Category: General information

Top 10 Alicante icons

 

Alicante is famous for its long, sandy beaches and beautiful seaside promenades. Some, like Benidorm, are instantly recognisable. But the region has dozens of emblems which show the diversity and amazing beauty of this popular region of Spain.It’s a dream destination for photographers and artists who have so many great buildings and natural scenery to capture. As well as the beaches, there are dramatic castles, chic marinas, mountains,natural parks, historic buildings and lakes to grab the attention.Spain-Holiday has picked 10 amazing Alicante icons, although there are many more that we could have chosen.
Alicante castle Top 10 Alicante icons
Alicante castle
Looming over the Alicante skyline is theSanta Barbara Castle, which is one of the largest and most impressive of Spain’s medieval fortresses. Much of its magnificent structure is thanks to the Moors who ruled Spain until the 13th century. One of the most photographed views is of the top tower looking out over Alicante marina and the Mediterranean. During your trip you can explore the many dungeons, towers and cannons lining the thick castle walls.You can also catch your breath while enjoying those far-reaching sea views.
Castillo de Santa Barbara Opening hours: Open every day from:July to September, 10am to 12pm, September, 10am to 10pm, October to March, 10am to 8pm, April to June, 10am to 10pm
Further information on Alicante castle
Benidorm skyscrapers
One of Alicante’s most famous shots is of the regimented Benidorm skyscrapers looking out to sea. These buildings first started going up in the 1960s when tourism took off in this former sleepy fishing village. The idea was to build tall hotels and apartment blocks so that everyone had a view of the sea. Many people have remarked that Benidorm is the Spanish Manhattan with about 400 high-rise buildings.
Benidorm skyscrapers Top 10 Alicante icons
The tallest hotel is the Gran Hotel Bali at an impressive 186 metres while the tallest residential building is InTempo, which is still being built, and stands at 200-metres tall. Benidorm cross, at the end of Levante beach, and the Balcon de Benidorm, separating the Poniente and Levante beaches, are two great places to get a panoramic view of Benidorm’s buildings.
La Granadella beach
Often voted Spain’s best beach, La Granadella is a beautiful little beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters.It’s only a little horseshoe-shaped cove flanked by rocks with calm water. The beach is small pebbles rather than golden sand (so no gritty sandwiches). It is surrounded by a pine forest to add to the tranquillity of this amazing beach.However, it does get very crowded in the summer so you are advised to get there early to grab a spot. It is great for snorkelling among the seagrass beds or enjoying lunch in the beachside restaurant.

More information on Granadella beach

Ifach at Calpe Top 10 Alicante icons
Ifach at Calpe
One of the best-loved symbols of the Costa Blanca is the Penon de Ifach. This huge rock rises out from the sea at Calpe.It stands 332 metres high and one kilometre long. It’s a very unusual but beautiful natural feature by the Med. The rock is said to have been formed by a landslide from the Sierra de Olta mountain. Climbers enjoy tackling the challenging rock face while divers explore what lies beneath. There are easier paths up the Ifach, although you do need to take care. It’s certainly worth the climb as you will see plenty of wildlife, birds and flowers as well as get to enjoy fabulous sea views.

Further information on the Peñon de Ifach rock, Calpe

Alicante promenade Top 10 Alicante icons
Alicante promenade
Taking a stroll in the sunshine is one of the delights of Spanish life. Alternatively sitting outside a café sipping a coffee or cool lager while people watching is another favourite pastime. One of the favourite places to go is the Explanada de España, alongside the port and marina. The marbled street is 500 metres long with a mosaic designed to look like waves from the Mediterranean using 6,500,000 red, blue and white tiles.Shaded by four rows of palm trees, it’s a fabulous place for a morning or evening paseo (leisurely walk). The promenade is lined with pavement cafes and bars as well as stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s the place to go in Alicante to meet up with friends, mingle with the locals and enjoy the party atmosphere.

Further information on the Explanada de Espana promenade
Denia marina

Denia marina Top 10 Alicante icons
Most beach resorts in the Alicante region have stylish marinas lined with impressive yachts where you can enjoy a drink or meal in an open-air café or restaurant. One of the most scenic is Denia marina where you can enjoy a walk soaking up the views of the yachts, old town with its iconic castle and the magnificent Montgo mountain providing a beautiful backdrop. It’s the perfect place for a meal or cool drink. One of the best views is from the Zensa open-air chill-out bar with pool, especially at night. The marina also hosts the annual Denia boat show in May.

More details about Denia marina, restaurants and events

Altea old town Top 10 Alicante icons
Altea old town
Standing tall above Altea beaches are the bright white hilltop buildings in the old town. The dazzling blue-and-whilte tiled dome of the church is a familiar sight to visitors. Altea old town has a lovely laidback Bohemian feel. It has been a favourite spot for artists throughout the ages who are inspired by the buildings, pretty square, cobbled narrow streets and incredible views across the bay. It’s a bit of a climb to the top but well worth it for the fine views. Although the Nuestra Senora del Consuelo church looks very old, it was only built about 100 years ago.

Further information on Altea

Gorgeous Guadalest Top 10 Alicante icons
Gorgeous Guadalest
Definitely one of the most wonderful landscapes in the Alicante region, Guadalest is a magnificent mountain village about 30 minutes – but a world apart – from the bustling beach resort of Benidorm. The white bell tower on top of the granite mountain 600 metres above sea level features on many Costa Blanca postcards and is the emblem of the town.This is a top tourist spot so can be very busy in the summer months. There’s also a tunnel carved through the rock which splits the village, views down to the turquoise lake (where you can enjoy a boat trip), far-reaching views of the mountains, valleys and out to sea, plus pretty cobbled streets to explore.

More details on Guadalest

Torrevieja casino Top 10 Alicante icons
Torrevieja casino
A beautiful white building with intricate patterns which look like lace, the Casino is often said to be the jewel in Torrevieja’s crown. Many Spanish towns have casinos, which are not gambling dens, but social and community centres where groups and societies can meet. The 19th century casino in Torrevieja is an interesting mix of architectural styles including Arabic and Andalucian. It’s a beautiful building with wooden panelled ceilings with large chandeliers and tiled floors. It has a pavement café, library, games and billiards room.

Further information about Torrevieja casino

Benidorm old town Top 10 Alicante icons
Benidorm old town
Linking Benidorm’s magnificent sandy beaches, Levante and Poniente, is the Balcon del Mediterraneo with views over the beaches and across to the grand skyscrapers for which the resort is so famous. Cafes and restaurants line the square where you can enjoy a coffee or ice-cream while enjoying the amazing vista.
amazing vista. Top 10 Alicante icons
The cobbled streets and pedestrianised areas around the square form Benidorm’s Old Town, where you will find tapas alley (Calle de Santo Domingo) which is a favourite spot for going from bar to bar trying different tapas dishes such as squid, ham, prawns or sausages with wine or a cool glass of lager. The old town is bustling day and night as it has great shops, a market and fabulous nightlife venues, including the well-known Rich Bitch show bar with internationally-renowned female impersonators.

