The Castle of Santa Barbara is a large fortress that was the 12th century work of Muslim geographer Al-Idrisi. The Castle sits on Mount Benacantil in the centre of Alicante. It was built as a fortification for the Spanish city and surrounding area. The Castle has been a witness of many sieges and battles. In the 18th century it was occasionally used as a prison. Some elevators were installed in the mountain and the Castle was opened to the public in 1963.
St Mary's Church (Iglesia de Santa Maria)
Iglesia de Santa Maria is a cathedral in a gothic style that was built in the 14th and 16th century over the remains of an old Moorish Mosque. Outstanding features at the church are the Rococo style altar, the greatly adorned Baroque portal and a variety or art objects dating back to the 15th century.
Co-Cathedral of St Nicholas Bari
The co-cathedral of St Nicholas is the main church in Alicante and exhibits a striking combination of baroque and renaissance features. The church has a beautiful blue dome and is located in the centre of the Old Town. It also forms the seat of the bishop.
Gravina Palace
The Gravina Palace is located in the Old Town of Alicante and is home to the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts. Built between 1748 and 1808, it boasts a rich collection of Spanish artworks. The museum also has an auditorium and a lounge with permanent exhibits depicting the history of the building of the Gravina Palace.
San Juan Beach (Playa de San Juan)
San Juan is a spectacular beach located to the north of Alicante. This beach falls within the two municipalities of Alicante and El Campello. It is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. This is considered the best beach of Alicante where one can indulge in swimming, sunbathing and adventurous water sports.
Canalejas Park (Parque Canalejas)
This is the oldest green park in Alicante and is home to a huge collection of rubber plants. It was developed by architect Gonzolez Altus in the year 1886. At the entrance, stone sculptures of lions and dogs greet all visitors. The park is also adorned with fountains from within. The map of Spain, carved on stone is another attraction in the park. A monument of writer Carlos Arniches can also be found within the park.
Island of Tabarca (Isla de Tabarca)
The Tabarca Island is located at a distance of 11 nautical miles from Alicante. These waters surrounding the isle have been declared Mediterranean marine nature reserve. The island has the distinction of being the smallest and a permanently inhabited island of Alicante. It is a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the pristine waters surrounding the island.
Castle of San Fernando (Castillo de San Fernando)
On the low Tossal hill, the castle of San Fernando was built at the start of the 19th century. This is the smaller one of the two Alicante Castles. The castle is a popular spot for relaxation, sightseeing and leisure.
Alicante Marina (Puerto deportivo de Alicante)
The Alicante Marina is a popular hotspot on the Costa Blanca. The place is full of entertainment with restaurants, cafes and a shopping centre. It is also the perfect destination to spend hours gazing at the luxury yachts and private boats