Alicante

Alicante’s very new, well-organized cruise terminal runs free shuttle buses to the Volvo Ocean Race Museum, a two minute walk from the beautiful Alicante promenade. Alternatively, it is a 15-minute walk from the ship to the promenade beside the marina.

The promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants. In the busy Port Area, the Volvo Ocean Race Museum offers a free, family-friendly exploration of the 42-year history of sailing’s most prestigious around-the-world race.

Distance depends on the berth: smaller ships tie up within walking distance of the port gates, while larger ones are served by shuttle bus. The 700 meter pier accommodates two large ships at the same time.

There are wonderful beaches nearby, including one by the port exit behind the Melia Hotel.

Alicante is hottest in July and August.

In the heart of the Costa Blanca, Alicante is one of the Spanish east coast’s most important tourist destinations. Its many golf courses and the Mediterranean Sea’s tranquil waters add to the charm of this beautiful harbour city, set below the Castle of Santa Barbara, a silent witness to the many civilizations that have settled there.

At the base of the fortress, the historic quarter contains a notable religious and civil architectural legacy. This includes the emblematic Explanada de España (Spain boulevard), a traditional leisure area for residents. Alicante also has deeply rooted traditions, including the Moors and Christians festivities and the Night of San Juan. Rice is central to its delicious cuisine and is prepared in a million different ways.

Alicante has long beaches for sport or sun tanning. Its newer district has cafés and shops, while the old section includes sights such as the Church of Santa Maria and Castle of Santa Barbara.

The tourist office is located at Avenida Rambla Mendez Nuñez, 23.

Alicante is ideal for leisurely walks.

Castle Santa Barbara is a 13th-century hilltop castle more than 500 feet above Alicante. There is not much to do there, but the magnificent views make a visit worthwhile. An elevator near the port costs €2.80 (map); otherwise, entry is free. On hot days, elevator queues can be long.

The specially equipped Turibus runs city tours from 10am to 6pm and carries up to 80 passengers. Its all-day 10 Euro ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel. Stops cover Plaza del Mar, Archaeological Museum, Sta Barbara Castle, Central Market, Luceros, Renfe Station, Maisonnave, the shopping area, the Theatre and the Rambla. The bus carries maps and pamphlets on Alicante’s history and sites, and supplies a recorded guided tour in 3 languages. It does not normally operate in winter, although it makes an exception when a cruise ship is in town...

Elche, capital of Bajo Vinalopó (El Baix Vinalopò) in Alicante, has a historic quarter retaining aspects of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Its World Heritage Site palm grove is complemented by two celebrations declared of International Tourist Interest: “Domingo de Ramos” (Palm Sunday) and the “Mystery of Elche”. UNESCO has declared the Festa d’Elx (Festival of Elche) a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Nature reserves, coastal towns and prestigious gastronomy are further reasons Elche is a must...

Guadalest is a mountain village about 65km (40 miles) north of Alicante, roughly one and a half hours away by car. Travel time depends on the driver’s route: the fairly direct main road is not very interesting, while another route is more scenic. The village also has a couple of very interesting small museums.

Isla de Tabarca lies around 15km to 20km south of Alicante as the seagull flies. A visit makes a pleasant day trip, both for the boat ride and the island. Daily summer boats travel from Alicante and Torrevieja, with less regular sailings throughout the year.

The Rambla de Méndez Núñez is Alicante’s traditional shopping district, a lively street with a strong selection of shops and a slice of local life. Between The Rambla and Avenida de Frederico Soto, independently owned shops mix with café bars and restaurants. Shoes, jewellery, fashion clothing and home-decoration items are available here.

Alicante’s varied, delicious rice dishes have great personality. The sea supplies fish prepared in myriad ways, while the countryside offers incomparable fruit and vegetables. Baked goods are exceptional too, particularly the “turrones”.

The currency is the euro.

Spanish is the official language across the national territory. Other languages coexist with it in parts of Spain: Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Euskera/Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencia Region, and a particular Catalan variety on the Balearic Islands.

Throughout Spain, 112 is the free emergency number. Assistance is in Spanish and, in certain tourist areas, also English, French and German.

Typical shop and business hours are Monday through Saturday, 9.30 h to 13.30 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h.

Large shopping centres and department stores generally trade uninterrupted from 10.00 h to 21.00 or 22.00 h, and sometimes open on Sunday.

In high season, coastal-city shops are usually open past 22.00 h.

Pharmacies generally open 9.30 to 13.30 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h. Every major city has 24-hour pharmacies. A rolling late-hour rota, published in newspapers, is displayed at all pharmacies.