Alicante Guide (english)

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www.Arrivalguides.com the city

DO & see

event highlights

EATING

CAFés

Bars & nightlife

shopping

Sleeping

INFORMATION

maps

Population 380,000 in the inner city. With suburbs 650,000.

Alicante

Currency Euro, €1 = 100 cents Opening hours Smaller, privately-owned shops are open 10.00-14.00, 17.0020.00. Department stores and larger chain stores are open from 10.00-22.00. Internet www.alicante-spain.com www.alicanteturismo.com www.upv.es/cv/ Publications Información La Verdad Metro Costa Blanca News Emergency number

© Spanish Touristboard

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Welcome to Alicante

Tourist office Tourist Info Alicante Address: Rambla de Méndez Núñez 23 Tel. +34- 965 200 000

The favourable climate means that you can enjoy a comfortable stay in Alicante all year round. With a wide range of bars and cafés it is the city that never sleeps. At the same time, the city’s convenient size means that it is highly suitable for walking. The city is small enough to allow you to travel by foot - slowly! Full of history, culture and carnivals and with some of the best beaches in Spain.

the city | do & see destination: Alicante

The city Alicante, or Alacante as the city is known in Catalan, is called ”the friendliest town” in Spain. In the evenings the local population gathers in El Barrio, the Old Town, and meets up with visitors from all over the world. Spanish and English, along with some sign language and lively gestures, are apparent among the conversations which often end in a mutual toast.

With chiselled mountains in the background, the city is located in a bay with a cosmopolitan harbour. Tropical palms line the avenues. From the marble tiled sea front you can look up towards the mountains where historic castles and monasteries are still in use today and open for visitors. The Rambla district is situated in the city centre and it is lined by cafés and ice cream stalls. The unusual local drink made from almonds, horchata, is served here. It is almonds in particular that have made Alicante famous. Turrón is a dessert made from almonds and honey that is served everywhere, and it is great export success. If you are looking for elegant pubs and sophisticated restaurants you should make for the modern part of the city between the harbour front, Explanada, and Calle Alfonso El Sabio.

© Juan Alvarado

do & see Castillo de Santa Bárbara Take a walk up the Benacantil Mountain and visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. At a height of 166 metres you get a panoramic view over the city and the sea, all the way to Tabarca Island. The old town was founded along the road up to the castle. During the walk you will see Roman ruins, medieval walls and modern streets which harmonise with each other. Inside the castle there is a museum with a permanent exhibition of sculptures. There are famous portraits by artists from Francisco Goya to Valle-Inclá. The 16th century castle is open every day, except Mondays. Price: Free, but if you take the elevator from the beach it costs €4 return.

Tabarca Island Do what the pirates did and make Tabarca Island a haven for a day. Boats depart from the marina several times a day and take one hour. Cars are prohibited Take the opportunity of eating a traditional fish stew down in the harbour. Price: €16

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Three museums Casa de la Asegurada was built in the 17th century. Today it functions as an art museum containing 20th century artworks by Gris, Miró and Picasso. The Archaeological Museum is located inside the municipal hall and it has a large collection of finds from the Bronze Age and classical antiquity. The Fireworks Museum occupies the Santa Barbara Castle and contains items that have been rescued from the annual fire festivals. Price: €6 per museum

The mountain train ”The Lemon Express” runs every hour between 06.00 and 20.00 from Alicante’s railway station to Denia. Through mountain tunnels, over bridges and with fantastic views along the route. The tour takes just over two hours. The train returns from Denia from 06.25 until 19.25. Price: €12

eating destination: Alicante

Rincón de Antonio Wooden chairs and tables with small red tablecloths in a simple style. Large portions of well-cooked food at humane prices. Information about the restaurant: Popular place among the local population. Traditional food. Address: Calle San Rafael 13 Underground/stop: Centre Tel. +34 965 202 688

Marrakech Casseroles in which meat and fruit are harmoniously blended. Simmers, smells and tastes delicious. Often includes potatoes. © Marco Rossi

Eating Alicante’s most famous dishes always contain rice. There are more than a hundred different rice recipes in the region. At an arrocerías, or “rice restaurant”, among other dishes you’ll find the Spanish national dish, paella, saffron rice mixed with shellfish and chicken. Fish and shellfish are fresh every day while sausage and meat is produced in the mountains above Alicante. Salads are served with salted accompaniments such as tuna fish and shark.

