4 359 views
| Geography |
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| Location |
Piles – Valencian Community – Spain |
| Latitude |
38.9467761 |
| Longitude |
-0.1122002 |
| Altitude |
5 meters |
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| Details |
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| Format |
3K 6 Megapixels |
| Category |
Sea |
Informations
Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the province of Alicante — called Alacant in Valencian — is part of the Valencian Community.
It is a land of contrasts where golden beaches meet rugged mountains, where age-old traditions blend with vibrant modernity, and where historical heritage merges harmoniously with a leading tourism industry.
The provincial capital, also named Alicante, radiates across a vast and diverse territory, from the fertile plains of the Vega Baja del Segura to the limestone peaks of the Sierra de Aitana.
Blessed with a particularly mild Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the province attracts both tourists in search of relaxation and European residents seeking a superior quality of life.
Its iconic seaside resorts such as Benidorm, Torrevieja, Altea, or Calpe are world-famous, offering long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a highly developed tourist infrastructure.
Benidorm, in particular, surprises with its vertical skyline of seaside skyscrapers, contrasting with the picturesque villages found inland.
But Alicante is not just about the coast. The hinterland reveals a more secret face, marked by authentic rural life, olive and almond groves, troglodyte caves, and hilltop villages like Guadalest or Biar.
Natural parks such as the Serra Gelada, the Salinas of Santa Pola, or the wetlands of El Hondo showcase the region’s ecological wealth, delighting hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.
Historically, the province bears the legacy of a rich past shaped by Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and especially Muslims, who left profound marks visible in the architecture, place names, and irrigation systems.
Ruined castles line the ridges, like those of Villena or Sax — remnants of a time when Muslim and Christian kingdoms vied for control of these fertile lands.
The Christian reconquest led by the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile left a lasting imprint on the province’s cultural identity, blending Catalan, Castilian, and Arab influences.
Economically, Alicante has traditionally relied on agriculture (notably citrus fruits, vineyards, almonds, and artichokes), industry (especially shoe manufacturing around Elche), and above all, tourism, which today stands as the main pillar.
The city of Elche, the province’s second largest urban area, is globally known for its thousand-year-old palm grove (El Palmeral), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its sacred theatrical tradition (El Misteri d’Elx), a unique medieval religious performance.
Alicantinian gastronomy is another major attraction, featuring a wide array of rice-based dishes, seafood, and olive oil.
Arroz a banda, caldero, octopus tapas, and turrones de Jijona (nougats) are among the region’s signature specialties.
Traditional festivals also play a central role in the province’s collective identity: the Hogueras de San Juan in Alicante, the Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy or Villajoyosa, and the Holy Week processions are just a few of the fervently celebrated events that bring communities together throughout the year.
With a modern transport network including Alicante-Elche International Airport (the fifth busiest in the country), a dense highway system, a coastal tram line, and high-speed rail (AVE) connections, the province is easily accessible from both Spain and the rest of Europe.
In summary, the province of Alicante captivates with its geographical diversity, quality of life, cultural and historical richness, and its unique ability to combine tradition with modernity.
It’s a land where, in a single day, you can swim in a crystal-clear cove, enjoy seafood rice with your feet in the sand, explore a thousand-year-old castle, and get lost in the whitewashed alleys of a hillside village.
An authentic, radiant, and multifaceted Spain, where every corner tells a story.
Comunitat Valenciana
The Comunitat Valenciana, or Valencian Community in English, is one of Spain’s seventeen autonomous communities. Located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, it spans over 23,000 km² and comprises three provinces: Alicante (Alacant), Valencia (València), and Castellón (Castelló). This territory, rich and contrasting in geography, combines paradisiacal beaches, rugged mountains, fertile plains, and traditional villages, all marked by a strong cultural identity, its own language — Valencian — and a millennia-old history.
Valencia, the regional capital, is a modern and dynamic metropolis, known for its architectural innovations such as the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, for its vibrant festivals like Las Fallas (listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), and for its iconic gastronomy — especially paella, which originated in the nearby rice fields of La Albufera.
The Comunitat Valenciana enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and long, sunny summers, making it one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. Its coastline, known as the Costa Blanca in the south and the Costa del Azahar in the north, is dotted with famous seaside resorts: Benidorm, Dénia, Gandia, Peñíscola, Xàbia, Torrevieja, and Altea. Crystal-clear beaches, secluded coves, and marinas coexist with old fishermen’s quarters and lively promenades.
But beyond coastal tourism, the Comunitat Valenciana boasts an exceptional natural heritage. Natural parks such as Serra Calderona, Tinença de Benifassà, Sierra de Mariola, or the Desert de les Palmes offer countless outdoor activities: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and birdwatching. The inland regions also harbor a mosaic of medieval villages, hilltop castles, hidden monasteries, and vibrant local festivals.
The region also preserves a rich archaeological and artistic heritage, inherited from successive civilizations: Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and later Christians. Cities like Sagunto, Elche, Orihuela, or Morella bear the traces of this historical diversity through ancient ruins, fortified walls, Gothic churches, and Baroque palaces.
Economically, the Comunitat Valenciana stands out with its solid entrepreneurial fabric, particularly in ceramics (around Castellón), agri-food, textiles, furniture, and shipbuilding industries. Agriculture thrives thanks to ancient irrigation systems: citrus fruits, almonds, rice, pomegranates, artichokes, and high-quality olive oil are exported throughout Europe.
Culture holds a central place in daily life. Valencià, the co-official language alongside Spanish, is taught in schools and spoken in regional media. Museums, contemporary art centers, music festivals (like FIB Benicàssim, Low Festival, or Rototom Sunsplash), and festive traditions (like the Festas de la Magdalena in Castellón or the Moros y Cristianos throughout the southern region) shape local life year-round.
The Comunitat Valenciana also looks to the future. It is committed to sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. Tourism is shifting toward more responsible forms, promoting ecotourism, rural, gastronomic, cultural, and sports tourism. Initiatives such as the "Mediterranew Musix" label, the enhancement of cycling routes, or the promotion of traditional festivals with respect for the environment reflect this desire to balance attractiveness with preservation.
Finally, thanks to its modern infrastructure — international airports (Alicante-Elche, Valencia, Castellón), a dense highway network, high-speed trains, and urban tram systems — the region is well-connected both within Spain and across Europe.
In summary, the Comunitat Valenciana is a land of light, culture, diversity, and passion. It enchants both visitors in search of sun and sea and those eager to discover an authentic, warm Spain, deeply rooted in its history and embracing modernity.
For more information, travel ideas, upcoming events, or personalized recommendations, the official website www.comunitatvalenciana.com is a valuable and comprehensive resource.
