One of the most important tourist destinations on the east coast of Spain

Alicante is also a land of deep-rooted popular traditions, such as the Moors and Christians Festival and the Night of San Juan. The star of the local cuisine is rice, which is prepared in many different ways. Alicante’s strategic location on the coast of the Levant has meant that major Mediterranean civilizations have settled here over the centuries. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and later Arabs came to these shores in search of new trade routes and shaped the city’s character with their culture. The city and its port are guarded by Mount Benacantil, a large rocky headland topped by the fortress of Santa Bárbara. The castle is of Arab origin and shows traces of all the civilizations that have passed through the city, although most of the current buildings belong to the 16th century. From the top of the city wall you can see the whole city, as well as a panoramic view of the surrounding coastal area and inland for several kilometers. The ancient walled city was built at the foot of this fortress. One of the most striking buildings in the network of narrow streets is the Gothic Santa Maria Church (16th century), built on top of an old Arab mosque. Opposite is the Casa de la Asegurada Museum (built in the 17th century), which houses important contemporary works by artists such as Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Eduardo Chillida. The Town Hall Square, dominated by the Baroque façade of the Town Hall, is another important space in the Old Town. Behind it are two important buildings, the Jesuit School and St Nicholas Cathedral, completed in 1662. The coastline is a favorite recreational spot for locals. Facing the port, Plaza España is a lively boulevard with lots of outdoor seating areas. The more modern leisure area stretches along the port's breakwater, where there are also many restaurants and bars. Both areas are next to the town's El Postiguet Beach, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the sea and sun. The recently renovated Provincial Archaeological Museum (MARQ) is well worth a visit. This educational and entertaining museum, located in the building of the old San Juan de Dios Hospital, displays the remains of the Tossal de Manises ruins, revealing interesting information about the ancient city from the Iberian, Greek and Roman periods. #JanuaryDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Valencia