Top 10 Theme Parks In Alicante

Alicante and the Costa Blanca is geared up for family holidays. Its fabulous theme parks with rides that seem to defy gravity, theatrical shows and wild animal parks are among the best in Spain.

1 Top 10 Theme Parks In Alicante

Terra Mitica
Terra Mitica in Benidorm is the most popular theme park in the Alicante region. If you love the adrenalin rush of white-knuckle rides, this is definitely for you. You can zoom through the air at 90km/h, upside down, while 35 metres off the ground, or you can enjoy the views of Benidorm beaches and Terra Mitica while swinging in the breeze. There are rides for all the family as well as many spectacular shows to make a great day out for all the family. The park is divided into ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, Iberia and the Mediterranean islands, so you can expect to come across Roman gladiators, an Egyptian Phoenix and a Greek labyrinth during your trip. Open April to October. Every day of the week from mid-June to the first week of September.
Terra Natura
Terra Natura is an entertaining wild animal park where the animals live in a specially-designed version of their natural habitat. Huge elephants, camels, tigers, poisonous snakes, and very chatty monkeys live here. In all, more than 200 species, including animals in danger of extinction, form part of the collection. The park is divided into different continents such as Africa and Asia with natural plants and shrubs to create a home from home for the animals. You can watch the elephants being fed, see majestic birds of prey in flight, and meet a variety of animals up-close during your visit. Open all year.
2 Top 10 Theme Parks In Alicante
Aqua Natura
Want to know what it’s like to experience zero gravity? Next door to Terra Natura is Aqua Natura water park, where you can cool off after your visit to the zoo. Aqua Natura says it is the only water park to have The Crest – an enclosed water slide – where you can experience the feeling of weightlessness. The Benidorm theme park has slides and water attractions to suit all ages. You can also watch the sea lion show, where the little creatures are so full of character and fun, or even get the chance to swim with them and have your photo taken. You can buy a joint ticket for Terra Natura and Aqua Natura to save money. Open from May to mid-September.
Rio Safari
Further south, between Elche and Santa Pola, is the fascinating Rio Safari park. Sheltered by 4,000 palm trees, Rio Safari has animals from around the world including lions, elephants, zebras, crocodiles and tigers. Make sure you have time to see the chimpanzees on their special Primates Isle with swings and hammocks for them to play on and rest. During the day is a special sea lion exhibition when they show off their skills, in and out of the water. You can enjoy a camel or pony ride, swim with the sea lions, or talk to the lemurs. In the summer there is a free swimming pool on site and also a karting area. Open all year.
3 Top 10 Theme Parks In Alicante
Safari Aitana
Chance to get up close and personal with the animals, enjoy a private tour of Safari Aitana or even become a keeper for the day. Safari Aitana is an oasis for wild animals from five continents. During your wildlife adventure, you can see giraffes, buffaloes, donkeys, camels, monkeys, elephants, tigers, Vietnamese pigs, jaguars, wolves, snakes, emus and so much more. The park is 1,000 metres above sea level in the Aitana mountain on the Villajoyosa to Alcoy road. It’s a lovely drive up through the mountains too. You will either need your own car to drive through the safari park or go on an organised tour. Open every day.
Aquopolis
A visit to a water park is definitely a great idea for the family during the summer holidays, Aquopolis Torrevieja has challenging slides and chutes as well as gentler rides for the little ones. There’s also an exclusive VIP zone where you can enjoy the peace and quiet to read a book or listen to music from your sunbed. If you’re feeling active you can join in Aquagym or Steps while the younger children can head to the MiniClub for organised games in and out of the pool. Open in the summer months.
4 Top 10 Theme Parks In Alicante
Mundomar
Swimming with dolphins is on many people’s bucket lists. There’s something magical about dolphins, the way they chatter or seem to smile. At Mundomar in Benidorm, you have the chance to get to know these incredible animals, to swim with them, to stroke them and have your photo taken with them. At this amazing marine animal park, you can also watch the dolphins perform in a fantastic show, watch an entertaining parrot show and sea lion show, or see spectacular birds soaring in flight. You could also be a keeper or trainer for the day. Cheeky meerkats, lemurs, giant tortoises, flamingos, macaws, storks, penguins, prairie dogs and owls are among the other creatures to learn about during your visit. Open every day.
Aquapark Rojales
Sliding down a magic carpet, taking up the kamikaze challenge, discovering the secrets of the Amazon, heading down the rapids of the Yucatan River or simply splashing around in the swimming pool are some of the attractions. There’s also a large lawn for relaxing as well as a restaurant offering typical Alicante cuisine including paellas. Aquapark was the second water park to be built in the Valencia province and is found in a natural valley in Ciudad Quesada, near Torrevieja. Open in the summer months.
Pola Park
So many things to do inside one theme park, Pola Park is the ultimate attraction for families with different interests. Enjoy a visit to the Russian mountain – with fabulous views of the Santa Pola salt lakes – feel the thrills of racing on the karting track, avoid getting bumped on the bumper cars, become a superhero on the bouncy castles, head for the merry-go-rounds, beat dad at golf and enjoy all the thrills of fairground rides at the Pola Park in Santa Pola. Open from March to mid-October (weekends only) although open every day In July and August.
Aqualandia
5 Top 10 Theme Parks In Alicante
No fear of heights? How about testing your nerve in the highest capsule slide in the world on the VertiGo toboggan? Aqualandia in Benidorm has some fabulous chutes, slides and waterfalls so you can keep your cool . Some are high action to test your nerves, while others, like the Niagara, are much more relaxing. Aqualandia was the first water park to be built in Spain and is still one of the largest in the world. All the family will be able to enjoy the water rides, splash pools and other great attractions. You can buy tickets for Aqualandia and MundoMar or Terra Mitica, or for all three to save money. Open from May.

Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside

Waking up to the sound of birdsong with views of green and grey mountains or orange orchards conjures up pictures of a Spain far removed from the busy beach resorts in Alicante.

Yet, you only have to go a few kilometres inland to enjoy a traditional, peaceful way of life. A life where neighbours greet each other in the streets, and where the bread is freshly made in a 100-year-old wood oven each morning.
Mountain villages close to beaches

People visiting the towns and villages amid the mountains and valleys of the north Alicante region can discover life in the slow lane of Spain while also being within a few minutes of some of the best sandy beaches in the area.

Mountain villages close to beaches Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside

Benimeli village square, Alicante

The little towns of Benimeli, Benidoleig or Orba are great bases for exploring the countryside, either on foot or by bike. Many professional and amateur cycling groups base themselves around here to tackle the winding mountain roads or the more gentle coastal routes.

