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Info Guide for the City of Alicante Spain
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Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; Introduction to City of Alicante Introduction to City of Alicante - Alicante is a large port on the South-eastern coast of Spain, not only capital of its own province, Alicante is the second largest town of the Valencia district with a population of 334,757 inhabitants. Not only an easy going and prosperous town on the edge of the sea, Alicante is also a historic city, full of traditions and festivals that welcomes many visitors each year. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante History Alicante History - Because of the warm climate and the ideal location next to the sea, the area where Alicante is situated has been inhabited for over 7000 years first of all by tribes until Greek and Phoenician traders installed themselves in the region and set up a small port, that they named Akra Leuke meaning “white mountain”. For many years the area is fought over and invaded several times until the moors take over the region and rule until the 11th the Spanish Reconquista conducted by the Castillian king Alfonso X, takes back the region in 1246, but only 52 years later the village passes into the Valician region under the reign of the king James II of Aragon. After long years of wars, and disturbance, Alicante becomes a wealthy and important trading center on the Mediterranean sea. Unfortunately Barbary pirates ceaselessly attack the port and king Felipe III expels hundreds of moriscos, who had stayed on after the Reconquista, because of their allegiance to these pirates. But with so many of the workers gone Alicante falls into an economic decline that carries on during the 18th century, getting even worse during the war of the Spanish Succession and 19th century, at the which takes place an economic recovery so drastic that Alicante plays an important part in exportation during the first world war, Spain being a neutral country. Later, when the Spanish civil war broke out Alicante, was the last town, faithful to the republican government to be taken by dictator Franco. It also suffered severe bombing during the war, loosing on one occasion 300 citizens in a day. As for the rest of Spain, the years under Franco were difficult for Alicante, but when the dictator died and was replaced by current king Juan Carlos I who gave the governements of each region more autonomy,that of course included Valencia, ever since this, Alicante has been expanding fast and growing into a large, prosperous city thats attracts many visitors and students every year. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Business and Economy Alicante Business and Economy - Alicante is a fast-developing town and it’s local economy is based on tourism, people from all round the globe come to enjoy the gorgeous beaches, the great weather and the fantastic food. Being a port there is a lot of import-export trade all year round and Alicante is busy and prosperous town. Another source of income so many locals is the fishing industry, restaurants in Alicante never lack fresh fish. There is also one of the largest film studio in Europe: Ciudad de la luz, many well known films, such as Menno Meyjes’ Manolete, have been made there. Alicante has a university that is situated very nearby in San Vincente del Raspeig, there over 30,000 students! Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Travel and Transport Travel and Transport - Alicante has its own airport,which contributes a great deal to the coast’s economy and it’s one of the most popular airports in Spain. A visitor wishing to get to Alicante is spoilt for choice: there are motorways in good condition, an airport that flies many companies, a ferry that travels in between Alicante, the Balearic islands and Algeria, there are also direct trains routes. Inside Alicante a new tram system is in use and a precious time saver. By driving down in a car one can enjoy the view of the sea from the high white cliffs, or explore the countryside at leisure. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Lifestyle Lifestyle - Alicante is blessed with a dream climate, the winters are mild and the summers hot, plus there are only around 37 days of rain per annum. It is a cheerful and fun town with many restaurants to discover, many beaches to relax on during the day and many nightclubs and bars to enjoy and in which to taste local wines in the evening after a long day in the sun. It is generally thought that the best time to visit Alicante is in June, because the famous Bonfires of Saint John festival is held and only a week later takes place another one that involves firework contests and celebrating all night during seven days on the beaches. For those with a taste for night life Alicante is a highly recommendable destination, the locals are fun-lovers, and the big student population enables the city to boast an all-year night life. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Food and Drink Food and Drink - In Alicante, there are many specialities to discover. Dotted around the town are lots of restaurants and wine bars with varying prices but generally all good quality. The musts are seafood, rice dishes and various types of salads, especially enjoyable on the seafront on a warm day. For visitors who like nuts, one of the Alicante specialities is an almond-based sweet, called Furron, hugely popular with children, likewise there’s a non-alcoholic drink made of tiger nuts named Horchata. There are many local wines to be tasted, mainly reds but also whites and rosés. As Alicante is quite a large town, there are lots of different styles of cuisine available and apart from the local dishes there are the national Tapas restaurants, where food to every taste is served. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Where to stay Where to stay - There are at least 290 hotels in Alicante, among them are ten five star hotels and several spa hotels. It all depends on what the visitor is looking for, but there are different types of hotels and prices vary. There are quite a few sea front hotels which are very sort after due to their idyllic view and great positioning. Most of these hotels have great websites showing pictures of potential accommodation and giving all the information necessary to plan a trip and sort out a budget if needed. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Attractions and things to see Attractions to see - The most well-known attraction is the castle of Santa Barbara, situated on Mount Benacantil, above the city that dates back to the ninth century. A wonderful walk along the Explanada de Espana ,a promenade made of marble, with palm trees along its length is thought to be one of the most beautiful walks in Spain, the locals often gather in the evening and regular concerts are held. For those interested by architecture, the Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bari was built in the seventeenth century in a Herrerian style, by a scholar of its instigator. To visit there is also the Basilica de Santa Maria, built in a gothic style. For art lovers, there are several great museums, as the Gravina museum of Fine Arts, or The Asegurada Museum of Contemporary Art, both possess very fine collections. Alicante being situated in a lovely part of Spain can be endlessly admired, and the countryside is very fine; as it is a port there are many pleasant walks to be had beside the sea, and the risings and settings of the sun shouldn't be missed. One can enjoy the beaches and the night life and explore the city, full of amazing buildings and great shops. Love Alicante, Spain City Guide: Alicante City Guide; City of Alicante Final Note Final Note - Alicante is a great destination for romantics, one is never at a loss for ideas to fill time; the weather is reliable and makes a fine change for visitors in search of sun, fun and gorgeous beaches! Contact Us via twitter @spiritasweb
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