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Alicante, the second largest city in the Valencia region, is one of those Spanish cities that knows how to reinvent itself. It used to be a port that didn't hold any interest at all but today it's an attractive and authentic Spanish city with a fun nightlife, delicious paellas, and a cultural offering with shops that will truly surprise you. We like the authentic and we like the Mediterranean. That's why Vueling flies with you to Alicante.
Here are some suggestions to get the most out of your trip:
Hotels in Alicante
Hotels are a fundamental component of your trip. Here are a few suggestions that are all an experience.
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Mediterranea Plaza
Located at only 100 meters from the Postiguet beach and the entertainment center of the port of Alicante, the Mediterranea Plaza hotel is situated ideally.
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Hotel Ámerigo
Formerly a Dominican convent, later a business office complex, and more recently a block of flats, this building that houses this boutique hotel has been completely remodelled. The decor combines the solemnity of a convent with a design that's simple and modern. It has a terrace where you can enjoy fantastic views of the castle of Alicante and it's next to the maritime walkway, "La Explanada".
c/ Rafael Altamira 7
03002 Alicante
Tel.: (+34) 965 146 570
fax: (+34) 965 146 571
www.hospes.es
Hostal Les Monges Palace
They say that staying in this family establishment is like coming in a client and leaving like a friend; it's probably because of its family-like atmosphere. What's indicative of this is that there are people who make reservations up to a year in advance. Every room has its own decorative style. If you would like something a bit «more», ask for the Japanese style suite with the jacuzzi and sauna.
c/ San Agustín 4
Tel.: (+34) 965 21 50 46
fax: (+34) 965 14 71 89
03002 Alicante
info@lesmonges.net
Huerto del Cura
Even though it's not exactly in Alicante proper (in Elche), we are including this hotel for its beauty. El Huerto del Cura is one of the most charming hotels of the Valencian Community. Its rooms are perfectly integrated to look onto a palm grove and designed like bungalows in an oasis-like landscape.
Porta de la Morera, 14
03203 Elche
Tel.: (+34) 966 612 050
fax: (+34) 966 612 060
www.huertodelcura.com
reservas@huertodelcura.com
Hotel NH Cristal
In line with its "executive look", the NH is very close to the Rambla de Méndez Núñez and the Explanada de España. It's in the heart of a shopping centre where city services are available, and next to the historic district and city hall. They usually have good prices on weekends.
c/ Tomás López Torregrosa, 11
Tel.: (+34) 965 143 659
nhcristal@nh-hotels.com
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Airport de Alicante
The Altet Airport is located 12km from Alicante. You can get to downtown by taking a taxi, which you can find in front of the terminal exits. A taxi will cost between 14 -18€. Another option is to go by bus; they leave every hour from the bus stop in front of the terminal exits. The price of the bus pass is 1, 20€. For more information:
Alicante airport
Buses: (+34) 966 919 100
Taxis: (+34) 965 910 123
Restaurants in Alicante
The people of Valencia say that the best paella is a Valencian paella but when asked about a paella from Alicante, their mouths begin to water. Here we'll tell you where to find those paellas, along with some other suggestions.
PiripiThis is the place to be if you want authentic tapas, impeccable rice dishes, and seafood. All the ingredients come from small vegetable gardens in the local area so there is no doubt you will eat the freshest products around. The turrón mousse of Jijona (marzipan/nougat made with almonds and honey) they make here is famous. Avenida Oscar Esplá 30 03003 tel: (+34) 965 227 940
Nou ManolínWhen the gastronomic guru Ferran Adria visits Alicante, he doesn't leave without eating at Nou Manolín; «there are few places that are so Mediterranean and modern». Nou Manolín is classified as one of the indispensable restaurants in Levante's gastronomy. From an impressive entrance, it welcomes its clients with a complete bar; one that's difficult to compete with and described as one of the best in the world. What more can we say? c/ Villegas, 3, tel: 965 200 368
DársenaIt's located in the Puerto Deportivo and it's all a kingdom of rice. The menu has more than a hundred different types of rice served with beef, vegetables, fish, etc. The star dish is rice with lobster and the Abanda with prawns. If you're feeling extra indulgent, don't miss the fried milk with turrón flavoured ice cream. Puerto, Marina de Deportiva. Muelle de Levante, 6 tel: (+34) 965 207 589
El JumillanoThis is an authentic classic. Their specialities are ox-tail stew and Jumilano-style gazpacho. The shish ka-bobs are another specialty of theirs, made of fuet (a type of Spanish cured meat), hard-boiled eggs, Morron pimentos, tuna, and artichokes. These can be accompanied by one of the wines from their cellar. It is closed on Sunday nights. c/ César Elguezábal, 62 tel: (+34) 965 212 964
IF YOU GO OUT AT NIGHT...
