Experience in Alicante, Spain by Eva

*Edit: the stars I gave Alicante have misteriously disappeared. I gave:

• Architecture and landscape 4 / 10 points
• Entertainment 6 / 10 points
• Culture and customs 5 / 10 points
• Transport 4 / 10 points
• Gastronomy 7 / 10 points
• Prices 9 / 10 points
• Party 8 / 10 points
• Weather 10 / 10 points

What is it like to live in Alicante? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The weather makes it a really good place to live in during the summer months (that is, April to October), although winters can be a bit harsh once you get used to the heat. It is not a very impressive city, but there are some beutiful natural landscapes all around (only you need a car to get there). Ideal for people who want a small, manageable city and who enjoy living near the sea.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

The main university (Universidad de Alicante) has a wonderful campus full of friendly and helpful people. It is quite large, has acceptable sports facilities and is a perfect place to spend those beautiful sunny days lying on the grass, chatting with friends or playing the guitar.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

Not much, as compared to London or Dublin, for example. It is cheaper than other Spanish cities like Madrid. You can get cheap food in local markets, find cheap accomodation easily and get cheap drink if you know where to look.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Alicante? Is there any advice you can give?

Very cheap if you are willing to share a flat with other students. Try to find somewhere in the city centre or, if you are a student, in San Vicente (which is where the university is). San Vicente is not very well connected with the city centre at night, but it is cheaper. During the day, you can take the Tram to the centre, and it takes about 20 minutes to get there.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Alicante has fairly good fruit and vegetables, and its 'paella-like' dishes are quite popular. Remember that in Alicante, the Spanish word for 'rice', "arroz", means 'paella'; so "arroz con verduras" does not mean 'rice with vegetables', but "vegetable paella". In Alicante there are also lots places where you can have 'tapas'.

My personal favpurite is "arroz con verduras", a paella with green and red pepper, broad beans and other vegetables.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Alicante?

The beaches outside the city, as well as the mountain areas, are worth the hour or two it takes to get there. If you're into tourist attractions, you should go to "Castillo de Santa Barbara" (you can pay for a ride on the lift or take a 30 minute walk up, which is not that hard).

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Is it good to eat out in Alicante? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are several places where you can eat out at a decent price. The cheapest places are kebab restaurants, which are everywhere and normally have pizza and other dishes apart from kebab. Tapas are a bit more expensive but all right if you don't eat much (and you get wine or beer with them too). Good quality is harder to find, but there are a few places worth mentioning. L'Indret, in the centre, has an 11'50 € menu which includes a salad buffet. L'Ambrossia, in the old town, serves excellent tapas. And there is a kebab restaurant in Doctor Gadea Avenue which is not a fast food place and has good quality ingredients.

Is the nightlife good in Alicante? Where is good to go?

The old town is the most popular place, although rock and heavy metal lovers might prefer "La Ruta de la Madera", where you can drink cheap beer and listen to different kinds of rock music until 4 a. m. The old town has pubs which are open until 4 a. m. After that, if you want to party on you can go to "El Puerto", the port, where clubs open until 7 a. m. You don't have to pay to get into most of them, but drink is outrageously expensive.

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What advice would you give future students headed to Alicante?

The only thing I can tell you is to come and see for yourself. It is difficult not to enjoy a city like Alicante, no matter the kind of person you are. Oh, and avoid tourist traps like restaurants near the beach and anything that looks too "Spanish". And please do not go and see bullfighting: it is a shameful tradition which is slowly dying out and is only kept alive by unwary tourists. Most Spanish people do not agree with it and do not identify it as part of their culture.

I hope you have a great time!