Many people think Alicante is only worth visiting for its beaches, nightlife and Mediterranean climate — but at Manuel Hernández we know that is far from the truth.
This beautiful city is home to wonderful, history-laden places you cannot miss, and to convince you to come and discover them we are going to tell you a little about these iconic spots.
The first place that springs to mind is the famous and bustling Explanada de España. This long seafront promenade with its characteristic wave-patterned mosaic pavement connects the Puerta del Mar to the Parque de Canalejas, passing through the port area and the Postiguet beach.
A promenade full of life, a popular meeting point for locals. Here you can enjoy countless bars and shops, a wide palm-lined walkway where you can sit and watch the world go by as the sun sets.
There are many iconic civic buildings to discover in Alicante, but here are the three that should definitely be on your must-see list.
If you want to experience a bustling local market full of stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, this is the place for you.
This eclectic-style building is an iconic landmark of the city, not only for its local produce stalls but also for its surroundings — the perfect spot for a refreshing drink or a cold beer.
This majestic building stands next to the Explanada de España. Designed by Juan Vidal Ramos around 1925, it was commissioned by Enrique Carbonell, a textile manufacturer from Alcoy.
Today it is an upscale residential building housing spacious apartments and businesses. It catches the eye of everyone who passes by.
On the Plaza de Ruperto Chapí you can enjoy shows, musicals, plays and dance at the Teatro Principal de Alicante. This neoclassical theatre was built by architect Emilio Jover Perrón and inaugurated in 1847. It was later restored by Juan Vidal Ramos after being partially destroyed during the Civil War.
Yes, right in the heart of the city you will find Monte Benacantil. It may not seem the most usual thing, but Alicante has it. As well as hiking close to nature right in the middle of the city, you can admire all of Alicante and enjoy the best sunsets from its various viewpoints.
At the top of Monte Benacantil sits Santa Bárbara Castle, an Arab fortress built in the 9th century during the Muslim invasion. One of its curiosities is the section of the mountain where the castle sits — if you look carefully you can see the profile of a face carved into the rocks, which is why it is commonly known as "the Moorish face".
Open to the public since 1963, you can now opt to book a guided tour to discover its best-kept history and secrets.
Another essential area to explore is the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, a quarter full of personality and contrast, with pedestrian streets and flowers, located in the old town of Alicante on the slopes of Monte Benacantil and Santa Bárbara Castle.
You will feel as though you have left the city behind entirely. You will know you have arrived by its colours, low whitewashed houses, stairways and slopes, and by the neighbours chatting on their doorsteps.
It is also a neighbourhood that comes alive in the evening, making it the ideal spot for a drink or dinner at any of its taverns or night spots.
Continuing through the Santa Cruz neighbourhood you will come to the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás. This church was built over the remains of a mosque in the 17th and 18th centuries, making it the oldest and most visited church in Alicante.
The exterior of this religious building is quite austere in character and displays two clear architectural styles: Renaissance and Gothic. It is considered the most important church in the city and attracts a large number of worshippers and tourists throughout the year.
To finish, we must not forget the beaches. There is no need to leave the city to enjoy the sun and magnificent stretches of sand.
The most central beach is El Postiguet — a wide beach with calm waters, a true icon for the people of Alicante. Heading towards San Juan, you will find La Albufereta beach, so named because it was formed by river deposits.
And finally, our Playa de San Juan — an extensive 7 km beach in the residential San Juan district. In summer, the local population doubles as most people have their holiday homes here, making it one of the busiest beaches in Alicante during the summer months.
With all these places to visit, you certainly will not have a moment of boredom in Alicante. And remember, this is just a brief overview — if you want to discover more corners of this beautiful city, just come and visit us.