The best place to start your stay, or to get your bearings, in Alicante is from the five hundred foot (160m) promontory bearing the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, sitting well above the city down below. The castle itself is of course of interest, but the view over the winding labyrinthine streets of the city and the glistening Mediterranean behind is what the tourists really come for.
Those streets down below you are actually as difficult to navigate as they look, but the friendly locals will be more than happy to direct you to the nearest taverna, or what ever it is you’re looking for. Hanging around watching the world go by over a plate of the abundant local sea food is all part of the experience itself, and before too long you’ll find yourself just as carefree as those around you.
The seafront is a particularly popular spot, and a great place to experience the laid back attitude of the town, as the residents stroll languidly along the marble Esplanada de España, which leads to the equally relaxing white sands of the Playa del Postiguet beach. Obviously with this being the main city beach, it can, during peak season, be a little difficult to find solitude, should you so desire. In which case take your rental car slightly further up the coast, to the outskirts of the city, and in particular San Juan, for more white sand, but fewer bodies slowly toasting on it, and of course the usual water sports activities you would expect. For beginners or those not so well equipped, all the lessons or necessary gear can be found around the beach.
Other recommendations we can make include the little island of Isla de Tabarca. The island comprises part of a nature reserve, and as you would expect offers stunning, yet of course tranquil, scenery. Easy to reach via a ferry from Santa Pola, a whole day should be scheduled for this trip. On the mainland a car will also take you to Calavares Caves not far from the city, where guided tours take you past huge stalagtites.
