The rambling Castillo de Santa Barbara, an impressive medieval fortress located on the bare rocky hill above the town beach, is Alicante’s main historical sight. It is said that it’s best approached from the seaward side where from Avenida de Jovellanos you can be lifted up an approximately 200 meter shaft which has been cut straight up through the hill. Almost opposite are the Iberian and Roman remains that have been found on the site, however, most of the present day layout dates from the sixteenth century. The castle grounds, known as Parque de la Ereta, are also very attractively landscaped, with oleve groves, pathways, cafes and breathtaking views of the city. One of Alicante’s main attractions, the Museo de Arte Siglo 2000, just north of the impressive ayuntamiento (town hall), houses a generally a remarcably good and recogmised in the world of art collection of works by Picasso, Miro, Tapies and Dali. The other impressive and very stylish exhibition is the archeological museum, known as MARQ, located on Plaza Dr Gomez Ulla, featuring locally found relics from the Iberian to medieval periods.

Having done a bit of sightseeing it is best to head straight to one of the city’s magnificent beaches where most of Alicante’s leasure offers can be found. The city’s beach – Playa del Postiguet- gets very crowdy in the summer so you might want to take a bus or train to get to the located only about 6 kilometers further beaches at San Juan de Alicante. These are, however, quite built up, which makes Playa Arenales, backed by sand dunes the more pleasant trip to make. It is situate about 12 km south of the city and is reachable on an hourly basis from the main station. You can also take a day trip to the island of Tabarca, a marine reserve, south of Alicante. Boats leave from Explanada de Espana.

Other atractive leasure ativities available to tourists are such attractions as: the open all year round Ice-skating rink in Puerta de Alicante; The Asociacion Estacion Nautica de Alicante, Santa Pola y El Campello (the Nautical Resort Association-ENA) which specialises in different offers in nautical activities; The Mediterranean Sailing School, Alicante Regatta Club, Isla Marina and boat rental, various diving and trekking possibilities, hot air balloon trips, Terra Mitica Theme Park, as well as various sport premises offering all kinds of sport activities.