-	All photographs of Alicante

Alicante is located in the Valencia Community, to the east of this community bordering the Mediterrenean, Catalonia, Castille La Mancha, and Murcia, Spain.

Alicante's location is a culmination of various stretches of nature coming together, in an area in front of the sea. Alicante is protected by many hills which add to its defence value. This is why it was chosen by the first human settlers to the area. Artifacts have been found from the Bronze Age in and around the area of Serra Grossa, and date back to the second millenium B.C. There are also remains of the Iberian Period, especially to note are the ancient cities of Albufereta and the fortress city of Tossal de Manises, which were occupied from the 4th Century B.C. ti the 3rd Century A.D.

The Roman city of Lucentum was also said to have been located here, as well as the first Muslim city, which was developed at the foot of Benacantil for its defense value. Alicante was later converted into an important sea port and commerce florished.

The year 1244 brought the treaty of Almizra, the boarders between Castilla and Aragon were drawn, leaving Alicante between the two of them. Three yaers later, in 1247, the city ws conquered by Alfonso X, who changed its name from Vila Vella (Its Muslim name) to "Vila Nova." In 1296, Jaime II incorporated the village of Alicante into the Kingdom of Valencia and two centuries later, in 1490, Fernando II elevated the village of Alicante to the status of a city.

In the 16th Century, the city's population grew due to large developments in commerce, exportation, and a prosperous local agriculture business. Construction of the suburban outer walls: the shipping ports of San Francisco, and the Interior of San Anton. The population of the city doubled from 1510 to 1609. In the 17th and 18th Centuries, this city's port invigorated and transformed the entire city with its trade with the Americas, and created a Land and Sea Consulate for help and organization of navigation and agriculture. In 1797 Alicante boasted 20,000 inhabitants.

The 19th Century was known for the demolition of the city's walls, the creation of new neighborhoods, and the arrival of railroads. But in the 20th Century, with the growth of services, and tourist spot development, the town began to develope into the large city that we know today.

Today, Alicante is a young university city, and favorite tourist spot for many due to its nice beaches, bars and restaurants, and youth culture. It is a preferred destination for vacation, as there are many things to do during a holiday in Alicante. In this website, you will find more information about these activities.