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ALICANTE-COSTA
BLANCA
Lying
on the Eastern coast of Spain, Alicante has it
all: parties, discos, festivals, castles - and
if that isn't enough - hot sun, white sand
beaches and a turquoise sea. Of course,
something so good can't stay hidden for ever,
and Alicante and the towns along the Costa
Blanca (White Coast) are now among Europe's
most heavily visited regions. If you want a
secluded beach, or to be anywhere outdoors
without being part of a crowd, don't come
during the summer high season. But if you're
looking for sunshine, all-night disco parties
and hundreds of thousands of potential new
friends, you've come to the right place.
It's best to start exploring Alicante on the
beachfront, along the city's main pedestrian
walkway, the Expanada de Espana. Spread out in
front of the main part of the city, this
elegant boulevard, stretching around the
harbour, is shaded with palm trees and lined
with shops and cafes. In the midst of this
Mediterranean Xanadu there is, sadly, one note
of warning: be especially wary here of
pickpockets and bag snatchers.
Northwest of the Explanada, towards the center
of the city, you'll see the imposing Catedral
de San Nicolas, and around it, the narrow
streets of the El Barro, or old quarter, which
has most of the cheaper accommodation and the
best nightlife. To the southwest, near the
Calle de Italia, you'll find the main tourist
office, post office, and the city's central
bus and train stations.
Alicante is a hive of activity throughout the
year, not just in the summer months. It's a
city where the sand seems to go on
forever…and so does the entertainment. It's
a city steeped in history, rich in culture,
awash with every kind of shop and restaurant
imaginable and literally bursting with beach
life.
Stroll along the palm-fringed Paseo de la
Explanada - the impressive seafront promenade
lined with street cafes and inlaid with red,
cream and black marble. Stop at the music
pavilion and enjoy a free al fresco concert by
the sea. Concerts are held in the afternoons,
on feast days and on Sunday mornings during
the summer months.
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