Alicante

Around 1000 BC, during the Roman Empire, the Greeks and Phoenicians began to visit the eastern coast of Spain, establishing small trading ports. They introduced the indigenous Iberian tribes to the alphabet, iron, and pottery. The city had belonged to the Romans for 700 years, and from 400 to 700 AD, Alicante was under the rule of the Visigoths.

At the end of the VIII century, the land of Alicante passed to the Arab conquerors. The Moors (Arabs), who ruled southern Spain until 1100 AD, built the modern city here near the castle.

The city was included in the state of Valencia in 1296 and received the status of a royal village (Vila Reial). Alicante became Spain's third-largest Mediterranean destination, exporting rice, wine, olive oil, oranges, and wool. By the 1600s, pirate attacks on coastal areas became more frequent and caused considerable damage to trade.

In the War of the Spanish Succession (1701 - 1714), English troops partially destroyed Santa Barbara Castle.

The situation gradually deteriorated until the end of the XIX century, but Spain took a neutral attitude during the First World War, and exports began to grow again.

At the beginning of the XX century, Alicante was ravaged by wars, which resulted in the deaths of civilians.

The late 1950s and early 1960s saw the transformation of the city and the development of the tourist industry. After the industrial decline in the 1980s, the port was rebuilt and became one of the most popular coastal resorts.

Today the province of Alicante is the second-largest region in the Valencian Autonomous Region.

Every year, the city celebrates its love of classical music with a grand festival called Alicante Actual with famous musicians from different countries. Classical music evenings are held in the administration building, where locals, tourists, and even officials go to enjoy the best compositions of world stars.

• Climb Mount Benacantil and visit the ancient fortress of Santa Barbara. Despite the fact that the last reconstruction took place in the 1950s, you can still find fragments of Moorish times here. Also, enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from the heights of the castle.
• Get lost in the cozy streets of the old part of town. The locals are proud of their beautiful houses with blue and green shutters and decorate their balconies and thresholds with fresh flowers.
• Head down to the sea at Postiguet beach, with its golden sand and gentle waves, right next to the old town. Because of its proximity to the center, it has the most tourists. But this does not prevent you from enjoying a summer vacation by the sea.
• See the oldest and most impressive Basilica of Santa María. It is located near the foot of the mountain and a few streets away from the popular beach. You can see the Gothic statue of Santa Maria from the XIV century inside, after which the temple was named.
• The Provincial Archaeological Museum, where you can see various sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and much more, is a great place to learn about the history of Alicante. All the objects of bygone eras were found due to excavations in the territories adjacent to the city and the places of historical battles.
• Feel the city's atmosphere by strolling under the palm trees of the Explanada de España promenade. Admire the sunset and feel the sea breeze from the windows of the restaurants and terraces at the end of sweltering hot days.
• Try the paella with fresh seafood, a true national dish, without which it is impossible to imagine Spain. You can also stop by the bar, where they pour chilled sangria and serve tapas and pinchos.
• Go to the city of Elche, where there is the largest palm grove in Europe. It was planted by Muslims who settled here in the early Middle Ages and is a UNESCO heritage site.