Travel More: Short Breaks in Spain
Holidaymakers use Alicante as a gateway to the Costa Blanca.
More fool them.
It's a thriving town boasting golden beaches and lush parks with pulse-racing shopping opportunities.
With the mountain top castle, exquisite churches and the charming old quarter, it merges captivating Spanish heritage with modern culture.
Visit Museo de Arte De Siglo XX La Asegurada in Alicante Never is this careful marriage of old and new more evident than at this stunning art gallery.
One of Spain's most important contemporary art collections is housed in a sleekly modernised 17th century granary.
Entrance is free and you'll find paintings by Dali, Cocteau, Picasso, Miro and Bacon.
Don't miss it.
Perfect city break shopping in Spain Stroll along the mesmerising, multi-coloured promenade - the Explanada de Espana.
Take in the open-air craft markets where you'll find butter-soft leather bags, ceramics and wicker baskets.
Head to Rambla del Méndez Núñez and the Avenida Maisonnave or try Spain's favourite department store, El Corte Inglés in the Old Quarter, for, well, just about anything.
Kick back with Spanish tapas and cocktails Looking to refuel at a friendly bar? Try Cambalanche, just opposite El Corte Inglés for lunch.
Later, sample the highlife at the lavish Senzone Rooftop Lounge atop Alicante's only five-star hotel, Hospes Amérigo, and gaze at unrivalled views of the Castillo de Santa Barbara.
It's modern, stylish and surprisingly affordable.
Take the train or tram to Denia Sway and rattle through the countryside on the charming railway meandering up the coast to Denia, plunging through tunnels and over bridges.
You'll see breathtaking scenery and arrive in just over two hours.
Relax in your villa in Javea, Moraira or Calpe Packing in the sights can take its toll.
But adding on three days in a villa could be the perfect antidote.
Remember to opt for one with a pool for pure relaxation.
The best Costa Blanca beaches Location, location, location.
Denia lies between the Montgo mountain nature reserve and the deep blue sea and is filled with narrow, winding streets, sun-drenched plazas, bustling markets, boutiques and pavement cafés.
Twenty miles of exceptional Blue Flag beaches extend to the north whilst the south offers up craggy coves ideal for scuba-diving.
Wander through the rainbow-coloured houses in the Old Quarter, take in the views from the hilltop castle or enjoy a leisurely lunch of paella overlooking the port.
If you have time, take the ferry to Ibiza or Majorca.
Or do as we did.
Explore, discover and then, utterly relax.
It turns out that sun, sand and sangria are a very agreeable combination.
More fool them.
It's a thriving town boasting golden beaches and lush parks with pulse-racing shopping opportunities.
With the mountain top castle, exquisite churches and the charming old quarter, it merges captivating Spanish heritage with modern culture.
Visit Museo de Arte De Siglo XX La Asegurada in Alicante Never is this careful marriage of old and new more evident than at this stunning art gallery.
One of Spain's most important contemporary art collections is housed in a sleekly modernised 17th century granary.
Entrance is free and you'll find paintings by Dali, Cocteau, Picasso, Miro and Bacon.
Don't miss it.
Perfect city break shopping in Spain Stroll along the mesmerising, multi-coloured promenade - the Explanada de Espana.
Take in the open-air craft markets where you'll find butter-soft leather bags, ceramics and wicker baskets.
Head to Rambla del Méndez Núñez and the Avenida Maisonnave or try Spain's favourite department store, El Corte Inglés in the Old Quarter, for, well, just about anything.
Kick back with Spanish tapas and cocktails Looking to refuel at a friendly bar? Try Cambalanche, just opposite El Corte Inglés for lunch.
Later, sample the highlife at the lavish Senzone Rooftop Lounge atop Alicante's only five-star hotel, Hospes Amérigo, and gaze at unrivalled views of the Castillo de Santa Barbara.
It's modern, stylish and surprisingly affordable.
Take the train or tram to Denia Sway and rattle through the countryside on the charming railway meandering up the coast to Denia, plunging through tunnels and over bridges.
You'll see breathtaking scenery and arrive in just over two hours.
Relax in your villa in Javea, Moraira or Calpe Packing in the sights can take its toll.
But adding on three days in a villa could be the perfect antidote.
Remember to opt for one with a pool for pure relaxation.
The best Costa Blanca beaches Location, location, location.
Denia lies between the Montgo mountain nature reserve and the deep blue sea and is filled with narrow, winding streets, sun-drenched plazas, bustling markets, boutiques and pavement cafés.
Twenty miles of exceptional Blue Flag beaches extend to the north whilst the south offers up craggy coves ideal for scuba-diving.
Wander through the rainbow-coloured houses in the Old Quarter, take in the views from the hilltop castle or enjoy a leisurely lunch of paella overlooking the port.
If you have time, take the ferry to Ibiza or Majorca.
Or do as we did.
Explore, discover and then, utterly relax.
It turns out that sun, sand and sangria are a very agreeable combination.
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