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The Castillo de Santa Barbara is practically reason enough to take a trip to Alicante, and a 'must-see' on any itinerary. Situated on top of Mount Benacantil, it is a large medieval fortress and an important landmark. The Castillo is open to visitors, who are rewarded with stunning views of the city, as well as displays featuring archaeological finds and statues of important figures in Spain’s history.

You’ll find El Palmeral Park on the outskirts of Alicante. It's a little further outside the city centre, but it’s well worth taking the time to visit. As its name suggests, towering palm trees are the main feature here, but there are hidden surprises. Tucked away behind the palms you’ll find secret gardens and even play areas for children, making this an ideal family day out.

Mundomar Maritime Park is another superb family attraction. If you or your children have even a passing interest in the natural world, then this may well be one of the highlights of your trip to Alicante. It holds an astonishing array of birds and animals, such as parakeets, owls, lemurs and sea lions. There are also opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the animals. Meet dolphins, interact with penguins and even swim with the sea lions.

Drama and showmanship are an inherent part of Spanish life and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than through a trip to the theatre. The Teatro Principal is one of Alicante’s most prestigious theatres and plays host to visiting plays, operas and ballets. The building itself is classically impressive, having been built in the 19th Century. 

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art is another superb way to get to grips with Spanish heritage – and this is a prime example of how ancient and modern can blend seamlessly together. The building itself was originally a granary and built in the 15th century. However, today, and after much restoration, it has been transformed into a white-marbled art gallery with sweeping arches and stone floors. Inside, you’ll find works from some of the great contemporary artists such as Salvador Dali, Francis Bacon and Pablo Picasso.

If your trip to Alicante happens to be in June then you’ll be in for a treat, with one of the city’s most famous and unique festivals. On the evening of the 24th you’ll witness an age-old tradition of setting fires on streets and squares across the city. The highlight of the spectacle is the burning of over 200 gigantic papier-mâché statues. As well as being known as ‘The Burning’, this night is also known as ‘The Soaking’, thanks to the water pumped out by fire-fighters extinguishing the blazes.

Food is something of a celebration in Spain – and your trip to Alicante will introduce you to some delicious cuisine. The city itself is home to a wide range of places to eat, from fast food joints to fine dining establishments. However, it’s well worth finding a restaurant that serves tapas, which is a great way to get to know the local food. Tapas is a traditional way of eating in which diners choose a selection of small dishes and share them between each other, grazing as a group.

Spain’s most famous dish is paella, where seafood, fish and chicken are cooked with spices and a particular type of rice to create a fragrant dish that perfectly blends a cocktail of flavours and epitomises Spain (its red and yellow colours echo the Spanish flag. Tapas also features a variety of grilled meats and stews, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians, such as the spicy patatas bravas and the delicious Manchego cheese.

Shopping in Alicante is an all-day event. Opening hours extend well into the early evening, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take the weight off your feet and relax in a café and watch the world go by. If you’re visiting Alicante with shopping in mind, then be sure to visit the Rambla Méndez de Núñez, which is the city’s shopping headquarters. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end, designer shops to craft stalls and markets, giving you a real slice of Spanish life.

Travelling to Alicante could see you returning home with no end of goods, but look out for some Spanish specialities such as leather goods and jewellery.