Alicante

The Alicante guide is compiled by Danny Collins


Airport Information

Alicante

  • Holiday Taxis (easyJet.holidaytaxis.com) take you from home to the airport, then city or destination.

  • A direct service to Benidorm runs hourly from 8am-11pm. Tickets: €8.

  • Visit the Europcar desk on arrival for special easyJet inflight rates.

  • The fare to the centre is about €15-€20.

Bon Appetit

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↓ Up to €15
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    (Plaza de la Hispanidad, Benidorm. )
    A pleasant spot with a large pavement terrace for people-watching. Great bocadillos (sandwiches) for a quick snack before promenading along the nearby Playa Levante.
↓ Up to €30
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    (40 Paseo Santa Pere, Altea. Tel. 96 688 1186)
    Close to the beach and port, this Russian-owned restaurant serves up moody lighting, a slow waiter and blinis washed down with vodka to the local émigrés. There's also an international à la carte option if you're not into crêpes stuffed with smoked salmon and caviar.
↓ Up to €50
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    (16 Calle Paquita Villa Nueva, Torrevieja. Tel. 96 571 0461)
    The house speciality is French and French West Indian cuisine. Grilled meats, rice, and spicy Creole dishes are served in a lively and colourful setting. Closed on Sunday.
↓ Exclusive
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    (251 Carretera Moraira-Calpe. Tel. 96 574 8649)
    Here you'll find the atmosphere redolent of an ancient Spanish inn - you wouldn't feel surprised to see Don Quijote snoozing in a corner. Exceptional paellas and charcoal-grilled meats. The talented owner Juan will also treat you to a few Spanish classics on his guitar to round off a wonderful evening. Bookings are essential.

After Dark

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↓ Low Key
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    (Levante Promenade, Benidorm. )
    Relax with a glass of wine and see the world stroll by on Levante Beach. Great for watching glorious sunsets over the Old Quarter of Benidorm.
↓ Live Music
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    (Avenida País Valenciano, Benissa. Tel. 96 573 0287)
    The live jazz jam session with guitar, drums and piano kicks off at 9.30pm. Jammers are welcome, so take your clarinet.
↓ Late & Lively
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    (Arenal Beach, Jávea. Tel. 65 130 8504)
    Karaoke and a disco roadshow from 10pm, with dancing till dawn. Easy to find, just follow the sounds.

This month...

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Shop
  • Calle la Gamba, in Benidorm, takes you to the pedestrianised Calle de la Carretera that leads through the Old Town to Poniente Beach. It's a shopaholic's dream, with outlets selling everything from fashion and leatherware to classy souvenirs.
See
  • Don't miss Dénia's Bous a la Mar, when young bulls run through the town and down to the port, where the locals try to trick them into jumping in the sea. A few youths usually end up joining them involuntarily. Fun to watch and no one, including the bulls, usually gets hurt. Ask at the tourist office for further details (5-13 July).
Go
  • Take a bracing stroll along the Paseo de las Estrellas (Boulevard of the Stars) from Albir to Altea Port. The marble pavements are inset with the names of Spanish film stars in red granite. Stop and enjoy a glass of local wine at one of the many beachside bars.
Escape
  • Get yourself a good pair of boots and escape to the countryside, far away from the coastal bustle. Finestrat's Puig Campana nature park contains flora you've never seen outside the Costa Blanca, including the beautiful wild moth orchid growing in abundance.

Tips

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No way!
  • The Moors ruled southern Spain from 711-1492, until they were driven out by the Catholic kings. Many Spaniards inherit the dark good looks and shorter stature of their Moorish ancestors.

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