Alicante.
Alicante is both a city and a municipality in the province of the same name. The city is located on the Spanish
east coast by the costline Costa Blanca. Alicante is primarily known for its miles of sandy white beaches.
It is the second largest city in the Valencia region right after Valencia. Central Alicante is calculated
to approximately 330,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area where Elche and four other municipalities are included the population reaches approximately 700,000 inhabitants.
It differs only 160 kilometers between Valencia and Alicante, which makes it common that many people choose the white beaches of Alicante as a mini-vacation over the holidays. The climate in Alicante rarely betrays those who enjoy warm summers and mild winters. The temperature rarely goes below 5 degrees in the evenings during the winter months and is often over 15 in the daytime. Sweden's summer heat usually already shows up sometimes as early as March during the daytime.
History
The city of Alicante was founded in 324 BC by the Greeks. A little more than 100 years later, the Romans took over the city. About 900 years later, the city became the Moors possession. This lasted for a little more than 500 years before Alicante became part of the Kingdom of Castile and Aragon. These kingdoms agreed later to create the country we know today as Spain. In 1490, Alicante received its town charter.
Football
Alicante has two football teams, Alicante CF and Hércules CF. The latter team played one season in the Spanish top division season 2010/2011. The neighboring municipality of Elche, whose team is called Elche CF, currently plays in the top division, La Liga. Hércules CF's home stadium is located just 2.5 kilometers from the center of Alicante. Would you like to see Elche in La Liga, it is a drive of about 20 minutes from the center of Alicante.
Alicante Airport
Getting to Alicante with flights from Sweden is easy. There are direct flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and for those who live in southern Sweden, Copenhagen is the best option. Even there ypu can get direct flights. Of course are there also flights from these airports with stopovers for those who wish. The Alicante Airport is a modern airport and is located just 15 minutes drive from central Alicante. At the airport, it is also possible to rent a car, bustransfer and more. The airport also offers departures to other major cities in Spain and Eurpa such as Barcelona, ​​Madrid, London, Paris, Rome and others.
Santa BÃ rbara
In the center of Alicante, you will find a mountain, or rather a large hill named Benacantil. At the top is a fortress built by the Moors, during their time as rulers. The castles current name, Santa Barbara, was given in 1248 by Castiles who took over the castle on the same day as they celebrated their saint Bárbara. Today you can visit the castle, which has free entry and experience a well preserved historical site. Once you come to the castles highest place, you can experience a majestic view over Alicante, the sea and the harbor.
Alicantes harbour & Volvo Ocean Race
Alicante is known for its many beaches and sunhours. But it is also a city where many who love to sail usually appear. The harbour which is located just minutes from the center of Alicante is chock full with both large and small sailboats and yachts. Next to the port, there are several hotels for those who come to Alicante by boat.
If this were not enough for boat lovers, Volvo Ocean Race, a recurring attraction, will in 2014 be held for the 3rd time in Alicante. Over a week you can follow the fast paced races from close range, see the boats, and if you're lucky, meet at one of the sailors.