I’ve left Malaga province and Andalucia.
I’m in Alicante! How did I get here? By bus from Malaga (utilize the Alsa App). It’s a cheap option.
If you choose the train, it’s via Madrid. I’m not averse to driving but that brings other things into play. Where will I park? Will I need a car in the city? No, it’s compact.
What did I see along the way? Random acts of kindness and the gateways of 10 towns.
Who did I meet on my journey?
Anahit, of Armenian descent, she is a pop singer, independent artist and composer living in Grandad, Spain. When we met she was on her way to Alicante for a recording session. She performs anything from pop with a Latino sound to Pink Floyd covers. You can find her music on Spotify.
Alicante
City & Beach that’s the slogan and it sits between two castles! Capital of Alicante province in the Valencian Community. Castell de Santa Barbara watches over the city.
Basilica of Santa María sits at the foot of the mountain
Esplanada de España
This beautiful paseo runs parallel to the port and is lined by palm trees. The floor of marble tiles, forms a wave effect. In summertime, home to the Alicante Craft Fair and throughout the year it hosts stalls selling souvenirs of all kinds. Ideal for a stroll and a spot of browsing. You will also find the open-air auditorium known as “La Concho” which hosts concerts and cultural events. Not forgetting the streets and plazas that sit behind.
Plaza de Toros
Home to the Alicante Bullfighting Museum and Municipal Bullfighting School. Controversial but none the less part of Spanish culture and history and this tradition is deeply rooted in Alicante. The site of the present bullring dates back to 1849. The current school was founded in April 1998 and caters for 20 -25 students.
MACA (Museu d’Art Contemporani d’ Alacant)
The Twentieth Century Art Collection (donated to the city by Eusebio Sempere) is the cornerstone of this museum. The 177 pieces on show include sculptures, paintings and graphic work from the 1920’s until the early 1980’s. The collection contains masterpieces that represent the primary names and movement in Spanish art. It’s a diverse and interesting display.
Why Alicante? A Concert. Fundacion Mediterraneo Alicante
Concierto Extraordinario de Flamenco – “Miradas”. A flamenco recital performed by two friends. Alejandro Hurtado, guitarist and David Dominguez, percussion are perfectly complemented by Inmaculada Salomon, prima ballerina. Three exceptionally talented artists, who meet, interact and enhance each other to give a mesmerizing performance. An audio and visual delight.
Alejandro Hurtado has been studying classical guitar since he was nine years old. At the same time he trained in flamenco guitar under many notable artists including the legendary Arturo Cerreduela “El Nani”. He has accompanied great figures of singing including Mayte Martin & Miguel Poveda. He has also performed as a soloist with orchestras at some of Spain’s most prestigious theatres and auditoriums. Career highlights and most recent achievements, include performing at the New York Flamenco Festival and the Aranjuez Concert at the Palau de la Musica, Catalana. His second album “Tamiz” marks his beginning as a composer as well as a performer and several pieces feature in the program. Alejandro Hurtado (alejandrohurtadoguitar.com)
Dominguez, is self taught and began to learn flamenco percussion as a teenager. Throughout his career he has accompanied and collaborated numerous famous artists and has participated in projects involving various musical styles away from flamenco, such as jazz fusion & classical.
Imaculada Salomon has belonged to the Spanish National Ballet since 2006 and is the principal dancer. She combines this work with other projects and collaborations outside the company. She has also trained in theatre and mindfulness and is a Dance for Parkinson’s instructor through the Dance for PD program. Inmaculada Salomón – Ballet Nacional de España (mcu.es)
PROGRAM
Danza del Molinero (M. de Falla). Panaderos (A. Hurtado). Habanera (A. Hurtado). Sevilla (I. Albéniz). Petenera (A. Hurtado). Tangos (A. Hurtado) Soleá (J. Arcas). Guajira (E. Pujol). Bulerías (A. Hurtado). Gran Jota de Concierto (F. Tárrega)
So much to see and do but don’t forget to stop relax & eat!
Dulcina – Cafe Typical Spanish breakfasts on offer, great quality at a good price. Friendly staff, service with a smile. Ticks all the boxes.
Cerveceria Capri Another option for breakfast. Frequented by locals, always a good sign. Good value, great service, nothing a bother.
CasaBlanca Restaurante-Bar & Music Delicious food. Chilled laidback atmosphere. Outside dining on a spacious plaza
Restaurante Carmen Don’t speak Spanish? You’ll be fine, the waiter doesn’t either! Fresh food, cooked to order served with a smile on a pleasant terrace. All good.
La Cocina Del Buen Comer “Menu del dia” served with a smile, staff only to happy to make recommendations. A varied menu on offer meat, fish, pasta and not forgetting a coffee or dessert.
La Porteña – Cafe Bar Great place for a glass of wine and dessert but lots more on offer too. Very pleasant staff, friendly welcome.
Accommodation
“Quarto con banheiro privado em apartamento familiar”. What do your get? Double room with private bathroom. Ideally situated with all the city attractions within walking distance. Booked via Booking.com (other accommodation booking platforms are available). This is a very affordable option for a weekend city break and my first experience of a “homestay”.
Would I do it again? The jury is still out. This is not a negative reflection on the accommodation. The room was more than adequate. Had everything I needed and was very clean. The same goes for the bathroom. It’s personal thing. Ultimately, you are in someone else’s space. I was conscious of causing a disturbance with the timing of my comings and goings. Again, this is not a reflection on my hosts. After a warm welcome at check-in I hardly saw them.
Feedback & Sharing
As ever, if you visit any of the places I’ve recommended, I hope you have an enjoyable experience. Please let them know, who led you, to their door. Muchas Gracias.