The historic centre of Alicante is one of the most charming anywhere, stretching between Rambla Mendez Núñez and the pleasant Explanada de España (planted with palm trees), and from Postiguet Beach to Mt Benacantil (topped by the Castle of Santa Barbara, dating back to Muslim times). The pedestrianised Calle Mayor and Calle Labradores make the ideal backdrop for strolling. Note the 17C Cathedral of St Nicholas of Bari, built on the site of a mosque.