Posted on July 22, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Alicante car hire offers tourists the chance to make the most of the Valencia region’s second largest town. The town is so much more than a gateway to the Costa Blanca. Over the past few years, Alicante has been given a new lease of life through local regeneration projects.

Alicante is now renowned for its iconic palm tree lined boulevard and upmarket shopping streets,

If you go for a wander around the old town you’ll pass many historical buildings including cathedrals and churches and a lively harbour.

When your feet tire of exploring the local sights, head to the beaches of San Juan and kick back and enjoy some sunshine. 

The Costa Blanca is located on Spain’s east coast.  To the south you’ll find the Costa Almeria and to the north the Costa Dorada.

Eating out in Alicante is a treat for those who enjoy good food.  El Buen Coma comes highly recommended for tapas and local Spanish favourites, meanwhile Parilla Libre restaurant is a great place to try steak and other grilled dishes. Other restaurants worth checking out include Casa Julio in San Juan (best known for paella and potato tortillas, as well as delicious seafood). If you’re after a simple snack, try La Rambla Restaurant Bar – here you’re free to sit on the terrace and watch the world go by.

If you’re looking to get away from the beaches for a little while, you could do a lot worse than taking a drive to Elche.  Elche has the proud distinction of being Europe’s only palm forest. The city is something of an oasis in the sandy deserts of Alicante.  Top of your list of sights to visit should be the Hort del Cura which is filled with shaded trees and vibrantly coloured flowerbeds.

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