Information about Alicante

Alicante on the Costa Blanca

Alicante is situated on the Costa Blanca and is probably one of the most well known resorts of the area. It is famous for its long sandy beaches and palm tree lined promenade that runs along the sea front. The climate in Alicante is ideal for tourists and Spanish holiday makers as it is warm throughout the entire year.

The city is filled with attractions and things to do including a number of beautiful churches and cathedrals. The actual history of Alicante dates back many centuries, the oldest of which dates back to the bronze age. These remains were found within the small montain range of La Serra Grossa and are likely the earliest settlers known to populate the area. There is also eveidence of a roman city known as Lucentum having once existed.

Moving through the times Alicante was home to Muslim invaders and the first known Muslim city was at the foot of El Benacanti, a strategic stronghold to ward off other invading forces. In the thirteenth century, 1244 to be precise, the Almizra Treaty was formed to settle the frontiers between Castile and Aragon and Alicante was then included within the Castilian territories. Three years later, in 1247, subsequent to the city being conquered by Alfonse X, the "Vila Nova" was built as a counter to the Muslim "Vila Vella". The town of Alicante was not fully incorporated into the Kingdom of Valencia until 1296 by James II. In 1490 the King Ferdinand II 'the Catholic' granted city status to the borough of Alicante.

The sixteenth century saw a dramatic increase in the population of the city mainly due to the increase of trade and the export of Spanish goods overseas. Also during this thriving period, two quarters outside the city walls were constructed, the maritime quarter of San Francisco and the inland quarter of San Anton. Between the period of 1510 and 1609, the city's population virtually doubled in size. The 17th and 18th Centuries saw the port become main economic hub that was the foundation for many urban transformations. Alicante was granted a much sought after licence to trade with the Americas and a "Sea and Land Council" was created to promote navigation and agriculture. In the year 1797, Alicante's population stood at a staggering 20,000 inhabitants.

Moving towards modern times the city walls were demolished in the 19th Century and many new districts were subsequently created including the construction of the railway. Finally in the 20th century the city became a major destination for tourists and travellers due to the infrastructure that had been put in place to assist the many traders that passed through the city.

Click here for information on Alicante Airport

Nowadays Alicante is a popular holiday destination and a sought after area for property buyers looking for a well priced property for sale in Alicante. This is backed up by the large and ever growing expat community that now reside in Alicante.