In every Spanish town, village or city you will find at least one Plaza, a square or an area of particular significance and Alicante is no exception. And while staying in your Alicante Villas where there are countless squares scattered around the city
from modern and grand, to ancient and small, each has its own personality and usually contains an interesting sculpture or monument. It is a joy to wander the city and turn a corner to discover a hidden plaza offering an oasis of calm.
The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is possibly the grandest Square. It contains the impressive Town Hall that has the 'cota zero' (zero sea level) a large brass stud set into the foot of the main staircase inside the building. This is the reference point which is used to measure the height above sea level of all Spanish towns. Around the square are beautiful vaulted buildings that offer a cool walkway.
Located at the rear of the Town Hall, through a small back door, is the Plaza de la Santisima Faz, where, at the end of June, a traditional medieval market of arts and crafts is held. In the little garden that makes up the centre of the square you will find a small fountain which has a curious reproduction of the ancient coat of arms of the city, the present ones having been officalised in 1941. Whilst just a short walk away is one of the oldest squares in Alicante the Plaza de Quijano, surrounded by houses with multi-coloured facades…..it provides a perfect photo opportunity!
Another rather splendid square is the Plaza de Los Luceros, designed in 1915, it is a wonderful circular plaza containing a dramatic fountain surrounding a tall monument.
When you stand in front of it you can see why it is known amongst the locals as 'Los Caballos' (the Horses) rather than its original name of 'Levante'.
It has four magnificant white horses, covered in an abundance of fruit, and the whole sculpture, created in 1930, represents the importance that both horses and water held to man in ancient times.
The Plaza Nueva or New Square is a lovely place to sit and rest in the shade of the palm trees. Within this pretty little plaza as well as a bar or two there is also a small aquarium which gives you the opportunity to view local marine species in a natural habitat.
Finally, the Plaza de Santa Maria is a beautiful historic square that contains two of Alicante's oldest buildings, the wonderful Gothic church of Santa Maria, with its spectacular golden alter and the modern art gallery Museu Colecci Art del Segle XX. The gallery was created from an old granary built in 1685, and contains works by Picasso, Miro and Dali.
These Plazas are just a taste of what you can find. Continue exploring the many streets and alleys of the city and you are bound to find more hidden gems near to your Alicante Villas. And in the summer, the City has a complete programme of activities across the Plaza's that include theatre shows, live music and cultural activities. So no excuse, to be a little adventurous.
Alicante Holiday for your yacht racing
The centre of the Costa Blanca, lies the town of Alicante. It has a phenomenal climate that's characterized by mild winters and hot summers, with a median yearly temperature of over eighteen degrees Celsius and around three thousand hours of sun a year no wonder so many have their Alicante Holidays here.Costa del Sol Benalmadena holiday rentals
Like almost all of the resorts in the Costa del Sol, Benalmadena swells each summer as holiday makers arrive in their thousands each looking for sun, sea and sand in their own Costa del Sol rentals.You could never find a better place for your Costa Dorada apartments
Costa Dorada translates as Golden Coast, not surprising that people look for their Costa Dorada apartments along side the beach, not only with the breathtaking views along the coast but a myriad of entertainment.