Alicante, Spain - Apr 01, 2013

Located in southeastern Spain in the region of Valencia, Alicante, a seaport in the Mediterranean Sea is noted for its fine agriculture and wines. The area produces olives, almonds, oranges (the famed Valencia oranges), dates, rice and barley. Tourism, manufacturing and mining of rock salt and calcium phosphate as well as fishing all contribute to the economy of the city. Crowning the city of a little over 250,000 people is the Castle of Santa Barbara. It is perched on the hill overlooking the port area and is where we began our day. With today being Easter Monday, most shops and attractions where closed but because it was a holiday the elevator up the Castle was free of charge so up we went for some great photo opportunities. A walk about town plus a stop at a local Turkish restaurant filled in the rest of the day with some retail therapy closing the day, the city was having an Easter festival which included a huge market at the pier (great for many on the ship - well Jan did pick up a few items). Back on the ship by all aboard at 5:30 for sail away. Picked up a couple of bottles of the local wine so looking foward in giving that a try. Some pics of our sunny and warm (22 celsius) day here in Alicante...