Alicante Holidays

Alicante is a big name in the Spanish holiday game – its airport makes it a go-to gateway for breaks on the Costa Blanca. And you can dip in to a fondue of different cultures, thanks to the city’s track record of famous settlers. The architecture’s peppered with Moorish, Roman and Greek influences, along with classic Spanish characteristics. Even the signature natural sight, Mount Benacantil, is crowned with a fortress – Santa Barbara Castle has been about since the 9th century, and delivers cracking views of Alicante’s hotel-heaped skyline.

As well as flying the history flag, there’s plenty to be said for the sunbathing set-up in Alicante. The pick of the places to post up is Playa del Postiguet Beach – this breadcrumb-hued strip of sand is postcard material. It’s got a couple of neighbours worthy of a shout out, as well. A restaurant-ruffled marina is a few paces from the beach’s western end, and the iconic Explanada de Espana rolls out behind the shoreline. This promenade’s a must-visit for a seaside stroll, because of its eye-catching wavy tiles and palm-shaded stalls.

Park life is a possibility here, too, with a couple of handsome outdoor spaces that go toe-to-toe with the beach scene. Parque el Palmeral is criss-crossed with wooden bridges and water features, and you can bump up your step count in Parque de la Ereta, which wraps itself around the base of lofty Santa Barbara Castle. For seclusion, you won’t do much better than Taberca island – you can only get to this diddy islet by boat, and there are no cars allowed.