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Alicante,Costa Blanca,Spain » Entertainment » Attractions

Alicante offers a vast amount of attractions suitable for all individuals, including the intriguing island of Tabarca just off the coast of the city. See bottom of page


Alicante is famous for its wonderful boulevard with palm trees and shopping streets. The original name of the city “Lucentum” translates as ”City of Light”. This attractive town along the Costa Blanca has stunning beaches, old plazas, parks, adventure and great weather. The city provides fun, entertainment and also a great nightlife to the tourists who can hang around till the late hours.

The Castle of Santa Barbara:
The Castle of Santa Barbara is one of the biggest mediaeval fortresses of Spain that is located in the center of Alicante. This major landmark of the city stands on the top of Mount Benacantil, which offers the most fabulous views of the city. Whilst looking at the castle from El Postiguet beach, one can see an unusual projected part in the shape of a human face known as the Moor's Head.
Castillo de San Fernando (St Ferdinand Castle):
The Castillo de San Fernando is a counterpart of the Castle of Santa Barbara, which was built on Tossal hill in the beginning of the 19th century. It has some fantastic things to watch.
San Juan Beach (La Playa de San Juan):
This premier sandy beach of the city is located around 4.5 miles from central Alicante. The long and open beach has been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union. It is the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming with a good selection of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and water sports on the beach.
St Mary's Church (Iglesia de Santa Maria):
St Mary's Church is one of the major attractions of the city, which was built in a gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries. It has been built over the ruins of the foundations of a mosque during the Moorish occupation. The place has a wide range of art with two of the most valuable dating from the 15th century. It has a richly decorated Baroque interior.
Ayuntamiento (Town hall):
This building with baroque civic architecture is situated just behind La Explanada Park in downtown and southwest of Santa Maria. Locally known as Ayuntamiento, it has beautiful twin towers having 35m heights, blue room, the plenary room and the chapel. Before viewing the dramatic statue of Dali, one can see a small metal disc indicating an instrument that is used to measure the height above sea level in all other parts of Spain.
The Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas:
This cathedral was built throughout much of the 17th century on renaissance and baroque style. It is located in the old town close to the town hall. It has a wonderful blue dome and a beautiful garden surrounding it.
Alicante Theatre:
This theatre with neoclassical style was completed in 1847. This grand construction with Italian typology of the period provides platform for ballet, opera and theatre activities. It has wonderful interior as well as exterior, with a six-columned porch.
The Alicante Marina:
The Alicante marina has a touch of luxury where tourists can enjoy some of the finer things in life with excellent shopping centres, refined restaurants and nautical adventures. Whether it is day or night, Alicante marina offers charming luxury ambiance with wonderful facilities of leisure and food outlets.

Parks

The city has some excellent parks and some of them offer activities throughout the year.

Canalejas Park:
This oldest park of the city was created in 1886 by the architect Gonzolez Altus. It has stone sculptures of dogs and lions at the entrance, beautiful fountains and a map of Spain carved out of stone.
El Palmeral:
EL Palmeral is situated on the outskirts of the city. It has some amazing waterfalls, lakes and hundreds of palm trees. One can visit this park at any time of the day.
Mount Tossal Theme Park:
This park has an interesting lookout over the city and its coastline. It offers rock climbing opportunities and games on the giant chessboard.
Parque del Morant:
The best place in the city for strolling along with wide, flat shady walkways. The park has an interesting layout of sculptural plants and minimalist water features. It also hosts a large open-air auditorium that is used for summer performances.
Parque de la Ereta:
The modern park designed by French architect with harmony to nature. It has a wonderful walkway from Santa Barbara Castle to the old town and the cafes for the refreshments.
Monte Benacantil:
The green lung of the city containing pine and eucalyptus trees. It is said that this green area fulfills the need of oxygen for the city.

Also at a driving distance of 20-30 minutes from the city; one can find several parks that provide some fantastic entertainment options for a family day out.

Terra Natura Park:
This park is home for 1,500 animals of around two hundred different species. The park also has a water park, which offers lots of water rides and a large pool area.
Mundomar Marine Park:
This excellent marine park offers unique experience to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. It has beautiful paths surrounded by plants and some crossing bridges with a colourful range of aquatic and tropical birds.

ISLAND OF TABARCA, off the coast of Alicante:

Tabarca is the largest natural island located in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, just off the Cabo de Santa Pola (marina & yacht club). The island of Tabarca is administratively dependent on the city of Alicante and is popular with tourists who wish to explore this intriguing island.

The island of Tabarca is located around eleven miles off the coast of Alicante and maritime lines are available from the mainland which take up to an hour to reach the island. Many toursits find this a very interesting place to visit, with its historical background of pirates who used to take refuge on the island in order to attack the Costa Blanca. Tabarca was secured by walls which aimed at protecting the town centre. The tower of St Joseph and the Governors House, which is now a hotel, are important monuments which can be seen here.

The coast surrounding the island is a protected marine reserve, which prohibits certain types of water activities and therefore is very idyllic for scuba divers who wish to explore its crystal clear waters.

The town of Tabarca has been noted as a national monument for historic and artistic interest. As well as the magnificent Baroque styles churches featured here, the island is also well known for its fantastic sea food selection.

 
 
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