As well as being ideal for outdoorsy people, the towns in the Sierra de Segaria region are also popular with photographers, artists and birdwatchers.
Mallorcan flavour of Benimeli

Benimeli was founded by the Arabs, who called it Bani Malik – sons of the Malik tribe. The town sits at the foot of the Sierra de Segaria mountain whose peak still houses Moorish and Iberian remains.

When the remaining Moors were expelled and the village needed to rebuild. Many people from Mallorca settled in and around Benimeli bringing their culture and cuisine with them.

View from rural guesthouse in Benimeli, Alicante

You will find traditional Mallorcan food still available in many local butchers and bakers in the Marina Alta region, including types of sobrasada (paprika-spiced cured pork), sausages and the sweet ensaimada cakes.

One of the finest bakeries is around the corner from the church in Benimeli. The Forn de Pa in Calle Horno (oven street) still makes bread the old-fashioned way in a traditional wood oven which is more than 100 years old.

You may see locals popping in with trays of vegetables or a leg of lamb for the owners to cook in the oven. They are happy to oblige and charge just a small fee – possibly as little as €1 – for their trouble.

There’s a lovely central square, Plaza Mayor, where you will find one of the village’s two bars, a grocery store, the pretty church with bell tower and clock, plus a music school.

In April or May, Benimeli holds a cultural week celebrating art and music with concerts and exhibitions.

From Benimeli, you can walk up the Sierra de Segaria mountain to enjoy far-reaching views. There is a circular tour of about three hours, starting and ending in the village, or there is a direct route straight to the top, which is quicker, taking about an hour, but harder on the legs!

The town and surrounding countryside has fields of orange, almond and olive trees so you can buy great local produce as well as honey and jams from the area.

Mallorcan flavour of Benimeli Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside
Exploring caves in Benidoleig

Four kilometres south of Benimeli is the rural village of Benidoleig on the slopes of the Girona Valley. This area is popular with cyclists and hikers who enjoy the fabulous views from the winding roads around the mountains and valleys.

Farming is mainly orange, almond and olive groves, which produce a mass of pink and white blossom in springtime. The scene provides a perfect photo opportunity or inspiration for artists as well as providing a beautiful scent as you wander through.

Views across from Benidoleig caves

Exploring caves in Benidoleig Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside

Benidoleig has a popular restaurant, El Cid, with its own bowling green, tennis courts and swimming pool with wonderful country views. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and British food as well as the Sunday carvery for a great British roast dinner.

Just down the road from El Cid is the Calaveras cave, which means cave of skulls, so called because 12 human skeletons were found when the cave was rediscovered in the 18th century.

The cave is believed to be about 100,000 years old as Neolithic and Bronze age artefacts such as bones, flint axes and arrowheads were found here.

Take your time exploring the stalagmites and stalactites as many people find interesting shapes within the rocks including Sophie Loren’s bust, a map of Spain and an elephant’s head.

During the Spanish Civil War, the cave was used to store ammunition and explosives.

It is open from 9am to 6pm in winter and 9am to 8pm in summer. Entry is €3,50 for adults and €2 for children.

You can visit the official website here

To get to the Calaveras Cave

From the AP7 toll booth at Ondara, turn right on to the CV731. At the roundabout in Benidoleig by the Sabadell bank, take the third exit on to the Ctra Pedreguer and you will see the caves on your right after about 200 metres.

Four kilometres along the CV731 road is the town of Orba which has a few supermarkets, shops, banks, restaurants and bars.

Planting rice in Pego Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside

Pego-Oliva marjalPlanting rice in PegoThe Alicante region is famous for its rice dishes, especially the many varieties of paella. You can see the rice fields in the Pego marshes, 10 kilometres north of Benimeli.The marshlands lie in a scenic setting between the mountains and the sea so they enjoy their own microclimate which is ideal for growing rice. The production was started by the Moors and continues using very similar methods today.The Bomba rice from Pego is perfect for paellas and other rice dishes where you need to absorb the stock to pack in the flavours.You can learn about the history of rice cultivation in Pego at the Ethnological Museum in the cultural centre in Calle Sant Domenec in Pego town centre. It is open from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm on Mondays to Fridays, Saturdays 10am to 2pm. July and August just 10am to 2pm too.View from the window of a rural guesthouse in Benimeli, Alicante

Best for shopping Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside

Best for shopping

Near to the motorway toll booths is the Portal de la Marina shopping centre on the outskirts of Ondara. There is plenty of free parking. Shops include a large Eroski supermarket, C&A, H&M, Lefties, Zara and Mango as well as opticians, mobile phone shops, pet store and more. The mall also has restaurants including McDonald’s and Lizarran tapas bar as well as a cinema.The shopping centre is open from 10am to 10.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Heading for the beach

Heading for the beach Peaceful retreats in the heart of the Alicante countryside

The Sierra de Segaria region is just 10 minutes by car to the beautiful sandy beach of Deveses, just north of Denia. This is perfect for practising water sports such as sailing, snorkelling, surfing or jet skiing or simply sunbathing. It can get windy so is a popular spot for kite surfers too.Denia, Costa BlancaBest restaurants to tryUn Cuiner A L’Escoleta, Carrer Calvari, Sagra, is a restaurant in the old school’s dining room. There is a short menu using local produce from the market cooked ‘with a twist’, including rice dishes, local sausages, meat and fish. Cal Morell, Carrer del Pi, Orba, is another traditional Spanish restaurant serving creative regional cuisine. El Temple, Jacinto Benavente, Benidoleig, also offers regional food cooked to gourmet standards but at bargain prices. There are also pizzas available, which is great if you want to take children who are fussy about their food.

Four Fun Things To See and Do in Altea, Spain (And Don’t Miss The Train Station!)

alteas beautiful church Four Fun Things To See and Do in Altea, Spain (And Don’t Miss The Train Station!)

Altea’s beautiful church

Once a traditional Spanish village built on a hillside, in recent years, Altea on the Costa Blanca has grown to encompass a lovely harbor, a gorgeous promenade and a bustling modern town center. No wonder it’s so popular with tourists. At first glance, it appears there’s not much to see or do in Altea but nothing could be further from the truth. One of the most interesting Spanish towns to visit, Altea has many things to see and do and these are the best.

Visit Altea’s Old Town – Before you explore the modern town of Altea down on flat land, you should climb the steep streets up into Altea’s old town, as here is where the true charm of the town lies. Winding streets and tiny alleys lined with steep steps are home to museums, art galleries, jewelry stores and handicraft shops. At the top of the town, you’ll find Altea’s old church, who’s large blue dome can be seen from anywhere in the area.

Spend some time looking around the church or sit in one of the village squares and enjoy a cafe con leche at a sidewalk cafe. Don’t miss taking photographs from the amazing lookout, which looks over the town of Altea, on into Albir with Benidorm in the distance, and over miles and miles of ocean.

At night, particularly in the summer, the old town is bustling with cute bodegas and cafes and lots of people walking around. Simply magical.

