Alicante - Great Things to Do
Alicante is situated on Spain's Mediterranean coast, 110 miles south of Valencia and 335 miles south of Barcelona. Many people are attracted to the area for the mild climate and beautiful beaches, but Alicante has much more to offer the tourist. There is a rich history here, and as a result the town is dotted with a number of interesting buildings. The medieval castle of Santa Barbara is the most famous sight here, and the focal point of the town.
The Cathedral of San Nicholas de Bari, and the Town Hall are both impressive examples of 17th century architecture. The nearby old town hosts the city's best nightlife, but is also a great place to stroll by day, with its narrow streets lined with cafés.
There are some notable museums here, with the Modern Art museum and the Archaeological Museum the most popular with visitors to Alicante.
Alicante Airport Car Rental
Castillo de Santa Barbara
Alicante's Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the biggest medieval fortresses in Europe. Situated at 166 metres above sea level, on the summit and slopes of the Benacantil Mountain, this impressive castle is well worth a visit. There is a lookout point from where you can see great views of the coastline. The castle was built during Moorish rule to act as a first point of defence for Alicante. The castle has undergone some restoration through the years, and there have been Bronze Age remains found on the site.
There are two access routes to the castle, by road winding up through the mountain, or by an elevator from the Paseo Maritmo. There is a charge for using the elevator, although EU senior citizens and disabled people do not have to pay. Phone: +34 96 526 3131
Archaeological Museum of Alicante
Behind the Castillo de Santa Barbara is the archaeological museum, a modern interactive museum that shouldn't be missed during a stay here. This museum is considered one of the finest of its type in Spain. There is an interesting array of exhibits with rooms focusing on Pre-history, Roman Culture, the Middle Ages, and Iberian Art. The museum has been modernised and includes some interactive videos and various interesting visual displays. The videos are in Spanish, but there are guides here to assist. Phone: +34 965 149 000; website: www.marqalicante.com
Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari
The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari, situated close to the town hall in the old town, is another of the most popular attractions in Alicante. This impressive cathedral was built in the 17th century in baroque and renaissance styles. It is dedicated to Alicante's patron saint and is considered one of the finest examples of baroque design in Spain. The interior is particularly beautiful with the high altar being the main focal point. There is also a cloister with old wooden doors and outside you will find a peaceful garden.
Paseo de la Explanada
The Paseo de la Explanda is one of the most popular places in Alicante, an impressive promenade set along the seafront which is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The promenade is lined with palm trees, giving a tropical feel, and the pavements are inlaid with red, black and cream marble. This is especially pleasant for an early evening stroll, with cafés, ice cream parlours, and shops along the street. There is also a music pavilion with concerts held here most afternoons, and on Sunday mornings during the summer months.
The Old Town
Both the Town Hall and Cathedral of San Nicholas de Bari are located in Alicante's old quarter. The Old Town is, in many respects, the heart of Alicante. With its narrow medieval streets and old houses, really giving you a feel for the old city. There are a number of good souvenir shops here, and this is also one of the most popular places to visit at night.
The nightlife in the old quarter suits people of all ages and tastes with a good mixture of bars, pubs, taverns and eateries. Every year in June there is a month long medieval market, the streets are awash with stalls selling a vast array of arts and crafts, with plenty of traditional entertainment to keep you amused.
Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada
Opposite the Santa Maria church is the Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada, the modern art museum of Alicante. The building was constructed in 1685 as a granary, and is one of the oldest buildings in Alicante. The museum was opened in 1977 when the sculptor and painter Eusebio Sempere donated his private collection of modern art. The most famous works here include those by Calder, Chagall, Dali, Giacometti, Kandinski, Miro and Picasso.
Admission to the museum is free of charge and is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, 10:00 to 14:00 then 16:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 10:30 to 14:30 on Sundays. Between October and May the evening opening is from 17:00 to 21:00.
The Cathedral of San Nicholas de Bari, and the Town Hall are both impressive examples of 17th century architecture. The nearby old town hosts the city's best nightlife, but is also a great place to stroll by day, with its narrow streets lined with cafés.
There are some notable museums here, with the Modern Art museum and the Archaeological Museum the most popular with visitors to Alicante.
Alicante Airport Car Rental
Castillo de Santa Barbara
Alicante's Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the biggest medieval fortresses in Europe. Situated at 166 metres above sea level, on the summit and slopes of the Benacantil Mountain, this impressive castle is well worth a visit. There is a lookout point from where you can see great views of the coastline. The castle was built during Moorish rule to act as a first point of defence for Alicante. The castle has undergone some restoration through the years, and there have been Bronze Age remains found on the site.
There are two access routes to the castle, by road winding up through the mountain, or by an elevator from the Paseo Maritmo. There is a charge for using the elevator, although EU senior citizens and disabled people do not have to pay. Phone: +34 96 526 3131
Archaeological Museum of Alicante
Behind the Castillo de Santa Barbara is the archaeological museum, a modern interactive museum that shouldn't be missed during a stay here. This museum is considered one of the finest of its type in Spain. There is an interesting array of exhibits with rooms focusing on Pre-history, Roman Culture, the Middle Ages, and Iberian Art. The museum has been modernised and includes some interactive videos and various interesting visual displays. The videos are in Spanish, but there are guides here to assist. Phone: +34 965 149 000; website: www.marqalicante.com
Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari
The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari, situated close to the town hall in the old town, is another of the most popular attractions in Alicante. This impressive cathedral was built in the 17th century in baroque and renaissance styles. It is dedicated to Alicante's patron saint and is considered one of the finest examples of baroque design in Spain. The interior is particularly beautiful with the high altar being the main focal point. There is also a cloister with old wooden doors and outside you will find a peaceful garden.
Paseo de la Explanada
The Paseo de la Explanda is one of the most popular places in Alicante, an impressive promenade set along the seafront which is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The promenade is lined with palm trees, giving a tropical feel, and the pavements are inlaid with red, black and cream marble. This is especially pleasant for an early evening stroll, with cafés, ice cream parlours, and shops along the street. There is also a music pavilion with concerts held here most afternoons, and on Sunday mornings during the summer months.
The Old Town
Both the Town Hall and Cathedral of San Nicholas de Bari are located in Alicante's old quarter. The Old Town is, in many respects, the heart of Alicante. With its narrow medieval streets and old houses, really giving you a feel for the old city. There are a number of good souvenir shops here, and this is also one of the most popular places to visit at night.
The nightlife in the old quarter suits people of all ages and tastes with a good mixture of bars, pubs, taverns and eateries. Every year in June there is a month long medieval market, the streets are awash with stalls selling a vast array of arts and crafts, with plenty of traditional entertainment to keep you amused.
Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada
Opposite the Santa Maria church is the Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada, the modern art museum of Alicante. The building was constructed in 1685 as a granary, and is one of the oldest buildings in Alicante. The museum was opened in 1977 when the sculptor and painter Eusebio Sempere donated his private collection of modern art. The most famous works here include those by Calder, Chagall, Dali, Giacometti, Kandinski, Miro and Picasso.
Admission to the museum is free of charge and is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, 10:00 to 14:00 then 16:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 10:30 to 14:30 on Sundays. Between October and May the evening opening is from 17:00 to 21:00.
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