Travel Guide to Alicante, Spain

Alicante in an ancient and beautiful town located on the Costa Blanca coast. This is not only a popular beach resort, but also a famous cultural center that has retained its precious monuments and sights up to our days. Here you can see beautiful chapels, towers and fortresses, walk though old quarters and squares, rest in a wonderful park or enjoy sunbathing in one of the city’s beaches.

You can start your acquaintance with this city from Iglesia de Santa Maria church. It was built in 15th-16th centuries and features a splendid example of gothic architecture. The church is built on the place of ancient mosque and reminds of the victory in the battle against Moors, who have ruled the city for a long time. Wonderful valleys and public gardens have been created nearby the church. If you walk them through, you will reach the Museum of Art of XX century. The halls of the museum feature the works of Braque, Kandinsky, Ernst, Picasso, Chagall, Gris and Miro.

The famous trading street Calle Mayor also begins nearby the church. Here you will find numerous shops, food markets and boutiques. The street ends at Plaza del Ayuntamiento which borders several administrative buildings including the mayor’s office. Alicante also has several valuable religious buildings like La Catedral San Nicolas de Bari cathedral the building of which started in 1662. The cathedral was severely damaged during the civil war of 1936-1939. Later it was renovated and opened for tourists. The façade and the decoration of halls are made according the project of the famous architect Juan de Herrera. The main adornments of the cathedral are the gold plated altar, walls covered with pictures and an unusual vault. The city’s central street is La Rambia de Mendez Nunes, which is also known as a wonderful place for walking.

Read more about Alicante:
Restaurants and cuisine in Alicante
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Alicante
Nightlife and attractions in Alicante
Preparing for Alicante: Advices
Alicante photogallery