Dissapointing bore

Our family which comprised of 2 adults and four children ages 8, 11, 12 and 15 yrs, went to Alicante and stayed in Gran Alacant for 2 weeks. There isn't an awful lot to do in Alicante, there is a beach and a town with no public toilets whatsoever, the shops are average and no one speaks English. If you eat at the Mcdonalds there you'll be begged to death for your food by beggers which can be scary for kids. The shops are not that easy to find either as they are situated in blocks making you walk a long way and going round back on yourself all the time. There is a bullring and castle but that is all it boasts. The shopping centre Plaza Mar is average size and none of the shops are cheap, prices in this part of Spain are pretty much what you'd get charged in South of England. I do not reccommend this area of Spain for families who are looking for plenty to do as there is nothing on offer, no water sports, no fun activities and we found it unfriendly. Santa Pola is not too far away and that does have a beautiful beach but again that's all there is there. All in all I wouldn't ever go back there as we were all bored and even wanted to go home early! We had hired a car for the entire holiday it ended up being a busmans holiday for my husband as you have to travel further afield to get any entertainment. ie: drive to Benidorm etc.

Great for: History/Culture

Last Visit: June 2006

15 April 2007 | A Yahoo! User

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A Spanish Resort

Alicante is resolutely Spanish. There is little or no attempt made to speak English in the city's bars and restaurants. That is its charm. It is not Benidorm or Torremolinos - it is a Spanish city. We have now had 4 stays there, in San Juan, and our Spanish is still pretty poor but the locals appreciate our efforts and are very friendly and helpful. The food is wonderful and San Juan beach is brilliant. I have read somewhere that it is a resort for the Madrilenos in the summer and I would go along with that. If you want english food and entertainment then don't go to Alicante........but if you want to see real spanish customs then give it a go. We loved seeing families having breakfasts and suppers on the beach........

Great for: Beaches, History/Culture

Last Visit: June 2005

20 January 2006 | A Yahoo! User

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Fantastic City

Lovely old town with impressive castle. Fantastic port with great, but expensive, resturants. Eat away from the seafront, cheaper with better service. Great night life with exciting bars frequented by the Spanish. If you like a City full of Brits dont come here. I dont like Spanish food myself but all nationalities are catered for here. Great golf development 20 minutes to the north 'Bonalba' with the best Italian restaurant I have ever eaten in. www.casanostraalicante.com

Great for: History/Culture, Nightlife, Family Holidays

Last Visit: august 2005

18 August 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Convenience and Fun

Alicante is like no other. I was priviledged to call it home for about five months. I was able to live in the home of one of the Alicantinos and make some local friends. The people in general are friendly, the food is delicious (and affordable), and the city has a wonderful nightlife. Everything is about convenience. Alicante offers the city life that includes everything you need, but it is small enough to make it easy to get from one place to another. It has a good transportation system although one can easily walk from one place to the next. The city offers great shopping from local privately owned stores to trendy mainstream stores such as Zara and Mango. It also has two malls both within an easy bus ride away. Perhaps the most attractive part of Alicante, however, is that while it is affordable, it is also fun. It is slowly growing as a tourist area but it is not overcrowded with travelers. One may easily take a stroll down to the port and then on to Postiguet Beach. The beach is clean and facilitated with lounges, umbrellas, and drink vendors. Restaurants line the lovely Explanada running along the port. The nightlife in Alicante is excellent. It is perhaps one of the best in terms of affordability and convenience. What the locals call the "barrio" consists of approximately 200 bars in a square kilometer. There is no need to drive or stray far to enjoy a variety of bars and clubs. The bars are lively and are full of young people out to have a good time. Bars for the older crowd are also available where one can relax and have a drink with friends. The bars usually close at about 3 in the morning at which time the crowds head toward the port where one can find a wide variety of clubs featuring different types of music and people. The crowds don't usually head in for the night (or rather morning) until the sun rises. But don't be fooled. Alicante also has its share of culture. One may visit the castle on top of the hill or the nearby Roman ruins. A number of museums are also available. One, the Marq, was voted one of the best new museums in Europe in 2004. The end of June is when Alicante enjoys one of its most festive holidays, Las Hogueras, in which local artists build floats which are later set on fire in the waters of the port.

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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