//
The most important festival in the city, with preparations beginning a week beforehand. Throughout Alicante, enormous monuments (up to and above 3 stories tall) are constructed and burned at the end of the festival during the night of 24th to 25th, after the shooting off of the very large "Palmera" firework from the top of the Castillo de Alicant. The explosion takes the shape of palm tree leaves (hence the name, Palmera). This is the symbol that begins the burning of the Hogueras monuments, which lasts into the later hours of the night. After that, a week of night fireworks continues in the beach. During the festival you won't have to go far to find music, drinks, and dancing, that all usually lasts until the early mornings.
The Bonfires of Saint John are a traditional and popular festival celebrated in the city of Alicante, Spain, from 19 to 24 June. The celebration ultimately stems from a tradition of bonfires for Saint John's Eve that can be found in many places, among them the Mediterranean coast of Spain, especially Catalonia, Galicia and the Valencian Community; in Alicante, it's the official and most important festivity in the city. It was officially declared as a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 1983 and a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2014.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara / Castle of Santa Barbara
On top of Mount Benacantil at a height of 166 metres, there is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, built in the ninth century by Muslims. An amazing view of town and harbour. If you feel fit, the walk from Plaza de Carmen is a sight in itself, through some narrow winding streets. The castle can also be reached by car, but parking slots are scarce.
MUSA / Museo de la Ciudad / Museum of the City of Alicante
Showcases archaeological finds from the city and the region.
Basilica of Santa María
Begun during the 14th century on top of the remains of an old Moorish mosque, construction was completed in the 16th century, and incorporates Gothic and Baroque stylistic elements in its structure. The main entrance to the church is especially notable for its elaborate Baroque decorative elements; inside the Gothic choir and Rococo altar are noteworthy, along with the Baroque organ from 1653. The exterior still bears traces of bombardment by French forces in the 18th century.
El Tossal de Manises
This site, which covers over 7 acres, is the location of the original Roman city which later became Alicante. Although excavation is ongoing, it is open to visitors. Notable features are remains of the defensive walls, Roman baths, and forum, as well as part of the old Muslim cemetery.
Castillo de San Fernando / Castle of San Fernando
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress is now the centrepiece of a city park.
MARQ / Museo Arqueológico de Alicante / Archaeological Museum of Alicante
Founded in 1932, it was originally located in the ground floor of the Diputación Palace, and in 2000 it moved to its current location, the former Provincial Hospital building. The museum has an avant-garde design and uses modern audiovisual techniques, with more than 80,000 pieces found in local archaeological sites. It also shows educational movies about the history of Alicante area from the Stone Age, through Iberian and Roman eras, to the Middle Ages.