Alicante
«La millor terra del món» — the best land in the world — wrote the Marquis of Molins in 1841. Alicantinos still boast about it.
«La millor terra del món» — the best land in the world — wrote the Marquis of Molins in 1841. Alicantinos still boast about it.
«Sepades, señor Bretón, que de Poniente a Levante, es sin disputa Alicante la millor terra del món.»
The four verses the Marquis of Molins wrote in 1841 for the poet Manuel Bretón are still the best definition of the city. Alicante is a city you get to know on foot: a small city with a beach and light all year round. Santa Bárbara Castle will follow you wherever you go.
The Explanada, with its 6,600,000 tricolour marble tesserae mimicking the waves of the sea, is one of the city's emblems. As night falls it fills with people, craft stalls and live music. Nearby, Canalejas Park and its century-old ficus trees offer shade and a rest from the sun.
Walk up to the Santa Cruz quarter, built in the eighteenth century: a cluster of little white houses on the slope of the castle hill. Lose yourself in its narrow streets first thing in the morning, when the city will feel like yours alone. Nearby, the Cathedral of San Nicolás, the Basilica of Santa María and the MACA and MUBAG museums.
Not a city guide: these are the places we keep going back to.
To start the day, the Mercado Central — fruit, vegetables and tapas counters inside, flower stalls on the square — or brunch at Sip and Wonder (Poeta Campos Vasallo, 8). Calle Poeta Quintana keeps its paint shops, craft trades and small neighbourhood bars.
If you love books, Pynchon&Co (Segura, 22) is a bookshop, wine bar and café all at once; for a glass of wine as evening falls, Osiris Wine Boutique — book ahead for a tasting. Across from our Calderón de la Barca apartments, Horchatería Azul has served Alicante's traditional horchata since 1950.
For tapas on the Explanada, La Terraza del Gourmet (Paseo de la Rambla, 2), and a few steps away in the Port, sunset looks best from Soho Bar. Between shops in the centre, Plaza Nueva has a good vibe at any hour, and Calle Castaños is the bustle: bars and restaurants of every kind.
The financial and shopping heart, with squares and cafés a few steps away.
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Everyday rhythm: markets, bakeries and old neighbourhood bars.
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Streets climbing towards Santa Cruz and terraces that stretch into the night.
See more →Alma House: nine suites facing the bullring, with Santa Bárbara Castle in the windows and a courtyard with an olive tree and a terracotta fountain. A small hotel made by hand.
Meet Alma House →
Three addresses and a house of suites in the heart of the city.
See our stays in Alicante →