Panoramic Alicante and historic center

Pickup at the port by our guide identified with the Shore2Shore sign.

Alicante, a port city located on the Mediterranean coast, is the second most populous municipality in the Valencian Community and one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain. Nestled between two castles, one on Mount Benacantil, 169 m high, on which the Santa Bárbara Castle stands, dominating the urban facade and constituting the most characteristic image of the city, and the other the San Fernando Castle on Mount Tossal. Alicante means sun, beach, but also neighborhoods full of life and history. If we venture into the urban center, leaving behind the sea, the beach, and the port between the two castles that watch over the city, we will find modern spaces, historic buildings, culture, and gastronomy.

On our visit, we will get to know the modern city, the Palmeral of Alicante, which has large areas to stroll among its abundant palm trees, a lake, and artificial rivers that can be crossed by wooden bridges; the Plaza de Los Luceros, one of the most emblematic squares in the city, located right in the center, where every year the typical "mascletás" of Alicante's major festivals, les Fogueres de Sant Joan, take place. The Central Market, built between 1911 and 1912 on the 18th-century wall that surrounded Alicante; we will see the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest in the Valencian Community still in operation. Built in 1847, the grandeur of the plaza and its large capacity give an idea of the importance of bullfighting in Alicante during the 19th and 20th centuries; the Postiguet beach, at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle and next to the famous Explanada promenade.

Our walking tour will reveal the old Arab quarter and the Christian quarter, the origin of present-day Alicante, where we will see the Town Hall. This Baroque civil building was constructed in the 18th century on the site of the old town hall; among its ornamental elements, the Solomonic columns on the facade and the two towers stand out. Inside, there are several interesting rooms such as the Blue Hall, in Isabeline style, the Plenary Hall, and a chapel where mass can be celebrated. The Basilica of Santa María is the oldest church in the city, dating from the 14th century, built over the remains of Alicante's main Islamic mosque; the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás, which began construction in 1600, in Herrerian Renaissance style, notable for its 15th-century cloister with two Baroque doors, the altar, and the 45-meter-high blue dome, beneath which is the Chapel of the Communion, considered one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Baroque; the Santa Cruz neighborhood and the Gabriel Miró square with its lush centenary ficus trees make this place a privileged space.

We will enjoy free time at the Explanada de España. This seafront promenade runs parallel to the port, from the Puerta del Mar to Canalejas Park. It is one of the most popular avenues in the city of Alicante and was built during the first half of the 20th century. It is one of the city's emblems, lined on each side by rows of palm trees, decorated with almost 7 million tricolor marble tiles forming a mosaic with a characteristic design that imitates the waves of the sea.

A journey full of history and traditions where we will learn about the city's main monuments and the layout of Alicante's ancient walls.

Our visit includes the San Juan Bonfires Museum (closed on Mondays), a unique space showcasing the different stages of Alicante's most representative festival, declared of International Tourist Interest. You can see collections of "ninots indultados" (figures saved from the bonfire) and there is also an audiovisual room with projections about the festival.

Return to the port for farewell.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 3 HOURS
• NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES.

OBSERVATIONS

• Easy Level/Panoramic/Cultural
• It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear.
• People with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs must be accompanied by others who can assist them. Shore2Shore staff and the driver, by legal requirement, cannot assist these individuals as they do not have the necessary qualifications. Please use foldable wheelchairs, as the buses do not have lifts or ramps. We are not responsible if the client does not inform us of their situation at the time of booking.