Author Archives: admin
The San Nicholas Cathedral in Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, How to, Tips
Leave a comment
|
The San Nicolas Cathedral, a Roman Catholic co-cathedral in Alicante is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and was elevated to the title of cathedral on 9 March 1959 by Pope John XXIII.
This church was built between 1613 and 1662 over a Mosque from the moorish period and has a blue dome (cupula) that raises to over 45 metres. Inside, the cathedral has a Latin Cross ground plan with six interconnecting side chapels and an ambulatory in the head part. The chapel of Holy Communion, configured as a small Greek cross-planned temple, is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Baroque. At the bottom is the reliquary bust of St. Felicitas Alicante (s. XV) and across the co, San Roque and San Francisco Javier.
The external appearance of the cathedral is quite sober. The main facade located on the east side is of Doric order, and the one built on the south side is of Ionic order. The decoration of the interiors dates back to the first half of the 18th century and is a good example of the Spanish Illusionist style.
There is lots to see in this great Cathedral including the altarpiece of the Animas (Nicolás Borrás, 1574), the Cristo de la Buena Muerte (Nicolás de Bussi, s. XVII) and a canopy of Italian marble and jasper, in 1688.
The Gravina Museum of Fine Arts
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, News, Shopping, Tips
Leave a comment
|
The city of Alicante is a stylish city that has new harbour complex, clean beaches, outstanding museums, exceptional shops and buzzing nightlife. Although Alicante has reinvented itself into a modern city with endless entertainment, it has not lost its Spanish roots. Apart from modern lifestyle, the city also has a lot to offer to those who are interested in its cultural history.
The Gravina Museum of Fine Arts in Alicante is located in the splendid 18th century Gravina Palace. It exhibits a phenomenal collection of artwork, combining sumtuary art with period furniture, textiles and more. The museum stands in the Palacio del Conde de Lumiares, a four floor building constructed between 1748 and 1808 and declared a historical monument.
The museum has a vast collection of painting and sculpture of Alicante from the sixteenth century to the early decades of the twentieth century. The funds of the provincial council has enabled the museum to collect as many as 500 works including a sculpture by Francisco Salzillo, and a portrait of Ferdinand VII by Valencian painter Vicente López Portaña. The museum has also several works of the most important regional painters of the nineteenth century: Antonio Gisbert, Joaquín Agrasot, Lorenzo Casanova, and Fernando Cabrera. These works reflect the major trends of the nineteenth: historicism, customs, portraits, landscapes.
Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, News, Shopping, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Standing on the top of Mount Benacantil at a height of 166 metres, stands the castle of Santa Barbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, built in the ninth century by Muslims. The castle can be reached by a car and if your enthusiasm and fitness allows you, the walk from Plaza de Carmen is a sight in itself, through some narrow winding streets. If both these options do not suit you, you can take the elevator in the core of Mount Benacantil itself.
The origins of the castle date to the 9th century at the time of Muslim control of the Iberian Peninsula. On December 4, 1248, the castle was captured by Castilian forces led by Alfonso of Castile, later King Alfonso X. It was named after Saint Barbara, on whose feast day the castle was captured. From the 18th century the military role of the castle has declined and it was used sometimes as a prison. It was only in 1963, that the castle was opened to the public and elevators were installed inside the mountain. The elevator runs from the ground level near the main road of Avenue de Juan Bautista Lafora (38°20’48.17″N 0°28’36.71″W) and stops at two levels in the castle.
Entry to the castle is free. A round-way trip by the elevator from the ground floor costs € 2.40. Tourists can take help from the maps provided and if you travel between the two castle levels, you do not have to pay anything extra.
From April to September, the castle is open from 10:00 to 22:00, while the elevator runs from 10:00 to 20:00. From October to March, the castle is open from 10:00 to 20:00, and the elevator from 10:00 to 19:30.
