Alicante Car Hire: Alicante Car Hire Self Drive - Alicante
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Alicante
Alicante, originally known as Lucentum (City of Light) is located south of Valencia on Spain’s eastern coast, on the strip known as the Costa Blanca. The city dates back more than 2,000 years, when it was first established by the Romans.
The wealth of Alicante’s history can be seen in the 18th century mansions that appear throughout the city. Particularly notable are the Berenguer de Marquina and Maisonnave, situated on Calle de Labradores. A good place for a leisurely stroll is the harbour, featuring atmospheric walkways lined with a variety of cafés and eateries.
The wealth of Alicante’s history can be seen in the 18th century mansions that appear throughout the city. Particularly notable are the Berenguer de Marquina and Maisonnave, situated on Calle de Labradores. A good place for a leisurely stroll is the harbour, featuring atmospheric walkways lined with a variety of cafés and eateries.
Alicante’s most popular tourist attraction is Castillo de Santa Barbara, a massive fortress that was constructed during medieval times. It is located on a mountain above the city and can be reached by cable car.
Other notable historical structures in Alicante are the Concathedral of St Nicholas of Bari, the ruins of St Ferdinand Castle, and Spain’s oldest functioning bullring. The oldest church in the city is St Mary’s, a magnificent Gothic style building that was built in the 14th century on the site of a former Moorish mosque.
There are many gorgeous beaches around Alicante. San Juan, situated just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, is the loveliest beach in the area, offering excellent opportunities for swimming or soaking up the Spanish sun. Other good beaches can be found at El Portet and Moraira, where there are several beach bars that are perfect for a lunch break or a sunset drink.
The nearby towns of Calpe and Altea, on the coast, both make for excellent daytrips. Altea has a vibrant seafront market; while Calpe has fabulous seafood restaurants around the port. Another good exploratory trip from Alicante is to the island of Tarbaca, which can be reached by ferry. The history of this island is interesting and varied; it was previously a pirate’s refuge, an 18th century fortified town and an Italian fishing settlement.
Driving to or from Alicante is pleasant. Take the A-7 motorway from the French border; alternatively, the national route N-340 links Alicante to Barcelona and Valencia City. Trains run from Barcelona, Valencia City and Madrid to Alicante. Alsa runs five or six buses a day to Alicante from Madrid. Enatcar runs eleven buses a day from Barcelona. Many visitors arrive through the international El Altet Airport, about 10kms southwest of the city centre.
