Alicante and Valencia City

Alicante

The Comunidad Valencian´s second city is part tourist resort, part bustling regional capital, and a delightful place to spend some time. There are plenty of sights to see in Alicante including the 16th century Castillo de Santa Barbara and an impressive archaeological museum, while a visit to the city´s covered market is one of the highlights of a city-center shopping excursion. For beach lovers, Playa del Postiguet is within walking distance of the city´s main attractions, while a new tram system also brings the beaches between the city centre and El Campello within easy reach. The marina area and pedestrianised, palm-lined Explanada de Espana is home to many bars and restaurants while the narrow streets of El Barrio (the old quarter) are lined with popular nightspots.

Valencia

From its quaint old quarter to the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences, Spain´s third largest city has something for everyone. The bustling city centre is home to big-name stores as well as local specialist retailers, fabulous restaurants and many beautiful historic buildings including a cathedral dating back to the 13th century, and the modernista Mercado Central. The dry river bed of the Rio Turia is now home to the stunning City of Arts and Sciences, a collection of state-of-the art buildings largely designed by world-renowned Valencian architect Santiago Caltrava, housing a science museum, arts centre and an oceanographic park. If you tire of sightseeing, take a high-speed tram to the city´s vibrant beach area Playa de la Malvarrosa, or stay up late and sample the legendary Valencian nightlife in the Barrio del Carmen. And every March, Valencia stages the fabulous Las Fallas fiesta, arguably Europe´s wildest street party.