The new tour of The National Ballet of Cuba, one of the most famous dance companies in the world will be at our doors here, in the Alicante Principal Theater on the 10th and 11th of October with a choreographed version of Giselle by Alicia Alonso. It is a dream come true to be able to see the creation of Alicia, one of the most authentic and most precious Giselles there ever was.

It is not everyday companies such as this one pass through our city, specially nowadays when ballet is becoming a dying art due to its lack of spectators and sponsors. It is a real shame to lose such an art that has given the life to many stories such as: Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, Sleeping Beauty and many many more.

I hope no one misses these dates, not even the most passion filled ballet lovers or the curious who will miss a wonderful day at the ballet.

More Information Teatro Nacional de Alicante

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A cost of more than 7.5 million euros is the price of the new project  to increase the size of the Alicante, Altet airport with the addition of a new terminal. The provisional building is almost complete and will begin operations this winter , but the final inauguration will not be until the first trimester of 2009.

The goal of such growth is to increase the number of flights from 18 to 22 an hour, which will help new companies offer more operations and in general  increase the connections and routes of all airlines.

Next to the new terminal will be the construction of a six level parking structure with a capacity of up to 4,139 vehicles.  At the moment, the actual public parking lot holds 2,000 parking spaces but many are occupied by rental cars.

More information  Las Provincias

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Calpe is an artist town, with the inspiration of the peñón de Ifach (Calpe Rock) which is one of the most spectacular sites within the Costa Blanca. It is one of the most amazing rocks you will ever see, towering 332 meters, it seems to flow out of the sea with a strong energy that makes you gasp. It has recently been declared a government nature reserve and one could see why.

As you approach the 13 kilometer stretch of coastline that covers the Calpe region you start to get a peak of the peñón de Ifach and you can’t wait to get there and see it up close for yourself. Once there the views are extraordinary as is the entire quaint town. There are many restaurants and small cafes along the beach where you can enjoy the view from afar.

Calpe’s old town is becoming a favorite to many who visit the Costa Blanca due to its variety of amenities and activities. Centrally located it is a great spot to either start your day excursions or as your final destination. Believe me, you may not want to leave.

More information Calpe

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The renowned Santiago Calatrava is not only an architect but an engineer and most of all an artist. Born in Valencia in 1951 he uses his engineering skills to create very unusual spaces while using his artistic skills to give each design a unique and spectacular appearance. Most of his creations are open structures, as he is able to define form and the results speak for themselves.

Barcelona up to now has been known as the art capital of Spain but thanks to his works, Valencia and its community have had an immense boost in the design department. People from all over the world have taken an interest in his designs and have come to see what he is all about.

Here in the Costa Blanca we could be witness to one of his most famous works The Valencia Opera House, which is a part of a huge artistic complex within the Valencian community.

More information Santiago Calatrava

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Guadalest, a small village of Islamic origin with a population of 200 people is an excursion that needs to be made. The town was conquered by Jaime I and given to Vidal de Sarria whose family owned it up until 1335 and then later to Prince Pedro of Aragon. Once here you are transported to the past and are overwhelmed with the history and sights.

There is a lot to see in this tiny town that you can’t miss. Guadalest is first known for its ‘castle’, which is literally hanging on he cliff where it is found. The street leading you to the castle is called De La Pena, along the way you will see the most outstanding scenery of white-washed houses with flower pots that decorate each one as well as all the variety of craft shops that offer unique gifts and keepsakes. The hike to the castle is a little steep but once at the top you will never come down.

There are also numerous museums such as: Museum of Ribera Girona, a contemporary museum, Museum of doll houses, Ethnological Museum of the Valley of Guadalest and Museum of Miniatures of Manuel Ussa where you can see the Statue of Liberty in the hole of a needle and more. Like any part of Spain there are authentic restaurants that welcome you in and treat you to the taste of your life.

More information Guadalest

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One of the main attractions to the Costa Blanca are the beautiful beaches, and the Levante and Poniente beaches of Benidorm are one of the favorites. These beaches are a year round attraction thanks to the mild weather.

