Hispacar Travel Guides - Alicante, Costa Blanca

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Much more than white sandy beaches, nightlife and sunshine

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Alicante

Alicante on the Costa Blanca is one of the most popular holiday destinations for travelers from all over Europe. The excellent climate all year round and the white sandy beaches are the main reason why people choose the Alicante to spend their holidays. However Alicante has got more to offer than sunshine, beaches and nightlife. The inland of the Costa Blanca is beautiful with many typical villages hidden in the valleys which separate the mountain ranges. Here are 10 places you should not miss during your holidays in Alicante.

1. Santa Barbara castle

1. Spectacular views of Alicante

The Castle of Santa Barbara, the most important landmark of Alicante, offers spectacular views of the city and the El Postiguet beach. The fortress stands on the top of Mount Benacantil in the center of the city. The castle can be seen from almost everywhere in the city and it is easy to understand its strategic value during the middle ages.

2. Calpe

2. The rock of Ifach

Calpe is a former fishing village which has been converted into a resort with all kinds of modern tourist facilities. Some of the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca are located in Calpe. Calpe is well known for its rock called the Penyal d'Ifach. Although the rock has been declared a nature reserve it is possible to climb to the summit where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the bay of Calpe.

3. Altea

3. One of the most charming towns of Alicante

The bell tower and the dome of the Virgin of Consuelo church in Altea count amongst the most photographed monuments of the Costa Blanca. The beautiful church is situated on the top of a hill. The views from the square in front of the church are impressive. The charming old town of Altea with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses descent from the hill top towards the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. The festivities of the Moors and Christians, of or the most important fiestas in the province are celebrated in the month of September.

4. Javea

4. Twenty kilometers of sandy beaches and hidden coves

Javea is situated in a bay between Cabo de la Nao and Cabo de San Antoni. The rocky coastline with steep cliffs offers a number of impressive viewpoints. There are several hidden coves with turquoise water like Playa de Granadella which invite to swim or practice several kinds of water sports. Like many other towns on the Mediterranean coast the historic center of Javea with its charming streets and beautiful architecture is situated a few miles inland.

5. Benidorm

5. The Manhattan of Spain

Benidorm, located 5o kilometers north of Alicante airport, is the most visited tourist resort on the Costa Blanca. The city offers great beaches, numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs and a number of attractions and theme parks which make Benidorm a unique holiday destination suitable for all kinds of tourists. With its dominant skyline Benidorm is a place you will either love or hate.

6. Terra Mitica

6. An ancient civilizations theme park with live entertainment

Terra Mitica is a theme park located just outside Benidorm. The attractions of Terra Mitica are based on five ancient civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands. The scariest rides amongst the rollercoasters in the theme park are Synkope and the Magnus Colossus. There are so many attractions in Terra Mitica that it is hard to see them all during your visit. Apart from the shows and the rides there are plenty of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops in the theme park.

7. Villajoyosa

7. Colorful houses along the shore

Villajoyosa is the capital of the Marina Baixa region. Protected from the cold northern winds by the peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges the town enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round. The colorful houses of the historic center along the coastline of Villajoyosa are one of the most remarkable tourist attractions or the village. Villajoyosa is also famous for its traditional chocolate industry.

8. Moors and Christians

8. The most popular festival in the province of Alicante

In many towns and villages of Alicante the festival of Moors and Christians is the most important event of the year. The festivity, dedicated to San Jorge (Saint George), commemorates a battle which was fought in the 13th century. At that time many villages in Alicante stood on the border of Spanish territories held by the Muslims. According to legend during the skirmishes between the Muslims and the Christians Saint George appeared and, thanks to his intervention, the Christian army won the battle.

9. The castle of Villena

9. Castillo de la Atalaya

The castle of Villena or Castillo de la Atalaya is located in the north-western part of the province of Alicante. The fortress which consists 12 guard towers and a thick outer wall was an important stronghold of the Islamic emirate. After the Muslim army had been defeated the castle was given to the Order of Calatrava. The castle of Villena forms part of the Route of the castles of Vinalopó. The Vinalopó valley in Alicante bordered the Kingdom of Castile and the Kingdom of Valencia and is there for dotted with fortifications and castles.

10. Guadalest

10. An eagle's nest carved into the mountains

Guadalest is located just over 1 hour from Alicante and about 25 km inland from Benidorm. The views from the village and the former military stronghold are breathtaking and it is easy to understand the great strategic importance of the location in the past. The little village is reached through a tunnel carved out in the mountains. The Peñon de La Alcalá tower is one of its most famous landmarks of Guadalest.

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These are just 10 good reasons to visit Alicante, but there are many more reasons to visit the Costa Blanca. Why don't you find out yourself?