Alicante city is at the heart of the Spanish region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. This thriving cosmopolitan city has three thousand years of history behind it but has entered the 21st century as a leading centre of commerce, culture and tourism. With its seven kilometres of golden sand, its beautiful seafront promenades, excellent shops and restaurants and wealth of sports and entertainment Alicante is a major magnet for Spanish and foreign holidaymakers alike. Just 20 kilometres north of the El Altet international airport, Alicante provides easy access for the charter holiday market (flying time from London is two and a half hours).