If you fancy a day out of Benidorm why not hop on the tram and head to Alicante. The newly electrified track makes it an easy and pain free way to get about – far easier than trying to drive then attempting to find a parking space, for which you´ll have to pay. There are two trains an hour, departing from Benidorm at .05 and .35 past the hour eg 10:05/10:35, 11:05/11:35 etc and returning from Alicante at .11 and .41 – with the last train leaving Alicante at 22:11.
The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes and the return fare is 6.40€, which you can pay on the train – use the machine on the train which accepts credit cards as well as cash. However, if you are a silver surfer, over the age of 65 even better news - you get a 50% discount off that fare! Take your passport plus a photocopy and 1 passport sized photo and they will issue you with a pensionista card - costs 4€, which will entitle you to discounts on all future journeys.
The route on the L1 line is actually really pleasant, taking you along the coastline most of the way, passing the beautiful sandy beach in Campello then turning in as it approaches Alicante and terminating at Luceros.It is the opposite of underground stations in London - spotless. On exiting the station you are in the heart of Alicante – and a great place if shopping is your passion. El Corte Ingles – a department store probably most like John Lewis in the UK, is about a 200 metre walk from the station.
There are 2 stores – the first one you come to is the main store with clothing, accessories and beauty hall then a short walk away is the second smaller store selling home and electrical goods. Directly behind the main El Corte Ingles store is a new shop that most in the UK are familiar with – Poundland! Here it is called Dealz but it is an exact duplicate...except here the prices are 1.50€. All the products have been bought over from the UK, so familiar British labels and I am sure it will be exceptionally busy coming up to Christmas with ex-pats!
If shopping is not your thing then head straight down towards the port area and admire the beautiful boats in the marina. You can also step onto the stunning 18th century ship moored beside the casino and discover what life was like on board – open daily from 11am, entrance is 5€ which includes a drink.
Look up inland and perched at the very top of Benacantil mountain is the Santa Barbara Castle – 166 metres above sea level. You can go on a guided tour of the castle which goes twice a day at 11am and 12:30 and costs 3€ or hire an audio guide and go at your own pace for 2€.
There are some interesting artefacts in the museum, which takes you through a historical journey of the city.
It is certainly worth taking a day out to go to Alicante – very different from Benidorm but most enjoyable... you won´t find the menu del dia as cheap as some places in Benidorm, but still very competative.
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