Alicante: is centrally located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The air of the city is pervaded with the scents of the sea; indeed the city has been an important seaport for many centuries. There is nothing as pleasant as strolling along the famous Paseo de la Explanada, one of the most beautiful seafront promenades in Spain.  The promenade is lined by four rows of palms, tessellated with marble in Alicante red, cream and black, imitating the waves of the Mediterranean sea. Alicante is also a university city, with various faculties and a series of technical colleges. In summer there are a variety of Spanish courses held for foreigners.

Culture
: The city offers an interesting range of cultural activities in various centres around town, such as:- The Casa de la Cultura (cultural centre), which has a well-stocked library, a historical archive and keeps locals and visitors abreast of cultural events including expositions, conferences and films. The Teatro Principal (Principal Theatre) is a neo-classical building dating from the 19th century, which runs an extensive programme of shows and plays throughout the year. The exhibition centre Lonja del Pescado, is located on the site of the former fish market, stages important art exhibitions and other cultural events throughout the year. 
During the month of September there is  the National Theatre meeting “Alicante a Escena” , along with the International Contemporary Music Festival. In December there is an International Puppet Festival. For lovers of abstract and modern art, a visit to the Eusebio Sempere exhibition in the Casa de la Asegurada is a must.

Beaches

: The mild Alicante climate makes beach-life accessible practically all year round, and there are plenty of fantastic beaches to choose from: 
La Playa de San Juan, with seven kilometres of golden sand flanked by a road enabling you to stop wherever you want; 
La Albufereta, an intimate, residential stretch of sand, protected by the headland of the Serra Grossa; El Postiguet located almost within the city itself, at the foot of the Benacantil mountain, next to the port; Los Saladares, lying south of the city, in the area known as Agua Amarga. If you prefer a rocky beach with crystal clear waters, at the Cabo de las Huertas, you’ll find a rugged, rocky area with coves such as Los Cantarales, Los Judios and Palmera. 

El Saladar and Los Judios both have nudist sections.

Excursions
: There are boat trips available to the Island of Tabarca. 
Jijona is only 26 km from Alicante, the birthplace of Turrón, a sticky almond sweet very popular in Spain and served at Christmas. Close at hand are the Caves of Canelobre, a marvel of nature. On a trip to Elche you can see the largest Palm Forest in Europe, and enjoy a stroll through the subtropical environment. Orihuela with its wide variety of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings is just 54 km from Alicante. The mountainous town of Ibi, 40 km to the north of Alicante, is a great place to take the children as it has a toy museum and is at the centre of the toy industry in Spain. It is affectionately known as the headquarters of the Reyes Magos (Three Kings of Orient), who bring gifts to Spanish children at Christmas time. The village of Agost is also close by.  Famous for its pottery, the village makes more earthenware Botijos (clay pot) than any other place in Spain. The authentic souvenir is the Botijo de Novia.

Nightlife: Alicante offers an excellent choice of nightlife all year round, with many bars and discos open until the small hours of the morning. 

There are many places to have a drink or a bite to eat around town. The old city centre, known as El Barrio, offers some of the finest restaurants and tapas bars, serving both authentic Valencian and International cuisine. Indeed you’ll find bars, cafés, taverns, cervecerías, pizza joints, and mesones, each with its own style and personality. 

The “modern” zone (between Alfonso El Sabio and the Explanada) offers elegant pubs and restaurants with famed cuisine. Discotheques and dance salons vie for your custom with the most sophisticated of décors, and pulsating music. In the summertime, enjoy seasonal nightlife on the Playa de San Juan.