Private Alicante tours and day trips 

Alicante boasts a rich history spanning three millennia, and to fully grasp its essence, we must delve into both its present and its past, revealing the unique character of the city. The earliest settlements emerged on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, which now hosts the impressive castle of Santa Bárbara. Though no physical evidence survives, historians suggest that the Iberian Celts fortified this hilltop. Another significant settlement was established in Benalúa, where the Roman city of Lucentum thrived, serving as a predecessor to modern Alicante.

When the Moors arrived, much of what is now the city developed under the protective shadow of the castle. In 1246, the city was captured for the Castilian crown, and in 1308, Jaime II integrated Alicante into the Kingdom of Valencia. The Catholic Monarch, Ferdinand, granted Alicante its charter in 1490, and a century later, it emerged as the natural port of Castile, fostering a burgeoning maritime trade that significantly boosted the local economy and spurred population growth. Consequently, Alicante rose to become Spain's third largest trading port.

Throughout its history, Alicante endured numerous conflicts, largely due to its coastal position, which left it vulnerable to assaults from the sea. During the reign of Charles II in 1691, the French Armada bombarded the city for an entire week. Alicante then became embroiled in the War of Spanish Succession (1701-14), aligning with the Bourbons and enduring severe consequences, including the bombardment and dismantling of the castle of Santa Bárbara by English forces.

In the 18th century, Alicante began its gradual recovery from the ravages of previous wars, followed by substantial expansion in the 19th century. The arrival of the railway in 1858 bolstered connections to central Spain, solidifying its status as a vital port and imparting a cosmopolitan vibe to the seaside city while also welcoming maritime traffic. Today, Alicante stands as the second largest city in the province of Valencia, situated in a stunning locale along the Costa Blanca, and has become an immensely popular tourist destination.