Walk Along Altea’s Promenade – One of the prettiest promenades in the area, Altea’s promenade runs for several kilometers with the ocean on one side and palm trees and sidewalk cafes on the oher. Go for a long walk, a run or a bike ride (there’s a bike path all the way along) or, if you’re with the kids, stop off at one of the extremely cute kids’ playgrounds right by the beach. Don’t forget to take pictures too. The view back to Albir or forward to Calpe is simply stunning.

After a little walk, don’t forget to grab a coffee or a snack at one of the cafes or, if you’re out later in the day, lunch or an early dinner.

coffee Four Fun Things To See and Do in Altea, Spain (And Don’t Miss The Train Station!)

Having a quick cup of coffee at Altea’s cute train station cafe

Have a Coffee and Watch The Train’s at Altea Train Station – One of our favorite places for a coffee in Altea is the lovely train station just off the main road into town. Situated on a one-track line with just a couple of trains per hour, the Altea train station cafe is the perfect spot for a coffee, a pastry or a bite to eat.

For only 1 euro 25 ($1.75) you can get a delicious cafe con leche and either sit inside the very cute cafe, where you can listen to jazz and surf the internet on your laptop (the cafe has Wi-Fi), or you can sit outside on a small patio at the side of the station. Here, you’ll get a great view up to Altea’s old town and, twice an hour, will be able to see the trains coming in and people arriving and departing.

The train station cafe at Altea is a simply lovely spot and, if you like feeling European, you’ll definitely feel it here.

altea from train station cafe Four Fun Things To See and Do in Altea, Spain (And Don’t Miss The Train Station!)

The lovely view of Altea, from the patio of the town’s train station cafe

Go Shopping on Altea’s Main Street – If you like to shop, Altea has the perfect main street for it. Starting at one end with the chain gift shop ‘Ale-Hop’, pick up a few unique, inexpensive gifts to take home for friends and family. Then walk down into town popping into the beauty shops, clothing stores, jewelry shops and houseware stores.

Don’t miss checking out the indoor market, where you can peruse the hundreds of selections of cheese, thousands of kilos of freshly butchered meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, dried nuts, coffees and teas, olive oils and olives and, of course, have a coffee at the tiny coffee bar on the left hand side of the main entrance.

Further down the street, you’ll find several Chinese bazaars packed with everything cheap – clothing, shoes, toys, games, postcards, make-up, kettles, sandwich toasters, cups, jewelry, bras, suitcases – you name it, they sell it and at dirt cheap prices.

Check out the supermarket with all the typical Spanish products – fascinating to walk around and a great place to pick up a can of virgin olive oil, some famous Parma ham, a cheap bottle of wine, or a jar of Spanish jam to take home.

Finally, end up in the square at the end of the street and sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. That’s what all the Spaniards do.

Other things to do in Altea include relaxing on the beach and getting a sun tan, having a swim in the ocean, taking a walk to the end of the promenade to see the ducks on the marshland, going fishing, playing mini golf next to the promenade on the way to Albir, taking a walk down the beach to neighboring Albir, or hop on a train for a short ride to Denia or Alicante.

Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

More than one million holidaymakers head to Spain to play golf. It’s a growing trend with dozens of new courses cropping up along with chic resorts offering golf, spa, cuisine and hotels so you can practically slip out of bed and on to the fairway.
The Alicante region has more than 18 golf courses, some of which are more challenging than others. Whether you are a beginner or want to test your handicap on a championship course, Alicante comes up trumps.
Spain-Holiday has picked a range of courses to suit all levels and budgets for your golf break on the Costa Blanca.

Oliva Nova Beach and Golf Resort Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

Oliva Nova Beach and Golf Resort
Designed by Seve Ballesteros within the five-star Oliva Nova Beach and Golf Resort, just to the north of Denia, This par72 links-style course has some very interesting features. Water features in 15 of the holes to add to the challenge while you need to watch out for the wind which comes into play on holes 13, 14 and 15.
It’s played host to some prestigious tournaments but has been designed to be suitable for beginners and more experienced players. There’s also a pitch and putt course with five holes which is great for practise.
Green fees are €65 for nine holes, €95 for 18 holes, although packages are available which significantly reduce the price.

La Sella Golf Resort and Spa
The prestigious La Sella golf course was the first to be designed by double Masters’ champion Jose Maria Olazabal in 1991.
It’s in a charming setting with the majestic Montgo mountain providing a beautiful natural backdrop.
It consists of three 9-hole courses named after local winds.

La Sella Golf Resort and Spa Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

Llebeig is a varied course to test players as they will have to use almost all of their clubs. Gregai adds some tricky water features and the last holes are designed to be match deciders. Mestral has wide fairways and large greens.
It’s located within the five-star Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort and Spa. You can book a special holiday package. Otherwise expect to pay about €75 per round.
Alicante Golf
Close to the San Juan de Alicante beach is another course designed by the late, great Seve Ballesteros.
The Alicante golf course has been described as an oasis in the city and Alicante’s green lung as it provides a natural haven for the beach city.
It is regarded as one of the best designed golf courses in Spain with an entertaining format. The 72-par course has six par-three holes, six par-four and six-par five so golfers will not play two consecutive holes with the same par during their round.

Alicante Golf Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

There are also five large lakes to test your accuracy.
Even more unusually, at the 14th hole are the ruins of a Roman villa which the ball needs to clear to hit the green.
Prices start at about €53.
Bonalba Golf Resort and Spa
Five lakes and plenty of bunkers with broad fairways will test golfers’ skills at the Bonalba Golf Resort.
It’s suitable for all levels and absolute beginners or people looking to improve their game can book lessons as well.
The first nine holes are considered to be the most technical where the short play will help golfers get the ball into the holes.
The next nine holes, especially from 12 to 18, will need the driver more.
You can play nine holes for €32 or the full 18 for €55.
La Finca Golf and Spa Resort
La Finca is one of the newest courses but has rapidly built up a reputation as one of the finest on the Costa Blanca.
The course is on the luxurious five-star Hotel La Finca Golf & Spa Resort at Algorfa, which is also well-known for its fabulous restaurants.
The course has broad fairways with each green offering a different experience. For example, the green at the 7th hole looks like a bowling green while the green at the 14th hole is round and deep to resemble a wok.

La Sella Golf Resort and Spa 1 Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

La Finca Golf has hosted several prestigious tournaments since it opened in 2002.
Its unique design was dreamt up by Pepe Gancedo, one of the best amateur players in Spain.
There are cheaper courses around – you will pay about €70 to play at La Finca – but its design and quality of the course should make it worthwhile.
Villaitana Golf
High in the hills above Benidorm is the Melia Villaitana Resort with two golf courses. The 72-par Levante championship course and 62-par Poniente executive course were designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.
The Levante course has been laid out in an America style with wide fairways and amazing views over Benidorm, the Mediterranean sea with the Sierra de Finestrat mountain.
Mountain and sea views can also be enjoyed by the Poniente course which is built on a slope in a pine forest. This is a shorter course and can be completed in three to four hours.

