Alicante 📖 🌐 - Flexible Stay with Friends
Trip Overview
- Dates: August 14-16, 2025 & August 17-18, 2025 (CEST)
- Accommodation: Staying with local friends
- Family: Craig, Emily, and Mia Lebowitz
- Local Friends:
- Ángel Heras-Marban (DNI: 48366403W)
- Pilar Viudes-Soler (DNI: 33496895V)
- Teo Heras (their son)
- Approach: Flexible itinerary guided by local friends’ recommendations
Day 1 - August 14 (Arrival from Valencia)
Arrival & Meeting Friends
- Afternoon: Arrive via train from Valencia
- 3 p.m.: Arrive Alicante Terminal 📖 🌐
- Evening: Meet with Ángel Heras-Marban (DNI: 48366403W), Pilar Viudes-Soler (DNI: 33496895V), and Teo Heras and settle in
- Dinner Options:
- Reservation: El Portal Taberna & Wines 🌐 (tapas, local wines) 🗺️
- No reservation alternative: La Taberna del Gourmet 🌐 (traditional Spanish) 🗺️
- Plans: To be determined by the Heras family’s recommendations and suggestions
Day 2 - August 15 (Friends’ Day)
Full Day with the Heras Family
- Morning: Ángel Heras-Marban, Pilar Viudes-Soler, and Teo will suggest activities based on their local knowledge
- Afternoon: Open to the Heras family’s recommendations - could include beaches, local markets, or cultural sites
- Evening: Dining and socializing as suggested by our hosts
- Beach Lunch Option: Restaurante Dársena 🌐 (seafood, harbor views) 🗺️
- Paella Option: Nou Manolín 🌐 (famous rice dishes) 🗺️
- Dinner Reservation: Monastrell 🌐 (Michelin star) 🗺️
- No reservation alternative: César Anca 🌐 (traditional tapas) 🗺️
- Note: Flexible schedule to accommodate the Heras family’s plans and local insights
Day 3 - August 16 (Departure to Granada)
Morning & Departure
- Morning: Final time with the Heras family in Alicante
- Quick Lunch Options:
- Market Option: Mercado Central de Alicante 🌐 (fresh market food) 🗺️
- Takeaway: Casa Julio 🌐 (sandwiches for the road) 🗺️
- Quick Lunch Options:
- Midday: Ángel Heras-Marban (DNI: 48366403W) drives us to Granada
- Journey: Scenic drive through Andalusian countryside
- Duration: Approximately 2.5-3 hours
Day 4 - August 17 (Return from Granada)
Evening Return & Relaxation
- Evening: Return from Granada day trip with Ángel Heras-Marban
- Plans: Flexible evening based on energy levels and the Heras family’s suggestions
- Options: Could include dining, beach time, or simple relaxation after Granada visit
Day 5 - August 18 (Departure to Madrid)
Evening Departure to Madrid Airport Hotel
- Evening: Final goodbye with Ángel Heras-Marban (DNI: 48366403W), Pilar Viudes-Soler (DNI: 33496895V), and Teo Heras 🗺️
- Train: AVE 05903 CONFORT Class 📄
- Departure: 8:00 p.m. CEST from Alicante Terminal 🌐
- Arrival: 10:34 p.m. CEST at Madrid Puerta de Atocha 🌐
- Journey Time: 2 hours 34 minutes
- Seats: Car 1 - Craig (3B), Emily (3C), Mia (4C)
- Locator: CXHPVU
- Includes: Dinner service onboard
- Booking: Confirmed family booking
Late Evening Transfer Timeline
- 10:34 p.m.: Arrive Madrid Puerta de Atocha
- 10:45 p.m.: Exit station and arrange transport
- Transport to Hotel (recommended: Taxi due to late hour):
- Taxi: Fixed rate, 25-30 minutes to airport hotel 🗺️
- Alternative: Night bus or late Cercanías (less convenient with luggage)
- 11:15 p.m.: Arrive Hilton Madrid Airport 📄 🌐
- Late Check-in: Hotel reception available 24/7
- Confirmation: 3312053105
Transportation Guide
Getting Around Alicante
- TRAM: Modern system connecting beaches and city center
- Bus: Municipal bus network
- Walking: City center very compact and walkable
- Bicycle: Beach promenade perfect for cycling
Key Routes
- City Center to San Juan Beach: TRAM Line 1 (20 minutes)
- Castle Access: Elevator from Postiguet Beach or walking path
- Airport: C-6 bus or taxi (20 minutes to city center)
Possible Highlights (If Recommended by Friends)
Potential Local Favorites
- Santa Bárbara Castle 📖 🎥 🌐 🗺️: Historic fortress with panoramic views
- Explanada de España 📖 🌐 🗺️: Famous palm-lined promenade
- Postiguet Beach 📖 🎥 🌐 🗺️: Main city beach
- San Juan Beach 📖 🎥 🌐 🗺️: Blue Flag beach via TRAM Line 1
- Barrio Santa Cruz 📖 🌐 🗺️: Historic old quarter
Note: All activities subject to the Heras family’s recommendations and local insights
Practical Information
General Considerations
- August Weather: Very hot (85-95°F), bring sun protection
- Accommodation: Staying with the Heras family provides authentic experience
- Language: Spanish primarily, Craig’s fluency will be helpful
- Flexibility: Schedule completely adaptable to Ángel, Pilar, and Teo’s suggestions and availability
Family Approach
- Mia: Activities will depend on what the Heras family recommends as suitable for an 8-year-old
- Cultural Exchange: Great opportunity for Mia to experience local Spanish life with Ángel, Pilar, and Teo
- No Pressure: Relaxed approach allows for spontaneous adventures
Emergency Contacts & Useful Info
- Tourist Information: Plaza del Ayuntamiento 🌐 - +34 965 200 000
- Medical Emergency: 112
- Local Police: 092
- TRAM Information: +34 900 720 472
Enjoy Alicante’s perfect combination of historic charm, beautiful beaches, and authentic Costa Blanca culture!