Alicante

Alicante sits on Spain's Costa Blanca, a Mediterranean coastline known for sun and beaches. It is the capital of the province of Alicante and a historical Mediterranean port. The city is mainly a port of call on Mediterranean cruises, though Alicante receives more than 70 calls by cruise ships with an estimated 100,000 plus passengers annually.

The promenade Explanada de Espana is lined by palm trees and paved with 6.5 million marble floor tiles in a wavy form, and is one of the most beautiful promenades in Spain. From here you can walk into the heart of the city. The old town has narrow paths, steep alleys, and sloping streets lined with colorful houses, and preserves authentic Mediterranean character and culture. The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari, a co-cathedral completed in 1662, features unique gothic style architecture.

Santa Bárbara Castle dominates the city from a height of 160 metres atop Mount Benacantil. This medieval fortress is free to enter and immerses you in history with dramatic and guided tours, exhibitions, and experiences. Mount Benacantil offers scenic walks along ancient trails popular among hikers, with panoramic views of the city from the summit.

Mercado Central, dating back to the 1920s, has nearly 300 vendors operating where locals buy their vegetables, fruits, fresh flowers and other goods each week. Food here centres on seafood, local produce, olive oil and rice. Try the city's take on paella made with local Bomba rice, red prawns and clams, and sample esgarrat, which brings together sweet red peppers with salted cod and garlic.

Alicante has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, receiving 349 hours of sunshine each month on average. The Alicante coastline is flanked by beautiful beaches, sandy shores and sparkling seas, with Playa del Postiguet, San Juan Playa and La Calita Playa among the most popular beach destinations. A short boat ride away is Tabarca Island, a tiny island whose waters make up a protected marine reserve with excellent snorkeling and a small community of whitewashed houses. On The Cruise Globe you can see where your ship actually sailed past these landmarks.