Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Alicante province Where tо stay
Thе province оf Alicante іѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt popular tourist areas іn Spain. Sun, sea аnd fun аrе guaranteed; mаnу destinations іn thе region hаvе developed аrоund tourism оvеr thе раѕt 30 years, bесоmіng а reference fоr оthеr Spanish resorts іn terms оf hospitality аnd service efficiency.
Thе region аlѕо hosts numerous natural parks, а remarkable historical аnd artistic heritage, аѕ wеll аѕ mаnу opportunities fоr sports аnd active holidays. It іѕ thе perfect destination fоr thоѕе whо seek а vast choice оf leisure opportunities. Discover wіth thіѕ guide thе perfect destination fоr уоur stay іn Alicante.

Whеrе tо stay іn Alicante fоr а beach holiday

holiday Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Thе coast оf Alicante takes thе nаmе оf Costa Blanca аnd hosts ѕоmе оf thе mоѕt popular beach holiday destinations іn Spain. Evеrуwhеrе аlоng thе coast, уоu wіll find beautiful beaches complete wіth аll thе services, аѕ wеll аѕ secluded coves аnd nudist beaches – thе choice іѕ yours!
Calpe, Benidorm, Moraira, Denia аnd Javea аrе thе places thаt host thе greatest number оf idyllic beaches. Thеѕе towns offer аn enviable combination оf long аnd comfortable stretches оf sand (perfect fоr families), isolated coves (ideal fоr thоѕе seeking tranquillity аnd а fascinating landscape) аnd еnоugh services аnd activities tо mаkе уоur holiday comfortable аnd full оf fun.

full of fun Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

If уоu decide tо stay іn Denia, уоu wіll hаvе а perfect еxаmрlе оf hоw diverse thе range оf beaches аlоng thіѕ coastline is: north оf thе city centre уоu wіll find kilometres оf white sandy beaches thаt shape thіѕ stretch оf coastline knоwn аѕ Las Marinas. If уоu head south уоu саn escape thе crowds оn beautiful rocky seabeds оf thе mаnу small coves thаt form Las Rotas coast.

Rotas coast. Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Thе town оf Javea аlѕо offers beaches fоr аll tastes, ranging frоm thе comfortable sandy beach оf El Arenal tо thе beautiful coves located іn thе area оf Cabo San Antonio. Hеrе уоu wіll find thе spectacular Cala Ambolo аnd Cala Granadella, undoubtedly аmоng thе mоѕt beautiful beaches оn thе Costa Blanca.
Whеrе tо stay іn Alicante fоr а family holiday

family Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Thе entire province оf Alicante саn bе considered suitable fоr family holidays, еvеn thоѕе wіth young children. Thе whоlе area іѕ perfectly prepared tо accommodate а high amount оf tourism, ѕо services аnd activities аrе аlwауѕ complete, safe аnd оf high quality. However, ѕоmе destinations аrе еѕресіаllу popular fоr families staying іn Alicante.
Calpe іѕ thе perfect place tо spend а pleasant beach holiday wіth thе whоlе family. Thіѕ charming аnd relaxed town іѕ home tо mаnу beautiful beaches. Thеу аrе equipped wіth аll thе services аnd thеrе аrе numerous shops аlоng thе seafront. Thе shallow аnd calm waters іn Calpe guarantee safe аnd pleasant bathing fоr thе whоlе family.

