Cheap Car Rentals in Alicante (ALC)

Castillo de Santa Barbara (or Santa Barbara Castle)

Castillo de Santa Barbara (known as Santa Barbara Castle in English) is a 9th century fortification on Mount Benacantil located in the center of Alicante, Spain. It was possibly built by the Arab invaders during the Iberian conquest in early 8th century, even though several artifacts related to Bronze Age and related artifacts of Roman period found here suggest an even older construction. The castle derives its name following its capture by Spanish armed forces on 4 December 1248, the feast day of Saint Barbara. Over the time Castillo de Santa Barbara has assumed many roles but now it is only used as a prominent tourist spot.

Museo Arqueologico Provincial de Alicante (or Archaeological Museum of Alicante)

Museo Arqueologico Provincial de Alicante (also known as The Archaeological Museum of Alicante in English language) is located in Alicante. Established in 1932, this museum won the prestigious European Museum of the Year Award in 2004. It presents a panoramic view of various cultures that the city of Alicante has been a part of like Iberian culture, Roman civilization and the Medieval Period through a collection of 81000 artifacts. Also of note are a total of 8 multimedia galleries that depict a view of how life has changed in the region over the last few centuries. Museo Arqueologico Provincial de Alicante also has a remarkable collection of ancient coins and an old statue of Tanit (the Phoenician Mother goddess of fertility).

Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (or Gravina Museum of Fine Arts)

Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (also known as Gravina Museum of Fine Arts in English language) is housed inside a four-storied, mid-18th century building located in the Spanish coastal city of Alicante. This museum wows its visitors with a remarkable display of 500 regional paintings and sculptures dating back to 16th century. Some of the major highlights included here include a sculpture by Francisco Salzillo and a portrait of Ferdinand VII by Valencian painter Vicente Lopez Portana. One can also take time to admire other beautiful artworks of noted 19th century artists like Antonio Gisbert, Joaquín Agrasot and Lorenzo Casanova here.

Tabarca Island

Tabaraca Island, locally known as Nueva Tabarca and Nova Tabarca, is an islet located less than 14 miles away from the coast of Alicante. It is the smallest populated isle of Spain and is best known for its sunny beach, transparent waters and marine reserve called ‘Reserva marina de la Isla de Tabarca.’ This marine reserve serves as shelter for several marine species and sea birds. Tabarca Island is also known for its nearly 260-year old fortification that was ordered by Spanish king Carlos III. The result of this fortification is that one-fourth of the island looks like a small walled town.