Advice

Let’s take a quick break to tell you about some other points of interest that couldn’t be included in the itinerary. Just 7 kilometres from the city centre is the Monastery of Santa Faz, home to a 15th-century relic brought from the Vatican. According to tradition, it’s the cloth said to have been used by a woman, often known as Veronica or Berenice, to wipe the face of Christ on his way to Calvary. If you feel like venturing a bit further, the village of Guadalest is about an hour’s drive away and often ranks among the most beautiful in Spain. The journey alone is worth it for the dramatic mountain views, but the star attraction is the castle, carved right into the rock, with its famous bell tower that stands all on its own! If you thought you had to travel to Bolivia or Chile to see salt flats and colourful lakes, think again. Just outside Alicante, the Laguna de Torrevieja puts on a stunning natural show. The colour of the water shifts depending on the time of day and season, creating a unique and ever-changing landscape. For something a little out of the ordinary, head to the Canelobre Caves, 23 kilometres away from Alicante in the small town of Busot. Deep inside these dramatic caves, you’ll see ancient limestone formations shaped over thousands of years by the steady trickle of water. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a stone cathedral at the heart of the Earth, it’s a must for budding cave explorers! One of the most popular day trips is to Tabarca Island, which you can reach by boat from Alicante’s port, or in just 15 minutes from Santa Pola. The island has lovely beaches, wild coves, a charming little harbour, plenty of sea life, and excellent seafood restaurants. History buffs should visit the Lucentum archaeological site, just 3 kilometres from the city centre and easily accessible by tram. Located in the Tossal de Manises area, it’s where the ancient Iberian-Roman city of Lucentum, the original name for Alicante, once stood. If you’re after more untouched and natural beaches, head 40 kilometres south of Alicante to Guardamar. It’s easy to reach, even by bus if you don’t have a car. Unlike other seaside resorts, this beach is surrounded by nature, particularly to the north where the Guardamar dunes stretch out on either side of the Segura River. That’s where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches. They’re a little harder to access, but that’s the price of feeling like Robinson Crusoe! Finally, let’s not forget that Spain is a country to visit by day, but to live by night. That’s especially true in Alicante. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life with bustling streets, tapas bars, lively terraces and one of the best nightlife scenes in the country. Whether you're in the mood for dinner, dancing or just soaking up the buzz, you’re sure to find something to carry you through the night. So there you have it, there’s plenty to see and do if you decide to stick around in the region.