ALICANTE, SPAIN — TUESDAY, AUGUST 11: 8am – 5pm

For at least 3,000 years, Alicante has been a favored spot for settlement. When a town has been sought after by hunter gatherers, Greeks, Phoenecians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Spaniards, you can assume you can make a pleasant day of a visit there.

Alicante is a good place for walkers. Barrio de la Santa Cruz is Old Town, known for its narrow streets and photogenic charm. Historical buildings spanning the 15th to 18th century are located there. Mount Benacantil, a hill with imposing stairs, is the site of iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara. This medieval castle has been conquered and reconquered over centuries. Skip the steps and spend €2.50 to zip up to the castle by elevator. If you’re a beach stroller, you can get your steps in on Playa del Postiguet, and experience the Explanada de España promenade. Museum buffs can dig in at The Archeological Museum of Alicante with exhibits on prehistory, Iberian culture, Roman culture and the Middle Ages.

Mercado Central is Alicante’s central marketplace, where you can find over 200 stalls and shops selling a variety of fresh produce, seafood, meat, and Spanish delicacies. Strolling its two floors of food stalls, you may see locals perusing the day’s offerings.