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ALICANTE CITY BEACH

Alicante is a medium-sized city located on the eastern coast of Spain, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the tourist centers of the Costa Blanca. In the province of Alicante, there are famous tourist cities such as Benidorm, Calpe, Jávea, Altea, among others. This Mediterranean city, with its warm and mild climate, beaches, charming nature, rich history, and magnificent architectural monuments, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

The average annual temperature in Alicante exceeds 18ºC, and it has more than 3000 hours of sunshine per year. The mild winter and hot summer invite tourists to enjoy the waters of our beaches.

The city offers a wide variety of hotels, which are constantly being renovated, as well as various beaches and places to stroll. Additionally, in our city, you will find numerous options for shopping and entertainment, as well as outdoor sports activities such as sailing or golf. Moreover, Alicante has a rich gastronomic tradition and celebrates annual festivities, some of which are known worldwide. It is also worth noting that Alicante is a university city.

BEACHES

Nature has generously endowed Alicante with numerous beaches. They are the main tourist attraction due to the quality of the water and sand as well as the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Year after year, Alicante’s beaches receive the Blue Flag, an international award given annually by the European Union since 1987 to beaches and ports. The awarding of this flag grants well-deserved international prestige, corroborated by the thousands of tourists who visit our beaches at any time of the year. In summer, the beaches are filled with tourists who enjoy both nature and the services offered on the beach (medical services, hotels, restaurants and cafes, entertainment centers, public transport, etc.). During the summer season, many of the beaches have lifeguard services, as well as educational entertainment areas and special ramps for people with reduced mobility.

AMONG THE BEACHES OF ALICANTE, THE FOLLOWING STAND OUT:

San Juan

San Juan

The most famous beach in Alicante, with fine golden sand, stretches along seven kilometers and reaches almost one hundred meters in width. It is an ideal place for water sports. The beach has play areas for children and offers services from numerous entertainment centers and restaurants. From Alicante, you can get there by bus or tram.

El Postiguet

El Postiguet

Located in the city center, at the foot of the Benacantil rock and in front of the Santa Bárbara castle, the beach offers magnificent views of the sea and the city. The fine golden sand of this beach is ideal for sunbathing, reading, playing sports, or simply relaxing at any time of the year.

La Albufereta

La Albufereta

Located northeast of the city, between the Grossa mountain range and the archaeological site of Tossal de Manises, this hidden beach corner is ideal for water sports. You can get there from Alicante by bus or tram.

El Saladar - Urbanova

El Saladar - Urbanova

Located in the quiet residential area of Urbanova, south of the city, this extensive beach is ideal for sunbathing and enjoying outdoor sports while contemplating the impressive panoramic view of the urban coast.

Playa de Agua Amarga

Playa de Agua Amarga

The only beach in Europe specially equipped for dogs. A true pet-friendly beach, offering all the necessary services for you and your four-legged companion, ensuring a worry-free vacation. The beach has everything you need to make your beach experience perfect in the summer.

Cabo de las Huertas

Cabo de las Huertas

Groups of rocky coves with crystal-clear waters, offering magnificent views of Alicante, ideal for a seaside vacation away from the city's hustle and bustle.

BEACHES ADAPTED FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

In the summer season (from July to September), Alicante’s beaches offer specialized areas for people with disabilities. The aim of this project is to make Alicante’s beaches accessible to people with reduced mobility.

The specialized areas of the beaches in Alicante offer two types of services: on the one hand, services for people with intellectual disabilities, which include counseling, accompaniment, and organization of recreational-educational activities, and on the other hand, assistance and support for bathing for people with reduced mobility or functional disabilities. These specialized areas are located on the beaches of San Juan, Postiguet, and El Saladar – Urbanova.

WATER SPORTS

Alicante is an ideal place all year round to practice water sports, such as boat and jet ski rentals, sailing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, sport fishing, and water skiing. These services can be hired directly from the companies that offer them.

