AlicanteOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Ancient Akra Leuke to Roman Lucentum

Alicante's history dates back over 7,000 years, with evidence of hunter-gatherers near Mount Benacantil between 5000 and 3000 BC. Around 1000 BC, Greek and Phoenician traders arrived. The Greeks established a settlement called "Akra Leuke" (White Summit) in 325 BC, likely referring to the prominent hill. The Carthaginians conquered the region around 400 BC. By 201 BC, the Romans captured the city, renaming it Lucentum, meaning "City of Light." Lucentum functioned as a port in the Roman province of Hispania. Remnants of Roman baths and city layouts are visible at archaeological sites like Tossal de Manises.

Moorish Influence and Christian Reconquest

After the Western Roman Empire's fall, Alicante came under Visigothic rule, then Moorish conquest in the second half of the 8th century. Under Moorish rule, from 718 to 1249, the city was known as "Al-Laqant" and developed as a center of trade and agriculture. Santa Bárbara Castle saw significant development during this period. The Christian Reconquista reached Alicante in the 13th century. King Alfonso X of Castile conquered the city in 1246. Jaime II of Aragon incorporated it into the Kingdom of Valencia in 1308. In 1490, Ferdinand the Catholic granted Alicante its City Charter. The city experienced a period of growth in the 15th century, becoming a Mediterranean trading hub for goods such as rice, wine, olive oil, oranges, and wool. However, the expulsion of the Moriscos between 1609 and 1614 impacted the region's economy due to the loss of skilled artisans and agricultural laborers.

Modern Resurgence and Civil War Scars

Alicante faced challenges in the early 18th century during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714). The city sided with Carlos, suffered bombardment by British troops, and lost its semi-autonomous status. After a period of decline in the 18th and early 19th centuries, the city recovered with the arrival of the railway in 1858, which reinforced its role as a port. The late 19th century saw economic recovery, boosted by increasing international trade, particularly during World War I when Spain remained neutral. The 20th century brought urban development and the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Alicante was the last city loyal to the Republican government to be occupied by General Franco's troops on April 1, 1939. The city endured air bombings, including the Italian Aviazione Legionaria bombing of the Mercado Central on May 25, 1938, which killed over 300 civilians. After the war, tourism began to develop in the late 1950s and early 1960s, transforming Alicante into a destination along the Costa Blanca.

• —Santa Bárbara Castle — The castle stands on Mount Benacantil at 166 meters. It offers views of the city and the Mediterranean. Visitors can explore its sections, including the Torreta, Cuerpo de Felipe II, and the central body. An elevator provides access from Avenida Jovellanos for €2.70 round-trip.
• —Barrio de Santa Cruz — This is the former Moorish quarter, located on the flank of Mount Benacantil. It has narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and small squares. The area involves a steep climb.
• —Explanada de España — This promenade runs parallel to the port, from Plaza Puerta del Mar to Parque de Canalejas. It features a wavy mosaic pavement made of 6.5 million tesserae in red, ivory, and marquina black, laid out in the 1950s. Four rows of palm trees line the promenade.
• —Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari — This 17th-century co-cathedral has a Renaissance cloister and a Baroque façade. It stands on the site of a former mosque. Its dome is a feature of the city's skyline.
• —Mercado Central — This two-story market building from the early 20th century is on Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio. It sells local produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses.
• —Lucentum Archaeological Site (Tossal de Manises) — Located north of the city, this site contains the remains of the Roman city of Lucentum. Visitors can see the layout of ancient streets, houses, and Roman baths.

For general sightseeing, visit Alicante from late April to early July and from late September to late October. Temperatures range between 18°C and 27°C. Spring (March to May) offers temperatures averaging 17°C to 23°C, with fewer crowds. The sea is cooler, around 15°C to 19°C. Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s in September, with the sea still warm, before cooling to 22°C-26°C in October. October is the wettest month, with an average of 1.3 inches of rain.

Avoid July and August if you prefer to escape heat and large crowds. These months have average daily highs around 30°C, often exceeding 30°C, with high humidity. Many local festivals, such as Hogueras de San Juan, occur in late June, which can lead to crowded conditions and higher prices.

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is 15 km southwest of the city. The C6 airport bus runs 24/7, connecting the airport to the city center every 20 minutes; the fare is €4.50. The main train station, Alicante-Terminal, is centrally located and connects to cities like Valencia (2.5 hours) and Madrid (3.5 hours via AVE high-speed rail).

The city center is walkable, especially the area between Rambla de Méndez Núñez, Explanada de España, and Mount Benacantil. For longer distances or to reach beaches like San Juan, Alicante has a tram network (TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante) with several lines. A Bono Móbilis card is recommended for more than seven rides, costing €5.25 for 10 trips plus €2 for the card itself (as of April 2026). This makes individual rides cheaper than the €1.45 cash fare. City buses (Subus Alicante) cover areas not reached by the tram, generally operating from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with night routes on weekends.

On-street parking in Alicante's blue zones allows up to 2 hours, while green zones permit up to 4 hours, with rates from €0.60 to €1.25 per hour. Parking garages are available, with daily rates around €12. Free street parking can be found off-season near Postiguet Beach and at El Palmeral Park, south of the city. Taxis are available at stands near the train station, bus station, and Plaza Luceros.