Alicante

the original Spanish holiday destination

The Costa Blanca - the ‘White Coast’ - was christened 2,500 years ago by Greek traders who founded the colony of Akra Leuka (‘White Headland’) near today’s Alicante. Amidst the rocky, sunbaked landscape are fertile river valleys and lush groves of lemons, oranges, almonds and olives, and vineyards producing sweet muscatel grapes. On the Costa Blanca you can certainly brush up on the three ‘Rs’ - rest, relaxation and recreation. The prettiest stroll on the Costa Blanca must be along Alicante’s Esplanada de España. Alternative name: Alacant (Catalan).

Alicante is the southernmost of the three provinces which make up the Valencia region. Many tourist attractions can be found along the coastline, including sport of all kinds, mountains, castles, forests, etc. There are clearly defined areas in the province, such as, Upper Marina, with the towns of Jávea, Teulada, Benitachell and Calpe. Lower Marina, which is made up on the zone which centres around Benidorm, includes Altea and Villajoyosa and also the foothills of the Aitana Sierra (1,580m). The central area of Alicante extends inland towards the industrial area with the towns of Elche, Aspe, Movelda and Elda. The southern area with the maritime towns of Guardamar, Torrevieja and Orihuela with extensive plains of market gardens which extend inland. The mountain area which includes the foothills of Aitana, Mariola and Carrasqueta Sierras. Especially important is the route of the castles, made up of the fortresses of Villena, Bañeres, Biar, Castalla, Sax and Benejama. The city of Alicante offers the visitor numerous beaches including San Juan, and also tourists should visit Santa Barbara Castle, Monastery of Santa Faz, the Cathedral, the Archaeeological Museum, Church of Santa Maria and the Modern Art Museum. Access to the city is linked to the Mediterranean Highway which stretches to the French border and runs through the main Spanish coastal cities. Regular flights are available from El Altet airport to the world's main cities and the port offers regular runs to Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, France and North Africa.