Alicante

Thanks to their inviting white-sand beaches and thriving nightlife, there is a concentration of excellent hotels within a short stroll of the sea, with an array of establishments jostling for prime coastal position. With easy access to the beach and a central location, the five-star Hospes Amérigo (Calle de Rafael Altamira 7) offers a rooftop spa with phenomenal vistas of Alicante Cathedral and Santa Bárbara Castle. For views of the harbour the Meliá Alicante (Plaza del Puerto 3) is hard to beat and is popular among yachties from around Europe, while the Hotel Bahia (Calle de Gravina 16) may be a more modest option but sacrifices little when it comes to its coastal location.

The Rambla de Méndez Núñez and the Maisonnave area act as the central hubs for Alicante’s mainstream shopping opportunities, although for something that’s a little more in keeping with how the locals do it then make for the Merdaco Central on the Avenida de Alfonso el Sabio. Fresh produce abounds courtesy of local traders, while lying adjacent you can find a delectable little square that is full of flower stalls. On Thursdays and Saturdays witness local street markets Campoamor, Carolinas and Benalúa y Babel, whilst on Sunday mornings the Town Hall Square plays host to a vast flea market. For fashionable bargains of the footwear nature head to Botticelli (Avenida Maisonnave 9), or try Plaza Mar 2 Shopping Centre (Avenida de Denia 1) for a wide array of goods.

Tapas is of course the main style of dining in Alicante, which is permeated by many welcoming tavernas and beachside cafés. For some of the city’s best tapas try La Taberna del Gourmet (Calle San Fernando 10), although if you prefer something a little more contemporary El Portal (Calle de Bilbao 2) is worth a visit. Fresh seafood is found in abundance thanks to the city’s coastal setting, with the paella and fish on offer at the classy Restaurante Dársena (Muelle de Levante 6) a real highlight. Ibéricos (Calle Gerona 5) is great for a delicious yet cheap lunch, with a decent tapas selection and Iberian-style sandwiches.

Events

Alicante Carnival

February

Enjoy this festival that spans three weeks, kicked off by the Don Carnal and Dona Cuaresma plays. A colourful parade marks the main event on 2 February, which vibrantly winds its way through the city’s streets.

Pilgrimage of the Holy Visage

April

Around 200,000 pilgrims from around the world descend on Alicante on the second Thursday after Easter to worship at the Monastery of the Santa Faz. Participants carry the traditional pilgrim’s cane and wear orchard-worker blousons as they complete the journey up to the monastery.

Fogueres de Sant Joan

June

This festival marks the beginning of summer in a celebration of St John that dates back hundreds of years. St Barbara Castle is the setting for the bonfires and fireworks that follow the burning of a number of satirical papier mâché statues.

Festival de Jazz de Alicante

July-August

Throughout the months of July and August the international jazz elite flock to Alicante for a series of concerts and events. There are plenty of free street performances throughout the city, marking the long-running festival.

Virgen del Socorro

September

The Raval neighbourhood sees an annual parade pass through its streets in honour of the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. If you’re planning on being in Alicante around the beginning of September the music, dancing and fireworks are well worth checking out.