The Levante beach is famous for its calm, clean, crystalline waters that have always enjoyed the distinction of the EU´s Blue Flag, the fine sand and the city´s most varied and famous leisure activities. It has an enormous number of visitors and is one of the most densely-used beaches in Spain. Also know for one of the best spots for all types of water sports such as: Water ski, Jet ski, paragliding, windsurfing, cable skiing and scuba diving to name just a few.

The Poniente beach west of the Levante beach is a little less crowded than its neighbor but is equipped with services like, bus stop, cleaning service, red cross, lifeguards, parking, showers, waste bins, public phones, promenade, chiringuitos and restaurants. There are plenty of sunbeds for those who just want to lay in the sun and soak in the rays.

more information Benidorm Beaches

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With the 2006 summer almost a memory now, here in the Costa Blanca we can still enjoy the beaches and now a new attraction part of Terra Natura, a water park for all ages. For an additional six euro fee, aside from the main park entrance (kids under 3 are free) you can submerse yourself in a whole lot of splashing fun that will keep you and yours laughing all day.

You can swim with the sharks, fight waves in the wave pool, or enjoy the thrills of the water slides, my personal favorite “The black hole”, where you and a partner grab a float and travel down through a black tunnel at bumpy speeds screaming the entire way! The little ones have pools of their own with slides, tunnels and bridges. The main attraction is the huge bucket of water that sits on top of one of the pools that slowly fills up with water until it can’t hold any more and pours down on everyone in site.

There are lockers to keep all your valuables and comfortable launch chairs for your relaxation. There are plenty of restaurants and ice cream spots. The best thing is you can stay there all day long or take a walk through the rest of the park and explore all the animals in each part of the continents and watch thrilling shows which will mesmerize you.

More information Terra Natura

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Located at the top of a hill, Altea, a little town about 15 km north of Benidorm and best know for its church Nuestra Senora del Consuelo or Virgen de Consuelo, with its blue and white glazed ceramic tiles and white picturesque houses, is a perfect place for a relaxing day trip, not only for tourists but residents alike.

A nice way of getting to know Altea is leaving your car behind and wandering slowly through the streets of the village. There is a lot to see and do from visiting cultural centres, to museums. The walk will bring you many surprises when you experience the feel of an old town, with streets which occasionally have steps and are decorated with geraniums and jasmines. Make sure you purchase the local handicrafts products in the shops in the old town, or on the market which takes place every Tuesday on the Paseo Maritimo.

After all the walking, you can relax in any one of the many restaurants on top of the hill by the church or its surrounding little streets which offer the best variety of dishes available. At sunset sit down in any one of the overlooks and take in all the beauty this part of the world has to offer.

more information Altea

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Ciudad de la Luz Studios located in Alicante is one of the most exciting projects being offered by the Valencian Community. The approximately 740 acres of lot designed by Gary Bastian, is said to become the most complete movie and television complex in Europe.

The studio is projected to be complete by the fall of 2007 but is in full working conditions at the moment with all state of the art equipment. Productions Aguamarga, other than overseeing the completions of future phases and running the operations of the complex, is determined to provide a complete production support mechanism, including Government alliances, to welcome world wide productions.

Currently shooting is the movie Asterix and the Olympic Games starring Gerard Depardieu. Other productions this year have been the Ray Loriga’s Teresa, Muerte y Vida, Antonio Bandera’s El Camino de los Ingleses and Menno Meyjes’ Manolete among others. In the following year with the complex continuing to develop, we can expect more and more Hollywood types to start arriving and enjoying the amazing facilities.

More information Ciudad de la Luz

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Valencia becomes the first european city to host the America’s cup. Chosen for its reliable weather patterns, excellent sailing conditions and its central location on the mediterrarean, this city has transformed its ports and surroundings to a magnificant theme event.

Sailing is not the only main activity in this 32nd America’s cup, there are boat and photograph exhibitions, museums, shops including the prestigious Louis Vuitton store, El CORTE INGLÉS kids park, spectator boats which for a cost starting at 45 euros, will let you see the action on the race course live, remote control boat pool, in which you can race your favorite team to victory, concerts, and many many more activities.

You can also feel like one of the competitors while you have your picture taken in front of the helm of an America’s cup Class boat, learn to raise the main sail, tie knots, test your strenght on the grinder, all this while you enjoy the many restaurants and bars in the area and relax in one of the most exciting city’s in Spain.

more information 32nd America’s cup

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