Alicante is the capital city of Spain's beautiful Alicante Province and the second largest city in the Valencia Region. The city lies on the east coast of Spain, on the sunny Costa Blanca. The one-time neglected port town has undergone seismic change in recent years, transforming into a modern and cosmopolitan city with much to attract the hoards of tourists who visit the area every year in search of sunshine, sparkling seascapes and sangria.



While a booming tourist trade has been a major factor in the development and modernization of Alicante, it is the more purpose-built resort towns neighbouring the city that are the main tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca, with the city of Alicante serving more as a gateway to the Balearics, a day-trip destination, or a base from which to further explore the surrounding Spanish countryside. Alicante, however, is a vibrant and interesting town and should not be overlooked by people visiting the area ? it has some wonderful attractions and sights as well as a lively nightlife and great restaurants. Of course, Alicante car hire means that the province is your oyster.

Things to see/do in Alicante, Spain:

Alicante's main attraction is the Castillo de Santa Barbara, a huge medieval fortress overlooking the city. A cheap way to get to the castle is by cable car, which also provides great birds-eye views of the city.

Strolling around Alicante in the sunshine is a pleasant and economical way to absorb the atmosphere and sights of the city without hurting your budget. The numerous cathedrals, churches and museums that can be found throughout the city have either low cost admission or none at all, again making budget-friendly exploration of the city both easy and enjoyable. The warm sun beating down on the city can take its toll however, and when it all gets a little too much the lovely beach that stretches from the harbour to San Juan is the perfect retreat for an afternoon of swimming and sun-worshipping.

The port area is a great part of the city ? bustling, teeming with people, and ideal for watching the sun set with a glass of wine or two after a day discovering the city.

Eating out in Alicante

Alicante is home to a host of authentic and great value restaurants and tapas bars, with both fine and budget dining establishments on hand, depending on your means. If you are looking for low cost options it is advisable to stick to the budget-friendly restaurants around the Calle San Francisco, where you will pay less for food than in the more heavily tourist populated areas of the city. The food is cheap but good quality, with tasty and bona fide Spanish cooking served in generous portions. In Spain another budget-friendly way to eat out is in tapas bars, where selections of local produce and specialties can be sampled at cheap prices.

Take a personal gastro-tour of the Alicante province. Alicante Car Hire offers you the opportunity to select the best restaurants (and wineries) in Alicante, and visit them in your own time.

Day Trips/Events in Alicante

There is ample choice for tourists who want to take advantage of the superb range of attractions with Alicante Car Hire. Some particularly interesting excursions popular with day-trippers include:

? Tabarca Island

Conveniently located less than 11 sea miles off the coast of Alicante is the small island of Tabarca. With its pristine waters and still relatively untouched landscape, the island is a delightfully tranquil getaway and snorkeller's paradise. Ferries to the island depart from the ports at both Santa Pola and Alicante, bringing you to the island for the low cost of ?11.

? Guadalest

A remarkably picturesque Spanish village, Guadalest lies atop a ridge in the Sierra de Aitana Mountains. A two-hour leisurely drive from Alicante (25km from Benidorm), the village attracts many tourists who visit for the town's simple prettiness, its famous castle ruins and the wonderful views offered by its elevated position.

? The Cuevas del Canelobre

Just 24km northeast of Alicante lies the stunning Cuevas del Canelobre ? a cavernous chamber of rock measuring around 150 meters in length. Guided tours of the cave are cheap at approximately ?5, making the Cuevas an ideal low cost yet worthwhile excursion from Alicante city.

? Hogueras de San Juan (St John's Bonfires)

From the 20th ? 24th of June, Alicante celebrates with St John's Bonfires ? one of the city's major festivals based on the ancient custom of burning useless objects to celebrate the summer solstice. Processions, marching bands and dancers take to the street and the feast coincides with a bullfighting festival. A fireworks display on the concluding night of the festival is one of the highlights of the event.