Alicante, a Spanish port city located in the Costa Blanca region of the Mediterranean coast, is known for its year-round sunshine and stunning beaches. With a population of 340,000 people, it’s one of the largest cities on Spain’s southeastern coast.

Alicante is renowned for its rich history and culture; it was inhabited by many civilizations throughout its long journey – from prehistory to medieval times. Its architecture reflects this cultural diversity and includes Moorish watchtowers and Baroque churches. The streets are adorned with colorful buildings and lively tapas bars that line up in various shapes and sizes.

The city also has plenty to offer those who love nature. Lush green mountains stretch along the coastline, offering fantastic views of the sparkling sea beneath them. In addition, there are several parks around the city center where you can take a break from exploring or take a stroll around town. Alicante also boasts picturesque golden beaches that have earned it a spot on numerous “Best Beaches” lists.

Fun Facts

• Alicante is home to Europe’s first zoo – the Terra Natura Zoo, which opened in 2008.
• Its culture is rich and diverse, having been inhabited by various civilizations over its long history.
• It’s known for its vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs for visitors to explore and enjoy!
• In 2015, according to a Mercer Global Quality of Living Survey survey, Alicante was named one of the world’s top cities for quality of life.

Historic Buildings in Alicante, Spain

Alicante is home to many beautiful historic buildings, each with a unique story. Here are some of the most popular and notable ones:

Castillo de Santa Barbara

Located atop Mt Benacantil, the Castillo de Santa Barbara is an ancient fortress dating back to the 9th century BC. It consists of two walls—the inner wall, which reaches a height of 15 meters and the outer wall, which is 18 meters high. It also contains a series of underground tunnels, galleries, and many defensive devices such as drawbridges and moats.

La Explanada de España

La Explanada de España is an elegant tree-lined promenade located in downtown Alicante. It features marbled paving stones depicting Spanish history and cultural elements and has become one of the city’s best-known attractions. The promenade was built in the 19th century and has been extensively renovated recently.

Elche Palm Grove

The Elche Palm Grove is located in La Huerta de Elche, near Alicante. This stunning grove dates back to the late 15th century and is home to over 200 palm trees! Local farmers carefully tend the palm trees. This site has become a tourist hotspot due to its natural beauty.