The Safari parks in Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, News, Shopping, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Standing in the Alicante province itself are two prominent safari parks which are within easy reach from Alicante. Here is a guide to these two parks:
Vergel Safari Park
Featuring lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, zebras, a series of primates, and Iberian wolves inhabiting freely in their natural habitat is the Vergel Safari Park which is located just beyond the town of Ondara on the Northern shoulder of the Costa Blanca. The park also has a safer zone for walks among less dangerous animals like pigs, ponies and other domestic breeds. There is also a seal and dolphin area, where shows are put on several times per day. Apart from a wide variety of animal species, the park also has a lot of activities like go carts, mini trains, and children’s play areas. You can reach this park through the main A7 toll road (motorway) of Alicante or you could take the N-332 coastal road towards Valencia, turning off at Pego on the C-311 just after Ondara. The park is open during the summer months, from 10am-7pm, and winter months from 10am-5pm.
Aitana Safari Park
Aitana Safari Park stands on a high elevation of the Aitana mountain range, near the village of Sella, and approximately 33km inland from Benidorm. The park takes pride in its vast collection of animals like lions, tigers, elephants, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe. Children enjoy the zoo area and the Daktari Park which is a nursery used to raise the youngest animals. Vistors can also enjoy themselves at the picnic area or dine at the restaurant specialising in local foods. The park can be reached by taking the A7 toll road or the N-332 coastal road to Villajoyosa, and then head towards La Sella, passing through Orxeta. The park is approximately 15 km after La Sella near the town of Penaguila. The Aitana Safari Park opens at 11am daily throughout the year.
Apart from these two most prominent parks is the Rio Safari Elche, which features many different types of animals, including lions, tigers, primates, many crocodiles, exotic birds and dolphins. Other attractions include swimming pools and water slides. There is a dolphin display put on daily. The park is located 4kms from Santa Pola on the Elche-Santa Pola road (CV-865).
Parks and gardens in Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, News, Shopping, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Alicante happens to be a green city with a number of gardens, parks, plazas or promenades scattered all around. Most of the parks in Alicante offer various recreational activities like boules, croquet and mini golf and also open air performances in summer. Some of the choicest parks and gardens in Alicante are:
Canalejas Park
Built in 1886, this happens to be one of the oldest parks of Alicante featuring impressive entrance guarded by stone sculptures of dogs and lions. The park takes pride in its display of various Rubber Plants that are over 100 years old, pretty fountains along with a map of Spain carved out of stone.
Monte Benacantil
The park which derives its name from the hill where it stands is often known as the ‘Green Lung of Alicante’. It features a host of pine and eucalyptus trees which make up a perfect view for clicking pictures.
El Palmeral
El Palmeral Park has it all, be it waterfalls, lakes and hundreds of palm trees to a lake for boating and BMX cycle track. Covering a huge span of 72,000 square metres, this park is often used for shooting. It is popular for jogging, cycling, picnicking, family entertainment, including marionettes and a children’s theatre.
Mount Tossal Theme Park
The park gets its name from Mount Tossal where it stands terraced with separate areas named after parts of the Valencia region. It offers everything for fun and frolics, including a biking track, rock-climbing wall and a game of chess on the giant board.
Parque de la Ereta
Designed by specialist French architects, the park features native plants and shrubs of subdued colours, terraced slopes with stone paths to which lead you to points offering stunning views over the coast. You can take a bite at the café created on an old threshing ground, or sit just under the pergola enjoying the scenic beauty.
Top 5 tourist attractions of Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, News, Shopping, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Alicante is primarily a beach attraction and the tourists can find almost all the attractions concentrated in and around Historic Quarter. Apart from exotic beaches like San Juan Beach and Explanada de Espana, Alicante also takes pride in its lively marina area, regular performances at Alicante’s Teatro Principal, shopping around the Plaza del Puerto Viejo, and vibrant nightlife. Some of the main attractions of Alicante are:
Marina happens to be one of the hot spots for tourists in Alicante and features some top restaurants and bars serving dishes made with freshly caught seafood. You can also enjoy a boat hire and pleasure trips around the harbour. Mariana is open daily and the admission here is free. The beachfront offers an exotic location for hotels and places of accommodation in this area.