Prepare to struggle against the temptations of the night if you were planning on relaxing quietly. Alicante's nightlife is surprisingly fun and varied. To start with, we suggest two places:
Desdén Café Bar
If what moves you in life is jazz-fusion-flamenco-funk, this is the place to be in Alicante. Without a doubt, it will make you happy. It's a great place to hear really good music, have a few drinks, and grab a bite to eat.
Calle Labradores 22 03002
tel: (+34) 965 143 323
Celestial CopasCelestial Copas is one of those places that will surprise you for its character. Good music and a peculiar kitsch-religious decor are the main reasons for the success of this place. Calle San Pascual 1 El Barrio
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Business hours in Alicante
Nearly all of the stores are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, although most stores stay closed Saturday and Sunday afternoons. In the more tourist areas and during peak season, you'll find many shops open until much later every day of the week.
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Don't miss... in Alicante
MARQ (Provincial Museum of Archaeology)The MARQ was nominated to European Museum of 2004 and won for its "originality and intelligent" system of exhibition. This makes it the only Spanish museum, along with the Guggenheim of Bilbao, to achieve this international recognition. The museum has a splendid collection of ceramics and Iberian art presented in a very visual manner where technology plays a fundamental role in the exhibits. Plaza Doctor Gómez Ulla s/n La Goteta Tel: 96 514 90 06
www.marqalicante.com/
Explanada de EspañaTrying to count every one of the tiny squares that comprise the Paseo de la Explanada de España would be a tough assignment. Its origin is from the last century and it was known as Malecón (like the one in La Habana, Cuba) and Mártires de la Libertad. It was in 1957 when the new pavement was renovated using more than six and a half million tiny marble squares. The pavement was renovated again at the end of the 20th century. La Explanada is the ideal place to feel the city's pulse, which is flanked by palm trees, cafes, ice cream shops, restaurants, and some or other improvisational artist.
Castillo de Santa BárbaraIf the ocean is basic part of life for the Alicante people, Mount Benacantil, upon which the Santa Barbara castle rests, also comprises one of the key points of the city. To get there, you take a lift from Playa del Postiguet or you can go by car. The view from the top is the best view of the city. But before climbing all 166 metres of rock, don't miss the view from the area called "cara del moro", which looks like a human face.
Elche (Elx)A few kilometres from Alicante, you'd think you'd found the oasis of the Sahara in the middle of a palm tree forest but you are in the city of Elche (Elx in Valencian). Its palm grove, declared a patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO is, with more than 200,000 trees, a unique landscape in Europe. Also, its Dama de Elche, masterwork of Iberian art, as is the Misteri d'Elx, the latest live testimony to medieval religious theatre (held every year from August to November) are many reasons not to miss it.
Isla de TabarcaThis little island is 17 km from the city of Alicante and is the perfect day escape that gives you the chance to take a dip in its crystal clear waters. The sub tropic traits of the waters constantly invite you to take a swim. If you like diving, it offers an abundant panorama of schools of fish, starfish, and a large variety of algae that form an incredible range of colours. It was formerly used as a base for Berber pirates and today you can walk around its medieval fortress.
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