Uniquely located between the sea and the mountains, Alicante is a beautiful port city and a commercial town in Valencia, Spain. It is also the second largest Valencian city and is the headquarters of the province of Alicante. Home to over 0.3 million people, Alicante is also a popular tourist destination in Europe.

Alicante has a compact city center, which would mean that many of the tourist attractions can be visited by roaming around in foot. The city is pre-historical and hence there are lots of historical places of interests in Alicante that are worth a visit. Iglesia de Santa Maria - the 15th century church - is one such edifice, also the oldest in Alicante. The interesting aspect with Iglesia de Santa Maria is that it was a mosque during the Moorish times. The MUBAG and Town Hall are situated quite nearby. The Monastery de la Santa Faz, built in 1752, 5 km from the city center, is another historic site worth paying a visit.

However, the most prominent attraction of Alicante is the Castle of Santa Barbara, which overlooks the sea and the city itself, from the top of Mount Benacantil. For tourists, the castle can be reached by road or by means of a lift that ascends from Paseo Maritimo. Another historic palace in the city is the Gavina Palace. The edifice now houses the Provincial Gallery, and its collection of 19th century paintings.

Alicante is also famous for its many museums and the stunning artifacts it houses. In a way, it won't be wrong if to mention that a trip through the history and heritage of Alicante is never complete without a visit to its museums. The Archeology Museum is one such repository that has some invaluable collections of artifacts from the medieval Spanish era. The Nativity Scene Museum at San Augustin Street that houses various scenes and figures from across the globe is one of its kinds and is worth paying a visit. The entry is free of cost. The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari is located just around the corner from the museum.

The biggest of attractions of Alicante, however, is its beautiful beaches and thrilling nightlife that is one of the best in the whole Spain. San Juan Beach, running from north to south, is broad and long and is a popular clubbing destination. Almadraba and Albufereta - famous for water sports activities - the city beach Playa del Postiguet - and Urbanova are other top beaches in the city.

Regarding nightlife, the thick of the activities is centered on El Barrio. This area is crammed with pizza joints and bars and beer cellars. If you are looking for a modern setting replete with sophisticated restaurants and elegant pubs, choose the zone between Alfonso El Sabio Street and Explanada, the best and appealing promenades in Alicante. Some beer and a walk along the promenade - a lazy vacation evening cannot get any better than this.

Alicante airport has connections to all parts of Spain and Europe. Alicante also has a bus station and a central train station that offers daily connections to Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and Seville. Bus services cover virtually every part of Spain. You could catch more info about Alicante from the city page.