What used to be a shabby seaport in the Valencia region of southeastern Spain has, in the last few decades, transformed into a beautiful Mediterranean resort, thanks to its beautiful Costa Blanca beaches. A variety of Spanish and foreign cultures coexist in the city, and while three quarters of the population primarily speak Alicantinian Spanish (a southern dialect of Castilian Spanish), there are also sizable minorities who speak American Spanish and Catalan.

The most striking attraction is the Castillo de Santa Barbara, which overlooks the city from a cliff. Other religious landmarks include the Santa María Chruch and the Santa Faz Monastery. 

Alicante is proud of being a center of higher learning; it is something of a college town, and in the summer foreigners may enroll in Spanish courses at the university. There are also several cultural centers around town; the main one is the Casa de la Cultura with its large library, historical archives and expositions.

Important festivals in Alicante include the Bonfires of Saint John, which take place on the summer solstice, and the Moros y Cristianos (“Moors and Christians”), which celebrate the religious battles of Spanish history. Secular festivals such as the International Contemporary Music Festival in September and the International Puppet Festival in December are also well-attended.