How to spend top weekend in Alicante - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Used to rest in Alicante and all the famous sights have long been studied? It's time to start looking for new tour facilities and unusual places for exploring. Most tourists for unknown reasons sidestep Palacio Diputación, apparently taking it for a closed government agency. In fact, this hard-baked building with elements of Baroque is open for tours. Absolutely everyone can enjoy its solemnly decorated rooms and look in rooms, where negotiations of dignitaries are held. The palace boasts a rich collection of antique furniture and works of art, so tour there will be no less exciting than going to the museum.

Those in search of something more extreme can go on a tour to Cuevas de Canelobre. These caves are situated not far from Alicante and are among the largest in Spain. Their vaults are so high that during the war these caves were used as aircraft hangars. Contemporaries invented another amazing task for unique natural sites; they regularly host concerts. Acoustics inside the cave is unique, and therefore millions of artists and music lovers dream about visiting this unusual concert hall.

Gourmets shouldn’t limit themselves to restaurants and sidewalk cafes, they are sure to enjoy the central market, Mercado Central . This market is set in an incredibly charming historic building with richly decorated walls that hide not only shopping stalls, but also a very cute cafe. They offer visitors the most popular Spanish treats, tapas. Snack options are countless. Sitting at a small counter you can taste delicious seafood, delicacies and very unusual vegetable dishes. If modest servings of tapas won’t seem enough, take a stroll through the market and pay attention to cheeses and sausages. Local salesmen will generously invite you to taste their products. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Ayuntamiento de Alicante is one of the most interesting architectural attractions. Don’t rush to leave the picturesque street to admire the town hall. If you come to the front stairs of the building and take a close look to the column, you may notice an incomprehensible inscription ‘cota cero’. Only a few tourists know that right here on the stairs of an historic building there is a reference altitude of Spain. It’s a matter of honor for every experienced traveler to find this unique mark.

During a sightseeing tour around Castillo de San Fernando many rushing tourists also miss one important feature. Near the fortress there is an amazing park, where dense thickets hide not only benches and paths for walking, but also lovely playgrounds. There is a great soccer field, a nice golf course, equipped areas for skating and many playgrounds for children. You can enjoy all that absolutely free; active tourists and families with children like the park very much.

Walking along the port area, don’t miss an opportunity to look at the old Spanish galleon. It’s moored right on the waterfront; the entrance fee is about 5 euros. A pleasant surprise will wait for you at the vessel; that’s a free cocktail from the local bar made by the stylish bartender dressed as a pirate.

Paragliding

If you are enjoying a holiday in Alicante and don’t believe that a human can fly, it is time to try paragliding and change your opinion. You will fly up and down, hover in the air, or even try to make some swirls. You should put on clothes with long sleeves and pants that you are not afraid of getting dirty or torn. Comfortable boots or sneakers are the best shoes for paragliding.

You will be brought to the start destination and will get a protective helm before the flight. Then you will sit on the front ram of the paraglider, tightly connected to the instructor and the paraglider itself, so you will be able to talk to each other, but you will need to talk loudly. Your hands will be free. Of course, you will be able to have a hold of the paraglider, but that is not needed as you will be tightly secured.

It is much better to hold a camera in your hands – don’t worry, it will be also tightly secured. It is a fantastic chance to make memorable shots! Needless to say, you will feel one-of-a-kind emotions and a burst of adrenaline. It is a truly mesmerizing experience! The flight, which is made in a tandem, lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and depends on the weather (primarily, on the wind strength and its direction). You need to listen to your instructor carefully and follow his guidance. In that case, both lift-off and landing will be safe and pleasant.

New Entertainment – Flyboard

In Alicante, you will find many different water-based entertainments, including quite unusual ones, such as flyboarding. You should try it at least once in a lifetime in order to enjoy truly unforgettable emotions! A boat will take you from the city’s port to Benidorm Beach where you can try this unique sport. You will stand on a special platform that goes up during the movement, fly up to 8 meters high and go down into the water, and make jumps like a dolphin. It is incredibly fun! You will feel like flying and like a hero who has no gravitation limits.

Marine Adventure

In order to admire the beauty of the Alicante coast, you can rent a yacht and head to a marine adventure from the city’s port. If you have the necessary qualification, you will navigate the yacht yourself or you can choose to let a captain do that task. The adventure lasts at least 60 minutes. During this time, you will be able to admire the view of the rocky coastline. However, if you prefer longer rides, you will be able to swim or snorkel in the Mediterranean Sea and get acquainted with local flora and fauna, visit picturesque bays or simply relax on the deck.

Battle Festival

In order to get acquainted with traditions and culture of Alicante, consider visiting this city during the Enfarinats Festival. It’s a true “egg and flour” battle that takes place in the city every year before the New Year holidays. However, you need to remember that it is better not to wear your best clothes on the day of the event. The whole city turns into a battlefield with numerous people “battling” with eggs and flour and firing petards.

Two centuries ago, criminals took control of the city in order to steal money from merchants. The festival is dedicated to that historic event. Only males are permitted to participate in the egg and flour fight. Participants divide into two groups and put on bright clothes. Married men make up the first group. On this day, they issue stupid laws, and everyone must oblige them.

If you break these laws, you will have to pay a fine or get ready to dodge from flour and eggs. The second group tries to overthrow the “government”. Therefore, a war starts. During it, both the parties throw eggs into each other and dust the flour. However, for journalists and viewers, it is often nearly impossible to dodge such “missiles”. You will feel like you participate in a real battle.