ISLAND OF TABARCA

A small and cozy island 11 nautical miles from Alicante, considered a symbol of the beaches of Alicante. It is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, but in reality, it is not just an island. It is a small archipelago that includes the islets of La Cantera, La Galera, and La Nao.

The center of the island is surrounded by walls, which is why it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Thanks to the excellent quality of the water and the biodiversity of its flora and fauna, the island was declared a Marine Reserve of the Mediterranean.

MONUMENTS

The chapter on museums is complemented by important historical sites in Alicante. Examples of these are the following places you can visit.

The Basilica of Santa María

The Basilica of Santa María

This Gothic-style church was built on the site of a Muslim mosque in honor of the victory over the Moors. The basilica has a single nave, without a transept, with side chapels located between the buttresses, and a total of six sections. The church houses a valuable documentary and artistic collection. The oldest document in the collection is an incunabulum from the 13th century, and it also features a Valencian Baroque organ from 1653.

Town Hall

Town Hall

An 18th-century Baroque-style palace. Interestingly, this is where the reference point for measuring the height above sea level of any place in Spain is located. This point, known as “Zero Level,” is situated on the first step of the main staircase of the building. Recently, a new modern building was added to the Town Hall for city administration. On the ground floor of this building, interesting archaeological findings are exhibited.

Cathedral of San Nicolás

Cathedral of San Nicolás

Its interior is a brilliant example of Spanish architecture from the first half of the 18th century. Located in the historic center of the city, the cathedral is considered one of the most emblematic buildings in Alicante. Particularly noteworthy are the 15th-century covered gallery and the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the temple.

Monastery of Santa Faz

Monastery of Santa Faz

It is located 5 kilometers from the city. The monastery houses a relic brought from the Vatican in the 15th century. According to legend, this piece of cloth was used by Saint Veronica to wipe the bloody sweat from Jesus' face. The features of Christ were forever imprinted on the cloth.

Fortress of Santa Bárbara

Fortress of Santa Bárbara

It is located on the Benacantil rock, 166 meters above sea level. It is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain and has always been an important strategic point in times of war. The fortress consists of three constructions on three levels and periods, from the 14th to the 18th century. The fortress can be accessed by an elevator integrated into the rock, in front of the Postiguet beach. It is also possible to go up on foot or by car, via the road on the north side of the Benacantil rock. Upon reaching the fortress, one can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the entire coast and the city of Alicante. From the Santa Bárbara castle, you can walk down to the old town, where most of the city's public and religious buildings are located. The route, which begins at La Ereta Park on the same mountainside, passes through the picturesque and typical Santa Cruz neighborhood. Another route, from the Santa Bárbara fortress to the historic center, allows you to walk along the remains of the walls that surrounded the fortress and currently end at the hermitage of the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

MUSEUMS

The city of Alicante has a wide and varied selection of museums for all tastes.

MARQ (Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante)

MARQ (Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante)

It is one of the most modern museums in Spain, thanks to its innovative approach to archaeology. The museum uses modern audiovisual technologies that earned it the "European Museum of the Year 2004" award.

MUBAG (Gravina Museum of Fine Arts)

MUBAG (Gravina Museum of Fine Arts)

The museum is located in an 18th-century building. Particularly noteworthy in this museum is a very interesting collection of Alicante artists from the 16th century and the early decades of the 20th century.

MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante)

MACA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante)

It is located in the oldest civil building in the city, which dates back to 1685 and is located next to the Basilica of Santa María. Within this building, a new building was launched that houses the MACA museum collection. In particular, the works of the former La Asegurada Museum, with pieces that Eusebio Sempere, the museum's founder, donated to the city, are present.

MUSA (Museum of the City of Alicante)

MUSA (Museum of the City of Alicante)

The new Museum of the City of Alicante, located in the Santa Bárbara fortress, consists of five rooms where the main events in the city's history are narrated. The rooms are complemented by a Renaissance-era "Water Deposit" and a video room where you can watch a film about the "Room of Suffering" (an underground prison).

