Alicante is a Mediterranean port and Capital of the province of Alicante. It is also an important center for cruises, with 80000 cruise passengers disembarking each year. Its economy is based on tourism, mainly to the beaches of Costa Blanca. It is the fastest growing city in Spain with construction going on non-stop. It is

also home to Ciudad de la Luz, one of the largest film studios in Europe. Its Mediterranean climate, with an average temperature of 17.8 degrees Celsius and little rain, makes it an ideal tourist destination.

The Castle of Santa Barbara

One of the first sights you will want to visit is the Castle of Santa Barbara on nearby Mount Benacantil above the city. It has a lovely view of the city of Alicante, the beach and the port. From there you can stroll through the beautiful El Ereta Park which is also on Mount Benacantil next to the Castle.

El Palmeral Park

You will also enjoy a visit to the El Palmeral Park with its picnic tables where you can sit down and enjoy a picnic among the trees. The park also has walking trails and even a lake. You can also enjoy a concert in the auditorium that is also a part of the park.

The Esplanada de España

Another place where every tourist to Alicante goes is to the Esplanada de España. It is a lovely promenade lined by palm trees and made of marble stones in alternating brown, white and dark stripes. It is a meeting place for all, tourists and locals, where you can just stroll and enjoy the balmy Mediterranean air. Concerts and other cultural activities are held here often and you will enjoy a taste of the musical talents of both local and other Spanish musicians.

The Gravina Museum

The Gravina Museum of Fine Arts in the old Gravina Palace has a fine collection of paintings and sculptures from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. You'll find paintings by Antonio Gisbert, Fernando Cabrera and other regional artists who were quite famous in the nineteenth century. With a collection of more than 500 paintings in its patrimony, the Gravina Museum has something to suit the taste of everyone.

The Bonfires of Saint John

You would not want to miss the Bonfires of Saint John, or Hogueras de San Juan, celebrated each year throughout Spain on Saint John's Day, June 24. The largest and most famous celebration is in Alicante where the festival originated. People build huge bonfires of old furniture or any other kinds of wood. The older people drink hot chocolate while watching the younger crowd jumping over the fires. It is truly a big celebration, with pre-festival activities throughout the month of June. The 'monuments' or objects to be burnt are sometimes elaborate creations of wood and cloth and often carry a social message.