Crossing on the Crown - Day 9: Alluring Alicante

Our own Sharon Miceli continues to file great updates from her Transatlantic voyage aboard the Crown Princess. Today, she checks in from a gem along Spain's Mediterranean coast.

Perhaps one of the least known Riviera ports amongst even my most traveled clientele is Alicante, Spain. Up until today I didn’t have much of a description to offer either except to surmise that it must be delightful being located on the romantic sounding Costa Blanca. Delightful doesn’t even do justice to this charming stop on our way to Barcelona.

No matter which way you turn the view is impressive. From the pristine yachts in the marina to the ancient Moorish castle peering down on us from a dizzying height to the undulating pattern of the palm tree lined mosaic walkway of the esplanade this port is real eye candy.

On a tip from our ship’s port lecturer I found the elevator that lifts us from the beach to the turret of Castle Santa Barbara, some 166 metres above the sea, and back through time abouteight centuries. The view, needless to say, is stunning, especially on this crystal clear day. At each bend in the steep pathway to the summit, the massive fortress offers unlimited vistas of the sparkling Mediterranean artfully framed by arches or ramparts. We expected to be charged a few euros for the ride up and back but it was free!

 Please Don't Shoot our Ship!

A stroll down the shaded esplanade that follows the shoreline and a break for a café con leche restored the pep in my step and I resumed to follow my nose and wander off the beaten path.

 Esplanade de Espana

I am on a bit of a personal quest this vacation. My quest is unlike Don Quixote’s, the Man of La Mancha, I consider myself to be on a gourmet quest, hence, the Girl of La Munch-ah! I’m sure I will write another chapter about that at a later date for all you culinary enthusiasts.

But for now I can say that Alicante is a perfect port for an easy day off the ship. The walk from the pier to the city is about 15 minutes along the sea wall. There is a casino at the entrance to the port, a welcoming beach to the right complete with cafes lining its tiled walk and the Esplanade de Espana is to the left. A street level tram runs you down the coast to countless other beaches for mere pocket change from a modern terminus that has won awards in the world of architectural design.

 A Study in Contrasts - Modern Alicante Meets Ancient Alicante

Adios Alicante. It was a wonderful day full of great food, friendly locals, very nice shopping and intoxicating weather. What more could you ask for? Barcelona, maybe, but that’s tomorrow!

Thanks, Sharon! I'm looking forward to your Barcelona update!