Exploring the Timeless Charm of Casco Antiguo, Alicante

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyas]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syen-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (las diez)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (lahs dyehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

The history of Casco Antiguo can be traced back to the Roman period when Alicante, known as Lucentum, served as a significant settlement. The remnants of Roman walls, baths, and other structures can still be found in the area, showcasing the importance of this location as a hub for trade and military activity.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Moors took control of Alicante in the 8th century. The influence of Islamic culture is evident in Casco Antiguo's architecture, narrow winding streets, and the construction of the Santa Bárbara Castle. This period marked a significant cultural exchange that shaped the identity of the region.

In 1248, King James I of Aragon captured Alicante from the Moors, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Casco Antiguo. This event initiated the Christian reconquest of Spain, leading to the establishment of new religious and administrative structures in the area, including the construction of churches and the establishment of the local council.

The 16th and 17th centuries were a period of economic growth for Alicante, driven by trade, agriculture, and the burgeoning wine industry. Casco Antiguo flourished during this time, leading to the construction of many of its historic buildings, including the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás, which reflects the wealth and aspirations of the city’s elite.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Casco Antiguo underwent significant urbanization as Alicante expanded. The introduction of modern amenities and infrastructure transformed the neighborhood, while still preserving its historical essence. This period saw the establishment of public spaces and the renovation of many historic sites, integrating the old with the new.

Casco Antiguo is centrally located in Alicante and can be easily accessed from other neighborhoods. If you are coming from the Alicante Airport, the best option is to take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the L1 tram line from the airport to the city. If you are in other neighborhoods like San Juan or El Pla, you can take a bus (lines 21 or C6) directly to the city center, from where you can walk to Casco Antiguo.

Casco Antiguo is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it ideal for exploration on foot. The narrow streets are best navigated by walking, allowing you to soak in the historical architecture and atmosphere. For longer distances, the local tram service (TRAM Metropolitano) connects you to other parts of the city, while local buses can be used for destinations further away. Bicycle rentals are also available, and many paths are suitable for cycling.

Casco Antiguo is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Areas near the beach and less populated streets can be quieter at night, so it's advised to stay alert, especially after dark. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid displaying valuables openly in busy places.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available in the city. Familiarize yourself with the nearest police station and hospital in the area. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are plentiful, and many offer a range of over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Don't wear beachwear outside of the beach area. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local tapas and share dishes. Don't rush your meals; dining is a social experience.

To experience Casco Antiguo like a local, visit the Mercado Central for fresh produce and local delicacies. Participate in the evening paseo (stroll) along the waterfront for an authentic cultural experience. Engage with local shop owners and artisans, as they often share fascinating stories about the area. Don't miss the chance to visit the Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views of the city. Try to learn a few basic Spanish phrases, as locals appreciate the effort.

Alicante residents value politeness and friendliness. When interacting with locals, do make eye contact and offer a smile. It is customary to greet with 'Buenos días' (Good Morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (Good Afternoon). In restaurants, it is appreciated to say 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you). During social gatherings, wait for the host to invite you to start eating.