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Explanada de España

Why Visit?

Welcome to your curated museum tour along the stunning Explanada de España, a vibrant mosaic promenade lined with palm trees, located in the heart of Alicante, Spain. This itinerary will guide you through a culturally rich day, soaked in history and art, complemented by the gentle Mediterranean breeze.

Morning: Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA)

Start your day at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, which is housed in a Baroque building at Plaza de Santa María. Just a 10-minute walk from the central market tram stop, MACA offers three floors of 20th-century Spanish art, featuring works by Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, and Joan Miró. Engage with contemporary creativity and be sure to catch any temporary exhibitions.

Fun Fact: The building itself, formerly the Casa de La Asegurada, is Alicante’s oldest civil building, dating back to 1685.

Midday: Break for lunch along the Explanada

As noon approaches, walk along the Explanada de España. Enjoy the picturesque views and choose from a variety of seaside restaurants to refuel. The promenade’s floor, made of 6.5 million marble tiles, creates a wavy form that mirrors the ocean.

Afternoon: Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ)

Post-lunch, take a tram from Mercado to the MARQ, celebrated as the European Museum of the Year in 2004. Located approximately 15 minutes away, this museum offers a deep dive into the past with its innovative and interactive exhibits. Explore sections dedicated to Prehistory, Iberian culture, and Roman civilization, among others.

Fun Fact: The museum is situated in a renovated old hospital building and uses cutting-edge technology to bring archaeological findings to life.

Evening: Return to Explanada de España

Conclude your tour by strolling back to the Explanada de España. Relax with a coffee or indulge in some local ice cream as the sun sets. Enjoy the street performances often found along this bustling walkway, reflecting on a day well spent amidst Alicante"s cultural treasures.

This engaging route not only immerses you in art and history but also lets you experience the lively atmosphere and beautiful scenery of Alicante.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Casa Carbonell

Why Visit?

Morning Exploration: Casa Carbonell

Begin your cultural journey in Alicante, Spain, at Casa Carbonell, one of the city"s most striking buildings located at the end of the Explanada de España. This remarkable edifice, built in 1925 by noted architect Juan Vidal Ramos, reflects the prosperity Alicante experienced through the almond trade. Start your tour early, around 9:00 AM, to enjoy the morning light accentuating its ornate façade.

Getting There: Casa Carbonell is easily accessible by public transit. Buses C6, 21, and 22 stop nearby, or you could take a leisurely 15-minute walk from Alicante’s main train station.

Touring Casa Carbonell: Once you arrive, marvel at the building"s exterior with its eclectic style blending elements of Modernism and Neo-Baroque, particularly noted in the intricate stonework and grand balconies. Although primarily a private residence, the lobby and first floor are open to visitors. Inside, you"ll find a lavish display of marble, precious woods, and decorative arts that tell the tale of Alicante"s early 20th-century bourgeoisie.

Interesting Fact: Look out for the ceiling in the main hall, adorned with a fresco that depicts scenes of Alicante’s history and economic activities that fueled its growth.

Lunch and Local Flavors: Around noon, step out to a nearby café along the Explanada de España. Enjoy local dishes like *arroz alicantino* (a rice dish with rabbit and snails) or the seafood-rich *caldero*.

Afternoon Delight: Explore More

Post-lunch, take a casual stroll along the beachfront, or visit the nearby Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA) to continue your cultural immersion with a modern twist. Located just a 10-minute walk away, MACA offers a stark contrast with its contemporary collections housed in a 17th-century baroque building.

End Your Day with a Sunset: Cap off your museum tour with a sunset view from Castillo de Santa Bárbara, accessible via a short tram ride from the town center, and reflect on a day well-spent soaking in Alicante"s rich history and vibrant culture.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara)

Why Visit?

Discover the Majesty of Castillo de Santa Bárbara: A Timeless Journey

Perched dramatically above the azure waters of the Mediterranean, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara beckons with tales of ancient battles and breathtaking views. Located on Mount Benacantil in Alicante, Spain, this fortress offers a perfect blend of historical intrigue and visual splendor ideal for culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Getting There

Your adventure begins with a journey up to the castle, accessible via a lift located on Calle Jovellanos near Postiguet Beach. For a nominal fee, this elevator through the mountain swiftly carries visitors up to the fortress, emerging near the top with panoramic vistas greeting you immediately. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, a winding path from the foot of Mount Benacantil offers a scenic hike up to the castle, allowing you to soak in the Mediterranean landscape.

