Personal experience: why Alicante is the best place for a family vacation

We had heard a lot about Alicante, but upon arrival the question arose: where to start exploring the city?

I have long heard about such an organization as Free Walking Tour - enthusiastic guides show the city for an unspecified, often symbolic fee. The tours are very interesting, give a lot of useful and off-the-beaten-path information, as the guides are usually young, handsome and cheerful people. Here with excursion around the city accompanied by guides of this very organization and we start. The only thing that can upset on such walks is that the guides speak only in English or in the language of the country where you are. But even if you don't speak any foreign language, don't deny yourself this opportunity to explore the city. If only because you will be shown beautiful places for photos.

Tour of Alicante The tour of Alicante was not only interesting, but also useful - a lot of historical information mixed with legends. However, we remembered one practical thing: if you get lost in this city, being in any point of it, go down. Just go downstairs. If in the whole world "all roads lead to Rome", in Alicante all roads lead to the beach. You will go down, and there you will know where to go next. This feature often helped us on our walks.

You can book a hotel in Alicante with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

You will find many articles on the internet that will tell you in detail what and where to see and how much it will cost. If you only have a week at your disposal, don't give up on such "cheat sheets". But I saw my acquaintance with this city in a different way: we decided to explore Alicante ourselves first, without the help of guidebooks.

The symbol of Alicante is the Santa Barbara Castle. It is its calling card and main pride. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. I recommend to observe how the outlines of the mountain change: in one place it resembles a gorilla, at another angle - a king's head, the castle walls seem like a crown on this head, and the mountain protrusions look like a human profile. It doesn't cost a dime to walk around the fortress if you climb the mountain on foot. Descending from the fortress, if you have any energy left, walk through the adjoining neighborhood, the oldest in Alicante, which is called El barrio. It is also quite colorful.

During our many walks through the Old Town, I grew to love it: we fed pigeons in one square, had breakfast in another, and ate ice cream in a third. St. Mary's Church and St. Nicholas Cathedral were especially memorable. But not because they are the most beautiful buildings in Alicante, but because of the traditional Spanish weddings.

We witnessed one such ceremony. Just imagine: the church is decorated with flowers in honor of the young couple, yet it remains open to visitors; the excited groom greets the guests. A little later, the bride's car shows up. The bridesmaid helps to straighten the meter-long train of the dress, and her father leads her to the wedding. Then the marriage ceremony begins and the priest asks if there is anyone who knows of any reason why this marriage cannot take place and let them speak up now or be silent forever.... I swear I felt like I was watching a soap opera, and yet it was all true!

The Old Town is also always cool - even in the most unbearable heat!

I would especially like to highlight a visit to the Mercado Central (Central Market). In whatever city Spain you find yourself in, make a visit to the central market a must on your program. First of all, nowhere you will not see such a variety. Only here is an abundance of seafood: from the smallest shrimp to giant lobsters. And also the freshest vegetables, meat and seafood. Secondly, they say that here are the lowest prices. Although this information should be checked and check prices in stores. So, thirdly - come here for emotions! After all, not so long ago this place was the heart of the city's life.

We travel a lot with our baby, and it is important for us to know what to entertain him on each trip. Since Alicante is a city by the sea, the question is partially removed, and the beach will help you. It is unlikely that you will deny yourself the pleasure of basking on it: wide, with soft sand, the entrance to the sea is smooth, which is great for kids. And there are also slides, swings, all sorts of "climbing". It is also convenient that they are built along the whole beach and every day you can visit a new one.

In general, Alicante is such a city that wherever you go, everywhere you will find entertainment for children. You don't even need imagination! Just go outside. This city is extremely child friendly.

My longtime dream was to ride bicycles, but at home it's just not my thing. And I firmly decided that in Spain my wish should be fulfilled. I have not experienced such pleasure, delight and a sense of freedom for a long time!

I'm sure you'll enjoy bicycling too for several reasons:

1. It's cheap. It costs €5 per hour, however, the longer the rental time, the cheaper the hour gets.
2. All equipment (helmets and anti-theft systems) is already included in the price and is given to you when you pick up your two-wheeler.
3. If you are just an amateur in cycling, you can practice your skills here. After all, all conditions are created for this: convenient descents, separate bicycle lanes, markings and car drivers who respect pedestrians and cyclists. All this helps a lot.
4. Bicycling is an off-the-beaten-path way to see the city.

If you're a true cycling enthusiast and want to see the city from all angles, you'll love the Alicante Cycling Tour.

If you are thinking about souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones, I would recommend the traditional sweet of Spain - turrón. It is sold almost at every step, but I advise you to visit "eSpi" - this store has been open since 1890, here you can not only buy, but also try almost any kind of turrón.

I kept thinking that in Spain, as in Italy or France, eating out in a restaurant with the family is unrealistically expensive. But we found a way to save money: go to restaurants that have menu del dia. This means you can choose three dishes from the list, plus coffee, dessert or a glass of wine. The offer is valid during the day and costs from €7.5.

Spain is incredibly diverse and multifaceted. During the month that we lived here, we did not have time to see even a hundredth, or even a thousandth of it.... It is impossible to get to know it all in one trip, but it is impossible not to love it!