Nightlife

A town devoted to the pursuit of hot times, Alicante never lacks a bar. You can find alcohol and socializing at almost any time of the day or night. One of the town's densest concentrations of watering holes lies adjacent to the port. Night owls wander from one bar to the next along the length of Muelle del Puerto (a stretch of pavement also known as the Explanada d'Espanya). There are at least 20 spots that rock through the night. The most popular and visible are Bar Potato, where tapas are consumed with something approaching vigor, and Puerto di Rana. Their addresses are all Muelle del Puerto s/n, and they have no phones. Also consider the bar at one of our favorite restaurants, La Dársena.

Alternatively, walk through the narrow streets of Alicante's Casco Antiguo. Streets particularly rich in bodegas and tavernas include Calle Laboradores, Calle Cien Fuegos, and Plaza Santísima Faz. We usually prefer to wander aimlessly through this district, popping in and out wherever we feel most comfortable. If you want to plan ahead, consider El Mesón, at Calle Laboradores 23.

The busiest club is La Sal, Calle Labradores 5 (no phone), filled with both foreigners and Spaniards. The packed bar is open only Friday and Sunday 10:30pm to 4am.

The leading dance club is Astrónomo, Calle Virgen de Belén at Calle Padres Maltés (tel. 96-514-35-22). Actions flow across two floors, and the music is often house or pop. Across the street is a gated outdoor terrace for use in summer. Open only Thursday to Saturday 11pm to 4am.