If you’re interested in learning a new language, it is well worth considering learning Spanish in Alicante.
Alicante is a beautiful Spanish port city with a population of around 330,000 situated on the Mediterranean Costa Blanca. Famous for its fantastic weather, dry climate, mild winters and award winning beaches, Alicante is a wonderful city in which to learn Spanish.
Its most iconic landmark is the Santa Barbara Castle which sits proudly on the top of Mount Benacantil, 169 metres high, overlooking the city. There are numerous routes up to the castle, but the most charming is to walk your way up through the neighbourhood, or Barrio, Santa Cruz. Cramped full of tiny streets and colourful houses, it is a great way to get out and explore and learn a little more about the city, as you make your way up to the castle.
Despite Alicante being a very well known destination outside of Spain, it has not been spoilt by tourism and certainly maintains its integrity as a true Spanish city. It is an ideal choice for someone looking for a diverse and cosmopolitan city, but with a relaxed and local atmosphere.
Alicante has not forgotten its history either, which pre-dates the Romans. A stay in Alicante would not be complete without visiting the Old Town. This is a lovely area filled with a maze of cobbled streets, typical white-washed buildings and tiny plazas, which are an ideal place in which to relax on a shady terrace, enjoy a tapa and simply watch the world go by. The Old Town, or ‘El Barrio’ as it is affectionately known, is very popular with the locals and offers a huge selection of cafes, restaurants and bars. A lively area where you can really indulge in the Mediterranean way of life.
For those of you that enjoy being able to go to the beach, Playa Postiguet is a stunning 900 metre beach located just a few minutes walk from the city centre. It consistently wins Blue Flag awards for cleanliness, and is the perfect place to unwind after a few hours of learning Spanish.
The Explanada de Espana is a wide, palm tree lined promenade by the port, and is a great place to calmly stroll and take in the wonderful sea air. In the evenings, it is bustling with locals who enjoy nothing more than to take a calm walk along this promenade. Remember, this is the Mediterranean, so why not make the most of the warmth and treat yourself to a delicious ice cream as you wander along the Explanada, taking in all the qualities that a Mediterranean lifestyle has to offer.
But there is much more to Alicante than just sun and sand. The San Nicholas Cathedral dates back to the 16th century and is a fine example from the Spanish Baroque era. The Santa Maria Basilica dates back to as early as the 14th century, was built on the ruins of Alicante’s oldest mosque, and is also well worth a visit. There are also a couple of museums in the city, and the small modern art museum, Museo de la Segurada, is worth a mention and includes some work by Picasso, Dali and Miro.
Oh, and for you seafood lovers out there, make sure you try the local fish and paella dishes, it’s one of the main reasons Alicante is so popular with Spanish tourists, the food is simply delicious!
