nations fought over this part of the Med- iterranean for centuries – the view is al- most cinematic. Below the castle is the old quarter of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a labyrinth of white houses, colourful flow- er pots and staircases that seem to lead straight into a scene in some Almodovar film. Unlike many other “Instagramable“ European neighbourhoods, people actu- ally live here. Laundry dries between bal- conies and neighbours chat from their windows, while small bars serve tapas that often seem better than the offer of Michelin-recommended restaurants. Alicante is also a city that takes food very seriously. It is located in a region that’s home to some of the best versions of paella, but locals will immediately tell you that the real local speciality is arroz (rice), prepared in dozens of ways. There’s also fresh seafood, olives, almonds, cit- rus fruits and local wines. Visiting the city’s central market, Mercado Central de Alicante, is a special experience. And it is here that Alicante shows its true face: loud, fragrant, lively and completely un- encumbered by the expectations of tour- ists. Distinguishing this city from many
ten minutes. Hidden slightly further away are even more beautiful beaches: San Juan is a favourite among the locals, while the island of Tabarca represents a little Mediterranean retreat: where cars are almost non-existent, the water is crystal clear and the atmosphere is rem- iniscent of some bygone time when life was slower. Alicante also has an interesting his- tory. Over the centuries, it has found it- self under the influence of the Romans, Moors and Christian kingdoms, and this fusion of cultures can still be felt today in the city’s architecture, language and cui- sine. It also has that rare ability to make a person feel good quickly just by being in the city. There is no pressure to tour every attraction, no pomp and preten- tiousness. It is enough to sit with a san- gria somewhere near the marina, listen- ing to the seagulls and watching the city slowly being illuminated as night falls. And a direct flight in early June? That al- ready sounds like one of the better sum- mer holiday plans...
other Mediterranean destinations is its easy-going nature. It wins you over with spontaneity – long seafront walks, warm evenings and the feeling that you’ve slowed life down in the right way, at least for a few days. A special atmosphere is also created by the iconic Explanada de España prom- enade, which is paved with more than six million pebbles that form a wave mo- saic. This is the city’s main stage during the daytime, occupied by street musi- cians, joggers, elderly men playing domi- noes for hours and tourists trying to cap- ture the perfect sunset photo. And then there’s the sea. Postiguet Beach is locat- ed practically in the city centre, which en- sures Alicante is among the rare spots where you can go from downtown morn- ing coffee to swimming in the sea in just
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