Benacantil
The rock mount is covered by pine trees and bushes on the north side, while on the south side, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, there are only rocks. In the intermediate areas there are bushes and grasses that are quite characteristic for the dry Mediterranean climate.
The mount is famous for the rock formation on its south-western slope, known as la cara del moro ("the moor's face").
The medieval fortress of Alicante, the Castle of Santa Bárbara stands on the top of the mount. On its slopes there are Ereta Park, the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz, San Roque, San Anton and Raval Roig, and antique apartments. In recent years it has become a botellón, or place where young people congregate to socialize while drinking alcohol.
Avenida Jaime II, which is a continuation of Avenida de Alfonso el Sabio, crosses the northern foot of the mount, and so does a tunnel of Alicante Tram.
References
- ^ Paul GUICHARD, "Un toponyme historique de l'ancienne Kura de Tudmir: Benicadell", Mvrgetana, Murcia, ed. Academia Alfonso X el Sabio, n°. 45. [1]
- ^ Restoration of the 'cara del moro' begins in Alicante (in Spanish), elpais.com, 13 Feb 2008; retrieved Mar 2009.