Exploring the Castle

Constructed primarily during the 9th century by Muslim rulers, the castle has seen numerous reconstructions and has been a silent witness to many battles throughout the centuries. Begin your tour at the main precinct, known as La Torreta, where you"ll find the iconic Mannerist portal crafted in the 16th century. Inside, the Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante (MUSA) awaits, offering detailed exhibits on the history of the city and the castle"s role in its defense.

Don’t miss the top of the Torre de l’Homenatge, the highest point of the castle, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Alicante’s coastline and urban landscape. Explore the dungeons, now fascinating exhibits showcasing medieval weapons and historical artifacts.

Interesting Facts

- Legend has it that the mountain, on which the castle sits, resembles a human face, known locally as the “Cara del Moro” or Moor"s Face.

- The castle was named after Santa Bárbara because the day of its capture from the Moors coincided with her feast day, December 4, in 1248.

End your visit by relaxing at the castle’s café, where you can ponder the rich tapestry of Spanish history while savoring local flavors, all against the backdrop of an unforgettable Mediterranean vista.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari (Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari)

Why Visit?

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and religious art by visiting the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari in Alicante, Spain. This resplendent gem of Spanish Baroque architecture provides not just spiritual solace but also a feast for the eyes of any art or history enthusiast.

Starting Your Tour

Begin your visit early to appreciate the serene ambiance of the cathedral without the crowds. The cathedral is conveniently located in the heart of Alicante’s old town, easily accessible by foot from most parts of the city. If you are staying outside the city center, the TRAM system offers an efficient and scenic route. Alight at the Mercado TRAM stop, from where the cathedral is a short 5-minute walk.

Exploring the Cathedral

As you step inside, the grandeur of the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas instantly captivates you. Constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries, the cathedral stands on the site of a former mosque, echoing the historical transitions of Alicante. The main highlight is the elegant dome, soaring 45 meters above the transept, an architectural marvel that bathes the interior in celestial light.

Stroll down the nave and you"ll come across various chapels, each adorned with exquisite art. Don"t miss the Chapel of the Holy Communion, which showcases impressive frescoes and a stunning altarpiece. The cloister, a quiet courtyard, is perfect for contemplation and admiring religious sculptures and artifacts.

Engaging with History

Learn about the cathedral’s namesake, Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, whose influence resonates in this port city. A guided tour (available in multiple languages) can enhance your visit, offering insights into the cathedral’s art, architecture, and its pivotal role in Alicante’s spiritual and cultural life.

Concluding Your Visit

End your tour with a visit to the cathedral"s museum, where sacred art and vestments tell the ongoing story of faith in Alicante. Take a moment to reflect on your experiences in the serene environment of this historic edifice before stepping back out into the vibrant city.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Port of Alicante

Why Visit?

Discover the Cultural Treasures of the Port of Alicanate: A Museum Tour Itinerary

Morning – Begin at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA)

Start your museum tour at the heart of Alicante, a short walk from the promenade. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, housed in the oldest civil building in the city, the Casa de La Asegurada, showcases a compelling collection of 20th-century Spanish art. Here, feast your eyes on masterpieces by Dalí, Miró, and Picasso. The museum opens at 10am; delight in the early hours when it"s less crowded. Entry is free.

*How to get there:* MACA is easily accessible by tram (stop at Mercado) or a 10-minute walk from the central bus stop at Plaza Puerta del Mar.

Midday – Explore the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG)

A 5-minute walk from MACa, find MUBAG located in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace. This museum offers a deep dive into Alicante’s fine arts from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Don"t miss the intricate baroque architecture and the regular temporary exhibitions.

*How to get there:* Stroll north on Calle Miguel Soler from MACA.

Afternoon – Visit the Volvo Ocean Race Museum

Conclude your tour at the Volvo Ocean Race Museum by the waterfront, about a 15-minute walk from MUBAG. This modern, interactive museum is dedicated to the world’s premier offshore race. Engage with high-tech exhibits and virtual reality experiences that bring the thrilling sport to life. The museum also offers a stunning view of the marina, perfect for winding down.

*How to get there:* Head east towards the port along Explanada de España and then south along Muelle de Levante.

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, and consider a light mid-afternoon meal at one of the port’s many cafes to replenish before visiting the Volvo Museum. Each museum offers guided tours and audio guides; check availability upon arrival to enhance your cultural journey.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.