Dársena Is situated in Alicante’s marina. In 1961 the restaurant started putting on evening entertainment with world-famous artists. Today it concentrates on regional dishes with fish and shellfish. With banqueting halls, a tapas bar and an à la carte restaurant this is where ”the beautiful people” in Alicante go. Name: Dársena Information about the restaurant: Alicante’s paella palace with 150 different rice dishes on the menu. Address: Muelle de Levante 6 Underground/stop: The Marina Tel. 965 207 589, www.darsena.com

El Piripi For thirty years El Piripi has held the philosophy that its food should taste as good as home cooking. Which is absolutely correct. It is particular about raw materials and known for its love of food. More expensive and select to sit on the upper floor. Information about the restaurant: Specialises in fish and shellfish Address: Avenida Oscar Esplá 30 Underground/stop: Centre Tel. 965 227 940 www.piripi.com

Jumillano Jumillano has been producing its smorgasbord of tapas dishes for more than 60 years. A good wine cellar and very knowledgeable about different types of wine. Try the salted dishes, locally produced ham and the marinated olives. Information about the restaurant: Hearty casseroles and gourmet tapas. Serves wine from Jumilla. Address: Calle de César Elguezábal 62-64 Underground/stop: Centre Tel. 965 212 964 www.kike.c.telefonica.net/alicante/

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Information about the restaurant: Excellent casseroles and tagines with fruit and meat. Good value. Address: Calle de Gravina 15 Underground/stop:, Tel. +34 965 213 763

El Buen Comer Family restaurant which concentrates on simple regional food. Spicy sausages, shrimps in a variety of sauces, goat’s cheese with honey and fish patés. Information about the restaurant: Homely restaurant with typical regional dishes such as chorizo, anchovy salad and shrimps in garlic. Address: Calle Mayor 8 Underground/stop: Centre, Tel. + 34 965 213 103

Lizarran Sandwiches with ingenious toppings as well as traditional choices. Spreadable pastes made from olives, roe and flavoured butter balls. Information about the restaurant: a tapas restaurant where you choose bread with toppings such as asparagus filled with crab. Over 300 topping options. Address: Rambla de Méndez Núñez 18 Underground/stop: Centre Tel. +34 965 206 830 www.lizarran.com

Cafés | Bars & nightlife destination: Alicante

and local music are played in several pubs in the Old Town. Ovuca Club Information about the bar: Techno and high volume attracts Alicante’s younger generation. Open from 23.30 to 04.30. Address: Calle San José

Paradis Information about the bar: House and garage music. Open from 23.00 to 05.00. Address: Çalle Tarifa 9 © Spanish Touristboard

Cafés A drink, a coffee or just a pause in the holiday? In that case the terrace alongside Explanada is number one. Here you’ll find cafés, bars and tavernas which offer seats with one of the best views in the city. In the centre there is a wide range of cafés, both those that concentrate on good coffee and small cakes and those that offer good cocktails.

El Canto Info: Small sandwiches which are eaten along with a sherry or a beer. Address: Alemania 26

Havana Info: Opens at 08.00 in the morning and is a popular café for tired bon vivants or morning people who want a good cup of coffee. Address; Rambla de Méndez Núñez 26.

La Naya Info: Cocktail bar with exhibitions of local artists. Address; Calle de San Pascual

Bars & Nightlife The nightlife is best and most abundant in the southern part of Alicante which is known as ”la zona”. Pubs, beer halls and nightclubs are to be found here. ”La zona” is situated on Avenida de Cajal, Paseo del Doctor Gadea and the surrounding streets. Fashionable night clubs with imported DJ’s are located next door to clubs for open-minded adults. Night owls have few problems as there are a variety of music bars which are open all night. The most popular are Bar Potata and Puerto di Rana. At César El Guezabal 26 you’ll find the Canníbal Pub which is open Monday to Thursday from 22.00-03.00 and on Fridays and Saturdays until 05.00. If you are staying outside Alicante and come in the summertime there is the Trensnochador - the night owl. A train which runs from 21.00 until 07.00 in the morning. Between Alicante and Altea the train stops at all the places where there are discotheques and popular bars. The train costs € 3.35 for a single trip and €5.70 return. Salsa, jazz, rock

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The Directo Info: Four floors of dancing paradise with music from the charts. Address: Pedro Montegon 6

Shopping | sleeping destination: Alicante SHOPPING Alicante has something for everyone when it comes to shopping. Whether you want to buy hot designer clothes, shoes and interior design items, or exciting bargains from local artisans in the Old Town. Ceramics, wooden sculptures and handmade leather goods are produced locally at both low and high prices.

