The ancient seaside city of Alicante is not only a favorite place for beach vacations, but also a popular tourist center, where tours in Valencia often stop. Several local guides work here in English, offering itineraries not written by the author. When traveling, we are all a little bit Spanish – emotional, impatient, can't stand boredom. Therefore, names and dates, without which no excursion is impossible, on walks with local guides will be greatly diluted with details of the life of citizens, peculiarities of local cuisine (with tasting!), entertaining traditions.
What to see in Alicante is a matter of taste. But there are some places that are not to be missed: the unspoiled Moorish quarter, the fortress with the dramatic name of Santa Barbara, the interiors of the cathedrals in the intricate style of "churrigueresco" (local baroque). Alicante also has many interesting museums dedicated to local traditions. You'll learn all about bullfighting and the biggest local celebration, Fugueras, the day of Ivan (the summer solstice). This cross-cultural parallel with Ivan Kupala Day makes excursions to Alicante even more interesting, if you are lucky enough to be there when bonfires are burning in the squares and people are dancing in costumes.
The surroundings of Alicante are no less interesting than the city itself – on the contrary, their sights are world famous. Excursions from Calpe and Alicante follow ancient pilgrimage routes to the monastery of Santa Fas, which houses the largest Christian shrine, the Plata of Veronica. The picturesque suburbs of Alicante are also noteworthy: there are orchards and vineyards growing among the ruins – their peers – and beautiful beaches.
The old town of Calpe is also included in the suburbs of Alicante. What to see in Calpe, will not only prompt local guides, but also the rocky landscapes of the city itself, beckoning to find the most beautiful views. The sights of Alicante and its surroundings are a separate world not only within Spain, but also within the original Valencian province.
