Alicante's strategic geographical position has been conducive to the settlement of the most important civilizations of the Mediterranean for centuries. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and later Arabs came to this coast in search of new trade routes and contributed with their culture to shape the character of the city.
The town and the port are dominated by Mount Benacantil, a large rocky promontory on top of which stands the fortress of Santa Bárbara. The castle is of Arab origin and shows traces of all the peoples who passed through the city, although much of the current construction dates from the 16th century. From the top of the walls you can see the entire city, while at the same time enjoying an impressive panoramic view of the coastal strip and the interior.
At the foot of this fortress the old walled city was developed. One of the buildings that most attracts attention in the network of narrow streets is the Gothic church of Santa María (16th century), built on an old Arab mosque.
The coast is undoubtedly the favourite place for Alicante residents to relax, including the Explanada de España, a lively boulevard dotted with terraces, and the urban beach of El Postiguet, the ideal place to enjoy the sea and the sun.
Alicante is also a city of deep-rooted traditions, such as the Fiesta de los Moros y Cristianos and the Noche de San Juan. The latter has as its protagonists the bonfires in which the ninots are burned. These are papier-mâché dolls that days before were displayed in the streets of the capital.
But the visit would be incomplete if you did not try the delicious rice dishes that are prepared in these regions in many and original ways: arroz a banda (rice with fish), arroz negro (with squid), fried rice, etc. fish and seafood. For dessert, nothing better than pan de higo (paste made from dried figs), turrón (a sweet made from toasted almonds, honey and sugar) and Jijona ice cream. These meals can be accompanied by wines with the Alicante Designation of Origin, including Fondillón, an aged liqueur wine highly appreciated as a dessert wine.
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