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Discovering Alicante Spain

The city of Alicante Spain has received much praise from all types of travelers. It is such a scenic place to be in with beaches on side and a view of the mountains at the opposite end. At the center is a bustling area filled with all sorts of shops and boutiques, from centuries old architecture to more modern structures. Blessed with such a variety of terrain and warm weather, it is of little wonder why is popular with tourists and considered as one of the most beautiful places to visit within the country of Spain.

For quite some time, the country of Spain has been known to have some of the best beaches within the entire continent of Europe. The city of Alicante takes pride in being the best in Spain. It boasts of having some of the most excellent white sand beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing or taking a tan. Travelers from all over Spain and world come to enjoy the sun and surf in the area from individuals, couples, families to other groups of people. The beaches are well maintained and clean, allowing for all sorts of fun activities in the water any time of the year. Even the winters are not a strong deterrent as the Mediterranean cold season is not as cold as in some of the more northern areas of Europe.

Within the region of Valencia, the city of Alicante is seen as the second largest and the capital of the province of Alicante. As a densely packed city, most of the popular destinations can be easily explored by foot. It has long history, deeply rooted and rich in detail. A number of structures from its past have been wonderfully preserved for future generations to see and appreciate. There are even declared national monuments within the city. The oldest church in the province is located here. Known as the Iglesia de Santa Maria, this 15th century church was once a mosque during the early settlement of the Arabs in this area. Other sites located nearby and worth seeing include the Town Hall and the Monastery de la Santa Paz. Located approximately 5 kilometers from the middle of the city, the Monastery was initially built in the mid 18th century. Another site not to be missed is the Castle of Santa Barbards. Located at the peak of Mount Benacantil overlooking the city, it gives a stunning view of not just the city of Alicante but also the surrounding area as well.

Travelers interested in seeing smaller relics of history should look into the various museums and galleries located within the city. The Gavina Palace is also a historical structure which contains artworks from the 19th century. For a brief glimpse into the history of Spain during the Medieval Era, take a walk down to the Archaeology Museum. Another place to visit is the Nativity Scene Museum which contains artifacts and sculptures collected from many parts of the globe. Worth noting is that this particularly museum does not ask for any fee for entering, a perfect place to visit when travelling on a tight budget.

Besides the beaches and natural landscapes, the structures built from different periods, the city of Alicante is also known for providing its tourists an exciting night life. In the area of El Barrio are numerous bars and restaurants, offering tourists all sorts of drinks, meals and activities to enjoy during the evenings. With all these areas worth visiting, it is important to take note that the city of Alicante Spain is conveniently located near an international airport as well as a major hub for public transportation, making it easier to access from almost anywhere in Spain and the world.

This post has also been translated into Spanish by using the Google online translation tool, Descubrir Alicante España is the translated post. If you feel you can add something positive to the Spanish translation please feel free to contact me through the comments section below or though The Olive Branch contact page, many thanks.