Lockdown reared it’s ugly head again at the very beginning of November 2020. They didn’t give us much time it was 2nd November when they said it would come into effect on Thursday the 4th. I got a Whatsapp from my brother within the first hour of the news and he said “come to ALICANTE!”. They have currently been living out there since July in this beautiful Atico Apartment (Atico meaning Penthouse in Spanish) and basically living the dream. So that was that I flew out on the Wednesday morning and said “see ya” to the UK lockdown. Spanish rules at the time meant there was a curfew until eleven PM with bars and restaurants still being able to stay open as long as they could occupy people outside. It was twenty five degrees and I had just come from London which was about four. So yes, more than happy to eat my meals outside thanks.
Their apartment was just like the videos and photos that I would receive every other day from them. You literally couldn’t ask for more of a sea view than that. The balcony around the outside was all the way around the building apartment with an open plan living room and kitchen and with huge bay windows, full length the whole way around. They pay for it half the price of a low average rent in London. Jealous yet? I sure have a little green goblin who perks their head out whenever they mention it.
My parents acquired an AirBnB which was located at San Juan beach just a forty five minute walk via main road or an hour and a half if you walk via the Cabo (the rocks which hug the sea the whole way round to the other side). I would definitely recommend that walk at least 5 times whilst you are there. It was simply perfect to get between the two properties. Everyone will know what you mean when you say Cabo walk. The walk up the Santa Barbara Castle is a beautiful one as well so add that to the list of things to do. That walk from the bottom can take as little as thirsty minutes (just the castle) or three hours (which includes the Canterra as well).
For the remainder of the time it was mainly just eating out at my brothers favourite places (there were a lot of them). Beers by or on the beach, surfing when the waves permitted, shopping in the town center and meeting my brothers girlfriend’s family. Her Aunt and wife had lived out there for years as the spouse was from Spain originally. They lived two floors below my brother so very convenient if you are wanting some traditional delicious Spain food last minute.
A week in our flights home on the 23rd November were cancelled, what a shame. The next available was the 2nd December so would mean exactly four weeks away. We of course couldn’t say no. Wonderful, not complaining. More time with family and my brother as there would be no chance him coming back over Christmas with the two week quarantine we would have to endure on the return home.
We had an amazing time which I wouldn’t have be able to do if things had actually gone to the original 2020 plan (sabbatical to South America). But everything happens for a reason and that’s ok. I am so grateful for the time I had with him.
Before the end of the trip I had a new hole in my face and someone had doodled on my arm. It was a trip to remember. Worth the two weeks quarantine at the end – that was a breeze.
Places to mention and for you to take note for when visiting Alicante:
La Playita – Beachfront Restaurant – Recommended dish: Squid Ink Paella
Lunfardo – Tattoo Parlour – For any tattoos and men’s hair cuts; the only barbers in Alicante!
Al Forneo – Pizza Beachfront Restaurant – Any Pizza is delicious!
Sal and Pepe – Alicante Town Italian Restaurant – Recommended dish: Salmon and truffle pasta
Just outside of Alicante you can visit Altea via train or car and a must go to is the Indian, Crown of India, rooftop location so definitely reserve a table on the top floor and head there just before sunset.
If you have any further questions head over to my contact me page.
LEAH HANCOX 