Alicante is a port city on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca, and the capital of the Alicante province.The area around Alicante has been inhabited for over 7000 years. The first tribes ofhunter gatherersmoved down gradually from Central Europe between 5000 and 3000 BC. Some of the earliest settlements were made on the slopes ofMount Benacantil. By 1000 BCGreekandPhoeniciantraders had begun to visit the eastern coast of Spain, establishing small trading ports and introducing the native Iberian tribes to the alphabet, iron and the pottery wheel. By the 3rd century BC, the rival armies ofCarthageandRomebegan to invade and fight for control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Carthaginian generalHamilcar Barcaestablished the fortified settlement ofAkra Leuka(meaning "White Mountain" or "White Point"), where Alicante stands today.
The city is popular for its stunning beach views, nightlife, hotelresorts and festivals.