Alicante, Spanien

Alicante's strategic harbour has drawn settlers since the Iberian and Greek eras (Akra Leuke, 324 BC). The Romans called it Lucentum. The Moors built the Santa Bárbara castle on Mount Benacantil. After the Christian reconquest in 1248, the city became an important Mediterranean trading port. During the Civil War, Alicante was the last Republican city to fall (March 1939) — the port was the final point of Republican evacuation. The postwar tourism boom transformed the Costa Blanca, and Alicante's airport became one of Spain's busiest. Today the city balances tourism, a large expat community, a growing tech sector, and its role as the Costa Blanca's capital.

Alicante's cuisine is Mediterranean and rice-based. Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock, served with alioli) is the local rice classic. Turrón de Alicante (hard nougat) and turrón de Jijona (soft nougat) from the nearby town of Jijona are Spain's most famous Christmas sweets — factory visits available. Coca de dacsa (a cornmeal flatbread), tellinas (small clams) and fresh fish from the market complete the picture. The Mercado Central and the bars along the Explanada serve well. Feste: Hogueras de San Juan (June 20–24 — bonfires, fireworks, giant figures burned), Semana Santa (Easter — processions through the old town), Moros y Cristianos (various dates — mock battles in towns across the province). Museen: MARQ (Museo Arqueológico Provincial — European Museum of the Year), MACA (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina.

Sicherheit: Alicante is safe. Standard precautions around the port and Postiguet beach. The old town (Santa Cruz) is quiet at night. Emergency: 112. Sprache: Spanish and Valencian are co-official. English widely spoken in tourist areas and the expat community. German and Scandinavian languages common in the Costa Blanca. Währung: EUR. Cards accepted at most businesses. Cash useful at markets, beach bars and smaller restaurants.

Alicante lives between its castle and its sea. The Castillo de Santa Bárbara — one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses — sits on Mount Benacantil (166 m) directly above the city centre, reachable by lift through the rock. From the ramparts, the view stretches across the turquoise Mediterranean, the port, the Postiguet beach below, and the mountains behind. The Explanada de España, a mosaic-tiled promenade under palm trees, runs along the harbour and is the centre of evening life. The old town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) climbs the hill behind in whitewashed houses with coloured shutters, bougainvillea and narrow staircases. The Mercado Central, built in 1921 in eclectic style, sells fish, produce and local specialities. Alicante's climate is one of Europe's driest and mildest — over 300 sunny days and average winter temperatures of 12–17°C — drawing a large community of British, Scandinavian and German retirees to the surrounding Costa Blanca. The city is the gateway to resort towns like Benidorm, Jávea, Dénia and Calpe. The MARQ (Museo Arqueológico Provincial) won European Museum of the Year. Alicante-Elche Airport is one of Spain's busiest.