Villaitana Golf Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

Players with a low handicap will find it demanding while golfers with higher handicaps will also find tricky shots to try out.
The Melia Villaitana is a great place for a holiday as the resort has been designed to look like a traditional Mediterranean village with typical Spanish squares, two hotels, restaurants, a conference centre and spa.
In fact, the Villaitana would be the ideal spot to combine a golf break with a business meeting or even a wedding (it has a lovely little chapel!).
Cheapest prices are from €25 to €59 for Poniente and €40 to €75 for Levante.
El Plantio Golf Resort
Another resort where you can enjoy a golf wedding is at the four-star El Plantio Golf Resort, just outside Alicante.
It’s suitable for all levels as there is a championship, 18-hole, par 72 course and another 9-hole course of 27 par.
The resort has 45,000 trees, many of which can be found on the courses, provide shade in the sweltering summer months as well as providing shelter from prying eyes while you play. The trees also provide another barrier for players to negotiate when lining up their shot.
Price from €46.
Villamartin Golf Course
You can enjoy a scenic walk with sea views while playing at the 72-par championship course at Villamartin, between Torrevieja and Murcia airports.
It’s a hilly course designed by Paul Putman, so will test golfers, with the first nine holes being at the highest level with beautiful sea views. The next nine holes are in valleys.
Villamartin’s claim to fame is that it hosted the 1994 Mediterranean Open, so golfers can follow in the footsteps of some of their biggest sporting heroes such as Jose Maria Olazabal .

The course can be enjoyed by players of all levels as it requires you to use every club in your bag.

Prices from €47.

La Marquesa Golf
Fantastic location for a golfing holiday as you can rent a villa at La Marquesa golf resort in Ciudad Quesada, just 30 minutes from Alicante airport. It’s suitable for all the family as the resort has a golf school for children from six to 18.

La Marquesa Golf Playing a round on Alicante golf courses

The course, designed by Justo Quesada Samper, has some tricky holes to test players including the first hole being flanked by water, and the green is designed in places to make unpredictable bounces. There’s also a putting green and driving range to practise these skills.
Prices from €39 for 18 holes, €23 for nine holes with junior fees from €15 for nine holes and €23 for 18.
Las Colinas Golf and Country Club
Close to the popular beach holiday resort of Torrevieja and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre is the stunning Las Colinas golf and country club.
You can stay in a stunning modern villa by the golf course where you can sharpen your skills at the golf academy or relax at the beach club.
The par-71, 18-hole championship course itself is a work of art and blends in perfectly with the natural landscape across the valleys between the hills.
This stylish resort is suitable for couples who want to combine golf with a chic beach holiday.
It’s one of the premier courses on the Costa Blanca and in the Top 100 in Europe so playing here does come at a price of about €90 although you can pay around €43 if you book after 4pm.

 

 

Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

 

As the Alicante region is one of the healthiest places to live it seems only fitting that it should have become a magnet for holidaymakers wanting to play sports, go cycling, hiking or running.

The Alicante region’s beautiful beaches and mountains are perfect outdoor running tracks. You can choose from a jog alongside the beaches, which offer flat routes for speed or gentle jogging or a harder challenge up the mountain trails. Either way, you will be rewarded with views of fabulous natural scenes.
Jog alongside Benidorm’s magnificent beaches

We can start with a gentle beach run along the famous Benidorm beaches with its magnificent skyscrapers forming a backdrop to your left with the shimmering Mediterranean sea and Benidorm Island to your right.Jog alongside Benidorm’s magnificent beaches 300x105 Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

View to Levante beach, Benidorm

The run begins on the Poniente beach at the southern end by Calle la Cala. A good time is at sunrise or just before sunset as the area is less crowded and the weather will be cooler, especially in the summer months.

If you really want to exercise the legs, you can run on the soft sand part of the way which can be hard work.

Jog along the promenade alongside the beach up to the Parque de Elche park, a lovely shady area that is well-loved by doves and pigeons.

Keep the sea to your right and head towards Benidorm yacht club and on your left you will find the steep steps taking you up to the famous Balcon with its beautiful square, iconic church and amazing views sweeping along the coast.

It’s a great place to stop to catch your breath and take in the views as you can really appreciate why Benidorm is known as the Spanish Manhattan as you count the number of skyscrapers lining the coast. You also get glorious views of Benidorm’s famous sandy beaches and you may see windsurfers or paragliders enjoying the views from another angle.

This jog is about 3.5kms so you could turn back or continue along Poniente beach to take you to the English quarter, well-known for its British bars and entertainment. It’s another 2.5kms from the Balcon to the far end of Levante beach but it is an easy, flat route along the promenade lined with bars and cafes.

Poniente beach – Balcon de Benidorm – Levante beach. Easy, flat route of 6kms.

Run alongside nature at her best in Jalon

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This is another gentle run but this time you are surrounded by mountains and natural beauty as the route takes you alongside vineyards and almond orchards in the Jalon valley.

There is a choice of a short circular route of about 2kms alongside the riverbed or a longer run keeping alongside the river to Lliber, which is about 3kms one way.

Views from Jalon

The run starts along the Avenida del Juan Carlos 1 road, opposite the Bodega Xalo, where you can pick up some great wines and olive oil at bargain prices.

Head away from the bridge along the road keeping the riverbed to your left. Take the left turning at the roundabout along the Avenida de las Hortes and you’ll come to a crossroads with the left turning going over the river.

You can take this route to return to the Bodega Xalo but this time running on the other side of the river. For a longer route, head down the Cami del Moli de Lliber which is a good pathway surrounded by farmland leading to the pretty little village of Lliber.

The Jalon Valley is famous for its wine-making and is a very popular spot for cyclists and hikers as there are some fabulous routes.

More adventurous runners may fancy trying more testing routes from Jalon up the Sierra Bernia, a winding road taking you high up into the mountain.

Bodega Xalo circular route, easy running, 2kms or Bodega Xalo – Lliber 3kms.
Taking the Montgo mountain in your stride

Separating the beach towns of Javea and Denia is the impressive Montgo mountain, a haven for wildlife, birds and rare flowers. It is a popular route for cyclists and hikers with several routes of various difficulties available.

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It’s a challenge for runners with some challenging uphill scrambles but, rest assured, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the coastline. On a clear day, you can see as far as the party island of Ibiza.

Ermita Pare Pere, Montgo

There are three routes starting from the charming Ermita del Pare Pere chapel on the Denia side of the Montgo. You can see the little cave where the friar Pare Pere prayed and meditated in the 17th century and the chapel built in his honour in the 1980s.

One is a three-hour circular tour of just over 4kms in total which will take around three hours. It’s of medium difficulty as there are some climbs as you head up to L’Aigua cove and the Raco del Bou cove.

