was restored and is open to everyone.

5. Santa Cruz area

The historical part of the city, located at a relative distance from the tourist areas at the foot of Benacantil. The old town consists of only a few small streets that lead to the fortress of Santa Barbara. Santa Cruz is a typical urban quarter of a Spanish provincial town with walls peeling here and there, charming flower beds on small terraces and bright facades.

6. Luceros Square

The main square of Alicante, where many people start from tourist routes. Buses from the airport also come here. In the center of Luceros installed stone fountain 1930, surrounded by a green lawn with palm trees. Around the square are modern residential buildings, offices, commercial premises and administrative institutions. Alicate's two central highways start at Luceros.

7. Gabriel Miro Square

The area is a shady green square, overgrown with subtropical vegetation. Centuries-old trees with powerful trunks, palm trees and flowers grow here. This perfect place to take shelter in the shade from the scorching Spanish sun. The square and the square are named after the writer Gabriel Miro, who was a native of Alicante. This fact is reminded by a memorial stone to the left of the central fountain.

8. Basilica of Santa Maria

Gothic church of the late XIV century, located on the site of a former mosque. The temple was founded in honor of the expulsion of the Moors and the liberation of this part of Spain from Arab rule. In later centuries, the basilica was rebuilt in the Spanish Baroque style. Inside the church there is a gilded altar from the 18th century and a valuable organ from the 16th century. The interior is decorated with skillful statues of St. John and the Virgin Mary.

9. St. Nicholas Cathedral

The temple is dedicated to Saint Nicholas - the patron saint of Alicante. It was erected on the ruins of a mosque in the 17th century. The building was built in a transitional style from the Renaissance to the Baroque, which is characterized by restraint of architectural forms. The cathedral is crowned with an impressive 45-meter dome; marble dominates in the interior decoration. The church altar of the 16th century, created by the master N. Borras, deserves special attention. The relics of Saint Francis Xavier, Felicita and Roch are kept in the temple.

10. Archaeological Museum

A large museum with an impressive collection of 81,000 items. A large number of exhibits were found and collected on the territory of the Costa Blanca region. The Archaeological Museum of Alicante is on a par with the largest collections in Spain. Exhibition halls are equipped with modern equipment, so visitors have the opportunity to watch videos or listen to short lectures about a particular historical period.

11. Volvo Ocean Race Museum

Volvo Ocean Race is a unique round-the-world regatta that starts in Alicante and lasts for several months. It has been held here since 2005. In 2012, a museum dedicated to this event was opened, which is the only one of its kind. Thanks to interactive technologies, visitors will be able to feel like participants in a grandiose voyage, as well as learn more about the features of the ecosystems of the seas and oceans.

12. Museum of Modern Art

A gallery with an impressive collection of real "mastodons" of contemporary art. There are works by Miro, Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, Varaseli and Gonzalez. The museum is housed in an old building of the 17th century. Its history began in 1978, when the local abstract artist E. Sempere donated his collection of paintings to the city. The works of Sempre himself occupy a separate floor of the museum.

13. Museum of Fine Arts in Gravina Palace

The gallery is located in an 18th century palace. The museum opened in 2001 after a complete restoration of a somewhat dilapidated building. The museum collection is a collection of paintings by artists and sculptors from Alicante and the surrounding area, who worked in the period of the 16th-20th centuries. There are works by H. Agrosot, L. Casanova, A. Hisbert, F. Cabrera and other masters. The museum has a program to support young talents.

14. Central market

The main market of Alicante, located in a building that occupies an entire city block. The malls are located on two floors - one sells meat of all possible types and forms, the other has numerous stalls with seafood, fish, vegetables and fruits. The market also has a large section with wines, cheeses, olives, spices, nuts and all kinds of sweets.

15. City Hall of Alicante

The city hall building was built in the 18th century according to the project of V. Soler in the Spanish Baroque style. Construction work continued for about 90 years. On the square in front of the city hall, a system of fountains is installed, whose jets hit directly from the pavement, which delights children and local dogs. Near the city hall are often held public holidays. In the lobby of the building is a sculpture of St. John, created by Salvador Dali.

16. House of Carbonel

The building was erected in the 20s of the 20th century in the Art Nouveau style, fashionable at that time, with neo-baroque elements. Today it is considered one of the most picturesque in Alicante. The house was designed by the architect J. B. Ramos for E. Carbonel, a textile industrialist who settled in Alicante. The luxurious building was erected on the site of the old city market next to the Palace Hotel.

17. Ship "Holy Trinity"

The ship is permanently moored in the port of the city. It is a copy of a real galleon of the XVIII century, which was built in Cuba. The ship took part in many battles, including the famous Battle of Trafalgar. After this devastating battle, the Holy Trinity sank off the coast of Cadiz in 1805. A copy of the ship was built in the 2000s. On board there is a restaurant, a bar, night club and a museum.

18. Tabarka Island

The island is located off the Costa Blanca and is home to several dozen people employed in the tourism industry. The island is mentioned in documents of the 18th century in connection with the seizure of its territory by the Tunisian army. Tabarka has several old churches and mansions. Numerous restaurants are open for tourists, offering a wide variety of seafood dishes.

19. Postiguet Beach

The beach is located in the center of the resort area of ​​Alicante. Thanks to the picturesque surroundings, white sand and clean water, he received the prestigious Blue Flag quality mark. Postiguet is considered the best city beach, there are numerous cafes, playgrounds and equipment rental for aquatic species sports. The beach is located quite close to the historical part of Alicante.

20. Bonfires of St. John the Baptist

Folk Spanish festival, which is celebrated every summer on June 18 - 29. It is dedicated to the Day of Saint John the Baptist. The largest celebrations take place on the territory of Alicante. All week long, colorful processions, parades and a competition of giant figures are organized on the streets, fireworks are launched, people burn scarecrows and jump over the fire. Some traditions of this holiday are similar to the Slavic Midsummer Day.