The One Thing That You Don't Want to Miss:

The 16th-century Castillo de Santa Barbara is everything one would expect from a medieval castle - including drawbridges, hidden passages and a real dungeon. Located at the top of Mount Benacantil, it offers incredible views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Other Fun Things to Do:

• Walk along the harbor on the Explanada de Espana. The sidewalks are made up of beautiful mosaics and are lined with palm trees, shops and outdoor cafes.
• Stroll through the old Barrio de Santa Cruz for a glimpse of Alicante's ancient past.
• Relax on one of the spectacular beaches in the area. Head to the main urban beach, El Postiguet, located at the end of the Explanada de Espana or take a short bus ride from the city center to La Playa de San Juan, one of the best beaches in Spain.
• Explore the Museo de la Asegurada and see the works of Picasso, Miró and Dali, as well as other 20th-century Spanish painters.
• Visit Guadalest, one of the most unique destinations in all of Spain. This picturesque town, with its winding streets, is located high on a pinnacle amid beautiful mountains.
• Enjoy the splendor of the Huerto del Cura palm gardens, with more than 300 different plant types gathered in one lush landscape.

Sporting Adventures

If you're a scuba-diving enthusiast, there's a spectacular underwater adventure waiting for you on the island of Tabarca. With a protected marine reserve surrounding the island and crystal-clear waters, it's a scuba-diving encounter you won't soon forget. Daily boat trips are made from Alicante to Tabarca, which is 11 miles off the coast.

Taste of Local Flavor

Among the region's specialties is a variety of rice dishes with shellfish, such as arroz a la alicantina, which is a combination of rice, mussels, king prawns and chicken, or arroz a banda, rice cooked in fish broth.

Local Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Spain. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added Tax added to most purchases.

Weather in Alicante, Spain