Alicante
Alicante (Alicante), considered the pearl of the Costa Blanca (Costa Blanca). The local population does not exceed 330 thousand people, and in the season it attracts up to half a million tourists, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Here is what to do regardless of the time of year.
In the last few years, Alicante has become especially popular among tourists. In the list of preferences of tourists in the hot sun, pristine beaches, clear sea water, unique architecture and world famous festivals.
The landscape of Mallorca is mountainous, with significant elevation changes, by the Mediterranean sea. The coastline is represented by the beaches of El Postiguet (El Postiguet), San Juan (Playa de San Juan), La Almadraba (La Almadraba), El Saladar (El Saladar), La Albufereta (La'albufereta). Between the last two is a picturesque Cabo de Las Huertas (Calas de Cabo de las Huertas), with many bays. The city is located between two rivers – Monnegre and Rambla de Las Ovejas (Monnegre y Rambla de las Ovejas). Alicante is considered the Mecca of a beach holiday.
The spiritual symbol of Alicante is recognized as the Fortress of St. Barbara (Castillo de Santa Barbara), located on the most high and steep rock Benacantil (Benacantil). A few centuries ago the hill had strategic importance in creating defensive structures. Today is a popular historic landmark with large viewing platforms.
The main religious sanctuary of the city recognized as the monastery of the Holy Veronica and the Face (Monasterio de Santa Faz). The walls of the building holds more than 100 relics representing a world value. Annually in may to visit the majestic temple committed tens of thousands of pilgrims.
The oldest Church of the city of Santa Maria (Basilica de Santa Maria de Alicante), the temple was founded in the XIV century on the ruins of an Islamic mosque.
Special attention is given Cathedral. Nicholas de Bari (Catedral San Nicolás de Bari), made in the unique style arabesco.
Alicante will provide residents and tourists a rich cultural program. The Gravina Museum of fine arts (Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina) keeps a large collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists. Provincial archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante) in 2004 was awarded the title of "Best Museum of Europe".
The main street of Barcelona – Rambla de Méndez Núñez. On it, move the procession to the religious holidays are official parades and folk carnivals.
A bright strip between the sea and the town is the promenade of Alicante Esplanade (Esplanada dEspanya). The city has many walking parks with exotic vegetation, artificial ponds and comfortable benches.
Outdoor enthusiasts not only during the day but at night will find a lot of ways boring pastime. In the cosy bars on the seafront daily themed party. The repertoire includes jazz and Blues.
Summer holidays and festivals are held almost every day. Especially spectacular is the Night of San Juan or the Night of Lights (Hogueres de Sant Joan), a night in the centre and around the city palyatsya thousands of fires, celebrated this holiday from 20 to 24 June.
Fans of beach holidays will be pleasantly surprised by the range of offerings. For relaxation under the hot sun in the family circle will fit Postiguet. Lovers of water sports will find on the nearby beaches equipped with all necessary modern requirements, boats, yachts, sailboats, canoes and kayaks, kite surfing and much more.
A must to visit with children is the amusement Park Terra Mitica (Terra Mitica), it is 40 km from Alicante. Many attractions for all ages, stalls with toys, play centres and the cafeteria will allow you to spend an unforgettable time.
National cuisine of Alicante is rich in exotic ingredients, original combinations of spices irritate the taste buds long before falling into the mouth. Especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine. Culinary culture of the city is impressive and diverse. In the list of main dishes, seafood, fish, chicken, rice, vegetables, garlic. The chef at any restaurant – Spanish paella, each Maestro adds its own flavor – saffron, smoke, etc. in Great demand in food institutions enjoy fried shrimp. Central market (Mercado Central de Alicante) is the best place in town to purchase fresh and quality products.
The major shopping malls of Alicante Plaza del Mar, El Corte Ingles, Gran Via, Puerta del Mar. Systematic promotions and sales will help to buy branded items at competitive prices, and after an exhausting shopping dining and entertainment are available here. For Souvenirs and Antiques should go to the old part of town CASCO Antiguo Santa Cruz (Casco Antiguo-Santa Cruz)..
Alicante has its own seaport, in which the court regularly arriving cargo and passenger purposes. The port is open and working all year round. Approximately 12 km from the centre of the city is the international Alicante airport “El Altet”. From Russia to El Altet airport arrive regular flights of airline S7 (Sibir) and Aeroflot. Urban public transport is represented by comfortable buses, each stop has a schedule and map of routes. It is very convenient to move around on the train, tram, aka Tren-Tram, which runs along the sea with beautiful views, hills and tunnels.
Authorities Alicante create ideal conditions for conducting small and medium business. Priority investment areas – the beach, the export of olive oil, wine and citrus. Coastal construction and the food sector also profitable segments of the economy. Good location cafe or restaurant delivers a consistently high revenue throughout the year.
In Alicante a high standard of living, favourable climate, superior environment and natural products. The lack of daily stress suffered by residents of cities, and the tolerant attitude of the Spaniards with other nationalities and religions makes the city ideal for regular life.
