How to Pronounce Alicante

Meaning and Context

Alicante, known as Alacant in the Valencian language, is a historic port city and the capital of the province of the same name, situated on Spain's southeastern Costa Blanca. Renowned for its expansive, golden-sand Postiguet Beach set against the urban skyline and the imposing Santa Bárbara Castle that crowns the Benacantil Mountain, the city seamlessly blends ancient heritage with vibrant modern tourism. As a major tourist destination and a crucial gateway to the Costa Blanca, its airport serves millions of visitors annually, while its bustling marina and the iconic Explanada de España promenade with its wave-patterned marble tiles define its scenic waterfront. Beyond its beaches and nightlife, Alicante is a city of culture, hosting events like the fiery Fogueres de Sant Joan festival in June and offering access to the renowned vineyards of the Alicante wine region. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader Valencian Community, from the palm groves of Elche to the coastal resorts of Benidorm and Torrevieja.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary distinction in spelling arises from the city's bilingual status. "Alicante" is the standardized Castilian Spanish spelling, which is most common in international contexts. "Alacant" is the correct and official Valencian/Catalan spelling, used co-officially within the autonomous community. Common misspellings and typos by English speakers and typists often include "Alicante" (missing the 'c'), "Allicante" (double 'l'), "Alicante" (substituting 's' for 'c'), and "Alicante" (incorrectly adding an 'h'). Another frequent error is the misplacement of the accent, writing "Alicanté" instead of "Alicante." When searching for information, using either "Alicante" or "Alacant" will yield relevant results, though the former is universally recognized. It is also worth noting that the demonym for a person from Alicante is "alicantino/a" in Spanish and "alacantí/alacantina" in Valencian.

Example Sentences

After landing at Alicante-Elche Airport, we took a quick taxi ride to our hotel overlooking the bustling marina.

No visit to Alicante is complete without a ride in the elevator carved into the rock face up to the ramparts of Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views.

We spent our mornings lounging on Postiguet Beach and our evenings sampling local wines and tapas in the Barrio de la Santa Cruz.

The province of Alicante is famed for its diverse landscapes, ranging from arid interior mountains to pristine coastal coves.

Many tourists use Alicante as a convenient gateway to explore the wider Costa Blanca region, including day trips to the historic city of Elche.

The vibrant energy of the Fogueres de Sant Joan festival transforms the streets of Alicante into a spectacle of art, fire, and music every June.

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