Market Every Wednesday is market day. During the period from October to March it is held on Paseo del Doctor Gadea. In summertime it moves to the Explanada. Most things can be found here from clothes and ceramics to jewellery and handmade baskets. A lot of the sellers are from Africa and they sell exciting wooden and leather goods imported chiefly from West Africa. Don’t forget to haggle. El Barrio Small exclusive shops with ceramics from Agost, bags from Gata de Gorgos, carpets from Crevillente, the latest thing in design and shoes from Elda. There are plenty of shoe shops selling both well-known brands such as Camper and exclusive, designer models. Panoramis Just east of the harbour is the Panoramis department store. Several of Spain’s most well-known chains, Zara for instance, are to be found here. Lots of restaurants with a range to suit most palates. El Corte Inglés Spain’s largest chain of department stores on Ave Maison Nave 53. Loved by some, hated by others. But sooner or later everyone comes here. Take

© Kermarrec Aurelien

the opportunity to buy turrones, nougat with nuts. The best price in town. You can also find Fondillon Gran Reserva 1964 here. A wine unique to the Alicante region at the reasonable price of €13 SLEEPING Sidi San Juan Hotel Sidi San Juan has one of the best beaches in Spain and is located right by the sea. Most of the things you want when on holiday are available here. As well as swimming there are also beauty treatments, a spa and gymnastics sessions. The chef, Juan Fajardo, makes sure that the menus maintain a high class. Category: Five star Information about the hotel: Situated right beside the San Juan beach, five minutes from the centre. Address: San Juan Underground/stop: Tel: +34 965 161 300 Double room: € 214 during the summer, € 184 during the rest of the year. www.hotelessidi.es/s_juan/default.cfm

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Hospes Amérigo The Hotel Hospes is situated in the old Dominican monastery in the heart of historic Alicante. Considered to be the finest that can be offered to the visitor. First-class food and service. Information about the hotel: Address: 7, Calle Rafael Altamira Underground/stop: Tel. +34 965 146 570 Double room: €180 during the summer and €120 during the period from December to February. www.hospes.es

Pension les Monges The rooms of the family-owned Pension les Monges are fascinating. Woven tapestries hang on the walls and every room has its own style. One room has a jacuzzi while others have simpler bathrooms. A few of the rooms only have a toilet. Category: Guest house/youth hostel Information about the hotel: Simple but exquisitely decorated. Eight rooms where each one has its own style. Address: 2, Calle des Monges Underground/stop: Behind the town hall in the Old Town Tel. + 34 965 215 046 Double room: € 39

sleeping | Essential information destination: Alicante

Taxi Easy to get hold of if you want to stop one on the street. Fare meters are used and drivers expect a tip. Reckon on €15 per 15 minutes. To order a taxi, there is Tele-taxi +34965 101 611 or Radio Taxi +34-965 252 511. Postal Service There are post offices at the railway station, the bus station and in the El Corte Ingles department store. They are open Monday to Friday from 08.00-20.00 and on Saturdays from 09.30-14.00. © Spanish Touristboard

Albahia Albahia is a pleasant mid-class hotel which is located three kilometres from Alicante’s Golf Club. The hotel offers taxis for its guests who want to go into the centre, one kilometre away. With the exception of holidays and during the period 15 July to 15 September. Category: Three star Information about the hotel: Tourist class situated by the beach. Address: 6, Sol Naciente Underground/stop: Tel. +34 965 155 979 Double room: € 55 www.albahia.com

Melia Alicante Hotel Melia is located beside the Gravina Palace with its art collections. Well managed and central. Category: Four star Information about the hotel: Situated in the heart of the marina, 100 metres from the Town Hall. Address: 3, Plaza Puerta del Mar Underground/stop: The Marina Double room: €105 www.solmelia.com

Essential information Airport Alicante’s airport is situated 11 kilometres south of the city. The cheapest way to get into the centre is by bus C-6. A single ticket costs €1.15 . The bus departs every 45 minutes and the journey takes 40 minutes. By taxi about €15. Journey time: 15 minutes.

Local traffic Trams in Alicante leave from the centre every 30 minutes to the marina via the railway station. Then towards El Campello, along Cabo de la Huertas with the terminal station at San Juan beach. Perfect if you want to stay in the centre and have the possibility of getting to the beach quickly. Buses run to all the towns in the region several times a day.

