“Alicante is the ideal venue for Fides,” says the president of the local journalists association.
“We have every advantage: climate, fine facilities and excellent connections."
Rosalía Mayor heads the Association of Alicante Province Journalists, or APPA. The association's secretary is Mariano Soriano, another distinguished journalist.
Almost every Spanish city has a journalists association to defend members, develop their skills, and highlight their work and importance to democracy.
APPA has 300 members, paying fees of €15 per month. It is one of Spain’s oldest, with offices still in the street where it was established some 120 years ago.
The early years were a turbulent time in Spanish history. Journalism was seen as propaganda that the authorities needed to control tightly.
The association’s third president was charged with libel and slander, spent two months in Alicante prison and was excommunicated by the bishop.
Rosalía Mayor was first elected president in 2019. Under her leadership, the association has represented the whole province, not just the city.
Like Fides, APPA welcomes journalists and communicators working in digital media as well as the press, radio and television.
The Mediterranean city of Alicante was founded in 324 BCE and today has a population of 360 thousand. It is older than Valencia, its large neighbour to the north.
In September alone, Alicante is hosting more than 40 international conferences, from agriculture and biotechnology to cybersecurity and dentistry.
Valencia may have more grand sights but Alicantinos say their restaurants are better. And a bit cheaper, too.
Many visitors come for the sun. September can be hotter than 29°. Winter is cooler but still warmer than the rest of Europe.
A meeting in the low season will enjoy comfortable and productive temperatures.
Alicante is on the Costa Blanca, a coastal strip popular with European retirees. It receives low-cost flights all year round.
The airport bus takes arrivals to the centre in 20 minutes, one of Europe's fastest transit times.
The bus route terminates at the historic Carbonell building, by the venue of Fides meetings.
September 2025