Impressions from a brief visit by raquelitalarga
Though I only spent 2 days in Alicante recently I have some recommendations.First food... if you've checked the VT restaurant tips you'll maybe have noticed the 3 Lizarran tapas bars get a big thumbs up. My aunt and uncle live nearby and always head to a Lizarran when in the city. I found the city expensive so was glad to find a fantastic (but cheap) lunch menu at Mare Meua (see my Alicante page.) A general tip about tapas bars in Spain is DON'T be put off if there are loads of paper napkins all over the floor. It doesn't mean it's dirty just very popular! Staff are too busy to keep running out with a broom:)
The moorish Santa Barbara castle dominates the city and has great views. The marina area is pretty with lots of places to have a coffee or glass of wine but from what I saw being served the food looked a little average. The city beach looked fairly clean.
Tourist Info should give you details about the roman city being excavated at the end of the tram line. El Barrio is the small historic quarter with lots of bars and clubs. If you're looking for presents the Alicante region is the home of turron,a nougat traditionally eaten at Christmas.
One warning...I did see posters warning visitors about bagsnatchers and lack of police interest in the problem.
