Nice-Alicante Flight

If you want to make the most of your stay on the Costa Blanca, you absolutely must test out the local speciality: the siesta! Indeed, you'll find taking a short nap helps you keep up with the pace of this particularly dynamic region. Whether you're travelling as a couple or a family, the days are long and full of sunshine. You can fill them with swimming, exploring old pirate haunts, strolling in the shady narrow streets of the old town, wandering around markets, discovering museums, and eating delicious paellas.

When the sun goes down, the energy ticks up a notch. Take a walk along the long promenades by the sea or on the marina quays. Then share a sangria or cocktail and a few plates of tapas with friends in a taberna or chiringuito. Finally, surrender to the marcha alicantina, Alicante’s nightlife, which fills the night with fun, spontaneity, friendship and sharing whether you opt for pubs or discos, bartenders or DJs.

• Launch an attack (by lift) on Santa Bárbara Castle, the "Moor's face", the Arab fortress that has dominated Alicante for over a thousand years. Its ramparts offer magnificent views over the region. Its more recent history, during the Spanish civil war is however, less than glorious.
• Lose yourself in the cobbled streets of El Barrio, the old town. Discover its old churches, starting with Saint-Nicolas cathedral, then explore the houses with quaint, colourful facades and its festive, foodie atmosphere.
• Take a stroll down Calle de las Setas, Mushroom street. It owes its nickname (the real one is San Francisco) to the large mushroom-shaped totem poles that decorate it, worthy of Alice in Wonderland... Mind boggling!
• Swim in the translucent waters of Alicante's many beaches, make the most of the abundant sand and enjoy lazing around at La Albufereta or Saladar. The beaches at El Postiguet and San Juan beaches are less crowded and more invigorating.
• Take a boat trip to discover the island of Tabarca, classified as a Mediterranean Marine Park. People come here to enjoy the gentle village life and the excellent quality of the environment. Its waters provide magnificent diving opportunities, even for those who only have a mask and snorkel.
• Shop for food in Alicante's central market. Fill your bag with cold meats, cheeses, fresh fish or the famous Alicante turrón.
• Start the evening with a stroll along La Explanada de España, the Spanish Esplanade. Paved with stunning undulating ceramics and lined with palm trees, this beautiful pedestrian promenade, next to the Santa Bárbara castle, is one of the city's most popular attractions.
• Drop anchor in Benidorm, the Mediterranean Manhattan just half an hour from Alicante. Behind the skyscrapers bordering the sea, discover a seaside resort with a truly joyful life, overflowing with markets, parks, delicious restaurants, curiosity shops and lively speeches.
• Looking for a more tranquil, traditional place? Head to the most beautiful villages on the Costa Blanca. With its pretty, immaculate houses, winding, steep streets, blue-domed church and maritime atmosphere, Altea is the most famous of them all. But Moraira, Guadalest and its fortress, or Polop de la Marina and its fountain, Fuente de los Chorros, are also worth a visit.
• Awaken your inner child with the fairground attractions at Terra Mítica (near Benidorm), the water slides at Aquopolis in Torrevieja or Aqua Natura (in Alicante), or the two hundred species at Terra Natura, an exemplary modern zoo that treats all the animals with respect.