We are planning a fall transatlantic cruise, and may have a stop at the port city of Alicante, Spain. Since it is a new destination for us, we wanted to learn more before we visit.
Alicante is a city and historic Mediterranean port on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Alicante is also the capital city of Spain’s fourth most populous province, which is also named Alicante. Alicante is also a Spanish Denominacion de Origen (DO) for wines from the province of Alicante, which date back to the ancient Roman times.
15 Fun Facts About Alicante, Spain
1. A harbor city located at the foot of Benacantil Mountain, tourists flock to Alicante for its warm climate, numerous golf courses, and tranquil beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.
2. A variety of people have been drawn to Alicante’s strategic location for more than 7,000 years, beginning with tribes of hunter gatherers who arrived from Central Europe between 5000 and 3000 BC, settling on the slopes of Mount Benacantil.
3. The area was a magnet for traders and conquerors. The Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and the Romans all left their mark on Alicante BC, before the invading Moors brought oranges, palms trees and rice. By 1244 the city became part of Catholic Castilian territory under the Treaty of Almizra.
4. Hamilcar Barca, a Carthaginian general, established the fortified settlement of Akra Leuka, a Greek name meaning “White Mountain” where Alicante stands today. While under rule of the Romans this city was known as “Lucentum” which means “City of Light.”
5. Castillo de Santa Barbara, the hilltop castle overlooking the city from the top of Mount Benacantil is Alicante’s main sightseeing stop. It’s one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, and was originally built by the Moors in the 10th century.
6. The Gothic Church of Santa María from the 14th-16th centuries was built over the former main Arab mosque.
7. The Explanada de Espana promenade, lined by 400 palm trees, is paved with 6.6 million red, black and cream marble tiles creating a wavy form extending from the Port of Alicante to the Gran Vía. Locals meet here for their traditional paseo (evening stroll) along the waterfront.
8. For months before the Las Hogueras de San Juan celebration each June, elaborate papier maché sculptures are erected throughout Alicante to be admired, before they are ceremoniously burned in a spectacular bonfire at midnight on St Johns Night around summer solstice.
9. If you cannot visit Alicante during the festival, you can still see some of the spectacle at the Museo de Fogueres (Bonfire Festivities Museum.) The museum has creations that were saved from the flames, and a room to experience the festival through video and photographs.
10. Since nearby rice fields produce 115,000 tons each year, rice takes center stage in Alicante’s cuisine. Popular dishes include arroz a banda (rice with fish), arroz negro (rice blackened in squid ink), arroz con costra (rice with an egg ‘crust’), arroz de mero y gambas, (with grouper and prawns) or arroz de magro (with lean meat and vegetables)
11. Tapas started in Alicante when travelers were given little delicacies placed on a slice of crusty bread to accompany their wine or beer.
12. Horchata – brought to the area centuries ago by the by Arabs — is a refreshing drink made from a blend of tiger nuts, sugar and water. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is best enjoyed at small, specialized cafes.
13. The Museo de Arte de Siglo XX La Asegurada (Museum of Contemporary Art) houses one of the most important contemporary art collections existing in Spain today with paintings by Dali, Cocteau, Miro, Bacon and Picasso.
14. Both Spanish and “Valenciano” (similar to Catalan) languages are spoken in Alicante.
15. The name Costa Blanca, which means “white coast,” was dreamed up by British European Airways as a promotional gimmick to promote its flights between London and Valencia in the 1950s.
What fun fact can you add about Alicante?
Learn more about Alicante with these resources:
Alicante Mini Survival Guide
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