We left Mar Menor on Friday after a comfortable night at anchor, catching the 10:00 hrs bridge lift and back out to sea.  The wind rapidly filled in from the west and we had a comfortable and fast sail to Alicante.

We checked in at the Marina in Alicante asking for two nights and paid 86€ which seems to be the norm for most marinas in Spain.  After a night disturbed by bar music which played until 07:00, we hadn't been put off and set off to see the town and in spite of the previous nights disturbance. Alicante warranted a further night in port as it's a really nice city with plenty to see.  However, upon speaking to the receptionist, imagine our horror when we found the 86€ we had paid was for only one night!!  After a swift return to the boat, we flushed and refilled the fresh water tank (the water from Almerimar was truly disgusting) and were on our way before the deadline of 12:00 noon was upon us, when we had been told we had to vacate the berth!

A quick look at the chart gave us two options, Villajoyosa or Altea. We opted for the former and after drifting for an hour outside Alicante it was engine on (again).  It was quite tight berthing at  Villajoyosa (stern to with pick up lines forward) but we were assisted by the harbour master who turned out from his siesta to help us in. What a pleasant colourful place Villajoyosa is (and only 2.5€ on the excellent tram system to get to/from Alicante.)

We had dinner ashore after a walk along the immaculate promenade, then an early night after watching two episodes of Game of Thrones.

Monday was lovely and sunny and after excellent hot showers, an early start to catch the tram into Alicante (1Hour). Some window shopping, tapas for lunch then lots of walking including a visit to the impressive Castello de Santa Barbera which dates back to the 11 century. The temperature was up to 30 degrees C by the afternoon so it was a hard walk back down to the city from the Castle but well worth the effort.

We both felt that Alicante is a good place to visit but the marina should be avoided if possible - very over priced and very over rated! Although it's location is very good. 

Tomorrow we hope to get to Altea and then take the train to Benidorm on Wednesday where Maggie is hoping to find the hotel where she worked and the apartment she lived in some 40+ years ago!  She's also hoping that nobody recognises her from her time when she managed a local hair dressing salon!