Alicante (map) is a popular tourist city in the Valencian Community of Spain. The city has become a hub of tourism directed to the beaches of the Costa Blanca.

The *Costa Blanca (literally meaning “White Coast”) is over 200 kilometres (120 mi) of Mediterranean coastline. It extends from the town of Dénia (map) in the north to Pilar de la Horadada (map) in the south. Benidorm (map) and Alicante are the major tourist centres.

Amongst the most notable features of the city are the Castle of Santa Bárbara (map) and the port of Alicante (map). The Santa Bárbara castle is situated on Mount Benacantil (map), overlooking the city. The tower (La Torreta) at the top, is the oldest part of the castle.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Beaches • Highlights • Maps, Brochures, Apps

The promenade Explanada de España (map), lined by palm trees, is paved with 6.5 million marble floor tiles creating a wavy form and is one of the most lovely promenades in Spain. The Promenade extends from the Port of Alicante to the Gran Vía and ends at the famous statue of Mark Hersch. For the people of Alicante, the promenade is the meeting place for the traditional Spanish paseo, or stroll along the waterfront in the evenings.

Barri Vell – Santa Creu (map) is a colourful quarter of the old city, situated on the south-west of Santa Bárbara castle. Its small houses climb up the hill leading to the walls and the castle, through narrow streets decorated with flags and tubs of flowers.

Basílica de Santa Maria (Basilica of Santa María, map). Begun during the 14th century on top of the remains of an old Moorish mosque, construction was completed in the 16th century, and incorporates Gothic and Baroque stylistic elements in its structure.

Mercat Central d’Alacant (Mercado Central, map). The two levels sell all the fresh meat, seafood, cheeses, fruit and vegetables anyone could need. + Mercat de Baver (Mercado Babel, map), Mercat Benalúa (Mercado Benalúa, map).

Just a few kilometers from Alicante on the Mediterranean Sea lies *Tabarca island (map). What was once a haven for Barbary pirates is now a beautiful tourist attraction.

Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus.

AUTOBUSES URBANOS-INTERURBANOS

Tram Alicante connects passengers with the north of the province and with the University of Alicante.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Public transport in Alicante (alicanteturismo.com) • Getting around Spain (spain.info)

BUS: One of the largest bus companies in Spain is ALSA, which covers most of the country with its extensive network of bus routes. Other popular bus companies include Avanza, Empresa Plana, and Socibus / Secorbus. You can also see what is all available on Movelia.es.

TRAIN: Alicante railway station (map) is used by Cercanías Murcia/Alicante commuter rail services linking Alicante with suburbs and Murcia. Long-range RENFE trains run frequently to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

AIRPORT: Information about Spanish airports ⇒ aena.es.

FERRY: Baleària • Grimaldi Lines • Trasmediterranea. + Spain’s main sea connections (spain.info)

The Fogueres de Sant Joan Festivals are one of the most important events in Alicante city. This festival has been officially declared to be of International Tourist Interest and its origins lie in the tradition of burning useless objects with the arrival of the summer solstice.

This is the most important celebration, beginning on the 20th June and lasting until the 29th. It is a festival dedicated to fire, including events such as the proclamation (The Pregón), the setting up of the bonfires (the Plantà), the procession of the effigies (Cabalgata del Ninot), parades and processions in different neighbourhoods of the city and the main event on the 24th June, the feast day of Saint John Baptist, when large satirical statues made of cardboard and wood are set alight.

⇒ video source: Alicante City / youtube.com /

When you need visas and entry requirements. Types of visas and where to get them. Visa for international digital nomads.

Renfe is the national railway company of Spain, and their website offers information about train schedules, routes, and fares.

Alsa is the leading bus operator in the Spanish. ‘We reached hundreds of destinations, some of which you cannot imagine.’