San Juan Beach is one of the main attractions of Alicante and stands around 7 km / 4.5 miles from central Alicante. Featuring a host of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants, San Juan can be reached by the regular electric streetcar, which travels twice an hour from Alicante’s main harbour area to the Melia Hotel.
Puerto Viejo Square stands close to the marina and is surrounded by a number of shops, cafés, bars and historical buildings. During summer, the square hosts a major festival with an array of festivities, include outdoor celebrations and concerts.
The Nightlife of Alicante is vibrant and full of fun and thrill. One can enjoy late hours at various restaurants and cafés, many of which feature outdoor dining patios during the summer months. The ‘El Barrio’ has a number of nightclubs which often remain open until the early hours of the morning. ‘La Zona’ is one of city’s main night spots.
Alicante’s Teatro Principal is a top entertainment spot with a vast collection of events like theatrical performances, concerts, operas, ballets and jazz festivals. The theatre is open daily and there may be charges for various events.
Goya Hotel Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Overview of the Hotel: Located at just a few yards from Alicante’s Ruiz de Alba Park and San Fernando Castle, this hotel offers 24-hour reception, air conditioning in rooms and private parking. Its comfortable rooms feature a ceiling fan, heating, a TV and a private bathroom. A balcony is included in double rooms. The Marqués de Molins restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and breakfast is served daily. A bar-café is also present here. It is located close to the Bulevar Plaza Shopping Area and the Alicante Train Station. It is close to the bullring and the historic Plaza de los Luceros.
Amenities at the Hotel: Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Elevator, Safe, Heating, Baggage Storage, Air Conditioning– are some of the facilities provided. Other facilities include – Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, and Laundry. Internet via modem is available in public areas and costs EUR 4 per hour.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 16:00 hours and the Check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years are charged EUR 3 per night per person for cots. One older child or adult is charged EUR 18 per night and person in an extra bed. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed .American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard– are all acceptable. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Double or Twin Room: €42
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Double or Twin Room: €50
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Triple Room: €72
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Triple Room: €72
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Single Room: €39
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Single Room: €43
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Albahia Hotel Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Overview of the Hotel: Located by the sea, only a few minutes from central Alicante, Albahia hotel has 9 tennis courts, a free gym and free Wi-Fi. Its air-conditioned rooms have heating, a safe and satellite TV and some even have a private terrace. Its restaurant serves à la carte Spanish meals and the bar serves tapas and pinchos. In summer The Albahía’s outdoor swimming pool opens.Its location is such that The Plaza Mar 2 Shopping Centre and the Santa Barbara Castle both are close to it and a tram to Alicante city centre, Postiguet Beach, Benidorm and Terra Mítica Theme Park are also close to this hotel.
Amenities at the Hotel: Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Elevator, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Luggage Storage, Air-conditioning, Restaurant (à la carte) – are some of the facilities provided. Other facilities include – Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, Bicycle Rental, Packed Lunches, Car Hire, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying, and Ticket Service. Tennis Court, Fitness Centre, Golf Course (within 3 km), Fishing, Children’s Playground, Table Tennis, Windsurfing, Hiking, Diving, Snorkeling, Outdoor Swimming Pool – are provided to entertain guests. Wi-Fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 13:00 hours and the Check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. One child under 12 years stays free of charge when using existing bedding. One older child or adult is charged EUR 25 per night and person in an extra bed. Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2. Maximum capacity of babycots in a room is 1. Pets are not allowed. American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club – are all acceptable. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Double or Twin Room: €54
Included in room price: 8% VAT
Non-Refundable
Double or Twin Room: €60
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Double or Twin Room: €67
Included in room price: 8% VAT, breakfast
Non-Refundable
Double or Twin Room: €78
Included in room price: 8% VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation
Triple Room (2 Adults + 1 Child) : €50
Included in room price: 8% VAT
Non-Refundable
Triple Room (2 Adults + 1 Child) : €61
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Junior Suite: €120
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Superior double room: €72
Included in room price: 8% VAT
FREE cancellation
Double or Twin Room: €102
Included in room price: 8% VAT, half board
FREE cancellation
Alicante beach hotel, Melia Alicante
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Overview of the Hotel: It is located between Alicante Harbour and Postiguet Beach. All its rooms are air-conditioned and have flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, a safe and a modern bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer. It features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a free Wi-Fi zone. a terrace with impressive sea views are found in each of its excellent rooms. A gym, sauna hydrotherapy pools, Massages and beauty treatments are included in the Meliá’s spa, which requires an entry fee. Its Terra Restaurant specializes in rice dishes and fresh fish. a tapas bar and an elegant bar with sea views are also available. The hotel’s location places it just 55 yards from the yacht club and marina. It faces Alicante Casino. Santa Barbara Castle and Archeology Museum are just half a mile away.
