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Alicante Attractions
Beaches
Alicante’s beaches are the one of the main reasons so many people flock to the Costa Blanca each year to spend some time relaxing in the sun. One sandy beach leads to another in Alicante but the beach closest to the city centre is Postiguet beach which has rows of palm trees set amid an array of services. Other beaches in the area are: the southern El Saladar beach, Albufereta beach which is popular for water sports and swimming, and the beautiful San Juan beach.
Cathedral of St Nicholas of Bari
The Cathedral was built between 1616 and 1662 with elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles shining through. There are also parts of the former 15th century building that was built over the previously-existing mosque. The Cathedral also has a dome which reaches almost 50 metres into Alicante’s sky.
Santa Barbara Castle
Situated on the Benacantil Mountain Santa Barbara is an imposing castle that overlooks Alicante and out to sea. The Castle dates back to the ninth century when the area was under Moorish control. The building has seen much fighting over the years with a number of conquest attempts and battles. The Castle has been used as a prison at times, although today it is open to the public as a tourist attraction and features various displays and exhibits.
St Mary’s Church
Built in a Gothic style from the 14th to the 16th century, St Mary’s church is the oldest church in Alicante. The church is typically ornate and elaborate as are many Spanish churches; it is adorned with various gold figures and other items. The church also holds pieces of art which have been dreamt up throughout the past few hundred years.
Provincial Archaeology Museum
The Museum houses various items found in the surrounding areas throughout the years. There is an emphasis on Iberian art and there are also Roman finds and Islamic collections. The Museum itself came into existence in 1932 and originally took in pieces from the nearby Torremanzanas, El Campello and Alicante areas.
Panteón de Quijano
Built in the mid-19th century the gardens centre on a mound with an obelisk in the middle which contains the body of a former governor.
Teatro Principal
The Main Theatre was completed in 1847 and is a spectacular example of the architecture of its day.
Plaza de Toros
Built in 1849 Alicante’s bullring is thought to be one of the oldest still used today. The arena often welcomes large crowds who come to watch the fights which are a central part of the Spanish culture.
Monasterio de la Santa Faz
This 16th century monastery is now a nunnery which is located just outside the city centre. Some have made pilgrimages to this site in the past adding a further sense of awe and occasion to the building.
Nativity Museum
This Museum contains a variety of nativity scenes made by some of Spain’s best nativity artists. Also featured is a life-size nativity scene.
Capa Collection
Located within the walls of Santa Barbara Castle, this collection features sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection is thought to be one of the largest in Spain with around 700 different sculptures.