Alicante Valencia And Murcia, Spain Travel Guide
This guide details information to plan a remarkable trip to this captivating city.
Alicante is a premier position on Spain's southeastern Mediterranean coast, part of the Costa Blanca. This renowned coastline, with its white sands and clear waters, stretches across the province of Alicante, where the city serves as its capital. Its Mediterranean climate is mild year-round.
The city rests at the base of Mount Benacantil, a landmark featuring Santa Bárbara Castle at its summit. This ancient fortress oversees the city, a reminder of Alicante's long past and strategic significance. The urban area expands from the mountain's foot, blending modern areas with historic quarters.
Alicante's narrative spans millennia, with traces from various civilizations. Its origin dates back to the Bronze Age. The direct ancient predecessor was the Iberian and Roman settlement known as Lucentum. Romans, arriving in the 3rd century BCE, recognized the strategic coastal value, establishing a thriving port and integrating Lucentum into their empire. This early period shaped Alicante's identity as a Mediterranean hub.
The early 8th century brought Islamic forces, transforming Lucentum into Laqant. Moorish rule, lasting over five centuries, introduced advanced agricultural techniques and influenced urban planning, evident in the winding streets of the old town. The name "Alicante" itself derives from "Laqant." The 13th century saw the Christian Reconquista by King Alfonso X, incorporating the city into the Kingdom of Valencia. Santa Bárbara Castle became a symbol of Christian dominion. The city expanded as a trading port in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Early evidence of human presence.
Thriving port and imperial integration (3rd century BCE).
Five centuries of Islamic rule, agricultural advancement (8th century CE).
King Alfonso X conquers, Santa Bárbara Castle fortified (13th century).
Post-war tourism development (1960s onwards).
The 20th century saw Alicante weather the Spanish Civil War. The post-war period, especially from the 1960s, initiated an era of tourism-driven development. The Costa Blanca became a major international tourist destination, with Alicante as a central gateway. This recent history layers its ancient roots with modern tourism.
Today, Alicante showcases a rich fusion of these influences. Roman archaeological sites, Moorish street patterns, medieval castles, Baroque churches, and 19th-century modernist buildings stand beside contemporary structures.
The city’s traditions, from its cuisine to its festivals, mirror this layered past. Each walk through its old town, every visit to its castle, and every bite of its local cuisine narrates a part of this compelling history.
The Mediterranean defines its character, influencing its fresh seafood cuisine and relaxed lifestyle. Natural features like Mount Benacantil boost its distinct identity and visual appeal.
Alicante, a coastal jewel on Spain's Costa Blanca, presents a mosaic of experiences. Santa Bárbara Castle, atop Mount Benacantil, defines the skyline with panoramic views of the city, its port, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
A stroll through the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz, with its narrow, flower-decorated streets, unveils Alicante's authentic spirit, where local life unfolds.
Mild, sunny winters and long, warm summers. Year-round outdoor activities possible.
Specialty rice dishes like seafood paellas and "arroz a banda." Fresh seafood and local produce are highlights.
A base for day trips to Tabarca Island, Elche's palm groves, and Guadalest.
The Explanada de España, with its wavy marble pavement and palm trees, forms the city's social core, featuring cafes and inviting terraces.