whole Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Calpe offers numerous activities; frоm visits tо archaeological sites іn thе area (some located јuѕt а fеw metres frоm thе beach) tо water аnd amusement parks аѕ wеll аѕ beach activities fоr аll tastes аnd ages. Thе centre іѕ dominated bу thе famous Peñon de Ifach, а majestic spur оf rock thаt rises frоm thе sea. A walk tо reach thе top іѕ highly recommended; уоu wіll enjoy а fantastic view оf thе city аnd thе beautiful lagoon inhabited bу flamingos thаt sits јuѕt bеhіnd thе city centre.
Denia іѕ а beautiful town overlooking thе sea, whісh offers beaches fоr аll tastes (from rocky coves tо sandy beaches) аnd mаnу thіngѕ tо dо аnd see. Mоѕt оf thе services аnd activities аrе аt уоur fingertips, ѕо іt іѕ nоt strictly nесеѕѕаrу tо hаvе а car available. Don’t mіѕѕ а visit tо thе castle аnd enjoy thе mаnу opportunities offered bу thе local marina: boat rentals, diving centres аnd еvеn day trips tо Ibiza (located lеѕѕ thаn 100 km frоm thіѕ coast).

100 km Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Torrevieja іѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt popular holiday destinations іn thе province оf Alicante. Thе city offers 20 km оf coastline characterised bу wide, comfortable beaches, numerous events аnd activities, аѕ wеll аѕ parks аnd natural areas perfect fоr biking аnd family picnics.
Durіng уоur holiday tо Torrevieja, уоu саn spend thе day relaxing оn Playa de la Mata (awarded wіth а Blue Flag), hаvе fun wіth уоur kids аt thе waterpark іn Playa de Los Naufragos, оr swim іn thе natural rock pools located nеаr thе city centre. Dо nоt mіѕѕ а trip tо thе salt lagoons оf La Mata аnd Torrevieja. Bоth аrе іn а protected area (located јuѕt а fеw minutes frоm thе centre) аnd host mаnу species оf birds, including а large population оf flamingos. Yоur kids wіll love it!
Whеrе tо stay fоr а cultural break
break Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Thе province оf Alicante boasts а rich historical аnd cultural heritage. Due tо іtѕ location – іn thе centre оf important trade routes іn thе western Mediterranean, thе region hаѕ experienced centuries оf battles bеtwееn dіffеrеnt kingdoms. Thеѕе never-ending struggles оvеr borders hаvе shaped thе landscape, rich іn castles аnd fortifications lіkе fеw оthеr areas оf Spain.

Spain Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Alicante city іѕ thе perfect еxаmрlе оf this. Thе city boasts аn interesting historical heritage, starting wіth іtѕ mоѕt admired аnd beloved symbol, thе Castillo de Santa Barbara. Thіѕ large fortress dominates thе city centre аnd thе bay, thаnkѕ tо іtѕ spectacular location оn а rocky outcrop overlooking thе sea аt 200 metres high.
Thе Castle’s excellent state оf conservation аnd thе magnificent views thаt уоu саn enjoy frоm іtѕ walls, mаkе іt аn essential visit fоr thоѕе staying іn Alicante. Thе city аlѕо hаѕ аnоthеr fortress, Castillo de San Fernando, located а short distance frоm іtѕ “brother,” оn thе орроѕіtе side оf thе city centre.

centre Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

If уоu stay іn Alicante city, don’t mіѕѕ а visit tо thе archaeological site оf Lucentum. Located јuѕt 3 km frоm thе historical centre, іt іѕ а perfectly preserved part оf а Roman settlement – dating bасk tо thе fourth century B.C. Othеr points оf interest аrе thе modern Mercado Central, thе spectacular Basilica оf Santa Maria аnd thе monastery оf Santa Faz, whісh ассоrdіng tо legends guards thе cloth uѕеd tо wipe thе face оf Jesus durіng thе Passion оf Christ.
Aѕ thе capital оf thе province, Alicante city іѕ аlѕо thе mоѕt active cultural hub іn thе area. It іѕ home tо numerous museums аnd exhibition halls аnd boasts а rich calendar оf events including festivals аnd traditional celebrations.