Museum of the Bonfires of Saint John the Baptist

Museum of the Bonfires of Saint John the Baptist

This museum highlights the city's most important summer popular festival, the "Bonfires of Saint John," declared of International Tourist Interest.

Volvo Ocean Race Museum

Volvo Ocean Race Museum

In the heart of Alicante, this contemporary museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the world of the sea, meet the most daring sailors, and experience the wonders of the ocean depths. With advanced technology, the museum offers a journey through the history of regattas and navigation. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to the most demanding maritime competition of our time: the Volvo Ocean Race regatta.

Bullfighting Museum

Bullfighting Museum

Dedicated to the world of bullfighting, it houses a permanent exhibition on Alicante's bullfighters; in addition, it frequently hosts meetings, exhibitions, and colloquiums about bullfighting.

Alicante Water Museum

Alicante Water Museum

Located in one of the most emblematic places of the old town, this cultural and educational center allows visitors to learn about the history of water in the city. Next to the museum are the Garrigós Wells, old water deposits used until 1898, when the supply began to arrive from the nearby city of Sax.

Nativity Scene Museum

Nativity Scene Museum

This museum houses representations of the Christmas Nativity scene, recreating the Nativity scene with three-dimensional figures made from various materials. In Spain, this type of Nativity scene is the most popular. The museum is located on one of the pedestrian streets in the historic center of Alicante, near the Town Hall building.

Las Cigarreras Cultural Center

Las Cigarreras Cultural Center

The old tobacco factory, founded at the beginning of the 19th century, is a prominent architectural ensemble of the urban heritage. After two centuries as a labor center, the factory was transferred to the municipality when production moved out of the city. Today, the Las Cigarreras Cultural Center is a leading cultural platform in Spain, with a multifunctional auditorium for musical and theatrical events, the House of Cultural and Musical Heritage, and an outdoor Vertical Garden.

LEISURE

The sun, the beaches, and other charms offered by the Costa Blanca to tourists are complemented by various sports activities that can be practiced throughout the year, thanks to the mild climate of the province of Alicante. Water sports and golf hold a special place in this sports offer.

Alicante has a wide selection of prestigious companies offering services related to water sports, such as yachting, diving, windsurfing, sailing, rowing, among others. It is no surprise that our city was chosen as the starting point of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017, the famous round-the-world sailing regatta.

SHOPS

In the shop windows of Alicante’s stores and boutiques, modernity and tradition merge, offering visitors everything from the most famous brands to typical products of the province. All this can be found in luxury boutiques, shopping centers, and a wide network of small shops offering typical Alicante products such as nougat, chocolate, candied almonds, dates, liqueurs, and wines from the province, as well as fruits, vegetables, and canned fish.

The shops also represent other economic sectors of the province, offering products such as toys, footwear, leather goods and basketry, carpets, and ceramics.

GASTRONOMY

The healthy Mediterranean diet is world-famous. Seafood and products grown in the fertile lands of the province are the main ingredients of this diet. Rice is perhaps the most prominent ingredient in many dishes, and it is usually served with seafood, meat, or vegetables. The most famous dishes include: “a banda” rice, Alicante-style rice, “caldero” or “caldoso” rice. The second main ingredient in these dishes is fish. The famous “olleta” is the best example of a dish made with vegetables and legumes.

RESTAURANTS AND TYPICAL FOODS

GUIDE SERVICES IN ALICANTE

MARKETS AND STREET MARKETS

SPORTS

The city of Alicante has two 18-hole golf courses. These are complemented by three other golf courses with the same characteristics. All offer a pleasant and interesting course.

GOLF COURSES IN ALICANTE

Alicante has more than 32 km of coastline that allows you to enjoy your favorite nautical activity. The city’s nautical culture is showcased at the facilities of the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante, with its main headquarters at the Muelle de Poniente and its Sailing School located nearby on Avenida de Villajoyosa.