Cars are not allowed so you can enjoy a peaceful run in a beautiful, natural setting. You may notice an aroma of lavender or herbs wafting across your path as these plants live in abundance along the track.

Heading up the track from the Pare Pere chapel, you’ll come to a fork in the track and you’ll need to take the east path to your left. Running uphill, the landscape becomes even more impressive with fabulous views across the bay up to Valencia and over the mountains.

Keeping to the eastern path, you’ll come across some steep steps heading up to the cave, which used to be a water reservoir.

There is an inscription in the rock dating to 238AD which is protected by a metal fence.

Going back down to the chapel, you’ll come across the Raco del Bou or Bull’s Corner, so called because of the mountain’s shape here.

Ermita de Pare Pere, Montgo – L’Aigua Cove – Ermita de Pare Pere. Medium difficulty and about 4kms.
Looking out for the Javea miradors

A tough run taking in some or all of Javea’s 15 miradors or viewpoints is a brilliant way to really appreciate the town’s wonderful landscape and views.

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It is about 30 kilometres in length with some steep hills to climb from Els Molins mills in the north along the coast to the stunning Granadella beach in the south.

Cabo de San Antonio between Javea and Denia

Every year, the Mirador Challenge is held with 100s of hardy runners and walkers attempting to complete the trail.

Our favourite route is about 6.5kms and starts at the Els Molins viewpoint on the edge of the Montgo and heads off to the Cabo de San Antonio cape with beautiful views across to Denia and Javea as well as over to the lighthouse and the Mediterranean.

We head back along the road as if going back to Els Molins but at the main road, turn left to run down into Javea Port, home to the fishing fleet and stunning sailing boats.

Els Molins – Cabo de San Antonio – Javea Port. Medium difficulty of 6kms.
Finding sanctuary in Font Roja natural park

A stunning inland nature park, Font Roja is a beautiful landscape with more than 1,000 species of aromatic herbs, green countryside, mountains and the crystal-clear Vinalopo river.

Our 12km run takes us from the recreation area with parking on the CV797 road. Head 50 metres from the car park to a walkway.

Keep going straight to jog up to the top of Menejador, which stands 1,365 metres high. The climb is worthwhile as you can see across to the valley of Alcoy and the Sierra de Mariola and Maigmo mountains.

You’ll be running through one of the finest Mediterranean forests in Spain as well as past the Coloma ice house.

CV797 Font Roja natural park – Menejador – CV797. Medium difficult of 12kms.

Remember to wear suitable clothing, especially footwear and carry enough suncream, water and a hat. Don’t walk in the hottest part of the day, especially in summer, as people have taken ill with exhaustion and had to be rescued.

Top 10 beautiful beaches in Alicante

Golden sand, hidden coves, turquoise waters and blissful bays attract millions of holidaymakers to the Alicante province each year. With 244 kilometres of coastline, there is plenty of room for all with beaches attracting sun worshippers, divers, surfers, sailors and artists who love the vibrant colours.

There are scores of sandy beaches and coves to suit all tastes. Spain-Holiday has picked its top 10 from long stretches of golden sand to little bays.
La Granadella, Javea

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Javea beach, Alicante

Top beach has to be La Granadella in the north Costa Blanca resort of Javea. It has twice won the prestigious accolade of being voted Spain’s best beach. It’s in a picturesque horse-shoe bay with clear turquoise waters surrounded by jagged cliffs and pine trees. Although the beach is shingle, it is a very popular spot with sunbathers, scuba divers and snorkellers.

The clear waters make this an ideal spot for snorkellers breaking through the water’s surface to see the seagrass beds and colourful fish. La Granadella is a tiny beach at just 220 metres wide and is very popular. You will need to get there early to claim your spot.
Benidorm

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Benidorm beach, Alicante

The bustling holiday resort of Benidorm also has two of the best beaches in Spain – Levante beach and Poniente. Both beaches are sheltered by the mountains behind Benidorm, which protects the bay from the cold winds, creating a warm microclimate.

Benidorm’s fine, sandy beaches spread for about four kilometres with gentle slopes into the Mediterranean. For early risers, Levante is known as the sunrise beach and is the ideal spot for enjoying a spot of early morning swimming or sunbathing.

The Blue Flag beaches are safe and very family-friendly. It’s a great spot for sailing, jetskiing or paragliding. The long coastal strip has an attractive promenade lined with bars and restaurants offering cuisine from around the world and great offers on daily menus and drinks.
San Juan de Alicante

San Juan de Alicante 300x168 Top 10 beautiful beaches in Alicante

San Juan de Alicante, beach

This fabulous central beach with its fine, golden sand has turned San Juan into a popular spot for Alicante city dwellers and chic urbanites. San Juan stretches for 2,900 metres from the fishing village of El Campello to the rocky headland of Cabo de las Huertas. It’s also just 25 kilometres from Alicante international airport so attracts Spanish families looking for a weekend break.

Legend has it that in bygone days when the Moors ruled Spain, a beautiful Moorish queen would bathe in the natural pools among the rocks. Nowadays, it still attracts bathers but is also a nautical playground for kayaks, yachts, surfing and scuba diving.
El Portet, Moraira

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El Portet beach, Moraira

Another little gem on the Costa Blanca, El Portet is in a rocky cove sheltered by rocks with sparkling clear blue waters inviting people to swim, snorkel or surf. This is a brilliant setting for relaxing and soaking up the views of the imposing Ifach de Calpe rock jutting out to sea.

The vibrant blue, crystal clear waters and magnificent setting have led some people to compare El Portet to a Caribbean hideaway. The beach is just 350 metres long and gets very busy in summer. It’s particularly popular with families as it’s such a safe place for paddling.
Santa Pola

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Santa Pola, Alicante

Santa Pola sits in a bay with a variety of coves and beaches which are traditional fishing grounds. Indeed, it’s famous for its fish which takes pride of place in many local dishes such as caldero, which is a tasty rice and fish stew.

Close to the bustling port are Santa Pola’s two main beaches – Lisa and Tamarit – which enjoy fine sands and clear blue waters. The location and moderate swell of the sea have meant these beaches are targetted by windsurfers and kitesurfers, particularly on Lisa beach, which provide entertainment for the sunbathers. The shallow waters also mean this is a safe area for families with children.
Guardamar del Segura

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Guardamar beach, Alicante

One of the finest beaches south of Alicante is found at Guardamar. It’s a fabulous 10-kilometre stretch of fine sand with a backdrop of a fragrant pine forest. The trees were planted in the sand dunes about 100 years ago to stop them being blown away by the wind.

The forest provides a colourful windbreak to protect the town as well as being a natural haven for walkers. The long, sandy beach has a children’s play area and is another popular haunt for surfers thanks to the good waves. The Guardamar coast boasts a blend of secluded coves for private bathing or snorkelling as well as urban beaches.
Arenal, Calpe

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Calpe Ifach

Calpe is one of the most iconic resorts in the Alicante region, thanks to the impressive Ifach rock which is 332 metres high and juts out to sea. The coastal town is also home to 14 beaches and coves, which attract sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts.