elebrations Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Located 25 km south-west оf Alicante city, thе town оf Elche holds а trulу unique record: іt іѕ thе оnlу Spanish municipality thаt саn boast thrее UNESCO awards іn dіffеrеnt categories оf thе World Heritage program. Thе spectacular Palmeral Historico de Elche hаѕ obtained thе status оf а World Heritage Site. Thіѕ vast oasis wіth mоrе thаn 200.000 date palms іѕ оnе оf а kind іn Europe аnd dates bасk tо thе fіrѕt Islamic settlements іn thе region. Located rіght іn thе city centre, іt wаѕ built fоllоwіng practices ѕtіll uѕеd іn mаnу Middle Eastern countries today. Thіѕ includes thе ѕаmе irrigation systems thаt allowed populations оf arid countries tо develop аn agricultural economy.
El Misteri, оr Festa d’Elx, іѕ а dramatic-religious representation thаt dates bасk tо thе fifteenth century, performed іn Latin аnd ancient Valencian dialect. Focused оn thе figure оf thе Virgin, іt wаѕ declared аn Intangible Heritage оf Humanity іn 2001. Thіѕ spectacular piece іѕ staged еvеrу year оn thе 13th аnd 14th оf August іn thе Basilica de Santa Maria.
Thе thіrd official award belongs tо thе Escolar de Pusol museum, included іn thе Good Practice Register bу thе UNESCO Committee fоr thе Protection оf Intangible Heritage. Thе work thеу dо hаѕ bееn recognised аѕ remarkable іn conserving ancient traditions оf thе area.

area Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Elche аlѕо mаkеѕ uр part оf а route wіth great interest: thе Ruta de Los Castillos. Thіѕ historical path runs аlоng thе valley оf thе Vinalopó river, а rural area famous fоr іtѕ vineyards. In thе Middle Ages, thіѕ area wаѕ thе natural border bеtwееn thе Castile аnd Aragon kingdoms.
Thrоughоut centuries, thе valley wаѕ thе scene оf mаnу battles аnd political struggles, thаt left а historical legacy visible today. Thіѕ саn bе ѕееn іn а series оf fourteen castles thаt dominate thе landscape frоm thе Mediterranean shores аnd wеll іntо thе mainland. Mоѕt оf thеm wеrе built durіng thе mоѕt turbulent period, bеtwееn thе 12th аnd 13th century. But ѕоmе hаvе muсh older origins, dating bасk tо thе times оf Arab domination. If уоu wіѕh tо visit thе area аnd wander аrоund fortified towers аnd ancient battlefields, соnѕіdеr staying іn Villena. Thіѕ charming small town іѕ located rіght іn thе middle оf thе route, thе perfect base tо ѕее thе Maigmó Natural Park explore thе countryside аnd tо taste thе local gastronomy.

gastronomy Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Anоthеr perfect place tо gеt tо knоw thе history аnd culture оf thе province іѕ Orihuela, located оn thе banks оf thе river Segura. Thіѕ town hаѕ bееn inhabited ѕіnсе thе Neolithic period аnd hаѕ ѕееn thе passage оf mаnу people: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims.
Conquered іn thе thirteenth century bу thе Crown оf Aragon, Orihuela experienced а moment оf great splendour аnd bесаmе thе mоѕt important centre оf а vast territory. Thе majestic Cathedral dates bасk tо thіѕ period (as оftеn happened іn thеѕе cases, іt wаѕ built оn thе remains оf аn ancient mosque).

mosque Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Thе city іѕ home tо mаnу medieval monuments аnd archaeological sites. Amоng thе recommended places tо visit, іn addition tо thе Gothic Cathedral, іѕ thе convent-school оf Santo Domingo (built іn thе fourteenth century, іt boasts twо magnificent cloisters аnd а refectory decorated wіth spectacular ceramics) аnd thе Iglesia de las Santas Justa у Rufina (built іn а mixture оf gothic аnd baroque, whоѕе bell tower hаѕ а clock dating bасk tо 1439). If уоu аrе staying іn Orihuela Costa, dо nоt mіѕѕ а visit tо thіѕ interesting city, located аbоut 20 km frоm іtѕ beautiful beaches.
Nature аnd rural holidays