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Chemists All chemists have a list of current emergency chemists. It is also published in all daily papers in the region. Dentist Dr J A Martinez, 24, Alfonso el Sabio, Alicante Tel +34- 965 213 845 Speaks both English and Spanish.

Telephone Country code + 34. Area code within Alicante 965. You have to dial the area code even when you are in Alicante. Electricity 220 volts

Map destination: Alicante

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Verdegas

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Canastell El Moralet

La Canada

Pla Olivera

L’Horta Pomares

Villafranqueza

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Map destination: Alicante

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250 m

street index destination: Alicante

Avenida Conde de Lumiares C1 D1 Avendia Alfonso x El Sabio B3 C3 Avendia Estacion A3 B3 Avendia Jaume ll C3 D3 Avendia Maisonnave A3 B3 Avenida Adolfo Munoz Alonso A2 B2 Avenida Aguilera A2 A3 Avenida Alcoy C1 C2 Avenida Benito Perez Galdos B2 Avenida Doctor Gadea B3 Avenida Doctor Jimenez Diaz A1 B1 Avenida Doctor Rico B1 Avenida Federico Soto B3 Avenida General Marva B2 Avenida Jijona C2 D2 Avenida Jovellanos D3 Avenida Loring A3 A4 Avenida Oscar Espla A3 Avenida Pintor Baeza D1 Avenida Ramon y Cajal A4 B3 Avenida Salamanca A2 B2 Avenida Tomas y Valiente B3 C4 Calle Albacete B1 B2 Calle Alcala Galiano C2 D2 Calle Alcala A2 Calle Alemania B3 Calle Alferez Diaz Sanchis C2 Calle Alona A3 Calle Angel Lozano B3 Calle Arzobispo Loaces A3 B3 Calle Aspe D2 Calle Augustin Sosalvez Orts C1 D1 Calle Aureliano Ibarra C1 Calle Bailen C3 Calle Barcelona D2 Calle Bono Guarner A2

Calle Calderon de La Barca C2 C3 Calle Canalejas B3 Calle Canota Pasaron A2 Calle Capitan Meca C3 Calle Capitan Segarra C2 C3 Calle Castanos B3 C3 Calle Cerda C1 Calle Churruca A3 Calle Ciudad Real A1 B1 Calle Colon B3 Calle Cordoba A2 Calle Cremades A2 Calle Diaz Moreu C2 C3 Calle Doctor Baudes D1 Calle Doctor Bergez D2 Calle Elda D2 Calle Foguerer R Guilabert Davo B1 Calle Francisco Verdu D1 Calle Garbinet D2 Calle Garcia Andreu A3 Calle Garcia Morato C2 C3 Calle General Elizaicin D2 D3 Calle General Espartero D1 Calle General Pintos C2 D1 Calle Gerona B3 Calle Huerta C3 Calle Isabel La Catolica A3 Calle Jaime Segarra D2 Calle Jorge Juan C3 Calle Juan Ortega A2 Calle Maestro Alonso D1 Calle Maestro Caballero C2 Calle Maldonado C3 Calle Marques de Molins B2 Calle Mayor C3 Calle Miguel Soler C3

Calle Montero Rios D1 D2 Calle Olof Palme D1 Calle Padre Mariana C2 Calle Padre R de los Rios A1 B1 Calle Paraiso C2 C3 Calle Pintor Cabrera A3 B3 Calle Pintor Gisbert A2 B2 Calle Pintor Lorenzo Casanova A3 B3 Calle Pintor Murillo C2 Calle Plus Ultra D2 Calle Poeta Quintana B2 B3 Calle Poeta Zorrilla D2 Calle Portugal B3 Calle Primitivo Perez C2 D1 Calle Rafael Asin C1 D1 Calle Reyes Catolicos A3 Calle San Carlos D2 D3 Calle San Fernando B3 C3 Calle San Francisco B3 Calle San Mateo D2 Calle San Pablo D2 Calle San Salvador A2 B2 Calle San Vicente C2 C3 Calle Santos Fuertes Fernandez A4 Calle Sevilla D2 Calle Teatro B3 Calle Teulada C1 Calle Torres Quevedo D2 D3 Calle Trafalgar C3 Calle Tucuman B2 Calle Valencia D2 Calle Vazques de Mella D3 Calle Virgen del Socorro D3 Rambla Mendez Nunez C3

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