Ten years ago, I traveled from Berlin to Alicante to visit a friend.
Back when I lived in Berlin, I often traveled around Europe—and this Alicante trip was one of those memorable journeys.
It takes about three hours to fly from Berlin to Alicante.
The city is known as a holiday destination for people from the UK, Germany, and Russia.
I happened to fly there on a direct flight, but even without one, you can reach Alicante in about two and a half hours by train from Madrid, or around two hours from Valencia.
The first thing I felt upon arrival was the bright sunshine and the incredible blue of the sea.
Both the sky and the Mediterranean were dazzling, and the white‑washed houses created a beautifully unified landscape.
It was one of those moments when you instantly feel, “Yes, I’ve arrived at the Mediterranean.”
Exploring Alicante with a Friend—A Road Trip Base on the Costa Blanca
For this trip, Alicante served as our base.
My friend drove us to nearby towns and scenic spots:
the sweeping views from a hilltop fortress, the lively port full of Mediterranean charm, and even a unique “stone sanctuary” a little farther inland.
Looking back at the photos now, I feel an almost overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara｜A Fortress with a Panoramic Sea View
If you talk about Alicante, this fortress comes first.
Perched atop Benacantil Mountain right beside the sea, Santa Bárbara Castle offers a full panoramic view of the city, the bay, and the coastline—
a scene that looks almost like a painting.
You can hike up to the top, but many visitors take the elevator from the seaside near Postiguet Beach, which is also a famous way to reach the castle.
A Break in the Old Town｜Plaza del Ayuntamiento
After descending from the castle, we walked into the Old Town and arrived at the town hall square.
Multiple fountains shoot water directly from the ground, giving the plaza a refreshing atmosphere—perfect for a mid‑journey break.
This square faces the 18th‑century Baroque‑style city hall, and cafés are scattered around the area.
It’s a great place to feel the rhythm of local life.
The Marina and Its Layers of Blue
Rather than just “a city near the sea,” Alicante feels like a city integrated with its port.
From above, the marina looks almost geometric with its rows of yachts, and beyond them, the deep blue Mediterranean stretches quietly into the distance.
A Sudden Shift to a Desert‑Like Landscape
Drive a little inland and the scenery changes immediately.
Dry, desert‑like terrain unfolds for miles, with long strips of green farmland running between the dusty hills.
This contrast felt very characteristic of the Costa Blanca’s inland region—and I loved it.
Quiet Streets of Novelda
Novelda was our base for this trip.
It’s a calm, beautiful town about 20 minutes from Alicante and close to Elche.
There aren’t many tourists here, which makes it easy to feel the everyday rhythm of local life.
Santuario de Santa María Magdalena in Novelda
One of the most memorable stops on this trip was the Santuario de Santa María Magdalena in nearby Novelda.
My first impression was, “It looks like a sandcastle.”
But up close, the intricate stone and red‑brick decorations were astonishing.
Often described as “reminiscent of the Sagrada Família,” this building is a unique work of Catalan modernism and is considered one of the region’s most distinctive landmarks.
Its two 25‑meter towers topped with crosses are iconic, and the sanctuary is also part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
[Information]
Name: Santuario de Santa María Magdalena
Location: Cerro de la Mola, s/n, Novelda
Tourist Info: +34 965 609 228
Features: Two 25‑meter towers with crosses; a unique modernist façade
Spanish Food｜Mediterranean Seafood at Its Best
No trip to Spain is complete without Spanish food.
On this day, we stopped at a local bar—EL MONTADITO S.C. in Aspe—where we ordered gambas al ajillo and a calamari sandwich.
This bar specializes in montaditos (small open‑faced sandwiches), and the whole place had a wonderfully local atmosphere.
Everything we tried was delicious—I’d love to go back someday.
World Heritage Site｜The Palm Grove of Elche (Huerto del Cura)
I couldn’t visit it this time, but near Alicante is the small town of Elche, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Huerto del Cura, a historic palm grove.
It’s an easy side trip during an Alicante stay.
Summary｜Alicante Is More Than Just Its Beaches
Alicante isn’t only about the beautiful sea—
the seafood is some of the best I’ve had in Spain.
Out of the ten cities I visited, Alicante and Málaga were tied for the best seafood.
If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend visiting.
The sea, the townscape, the history, the food—everything is charming in its own way.
Next time, I’ll talk about the nearby towns of Santa Pola and Torrevieja!
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