Although the name of Alicante for most non-Spaniards has long been associated only with beaches and the airport, the city is the 11th largest in Spain in terms of population (with 335,000 inhabitants) and, as the provincial capital, is important in many ways apart from being one of the central hubs of the Costa Blanca.
castle which overlooks the city. After the Reconquista Alicante was included in the Kingdoms of Castile and Valencia, following which the importance of its port ensured constant growth throughout the centuries. In the twentieth century tourism became the main force behind the city’s economy, and in the 21st century it is well positioned to cement the expansion of the last fifty years.
Of course the attraction of the beaches and other natural features is complemented by the weather, with an average of only 37 rainy days per year.
The history, landscape, beaches, and climate have all favoured the accelerated growth of the city thanks to tourism since 1950, but on top of that visitors are also attracted by the varied Mediterranean cuisine, the local wines and the fiestas. The best-known of these are the bonfires and fireworks of the Hogueras de San Juan, which are held at the end of June, the Holy Week celebrations and the Romería de la Santa Faz, which is held two weeks after Easter and is the second most popular such event in Spain, normally attracting around 300,000 people.
If foreign trade was the backbone of the local economy in the past, then tourism undoubtedly fills that position nowadays, as a result of all the factors mentioned above. However, despite the number of foreign visitors and inhabitants (15% of the city’s population is non-Spanish), the city retains an essentially Spanish flavour which is still attractive to all kinds of visitor. The new tram network and the local train and bus lines connect residential areas with museums, theatres, the prestigious university and the city centre, and there is always a busy programme of cultural events and festivals going on, at venues including the Teatro Principal, the ADDA and Centro Cigarreras (see what's on tab).
Those living or holidaying close by rightly view Alicante airport (El Altet), Spain’s fifth busiest, as a gateway to the whole of the Costa Blanca, but anyone thinking that the city itself is not worth a visit would be making a very big mistake indeed!
Where is Alicante City?
Click for map, Alicante, Comunidad Valenciana
Images: Fuente Patronato de Turismo de la Costa Blanca y Agència Valenciana del Turisme
