Alicante Airport Is The Gateway To The Costa Blanca
Some people say Alicante is the "best all-around city in Spain". Here is why you should visit this versatile tourist destination.
Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, is Valencia's second largest city. It is estimated that six million people visit the Costa Blanca every summer, most via Alicante's airport. No wonder: Alicante's climate is perfect: Summers are hot and dry; winters are mild with hardly any snow. There is also hardly any rain, mostly in spring and fall.
The good weather is largely due to Alicante's locale, with mountains to the north and west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. It is also centrally located, with the cities of Murcia, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Alcoy and Elche within easy reach.
The real reason everyone wants to come to Alicante is to visit the beaches. Alicante, indeed all the Costa Blanca, has the longest summer in Spain. You can relax on the beach and walk along the palm trees on the Promenade. The waterfront is an intriguing place, full of sidewalk cafs and craftspeople plying their wares.
Many people enjoy the area for its great golf courses. Greens fees are quite reasonable, from 35 to 80 Euros. If you are traveling in prime golf season, be sure to book your tee time early. Other popular outdoor activities include hiking, biking and boating.
An important part of visiting a new country is visiting its historic sites. Alicante has many of these. Be sure to visit the Cathedral de San Nicholas de Bari, one of the city's chief landmarks.
Who can resist visiting a real castle? The castle of Santa Barbara was built by the Moors in the Ninth Century. It is one of the largest fortresses in Europe and its views are spectacular. It contains artworks from the Bronze through the Modern Ages. Don't forget to bring your camera.
One unique place to visit is the Barrio Santa Cruz in the city's old quarter. This medieval section really comes to life at night because of its many restaurants and bars, many offering live music in its entertainment. You will easily find great food to please every palate.
Alicante is a great "jumping-off point" to other parts of the Costa Blanca. You can make it your home base as you visit the theme parks of Benidorm or explore other parts of Spain.
It's easy to see why Alicante plays such an important role in the Valencia region. There is so much to see and do, you will probably want to extend your stay in order to experience it all, then come back often to do it all again. Why not plan now to rent a villa so your whole family can enjoy this amazing place? Alicante truly has something for everyone in your family.