The busiest beach is the Arenal-Bol in the city centre with a golden mile of fine sand and clear waters. The urban beach has great views of the Ifach rock and is close to the marina, where many swish yachts are moored. A few minutes’ walk from the beach is a salt lake where many flamingoes and herons can be seen.
Albir beach

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Albir beach, Alicante

Nestling between the picture-postcard hilltop town of Altea and the brash resort of Benidorm is a lovely little coastal town with a golden, sandy beach. Albir is a hidden gem sandwiched between better-known resorts. Its Blue Flag beach is perfect for family holidays as the water is shallow while the beach is close to the shops and restaurants in the town centre.

This is a great resort for film lovers as the seaside promenade has its own Paseo de las Estrellas or Stars’ Promenade to rival the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Albir’s version is to commemorate the winners of the prestigious annual Alfaz del Pi Film Festival, which is held three kilometres from Albir.
Las Marinas, Denia

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Las Marinas, Denia

Denia enjoys 15 kilometres of beaches from long, sandy stretches to rocky coves. One of the most popular is Las Marinas, which is an attractive part of town for tourists during the long summer months. This is a safe beach with a bar in summer, beach beds, long stretches of golden sand and shallow water, so it’s great for children.

When the wind gets up, you can watch the acrobatic antics of the kitesurfers and windsurfers who head for this part of Denia. Across the road are plenty of bars and restaurants so you can enjoy the beach all day.
El Cura, Torrevieja

El Cura Torrevieja 300x168 Top 10 beautiful beaches in Alicante

Torrevieja beach, Alicante

A golden sandy beach flanked by hotel blocks and restaurants serving international and local cuisine have turned El Cura into one of Torrevieja’s top spots for sunbathing and swimming. It’s a picturesque corner of the bustling Torrevieja resort with photogenic images of palm trees, a pretty promenade and boats sailing into the harbour.

Musicians, street hawkers, buskers and artists making carvings out of sand bring added character to this busy urban beach. In July the Habaneras Night on the Beach is held at El Cura with thousands of people heading to the beach to have dinner and listen to free music.

A day trip to Guadalest

The Mediterranean beautiful beaches are soothing on the eye, but maybe you feel the need for a bit of excitement? A different landscape, mountains instead of vast amounts of sand, a river instead of the sea and a plethora of quaint museums thrown in? No better idea than a day trip to Guadalest. It therefore belongs on the list of the five best day trips.
All about Guadalest

Like the Algar Waterfalls, Guadalest is located at a distance of approx. 20km from Benidorm although the road, winding up into the mountains, makes it seem far longer. Once upon a time, the place was only accessible on donkeys´ backs.

Situated on a mountain overlooking the valley of the river Guadalest, the town is surrounded by the mountain chains of Sierra d´Aixorta, Sierra de Serella and Sierra de Aitana. The way there leads through pine forests, citrusgroves, nispera and almond trees the sight of which makes for a very pleasant journey.8548 Fill 670 0 225x300 A day trip to Guadalest

With a number of permanent residents in the region of 300, Guadalest is tiny, but explodes with tourists who come to see the main attractions: the reservoir which is formed by the river and the picturesque town itself, divided into El Arrabel, the old town and the quarter of the castle, San Jose. Both parts are connected by a tunnel hewn into the rock.

Path to the tunnel,Guadalest

Remains of La Alcozaiba, the old city wall loom high over the narrow streets, with a clock tower, perched on its very own rock nearby.8549 Fill 670 0 225x300 A day trip to Guadalest

Bell tower,Guadalest

As if this is not enough attraction already, Guadalest has a surprising number of small but exquisite museums, something you would not expect in a town of this size.
What to do in Guadalest

Park your car on the public parking lot which has plenty of spaces, make your way to the surrounding parapet and have a first look at the tranquil and rather vast reservoir below, reflecting the surrounding mountains. You can walk towards the water on a clearly indicated path, stroll along a bit or even, if on offer, take a short boat ride on the reservoir. The trip takes about 50 minutes, costs € 5pp and is on an entirely solar powered boat, an environment friendly novelty in the region.8550 Fill 670 0 300x225 A day trip to Guadalest

Reservoir,Guadalest

On your way back follow the path and climb up to the 17th century castle of San Jose. Make your way right to the top if you wish to look down over the reservoir and the old town.

Then walk to the tunnel which connects the castle with la Alcozalba, the old town. Right after you leave the tunnel, you come to the first museum.
Museum of Ribera Girona

It’s a museum of contemporary art and architecture, reached through a Magic Garden which borders right onto the path emerging from the tunnel.

Opening times:. Summer from 10am to 8pm, Winter from 10am to 6pm

Follow the path, looking at the clock tower from below, then turn left, walk down the steps to the centre of the old town and visit some more museums.
Museum of Salt and Pepper shakers

Something very much out of the ordinary, this museum holds the private collection of Belgian archaeologist Andrea Ludden of about 20.000 salt and pepper cellars from all over the world. Room after room of these little works of art are displayed, arranged by theme.8556 Fill 670 0 300x225 A day trip to Guadalest

Salt and pepper shaker museum,Guadalest

The museum is at the back of a shop selling souvenirs and, of course, modern salt and pepper cellars. Opening times are therefore normal shopping hours.

Not far away in Calle del Sol, is the museum which puts into juxtaposition miniatures and gigantic sculptures. You will for example see a bull ring painted on a grain of rice.Miniatures are to be observed through a magnifying glass.

Museo Microgigante,Guadalest

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Opening times: every day from 10am to 8pm.

All nine museums of Guadal

est are located close together, just go from one to the other and look at a dolls house museum, the miniature museum of Manuel Ussa and, if you have the stomach, the museum of torture instruments. 8554 Fill 670 0 300x225 A day trip to Guadalest

Otherwise, Guadalest offers many small shops which sell artefacts and decorative items as well as hand made clothing.

Typical street,Guadalest

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Buy nisperas and home made marmalades or mountain honey to take home with you or as gifts.

Homemade preserves,Guadalest
How to get there

Take the AP-7 or N-332 from Torreviaja to Benidorm. Turn onto the CV-70 or CV-755 in the direction of La Nucia. Go past Polop and follow the signs to Guadalest. There is a big public parking with many spaces. Particularly around Polop you get nice views of pine trees, citrus trees and orange groves.

The trip to Guadalest is one to remember, when you are back enjoying the great beaches.

Walking through history in Alicante

Alicante is a beautiful small beach city with grand historic buildings, traditional Spanish squares, chic marina and a long sandy beach.

