La Albufereta and the origins of Alicante
La Albufereta beach is a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean. With fine golden sand and calm waters, the beach is situated in a residential area but it is also very close to important archaeological sites that have borne witness to the origins of the city. The nearest archeological spot is Tossal de Manises, the site of the Roman town of Lucentum, the ancient city of Alicante.
TOSSAL DE MANISES. Declared as Monument of Historic and Artistic Importance since 1961. Tossal de Manises is the site of the Roman town of Lucentum, the ancient city of Alicante. It is located on top of a hill (tossal) near to the coast and at a height of 38 metres above sea level. The entire urban area of Lucentum (around 25,000 m²) is surrounded by a perimeter wall, some 600 metres long.
ILLETA DELS BANYETS. It is located in the municipality of Campello, about 9 kilometres away from the city of Alicante. Illeta del Banyets is an old peninsula, which was torn apart from the coast due to an earthquake. In 1943, it was linked again to the soil, becoming thus part of the natural finger pier.
LOS BAÑOS DE LA REINA (Queen’s Baths) is an archaeological site next to the promenade in Calpe. This site reveals a fish salting factory, constructed by the Romans . The pools were used for farming fish for consumption by the local people of Calpe.
SANTA BARBARA CASTLE
At the top of Mount Benacantil, at almost 200m above sea level, we find the Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the Bay of Alicante which has become a symbol of the city. From the top you can enjoy exceptional views of the bay, the harbor and the city of Alicante. The origins of the castle date back to the 9thcentury in full Muslim dominance.
PORT OF ALICANTE
In a bay protected by the winds that whip the coast, you will find one of the oldest ports in the region. This port of Carthaginian origin is home to small fishing boats and big yatchs, and concentrates a large part of the city's leisure offer. as well as concentrating a large part of the city's leisure offer. It is worth taking a walk along the pleasant promenade in the morning and at sunset seeing the most spectacular yachts, and then take a drink at the site.
CITY COUNCIL
A route through the old town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) usually begins in the City Council's Square. An impressive building dated in the eighteen century which stands out for its monumental façade flanked by two towers. It is worth the visit to The Hall of Mayors, The Plenary Hall and the Chapel of the Oratory.
SANTA CRUZ
One the best things to do in the city of Alicante is a route through the narrow streets of the popular Santa Cruz neighborhood, located on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, full of low houses with white-painted facades. Going up Calle Labradores you will discover plenty of bars and fancy restaurants to enjoy a drink and tasty tapas.
SAN NICOLAS CATHEDRAL
A few meters from the City Hall Square is the San Nicolas Cathedral, built on the remains of a mosque and considered the most important religious temple in Alicante
THE CENTRAL MARKET
The Central Market, located in a two-storey building with modernist elements and built in 1911, is another of the most popular places visited by locals. The interior is full of stalls of fresh and good quality products such as seafood, salted fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, from the nearby orchards.
POSTIGUET BEACH
Taking a refreshing bath in Postiguet beach, located at the foot of the Castle of Santa Barbara and next to the Port, is one of the best experiences in Alicante. This 600-metre beach of fine, golden sand and calm waters, is crowded by locals and tourists every summer. It offers plenty of beach services as well as being a place where you can practice water sports.
TABARCA ISLAND
There is nothing better than taking a boat to reach the island of Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. With a maximum length of 1,800 metres and a maximum width of 450 metres, this small island goes from 55 inhabitants in winter to more than 4,000 tourists a day in summer who enjoy relaxing baths and snorkelling in its crystal clear waters as well as its famous seafood rice.