Situated on the Eastern coast of Spain, Alicante has it all: parties, discos, festivals, castles - and if that isn't enough - hot sun, white sand beaches and a turquoise sea. Of course, something so good can't stay hidden for ever, Alicante and the areas along the Costa Blanca are now among Europe's most heavily visited regions, seviced by Alicante airport . If you want a secluded beach, or to be anywhere outdoors without being part of a crowd, don't come during the summer high season.
It's best to start exploring Alicante on the beachfront, along the city's main pedestrian walkway, the Expanada de Espana. Spread out in front of the main part of the city, this elegant boulevard, stretching around the harbour, is shaded with palm trees and lined with shops and cafes.
Northwest of the Explanada in Alicante, towards the center of the city, you'll see the imposing Catedral de San Nicolas, and around it, the narrow streets of the El Barro, or old quarter, which has most of the cheaper accommodation and the best nightlife. To the southwest, near the Calle de Italia, you'll find the main tourist office, post office, and the city's central bus and train stations.
Alicante is a hive of activity throughout the year, not just in the summer months. It's a city where the sand seems to go on forever?and so does the entertainment. It's a city steeped in history, rich in culture, awash with every kind of shop and restaurant imaginable and literally bursting with beach life. Its not diffucult to stumble over Hotels in Alicante either
Stroll along the palm-fringed Paseo de la Explanada - the impressive seafront promenade lined with street cafes and inlaid with red, cream and black marble. Stop at the music pavilion and enjoy a free al fresco concert by the sea. Concerts are held in the afternoons, on feast days and on Sunday mornings during the summer months.
The traditional shopping area of Alicante can be found around Rambla de Méndez Núñez. Here you will find many smaller independent shops selling shoes, jewellery, fashion and home decoration items. At either end of the Maisonnave area of Alicante, you will find an El Corte Ingles store, selling a wide range of internationally branded cosmetics, fashion and jewellery items such as diamond rings and eternity rings. You can also find stores belonging to well known spanish retail brands such as Mango, Zara and Cortefiel.
