Alicante (also known as Alacant in Valencian language) is a Spanish town and city, as well as the capital of the province (one of three that make up the Valencian Community, the other two Valencia, and Castellon).
Today, it is an important port city on the Mediterranean coast, whose population increased significantly during the last decades. Having more than 300,000 inhabitants, Alicante is the second city of the Valencian Community and the eleventh in Spain.
Taking into account surrounding towns (such as San Vicente del Raspeig, San Juan de Alicante, Muchamiel, and Campello), the urban area has about 450,000 inhabitants, while the metropolitan area of Alicante-Elche with more than 750,000 citizens is amongst the largest in Spain.
Alicante geography – map of Alicante municipalities
Placed on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante is a city of tourism and services. Circumvented by a series of hills and elevations, the city has grown towards the north into a large plain. The Benacantil hill, situated in the center of the city, is 169 m high. The Castle of Santa Barbara (Castillo de Santa Barbara), built by Arabs on the top of the hill, dominates the urban area and is the most characteristic image of the city. Another hill is Tossal, with the smaller Castle of San Fernando, while outside of the city center there are Sierra de San Julián (or Serra Grossa), the hills of Garbinet, and Tossal de Manises.
On the waterfront of Alicante, you will find several nice beaches, from north to south: San Juan, rocky beach of Cabo de la Huertas, Albufera, El Postiguet, Agua Amarga, El Saladar (Urbanova), as well as the island of Tabarca in front of the coastal town of Santa Pola. The rocky beach Cabo de las Huertas is known by its preserved nature and numerous coves: Calabarda, Cantalares, Los Judíos and La Palmera.
It is interesting to note that the level of the Alicante City Hall is taken as 0-meter reference to measure height anywhere in Spain. Nevertheless, in the distance, you will notice mountain formations ( the highest being Cabezón de Oro with 1208 meters altitude, and others of lesser height such as Águilas, Alcoraya, Mediana, Fontcalent, separating the regions of Alicante and Vinalopó ). These mountains are mainly composed of limestone formations, marl, and sandstone. In fact, Alicante province is one of the most mountainous in Spain, offering great opportunities for hiking and climbing.
Other useful pages:
About Alicante Spain – Alicante tourist information about Alicante attractions, cultural life, its museums, theatres and castles.
Kilometres long Alicante beaches – Alicante tourist information about Alicante beaches – kilometres long, sunny and clean – the best beaches in Spain.
City Map of Alicante Spain – Alicante map, Spain. Use this large map of Alicante Spain to easily find your accommodation in Alicante.
