We discovered that there is a bus to Alicante from outside LIDL, just a short drive up the main road. The reception gave us a timetable, just as well as the one displayed at the bus stop is out of date. We like to take the bus into cities rather than take the van as it is not always easy to find uncovered parking. We also get to look out of the window at the scenery rather than scanning for “helpful” road signs.
We were delighted with Alicante and made three visits during our stay at Guardamar.
Visit 1 – 12 Dec
This was an exploring visit. Unfortunately, we could not locate the Tourist Information office so only had the map we picked up at the campsite. However, we had done research via our Spain Guide and the internet. The old town was easy to find and the Castell de Santa Barbara cannot be missed as it dominates the city from its position on the top of Mount Benacantil. At a height of 166 metres, it is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain.
We walked along the Esplanada de Espana towards the old town, where there are a number of stalls selling various craft type goods. The Esplanade itself was very attractive and bustling with life.
We enjoyed wandering along amongst the stalls but, our aim was the castle. Although it is easy to spot, it is not quite so clear how to get to it. Eventually we spotted a sign that directed us to lifts. We did struggle to locate the lifts up to the top, which we needed to use on account of Clyde’s unbending leg. Eventually we struck lucky and arose in style almost to the top. I had to pay 2.70 but Clyde went free (being an old codger!). There is so much to wonder at and it really is one of the most impressive, and well preserved, castles that we have visited. The views from all around were spectacular.
We enjoyed our visit to the castle so much that we were there for several hours and had to dash for the bus home. There was a lower level that we did not have time to explore so, there is something for another day.