The Joy of staying still every now and then is that you can see and experience the things that are just on the end of your nose.

So Verity out VW T5 is still hankered down in El campello’s Area 7 Camper stop

A quick tram ride away ( cost €1.45) on the stunning  southeastern coast of Spain sits Alicante, a fascinating city overflowing with a rich culture, dating back over 7000 years.

This coastal town is the capital of the province of Alicante. Being directly on the Mediterranean makes it a hot spot for anyone looking for a vacation by the sea.

People from across Spain and Europe travel here to experience its sunny weather. Through the year it is one of the most popular cities in Spain. Narrow streets and colorful buildings make it a one of a kind city.

Having the opportunity to spend a more than just a fleeting visit here was the experience of a lifetime for us.

With so much to see and do, we have chosen some of the edited  highlights that every visitor will want to add to their itinerary when visiting this beautiful part of Spain, obviously for us the joy of being able to come back day after day has meant that we had time to just sit and basque in the atmosphere.

The mild Alicante climate makes it the perfect seaside destination and with a major airport on the edge of this coastal city its no wonder that millions visit every year, but you cant help wonder how many more never get to experience its beauty as they fly in and travel off to the other coastal resorts ?

Explanada Promenade

Right in the heart of the city is beautiful Explanada Promenade, which  is one of the most popular areas in the city.

It runs parallel to the port from the Puerta del Mar to Canalejas Park. Recognizable for its tricolor marble tiles, it is the perfect place to walk, cycle, or run.

Along the promenade are numerous bars, restaurants, and shops where you can get a taste for the local cuisine. Some of the best paella in the region can be found here, or stop at any one of the numerous ice cream stalls for something sweet.

Or you can fight the old spainish men for the chairs on the walk ways, there are endless ways to enjoy it.

The Castle of Santa Bábara

If you are in Alicante, there is no way on earth you can miss this one, firstly its a must see ! – but secondly I’m pretty sure that nowhere in the city that doesnt have a stunning view of it !

The Castle of Santa Bábara stands as one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses, built in the ninth century and standing 545 feet above the city.

Sitting at the top of Mount Benacantil the structure overlooks the entire city and is one of the city’s major attractions.

Visitors can hike, drive, or even take an elevator to the top of the castle for a stunning view of the surrounding area.

Along the way you can explore the castle grounds to find the ruins of the original church, a great moat, and a series of cannons that once protected the city.

Inside the castle you’ll see the lookout tower, dungeons, and a lavish palace. Private tours are given by guides who can share the history of the castle and provide a glimpse in what daily life looked like for those living there.

Mercado Central de Alicante

Oh come on you didnt think we’d visit a city and then not go on about how fantastic the market was ……..

The Mercado Cenral de Alicante, or the Central Market of Alicante, is the best place to get a taste of the local cuisine. This large indoor market is full of local vendors, some whose families have been selling here since it first opened in 1921.

It is filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, varieties of fresh fish and meats, and flowers for every season. Every morning, except Sundays, it opens at 7:30 A.M. and quickly fills with people browsing what is new that day.

With more that 245 different stalls there is something for every ones tastes and this one is a real locals market, no stall selling tit bits to eat, you come here to shopuntil you drop !

Even if your not looking for a bite to eat it is worth the trip to see the magnificent building that houses the market.

It was such a real, down to earth market filled with people doing thier weekly shopping that I felt wrong snapping away with the camera, although I did a bit of hidden video, which will becoming to a youtube channel as some point soon !

Hit the beach

We visited Alicante and the surrounding coast line in late December  so it wasn’t scorching hot, but it was a pretty warm 22 degrees and there were still people on the beach! Albeit a lot less than I imagine there are in the summer months!

But even in the winter time, it’s a gorgeous place to walk along the promenade, watch the waves crashing onto the shore line.

SAN FRANCISCO STREET (Ok magic mushrooms)

This street is also called the mushroom street (calle de las setas). And no wonder, because along the street you’ll find many statues of huge mushrooms!

I really liked the idea, it’s a very cool and unique look, but even after hitting Mr Google, i still dont know why ?

As you can image, kids especially love this street, and some of these mushrooms are also hollow on the inside so that children can go and play in them.

Some of them also feature slides.

There you have it, the best things to do when holidaying to the gem of the Costa Blanca, Alicante.

Anything you’d add to the list?

Let me know in the comments below, tweet me at @ourleapoffaith or find us over on Insta at @ourleapoffoaith.

Paul.