Castell de Santa Barbara
The impressive Santa Barbara Castle has its origins in the
Muslim rule of the 9th century, towering over Alicante on top of
the Benacantil Mountain. Most of the chambers that can be explored
today date from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The fortress is
massive, encompassing moats, drawbridges, tunnels, cisterns, and
dungeons, not to mention a stately tower and keep. It has endured
many attacks, rebuilds, and renovations during its long history and
was opened to the public in 1963. Today it houses the Museum of the
City of Alicante. From the top of the castle superb views over the
bay and the city can be enjoyed.
Castell de Santa Barbera
Blai Server
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante
In the Plaza de Santa Maria stands Alicante's oldest building, a
former granary dating from 1685. Ironically the city's oldest
building contains its most notable modern art collection, donated
by painter and sculptor Eusebio Sempere in 1977. The Museo de Arte
Contemporaneo de Alicante is commonly referred to simply as MACA.
Among the noteworthy paintings on display are those by Dali,
Picasso, Calder, and Miro, and one of the highlights is the section
dedicated to Sempere's own geometrical, moving sculptures. As other
famous modern art galleries have realised, the contrast between an
old building and a colourful modern art collection is striking and
interesting.
Salvador Dali
Arniep
Elche
Just 12 miles (19km) inland west of Alicante is Europe's only
palm forest, forming a lush oasis around the city of Elche (Elx).
The city boasts several beautiful parks, public gardens, and palm
groves. The Palmeral of Elche, an orchard of more than 200,000 palm
trees, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Parque Municipal is one
of the most popular places to enjoy the trees, with the palms
interspersed by grassy promenades and children's playgrounds. The
most beautiful palm garden is the Huerto del Cura, filled with
trees, water features, and bright flowerbeds. Another attraction in
the city, located right next to the municipal park, is the Altamira
Castle, which was built in about the 12th century and was renovated
in the 15th century.
Eleche
Olekrisa
Isla Tabarca
The tiny islet of Tabarca is becoming an increasingly popular
day trip destination from Alicante or Santa Pola, with its quiet
fishing village offering an old fort, several very reasonably
priced fresh seafood restaurants, a rocky beach with clear
turquoise water, and several coves and tidal pools ideal for
bathing. Tiny and picturesque, Tabarca is the smallest permanently
inhabited islet in Spain and can very easily be explored on foot.
The islet is part of a marine reserve (Reserva marina de la Isla de
Tabarca) and promises varied marine life, clear unpolluted waters,
and a healthy bird population.
Isla de Tabarca
Alicante Airport
Location: The airport is located seven miles (11km) south of
Alicante.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March
and the Saturday before the last Sunday in
October).
Getting to the city:
Regular buses leave every 30 minutes for the main bus station in
Alicante, and taxis are available outside Arrivals. Note that most
package tour operators arrange transport.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo,
Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sol-Mar, Europcar and National. Before booking
it is worth finding out if it is possible to pickup and drop off
rental cars at the airport, rather than at an off-site
location.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis can be found outside the terminal building's lower level.
A surcharge is added to taxis caught late at night.
Facilities:
The airport has bars, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets,
and several shops, including duty-free. ATMs and currency exchange
facilities are also available. There is a VIP lounge which offers
fax, photocopying and Internet capabilities for first- and
business-class passengers. Disabled facilities are good; those with
special needs are advised to inform their airline or travel agent
in advance.
Parking
Parking at Alicante Airport is available in the car park
opposite the terminal; those looking for long-term parking may want
to consider cheaper off-site options with shuttle services.
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The myriad attractions of the Costa Blanca's beach resorts
hardly need elaboration, as everybody can understand the appeal of
gorgeous beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters, white sand and a
rollicking nightlife. Those intent on doing some actual sightseeing
in the region should explore some of the more authentic villages
just inland, some of which host weekly craft markets.
Of the famous resorts the charming Altea is the least commercial
and the best place to get a taste of real local culture. Altea has
a renowned craft market every Tuesday, between April and September,
and La Nuncia, just north of Altea, has a good Sunday market.
Tourists wanting some culture should also take advantage of
Alicante's historical attractions.
The formidable Moorish Castell de Santa Barbara looms over
Alicante and visitors can explore some of the tunnels, dungeons,
towers and chambers that make up the impressive fortress. The tiny,
picturesque Isla Tabarca, is a popular excursion from Alicante, and
the city of Elche, inland from Alicante, is also an interesting
excursion, containing Europe's only palm forest.
For amusement park thrills and spills, instead of culture,
visitors should head to Spain's largest theme park, Terra Mitica,
just outside of Benidorm.
Castell de Santa Barbera
Blai Server
Salvador Dali
Arniep
Eleche
Olekrisa
Isla de Tabarca