It’s just 12kms from Alicante airport, which is used by many budget airlines, so you can enjoy a bargain weekend in the city.
Easy city to walk around

The city centre is compact so you can easily stroll from the beach to the main attractions within a few minutes. Spain-Holiday has chosen a route where you can enjoy the sights as you stroll around this charming Mediterranean port.

Alicante marina
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The museum is packed with information and hands-on experience of the longest and most challenging round-the-world yacht race. The race starts in Alicante in October for the third time.
Beach life

As you walk towards the centre of Alicante, you will see the long sandy Postiguet beach to your right. Cafes and restaurants line the beach so it is a favourite spot for a coffee or lunch as well as topping up your tan or having a swim.7245 Fill 670 0 300x152 Walking through history in Alicante

Paseo Explanada de Espana, Alicante

We’re going to turn left to walk along the iconic Paseo Explanada de Espana, which is one of the most beautiful seaside promenades in Spain.

Thousands of small red, black and cream marble tiles have been used to create the boulevard so that it resembles the waves in the sea.
Elegant Explanada de Espana

Many cafes and restaurants can be found along the Explanada, so it is a great time to visit at any time of day. Evening is popular with many people as you can have a stroll along the elegant street lined with palm trees while deciding which restaurant to dine in.7246 Fill 670 0 300x211 Walking through history in Alicante

Calle Mayor, Alicante

Off the promenade on the right is the Calle San Telmo leading to the delightful Calle Mayor. Here you will find the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) in the Plaza Santa Maria.

The museum houses a great collection of 20th century art including works by Picasso, Miro, Dali, Max Ernst, Cocteau and Bacon.

In this square you can also visit Alicante’s oldest active church, the Basilica of Santa Maria. It’s a beautiful Gothic church built in the 14th to 16th centuries on the site of a former mosque.7247 Fill 670 0 300x122 Walking through history in Alicante

Alicante old town, marina and port

Head down Calle Niagara and you will come to another great Alicante landmark, the Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG), housed in a former palace dating from the 18th century in Calle Gravina.
Take a trip to the town hall

Along Calle Mayor is also the elegant 18th century Alicante town hall in the Plaza de l‘Ajuntament. It is a striking Baroque building with interesting columns on the two towers.

Look out for the Salon Azul styled from the time of Queen Isabel of Spain and the Cota Cero on the main staircase which is the reference point from which Spain’s cities are measured in metres above sea level.

Heading back on to the Explanada we keep walking alongside the marina with its gorgeous sleek yachts.7248 Fill 670 0 300x165 Walking through history in Alicante

Typical Alicante plaza or square

Turn right up Avenida Dr Gadea to the Plaza Calvo Sotelo, a pretty square full of trees where you can relax or enjoy a coffee for a while.
Quality streetCalle San Francisco, Alicante, with childlike giant mushrooms

Around the square are many interesting shops including a fabulous sweet shop, Tienda Fini, with the brightest-coloured sweets you have ever seen including jelly babies, jelly beans, chocolates and mini tennis balls.

On the corner of this shop is the fascinating Calle San Francisco. A few years ago, this was pretty run down but it’s now a surreal pedestrianised street with giant mushrooms, ants and snails dotted around.

The road is a great place for dining out as various restaurants and bars have set up here including traditional cafes, a cupcake café, tapas bars, Italian restaurants and a sushi bar.7249 Fill 300 0 251x300 Walking through history in Alicante

This leads you to what is arguably Alicante’s finest and best-known square, the Plaza Portal de Elche, built in the 19th century as a water supply and meeting point.
Old-fashioned air

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There’s a lovely old-fashioned kiosk in the square where you can read the newspapers and order a coffee. There are some beautiful old, protected trees with gnarled trunks twisted into interesting shapes.

Plaza de Portal Elche, Alicante

The square leads you to the Rambla Mendez Nunez, a famous street for restaurants and shopping.
Fine example of Spanish Baroque

San Nicolas cathedral, alicante

7251 Fill 300 0 169x300 Walking through history in AlicanteHeading up the Rambla, away from the sea, you can turn left into Calle Teatro to visit Alicante’s splendid principal theatre, in Plaza Ruperto Chapi, which stages world-famous plays and operas or turn right into Calle Miguel Soler for San Nicolas cathedral.

San Nicolas cathedral, in Plaza de Abad Penalva, was built over an ancient mosque in the 17th century. Worth seeing are the Holy Communion chapel which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque and the distinctive blue dome, which is 45 metres high.

If you go back along the Rambla up to the busy Avenida Jaime II, you can visit the central market with stalls brimming with fresh fruit, vegetables, fish of all shapes and sizes, meat and home-made sausages.

Outside the main entrance are two traditional kiosks selling local turron, similar to nougat, while there is a colourful flower stall on the other side of the market with an amazing choice of flowers and trees.

This fascinating building looks far too grand to house a traditional market with its rectangular floor plan styled like a basilica and Modernist features.

From here you can see the imposing Alicante castle which looms over the town from a lofty height of 166 metres. It is one of Spain’s most impressive medieval fortresses with grim dungeons, lofty towers and ruins to explore.

Flower stall outside Alicante market

7252 Fill 670 0 300x200 Walking through history in AlicanteThere are also tales of ill-fated lovers, battles and hundreds of years of local history to find out about.

From the Santa Barbara Castle, there are fabulous views across the bay, marina and Alicante old town.

At the foot of the castle is La Ereta Park where you can also enjoy fabulous views of the cathedral and the port.

Cross the road and you are back to the Postiguet beach for a bite to eat or a well-earned rest.

Postiguet beach, alicante.

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The Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales, cave houses converted into art studios

22284 the cuevas del rodeo in rojales cave houses converted into art studios 1 large 300x225 The Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales, cave houses converted into art studiosThe Rojales cave houses host a wide variety of cultural and artistic events

The Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales, cave houses converted into art studios

The Cuevas del Rodeo are a collection of traditional cave houses built into the hillside of Rojales between the 18th and the 20th century, reflecting a style of building which can also be seen in the Vega Baja area of the province of Alicante in San Miguel de Salinas.

Nowadays the cave dwelling complex has become a series of arts and handicrafts workshops and studios, The Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales, cave houses converted into art studiosand the caves numbered 4 and 6 have been converted into an exhibition hall and a tourist information office respectively.

The residences dug into the rock occupy spaces of up to 5 metres high which were created in the hillside, with the rock and earth excavated being used to create flat platforms outside the homes. These platforms were occupied by vegetable gardens in order to make the residents more self-sufficient.

The Town Hall of Rojales sees the caves as a chance to create a grand underground museum, and there are a wide range of cultural and artistic events held at the venue as well as the daily artistic tours.

The Cuevas del Rodeo are open to visitors on weekdays from 9.00 to 15.00, while those wishing to arrange visits in the afternoon or at weekends can do so by contacting the tourist office of Rojales on 966 714160 or by email at cuevasdelrodeo@rojales.es. Ideally, reservations should be made two weeks in advance, and unfortunately there is a maximum group size of 10 people.