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| Castell de Santa Barbara - The remarkable castle of Santa Barbara was originally built by the Carthaginians in 400 BC and later used by the Romans and Moors. Its fortress is massive, encompassing drawbridges, barracks, moats, tunnels, cisterns, guardrooms, dungeons, a stately tower, bakery, hospital and a keep! Towering over Alicante , the castle´s crest offers a spectacular view of the city and its bay. The castle can be accessed via an elevator from the Explanada d Espanya, for $2.90. Opening time depends on the season; 10:00am - 19:30pm during summer, and winter 09:00am - 18:30pm. For more information, contact Tel: (+34) 96 526 31 31.
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| Elche - Just 12 miles inland west of Alicante, here is Europe´s only palm forest, forming a flourishing oasis around the city of Elche . The city boasts several beautiful parks and public gardens. The Parque Municipal is one of the most popular, decked with palm trees, grassy walkways and children s playgrounds. Perhaps the most attractive is the Hort del Cura , filled with lush trees and bright flower beds, a haven for quiet relaxation amid shade and color. You can get to Elche by an hourly train service from Alicante , or by regular bus service. Telephone: 096 545 27 47
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Isla Tabarca - The little island of Tabarca is quickly becoming a popular day-trip destination from Alicante This quiet fishing village has a lovely old fort and reasonably-priced, fresh seafood restaurants. Its rocky beach has clear blue waters, coves and tidal pools that make bathing such a treat. The island is situated ten miles south of Alicante , a one-hour ferry from Explanada d Espanya in the city proper.
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For a change of scene, Europe’s only palm forest is situated just 12 miles (19 km) inland west of Alicante. Declared a World Heritage Site, this is a lush oasis forming around the city of Elche (Elx). Elche prides itself in some unrivalled greenery, having many beautiful parks and public gardens. One of its most popular parks is the Parque Municipal, brimming with palm trees, grassy promenades and children’s playgrounds. Probably the most beautiful of them all is the Hort del Cura, awash with shade trees and luminous flower beds. Only an hour’s drive, Elche can be reached by an hourly train service from Alicante, or by the abundant bus connections.
A very renowned getaway from Alicante, Isla de Tabarca (Island of Tabarca) is an increasingly popular day trip destination from the city. This island, lying about eleven nautical miles south of Alicante and three miles from Santa Pola, is the only inhabited island in the land of Valencia. The tiny islet of Tabarca erstwhile accommodated corsairs and above all, served as a haven of pirates. A very placid island with a quiet fishing village offering an old fort, Isla de Tabarca should somehow relinquish for the discriminating visitor the hustle and bustle of the city proper. A rocky beach with clear turquoise water is in the vicinity to frolic in. What’s best, those very waters are a sanctuary for scuba divers. Otherwise, there are several coves and tidal pools ideal for bathing. The waters surrounding Isla de Tabarca are now branded as a Marine Reserve. Sumptuous meals are available in several very reasonably priced fresh seafood restaurants.
Isla de Tabarca can be reached in an hour by ferry from the dock on Explanada d’Espanya in the city. Far from being just a trivial getaway, this tiny islet takes merit for being in fact a natural monument. It was declared, in 1964, as a Historical - Artistic Monument.
On the island is a distinguishable legacy of old fortifications -- walls, bastion and doorways - from olden times. Also still standing tall on the island is an 18th century church. The Castle of San José is still rooted firmly in place nearby.
In Alicante there are numerous natural treasures that are very much worth a visit. Midway between Alcoi and Ibi, in Sierra of Menejador, is the Carrascal de la Font Roja Nature Reserve. Also of great environmental importance are the Nature Reserves of El Fondo, Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons, Montgó, Penyal d’Ifac, Santa Pola Salt Marshes and the Pego-Oliva Fen. In the interior of the province lies the city of Elche and its palm tree grove, declared World Heritage.
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