Founded by the Romans, who named it Lucentum (City of Light), and dominated by the Arabs in the second half of the eighth century, Alicante was finally reconquered by Alfonso X in 1246 for the Castilian Crown. In 1308, Jaime III incorporated Alicante into the kingdom of Valencia.
Today, the main fiesta, Las Hogueras, is at the end of June, and ignites a series of cracking celebrations second only to Las Fallas in Valencia.
Book tickets and tours for Alicante
If you're planning a trip to Spain, don't miss our Spain itineraries and information on how to get there.