We arived in alicante greeted by our pre booked taxi , well worth the money . The weather was beutifull and the heat really does hit you as people had explained . We finnally arived at our hotel , sol pelicaos. The staff were helpfull and happy and we went to our room which was small but comfortable and very clean. We arived in time for our evening meal in the hotel and there was plenty to choose from . The hotel was 3 stars but deffinetally more like a 4 star . We visited many bars but two we kept returning to and they were steptoes and barsol . Steptoes was a good all round holiday camp feel bar ,entertainment all evening and dancing very enjoyable this was situated opposite sol pelicaons . Bar sol was along the front and was a sports sort of pub although not to busy but very friendly staff and english speeking owners . We loved walking along the front and the pubs and clubs were burst8ing out with music and offering free drinks. The old town was not as clean as the new town and it appeared the beaches were not cleaned every night as they are in the new town but it is still beutifull. We visited the catholic church which appears is being restored , well its beutifull and a must see . The look out to the sea from outside the church is also wonderfull and you can see benidorm island which is that triangle looking rock in the sea . We took a trip off to benidorm island from the port which is situated in the old town . The journey across on the submarine boat was choppy and fun not recomended for the not so see worthy . They call you down to look through the glass bottom windows as you near the island and you can see the small fishes swimming along besides you , lots of small jelly fish . The island itself is a seagul sanctuary and at the moment they are very protective towards there young , we found this out by them swooping for us . Is a very basic trip but worth the journey over and the look at the fish and also the views are beutifull. We enjoy boat trips and the next day went to calpe which is accesable by train bus and cab but we went by boat and again a very choppy journey . Calpe is beutifull and i would like to stay there another time as its very romantic .The sea and beach are clear and not to busy this time of year and every where is clean . The resteraunts offer free sangria to lure you into there to eat . To be honest they all looked lovely and im sure the food in all was fantastic. As like many areas of spain they can be very built up with large hotels this only looks worse as the areas are not that big. We also on the sunday visited tabaca island which was used by king carlos the 3rd . The islnd itself comes across as being poor but acctually as you walk along is very beutifull and very spanish .The resteraunts are heaving with locals and all of the same good quality . There are places to stay on this island and im sure again this would be an ideal place for those wanting a secluded and romantic holiday. I loved benidorm and heard many mixed reviews . There is so muich for all to do and see from all young and old. Entertainers and kareoki bars and beutifull sands and sea , wildlife parks , mountain jeep rideing and much much moor. The sol pelicaos pool was the most beutifull i have seen and wow the pool swim up bar what moor can i say. There are markets and plenty of places to eat and drink and explore.I will be going back again and will take the kids next time.