Alicante Travel Guide

81km (50 miles) N of Murcia, 40km (25 miles) S of Benidorm, 172km (107 miles) S of Valencia, 417km (259 miles) SE of Madrid

Alicante (Alacant in Valenciano), capital of the Costa Blanca, is popular in both summer and winter, especially with Brits and northern Europeans who have been coming here in droves since the mid–20th century. The compact city combines an atmospheric old quarter, a dramatic and historic bluff-top fortress, a sparkling yacht harbor, and excellent beaches. The waterfront promenade is a delight of swirl-patterned pavements. Large numbers of African immigrants, many of whom wear the dress of sub-Saharan Africa, give the city an international air.

Playa San Juan, the largest beach in Alicante, is 5km (3 miles) east of the old city and can be quickly reached by tram. It is lined with villas, hotels, and restaurants. The bay of Alicante has two capes, and on the bay is Playa Postiguet ♥, at the foot of the bluff topped by a castle. The bay stretches all the way to the Cape of Santa Pola, a town with two good beaches, a 14th-century castle, and several seafood restaurants.