Browse Our Destinations

blue_bar_final.png
alicante_module.jpg
blue_bar_final.png
Home arrow 5. The City

Travel to Alicante, Spain

Print E-mail

port_alicante.jpg

Alicante has an ample range of activities for those who wish to go out until the early morning with the large University of Alicante student population, relax on the beach all day, or spend the day as a traditional sightseer.  Located along the Costa Blanca, Alicante is a wonderful stop-off for trips to Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, and also to enjoy the beautiful beaches of one of the fastest growing cities in SpainAlicante’s marvelous beaches and eclectic neighborhoods host must-see festivals such as the Bonfires of San Juan, the Alicante Film Festival, and the Moors and Christian Festival.  The combination of extravagant festivals, beautiful beaches, and hip nightlife provides the opportunity to explore Spanish and Alicante culture in and out of the typical classroom setting.

 


Things to do on a visit to Alicante:

alicante_ex.jpg

  • Take a walk around the Central Market, where you can do some shopping or just relax at the cafes.
  • Grab lunch at the numerous terraces along the boardwalk, the Explanada de España.
  • In June, check out the famous Festival Hogueras de San Juan, which celebrates the arrival of summer with huge bonfires and fireworks.
  • Isla Marina and beaches of the Mediterranean Sea are the prefect setting for enjoying fun in the sun, whether it be sunbathing or taking part in different nautical sports.
  • El Casco Antiguo and Castillo de Santa Bárbara are perfect for a daytrip, you will get an excellent view of the sea and admire the beautiful village while getting some shopping done.

 

  • Take a weekend trip on the direct ferry line from Alicante to one of the Balearic Islands, including the incredibly beautiful islands of Mallorca and Menorca, the world-known nightlife hot spot of Ibiza, and the untouched beaches of Formentera.
  • Check out the hundred-year-old rubber tree plants in Canalejas Park.
  • Take a mini-ferry to Tabarca Island and explore the only village on the island, named both a national Cultural Asset and a Historic-Artistic Monument, the 250m Levante Beach, and the pristine surrounding waters, named a Mediterranean marine nature reserve.
  • Visit the Old Quarter of the city, where medieval walls dot the neighborhood that dates back even farther to Roman times.
 footbal.jpg

History of Alicante

Alicante is a product of its illustrious history and ability to overcome hardship. Beginning with the first settlements appearing around 1000 B.C. by Greeks and Phoenicians, Alicante has since passed through the rule of Carthaginians, Moors, and Romans; all of whom have made their additions and changes from the city that we now call Alicante. Throughout the 20th century, Alicante continued its evolution despite warfare and civil unrest during Franco’s dictatorship, and has since rejuvenated their port, economy, and local spirit with increased cruise ships and tourism development.

 

Go to Spanish Courses