Alicante: A Guide to Sightseeing

By Peter J. Wilson

SUMMARY: There are many opportunities for sightseeing in Alicante. The area is home to several museums and old churches. You will have the opportunity to experience Spanish heritage and culture here. The beaches remain one of the most popular attractions in the summer. The shops and cafes of the harbour area are a great place to eat, relax and shop.

Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencia Province. The city is a major tourist attraction and there are many opportunities for sightseeing in Alicante. Over six million tourists visit the Costa Blanca region each year. Many of them enter the region through the Alicante airport and spend some time in the city.

Sightseeing in Alicante: Attractions

The Old City centre is home to many museums and historic buildings. There is so much to see and do in this area to experience Spanish history and culture. It takes days to see all that the area has to offer. Plan to spend a few days of your trip in this area, taking in all the sights.

The Nativity Scene Museum is located on San Augustin Street. The museum features hundreds of Nativity scenes on display from all over the world. Kids and people who love Christmas will love this museum. Admission is free. This attraction is popular even in the summer tourist season.

The Concathedral of San Nicolas de Bari is an amazing old Cathedral. The large blue dome on the church is a landmark in the city. There is a large black marble sculpture of Saint Nicholas in the entrance of the church. It is also home to the Bishop of the Province.

The Avenida del Teatro is a huge theatre. It has large, Roman style columns at the entrance. The theatre is a great place to go for evening entertainment. A variety of shows and plays can be seen in this theatre.

The Castle of Santa Barbara is one of the largest Medieval fortresses in Europe. It was built by the Moors in the ninth century. There is a great view of the city from the tower. The castle is full of local history. Artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age have been found at the site. There is an amazing display of Spanish sculpture inside the castle.

Alicante has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the night life. The Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Old Quarter is a great place to experience the city at night. The area has a Medieval style feeling. There are a lot of bars and pubs in the area. If you enjoy music and abundant nightlife, be sure to visit the Old Quarter at least one night of your stay in the city.

Sightseeing in Alicante: Shopping and Beaches

The beaches are the biggest attraction in Alicante. The Costa Blanca has the longest summer season in Spain and is the best place to enjoy the sun. There is a promenade near the beach that is lined with palm trees. There are several sidewalk cafes here for eating and enjoying the beautiful weather.

The Plaza Nueva Alicante is a little aquarium in this area of the city. It is surrounded with palm trees and a modern display. The aquarium is a great place to relax and take a break from sightseeing.

There are many small and large stores for shopping throughout the city. The harbour and old city area have an abundance of small shops as well as El Corte Ingles, which is a large department store chain. In addition, there are local craftspeople along the waterfront selling a variety of crafts.

Alicante also has a large shopping mall. The Panoramis Shopping Mall is located near the harbour. It is similar to malls found in America, with a large variety of stores for shopping. In addition to the great shopping, the mall offers a beautiful view of the harbour area.

The Real Club de Regatas, or Royal Regatta Club is located in this area as well. Members of the Spanish Royal Family have been known to visit the club. You may get lucky and get a glimpse of royalty during your visit.