Alicante (Costa Blanca)
Destination Fact File
Alicante, and it's wonderful boulevard with palm trees and shopping streets, is one of the most well-known towns along the Costa Blanca. Known for its miles of sandy beaches, Alicante is starting point for thousands of tourists every year. Famous for its excellent Alicante weather, the city invites you to take a trip along the coast or to the wonderful island of Tabarca.
Food and Drink
Offering a huge variety of international cuisine, including traditional restaurants and tapas bars. Suitable for all ages, most restaurants offer good value for money whilst mixing strong British tastes with local specialists, such as seafood and tortillas, and spanish potato omelettes.
Nightlife
The old quarter, El Barrio, has a lively selection of pubs, bars, and cafes. Some establishments have live music, particularly jazz. A popular start for an evening out in old town Alicante is Meson de Labradores a roucous tapas bar with cheap eats. And for something more energetic Alicante has all the clubs on offer, playing all sorts of music, such as Garage, House and Techno.
Shopping
For many visitors, shopping is an important part of their stay. Who can resist the temptation to take a momento home, or purchase a garment which cannot be found anywhere but here. The choice is yours from authentic local handicrafts, such as ceramics from Agost, bags and baskets from Gata de Gorges, rugs from Crevillente, the latest designer clothes, footwear from Elda, embroidery, fashion jewellery and leather goods, to the more generlised goods available at department stores in the city centre.
Things to do and see
The Explanada de España alongside the harbour together with the Paseo Maritimo on the waterfront form a wonderful sweeping promenade - perfect for strolling in the fresh sea breeze or stopping to enjoy the freshest of fish and seafood. The Rambla de Mendez Nuñez is a palm-lined pedestrian street with an interesting market at one end and some great shops. It is also the route taken by most processions during the popular fiestas - most notably the Fiesta of the Hogueras de San Juan where elaborate effigies are burnt celebrating a pagan sacrifice to the gods of fire. The city of Alicante is a very popular and cosmopolitan destination with a bustling port, tropical palms, beautiful promenades and some of Spain's best tapas restaurants. There are many historical buildings, lively markets, a splendid Marina and, to cap it all, a gorgeous sandy beach, Playa del Postiguet
Language : Spanish and Valencian
Currency : Euro
Time Difference : 1 hour ahead of the UK
Flights : Tuesday 02 November 10 - 19 April 11