WATER SPORTS IN ALICANTE

FESTIVITIES

Visitors to Alicante have many opportunities to enjoy some of the numerous festivities held throughout the year. The Bonfires of San Juan, the Moors and Christians, Carnival, Holy Week, the Santa Faz pilgrimage, and Christmas are the most notable dates on the city’s festive calendar.

Holy Week in Alicante

Holy Week in Alicante

Around thirty brotherhoods and confraternities participate in Alicante's Holy Week. It begins on Palm Sunday, followed by Easter processions. The most exciting and popular moment is the procession on Holy Wednesday, which winds through the narrow and steep streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

The Moors and Christians festival

The Moors and Christians festival

Throughout the year, many neighborhoods in the city celebrate the Moors and Christians festivals, dedicated to the struggle for the dominance of these lands between Christians and Muslims in the 13th century. The most well-known neighborhoods dedicate several days to these festivities, especially highlighting the parade on December 6th in the city center in honor of Alicante's patron saint, San Nicolás de Bari. These festivals offer a magnificent opportunity to get to know one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the eastern coast of Spain.

Pilgrimage to Santa Fas

Pilgrimage to Santa Fas

Two Thursdays after Holy Thursday, the famous pilgrimage known as "La Peregrina" is celebrated, which leads to the monastery of Santa Faz, located 5 kilometers from the center of Alicante. In this place, the cloth with which Saint Veronica wiped the bloody sweat from Jesus' face during the Via Crucis is preserved. It is one of the most important pilgrimages in Spain. Other notable festivities in Alicante include: Cruces de Mayo in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, from May 1st to 3rd. The festivities in honor of Alicante's patron saint in August. The festivities of Virgen del Carmen on July 16th. The Carnival and the San Roque festivities, declared Traditional Festivals in 2004.

The Bonfires of San Juan Bautista

The Bonfires of San Juan Bautista

This is one of the most important festivals in Alicante, celebrated from June 20th to 29th. Dedicated to fire, it includes events such as the "Pregón," "La Plantà" (installation of satirical monuments), the Cabalgata del Ninot, parades, and musical processions. The highlight is June 24th, the day of San Juan Bautista, when the cardboard and wood compositions are burned. Declared of International Tourist Interest, it also includes notable bullfights. After the festival, the fireworks competition begins at Coco beach, lasting until June 29th, the day of San Pedro.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

WHERE TO SLEEP

USEFUL SERVICES AND RESOURCES IN ALICANTE

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION

Two official languages coexist in Alicante:

  • Castilian: the official language of Spain.
  • Valencian: the language of the Valencian Community itself.

Meal times are later compared to other European countries.

  • Breakfast: from 7:30 to 10:00.
  • Lunch: from 14:00 to 15:30.
  • Dinner: from 21:00 to 22:30.

Central Post Office:
Address: PL. GABRIEL MIRO 7
Postal Code: 03003
Phone: 965131887
Fax: 96 5132287
Email: en.alicante@correos.com

http://www.correos.es

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 20:30
  • Saturdays from 9:30 to 14:00.

Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 14:30. Only some branches are open on Saturday mornings. There are ATMs around the city available all day, and most of them offer international services.

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Mastercard, 4B, Access, and Diners Club.

  • New Year’s Day: January 1.
  • Epiphany: January 6.
  • Saint Joseph’s Day: March 19.
  • Good Friday and Easter Monday: no fixed date.
  • Saint Luke’s Day: no fixed date, second Thursday after Holy Thursday.
  • Labor Day: May 1.
  • Saint John’s Day: June 24.
  • Assumption of the Virgin Mary: August 15.
  • Valencian Community Day: October 9.
  • National Day of Spain: October 12.
  • All Saints’ Day: November 1.
  • Spanish Constitution Day: December 6.
  • Immaculate Conception of the
  • Virgin Mary: December 8.
  • Christmas: December 25.

Standard voltage: 220-240 V. AC, 50 Hz.
American electrical appliances are connected using a transformer and an adapter.
The plugs have two contacts, whose adapters can be found in any home goods store.

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