Spain is all about beach resorts, right? Sombreros and straw donkeys? Wrong! Spain is so much more than the Costa Del Sol, in fact the country is dripping in culture, history and is home to some wonderful cities. One of those cities, in my opinion, is Alicante. Perfectly situated near to some of said coastal resorts, it gives the best of both worlds, and that’s something few cities can boast.
This colourful, bustling city is the capital of the famous Costa Blanca, bathed in sunshine and busy year around. I think one of the great things about Alicante is that it’s still quite Spanish in a lot of ways, which isn’t something you often find with the influx of tourism.
Flights head over to Alicante regularly throughout the year, and there are many great deals to be had, with many low-cost airlines getting in on the action. Save even more money, to put to great use on holiday, by pre-booking airport extras. I stumbled up on the idea of airport parking a few years ago, and have used it ever since. I find the peace of mind and convenience a godsend on those busy travel days, so I’d recommend you look into it. Try Parking at Heathrow or Airport Parking Luton when heading out of the Capital, and see for yourself just how much you could save.
There is so much to do in Alicante and the surrounding area that you’ll need to pace yourself! There are many great beaches nearby and I’d recommend hiring a car if you can, as this makes it much easier to get to the beach, and also gives you the freedom to explore further afield. The main beach can get very crowded in summer, so I’d recommend getting there early to bag your spot.
In the city itself, you’ll find many museums and galleries for culture vultures to explore, and the old town is definitely somewhere I’d recommend. Also be sure to head to Castillo de Santa Barbara, which is hard to miss as it sits high above skyline with amazing panoramic views – perfect for those holiday snaps.
Are you like me and very much into shopping? Well this is a city, so get ready to spend! El Corte Ingles is a huge department store to spend, spend, spend in, as well many other stores around the city. This is where those saved Euros from airport parking will come in extremely handy! Check out East Midlands Airport Parking and see for yourself, however this service is offered at most major UK airports, so nobody misses out.
Nightlife in any city is often varied, and that certainly rings true in Alicante, with plenty of colour, sparkle and noise. I’d really recommend heading to a traditional Spanish restaurant and sampling some original food whilst you’re in the country, with paella delicious and famous the world over. However, if that’s not for you, there are plenty of international restaurants and many tapas bars.
When you’ve eaten, chilled-out and it’s time to party, head to one of the city’s many bars and clubs to dance the night away, or listen to some live music at one of the various venues.
This Spanish city is a great base for a holiday destination, and a wonderful blend of city life and resort life too. What are you waiting for? Viva Espana!
