The affluent city at the Spanish Mediterranean has both interesting buildings and monuments and beautiful beaches. Sights include: the baroque town hall, the huge Santa Barbara Castle, San Fernando Castle, which dates from the 19th century, and the ruins at "Tossal de Manises", which bear evidence to the origins of Alicante. The Spanish port has many opulent town houses, countless churches and two palaces - Gravina Palace and the palace that houses the regional government.

Tips for excursions

Tour of Alicante

Tour of the city centre to the Santa Barbara Castle from the 16th century, with panoramic views of the city and bay. Inside the fortress a visit to the exhibition showing ancient finds from the Roman era. The trip is rounded off with a visit to the historic part of the city with its baroque town hall. Visit to the church of St. Nicholas.

Elche and the palm grove

Coach tour of Alicante along the Paseo des Puerto with its sumptuous mosaics depicting the sea, to the Piazza Luceros with its fountains. Then onwards to the town of Elche, famous for its palm grove. Visit to the Huerto del Curo park with its various species of palm tree, fountains and a pond - all heavily influenced by Arabic culture.

Shopping in Guadelest

Trip through orange and avocado plantations to the village of Guadalest with its 200-strong population, site of Islamic fortified cities and a cliff-top castle with views of the surrounding mountains. In the heart of the village there is a large market which is reminiscent of an oriental bazaar. The excursion incorporates time for shopping.