Amenities at the Hotel: Restaurant, bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Elevator, Safe, Soundproofed Rooms, Heating, Baggage Storage – are some of the facilities provided. Sauna, Fitness Center, Golf Course (within 2 miles), Solarium, Spa & Health Club, Massage, Playground, Jacuzzi, Indoor Swimming Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool – are provided for the entertainment of guests. Other facilities include – Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Hair/Beauty Salon, VIP Room Facilities, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Honeymoon Suite, Currency Exchange, Souvenirs/Gift Shop, Car Rental, Fax/Photocopying, Ticket Service. Wi-Fi is available, but charges may be applicable.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 12:00 hours and the Check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. One child under 2 years stays free of charge in a baby cot. One child under 2 years stays free of charge when using existing bedding. One child under 12 years stays free of charge in an extra bed. One older child or adult is charged EUR 32.40 per night and person in an extra bed. Maximum capacity of extra beds/baby cots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed. American Express, Visa, Euro/MasterCard, Carte Bleue, Diners Club, JCB, Red 6000, Maestro– are all acceptable. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Standard Double or Twin Room: €140
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children) : €201
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation
The Level Junior Suite: €270
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation
Standard Double or Twin Room: €194.01
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, half board
FREE cancellation
Double Room with Lounge: €189
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation
The Level Double or Twin Room: €179.01
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation
The Level Double or Twin Room: €233
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, half board
FREE cancellation
Double Room with Lounge: €243
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, half board
FREE cancellation
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children) : €289
Included in room price: 8 % VAT, half board
FREE cancellation
Alicante Attractions nearby – Ibiza
Posted by in Alicante Landmarks, Alicante Tour, General, Guide, Hotels, How to, Tips
Leave a comment
|
Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany are some of its largest towns. It is a well known tourist spot that attracts people from all over the world with its summer club parties.
Space, Pacha, Amnesia, DC10 are some of the famous clubs here. Ibiza Town, the island’s capital on the southern shore and Sant Antoni are the two most happening places. Live music events like Ibiza Rocks give Ibiza parties a new life. The top producers and DJs in dance come to the island in the summer, while on international tours, and play in its clubs. Many famous DJs run their own weeklies here, presenting new songs and talents.
With Space and DC10′s opening parties in June the season of tourism begins. It finally closes somewhere in October. Café del Mar is famous among the bars of this region. It is the sight from where several tourists witness the sunset made famous by José Padilla. Other bars hosting DJ performances and pre-parties are pretty famous in this area too.
Misbehavior from young tourists is well tolerated by Ibiza and for this reason it has acquired the sobriquet “Gomorrah of the Med”. A trip to Ibiza includes the fun and frenzy of parties, waking up late, night-clubbing and all other activities that offer one a break from the monotony of everyday life.
Home of the legendary ‘port’ Ibiza is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “God’s Finger” in the Benirràs Bay is one of the famous cultural sites. The island has a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus called The Egg.
The island’s picturesque views allow it to be used for photo shoots by companies and artists. Thus, Ibiza Island, though mainly known for its wild parties is also a store of cultural values and the rustic beauty of nature. Ibiza Airport connects this island with the rest of the world.