The strategic location of Alicante, facing the sea in an area where natural pathways converge, and protected by several defensive hills, was decisive in the success of the first human settlements in the area. There still remain some vestiges of the a Bronze Age settlement located in the Serra Grossa and dating from the second millenium B.C. There are also remains from the Iberian era, in particular those of Albufereta with the important fortified city of Tossal de Manises which was occupied from the fourth century B.C to the fourth century A.D

There is also evidence of a Roman city named Lucentum. The first Muslim city was developed at the foot of Benacantil for defensive reasons. ALicante became a point for maritime supplies, and a flourishing besiness developed.

In 1244 the treaty of Almizra fixed the borders between Castilla and Aragon, and Alicante was included under the Castillian territories. Three years later in 1247 the city was conquered by Alfonso X, and the "Vila Nova" or "New Town" was built to replace the Muslim "Old Town". In 1296 James II incorporated the town of Alicante into the Kingdom of Valencia, and two centuries later, in 1490, Fernando II the Catholic elevated the town of Alicante to the rank of city.

In the sisteenth century there was a boom in the population due to the development of business, the exportation of craftwork and the prosperity of local agriculture. In this period began the construction of two extramural neighbourhoods, San Francisco and San Anton. The population of the city doubled from 1510 to 1609. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the port was instrumental in the urbanistic transformation of the city, as the city became prepared for commerce with America, and a Sea and Land Consulate was created for the development of sailing and agriculture. By 1797 Alicante had around 20,000 inhabitants.

The nineteenth century was characterised by the demolition of the ancient city walls, the creation of new neighbourhoods and the arrival of the railway. But it was in the twentieth century when the intensification of secondary and terciary activities consolidated the city as a services centre, and the development of tourism turned the city into what it is today.

Alicante these days is a youthful city, a university city, and an important tourist destination. There are fantastic beaches, nightlife, culture and academic faculties. Thanks to its profile as a top holiday destination, there are hundreds of activities which you can partake in during your holiday in Alicante. In this site we give information on the different things you can do wile you are here.