Alicante

Alicante is located on Spain's eastern coast, about halfway down the Costa Blanca to the south of Valencia. It is one of Spain's oldest cities, tracing its history back to the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. Its original name ”Lucentum” translates as ”City of Light”.

The city itself is busy and pleasant during the day. The prime attraction is the Castillo de Santa Barbara, a huge medieval fortress overlooking Alicante from the north. It is easily accessible by a cable car up through the mountain from Jovellanas Avenue.

Alicante's oldest church, St. Mary's, is a gothic 14th-century masterpiece built over the ruins of a Moorish mosque.

Alicante's 18th-century palatial homes are dotted around the city. The Berenguer de Marquina and Maisonnave, along Calle de Labradores, are great displays of the old wealth and nobility.

If you're eager to see more of Alicante's past, why not take in ruins of St. Ferdinand Castle, Concathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari, and the bullring, which is one Spain's oldest still in use.

The harbour is a pleasant stroll along walkways, past relaxing cafes. From here, a ferry departs for day trips to the island of Tabarca, which was once a refuge for pirates, an 18th-century fortified town and settling ground for Italian fishermen.

The beaches around Alicante are a major attraction, the best beach in the area being San Juan just 10 minutes from Alicante's centre.