Alicante

Alicante is centrally located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The air of the city is pervaded with the scents of the sea; indeed the city has been an important seaport for many centuries. Alicante boasts one of the most beautiful seafront promenades in Spain. There is nothing as pleasant as strolling along the quayside promenade lined by four rows of palms, tessellated with marble in Alicante red, cream and black in imitation of the waves of the Mediterranean.

Alicante enjoys a privileged location and an excellent mild climate, with an average year round temperature of 18-20° C. The mild Alicante climate makes beach-life accessible practically all year round, and there are plenty of fantastic beaches to choose from.

The city offers an interesting range of cultural activities in various centres around town, such as the Casa de la Cultura (cultural centre), the Teatro Principal (Principal Theatre), the exhibition centre Lonja del Pescado and for lovers of abstract and modern art, a visit to the Eusebio Sempere exhibition in the Casa de la Aseguradoada is a must.

Alicante offers an extensive range of sports facilities, with installations for football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, shooting, a riding school, swimming pools and gyms, and for sailing enthusiasts, choose from the Real Club Náutico de Regatas, Alicante marina and the Alicante-Costa Blanca Nautical Club, which offer over 800 moorings. For scuba divers the sea around the Isla de Tabarca located off the coast are teeming with interesting sealife.

Panoramic views of the city and sea can be enjoyed from the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which sits 166m above the beach atop the Benacantil Mountain.If you are into mountaineering, then the Maigmó Mountain (1296 m) is a challenge that you will enjoy. There are many golf courses within an hour's drive of the city. In the nearby town of Muchamiel there is a local airport for private sports aircraft and ultra light aircraft.

There are boat trips available to the Island of Tabarca, close at hand are the Caves of Canelobre, a marvel of nature and just outside Alicante in Elche you can see the largest Palm Forest in Europe. Orihuela with its wide variety of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings is just 54 km from Alicante. The mountainous town of Ibi, 40 km to the north of Alicante, is a great place to take the children, as it has a toy museum and is at the centre of the toy industry in Spain. The village of Agost is also close by; famous for its pottery.

There are several beautiful green spaces to enjoy in the city centre. Including the Canalejas Park, home to an important display of giant fuchus. El Palmeral, located on the seafront along the Murcia road, Lo Morant, which incorporates an auditorium where you can enjoy concerts and El Benacantil, with its extensive pine groves.

Alicante offers an excellent choice of nightlife all year round, with many bars and discos open until the small hours of the morning. The old city centre, known as El Barrio, offers some of the finest restaurants and tapas bars, offering both authentic Valencian and International cuisine. Try any of the delicious varieties of rice dishes, combined with shellfish, fish or meat that are renowned in the region of Alicante. To complete your meal, Alicante has some excellent local wine denominations.

Don't miss the magic and charm of Les Fogueres de Sant Joan. On the night of 24 June, the flames from blazing bonfires