Alicante in one day.

I think that the best way to get to know a city is to live in it, even if for a couple of days. This way brings a possibility to use public transport, or maybe a bike, to see not only city center but other districts as well, to have time to sit in a local bar, observe and feel the atmosphere. This is perfect but not always possible. Sometimes the best you can do is to pick the places you want to see and go for one day. Like we did.

Driving into the city in your own car is strictly connected to a parking problem. From my experience, the finest option is to find a city car park ahead. You may save money if you find a free spot on the street but usually, you will spend much time and nerves on it. In Alicante, we parked the car in the parking lot on Calle Rafael Terol, 30. It wasn’t the cheapest one but in a very convenient location.

Explanada de España

We started right away with the main point of our program: Explanada de España. It is a famous seaside promenade with a surface very well known from the postcards of Alicante. There are plenty of restaurants alongside. We stopped in one of them to enjoy Spanish paella and the rest of the menu, starter, and dessert. All of it for around 10 euros.

Playa del Postiguet

At the end of the promenade, at the roundabout, the Spanish flag is flapping in the breeze. When you pass it you will reach a beautiful sandy beach with a playground and the view of the castle. We weren’t there long because of the tremendous wind blowing that day.

El Barrio de Santa Cruz

Right from the beach, we entered the old town called El Barrio. Then we found the oldest Alicante’s church – Basílica de Santa María. I wasn’t very impressed, though. Maybe its inside would be interesting. I cannot say as it was closed. Anyway, we continued through the city streets to the square Plaza Portal de Elche. The ficus trees growing there are absolutely amazing. The last thing on ‘to see list’ was the street Calle San Francisco. It is a colorful street worth a visit even without a child.

El Castillo de Santa Bárbara

A famous castle on Benacantil hill (166m). I mention it at the end because we did not succeed in visiting it. Two trials behind us. Well, there’s a saying third time lucky, so we don’t lose hope yet.

First attempt

You can reach the top in many ways. You can climb, you can take a lift, or you can drive. We chose the third, the most comfortable option (I would gladly climb by my own but I wasn’t alone.) We drove higher and higher and soon got to the top parking lot. Unfortunately, it was so small and so crowded, that there was no chance of finding a spot big enough for the car. We drove down, there are two other car parks on the way, but they were equally full. I think this option is only available in the morning or for those shot with luck.

Second attempt

My parents had a plane early in the morning and we drove them to Alicante airport. The castle is close to there. I had this ingenious idea to admire sunrise from the top of the hill. So romantic! I was aware of opening hours but the thing is I didn’t want to visit the castle. I just wanted to drive to the top and see the view. We climbed up without any obstacles, no entry ban, no barrier. We were in the middle of our breakfast (in the car) when the not smiling policeman appeared. He ordered to leave the area immediately. ‘Lo siento‘, how could we know it is not allowed to be there outside opening hours when there’s no such information anywhere on the way? But well… that was the end of the romantic morning.

Third attempt

I’m pretty sure there will be such in the future and I will definitely write about it. Meantime, please check the gallery below. 🙂

[EDIT 11.06.2020] There was the third attempt and it was a successful one. Moreover, I have discovered a few more fantastic places in Alicante. Soon I will write all about it.

Alicante

Back to the city parking.

The view from the lower parking at Santa Bárbara Castle.

The smoke from the palm tree on fire. Extremely upsetting view.

El Castillo at the night.

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