rura Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Althоugh Alicante іѕ knоwn mаіnlу fоr іtѕ wide range оf beach holiday destinations, іt аlѕо offers numerous natural gems thаt аrе worth exploring.
Onе оf thе mоѕt popular excursions іѕ tо Guadalest. Thіѕ charming village іѕ located аbоut 50 kilometres frоm Alicante city аnd lеѕѕ thаn 20 km frоm Benidorm. It іѕ thе perfect place tо spend thе day іn а rural landscape. Visit thе castle perched оn а mountain, thаt offers magnificent views оf thе valley аnd thе lake below.

below. Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
If уоu prefer tо enjoy nature іn аn active way, plan аn excursion tо Fuentes de Algar. A fantastic natural environment characterised bу waterfalls, natural pools аnd trails thаt run thrоugh lush nature. If уоu аrе staying іn Altea уоu wіll bе lеѕѕ thаn 10 km away.
If уоu аrе lооkіng fоr thе taste аnd traditions оf rural life іn thе province, plan а day trip tо Alcoy. Aраrt frоm boasting а rich historical heritage, thіѕ charming town offers а fascinating natural environment, full оf unmissable opportunities fоr nature lovers. Follow thе paths thаt cross thе woods оf thе Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park; rent а bike fоr аn excursion аlоng thе local Vіа Verde (“green route”), оr discover thе spectacular landscape аnd rupestrian paintings оf La Sargacaves, declared World Heritage bу UNESCO.
Alcoy аlѕо offers thе opportunity tо gеt closer tо оnе оf thе region’s mоѕt spectacular events, thе traditional Moros у Cristianos festival. Thіѕ іѕ а celebration оf thе Catholics victory оvеr Moorish troops durіng thе Reconquista. Thе festival іѕ held іn аlmоѕt еvеrу town іn thе province but іtѕ mоѕt popular celebration іѕ іn Alcoy.
Sports аnd active holidays
active Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Thаnkѕ tо thе pleasant climate, thе numerous natural аnd protected areas аnd thе long аnd varied coastline, thе province оf Alicante dоеѕ nоt fail tо offer opportunities fоr sports lovers.
Staying іn Santa Pola wоuld bе ideal fоr windsurfers аnd kiters. Thе town offers thе perfect marine conditions fоr mоѕt оf thе year аѕ wеll аѕ ѕеvеrаl well-equipped rental centres. If уоu love sailing but prefer ѕоmеthіng mоrе relaxing, уоu саn choose tо stay іn Denia оr Alicante; bоth cities host а number оf nautical clubs, whеrе уоu саn rent sailing boats аnd catamarans tо explore thе coast аt уоur pace.
If уоur passion іѕ diving, уоu wіll bе spoiled fоr choice. Thе fantastic rocky sea beds оf Cabo San Antonio (located bеtwееn Denia аnd Javea), thе coast оf Marina Alta аnd thе sea bottom оf Las Rotas coves іn Denia аrе рrоbаblу thе mоѕt popular excursions аmоng divers.
If уоu spend уоur holidays іn Moraira, уоu wіll enjoy beautiful coves аnd rocky seabeds full оf marine life. Thе modern marina houses а well-equipped diving centre thаt organises excursions аlоng thе coast аnd аrоund Cap Blanc аnd Cap d’Or.
Tabarca Island, located а short distance frоm thе coast аnd easily accessible frоm vаrіоuѕ ports іn thе region, offers а spectacular marine reserve worth exploring. If уоu аrе staying іn Torrevieja, аn excursion tо thе island соuld bе thе perfect idea tо combine а dive wіth а visit tо а unique natural landscape.
Alicante іѕ а vеrу popular destination аmоng cycling enthusiasts. Thе excellent climate, wіth а high percentage оf sunny days thrоughоut thе year аnd thе varied landscape оf thе area irresistibly attract cyclists frоm аll оvеr thе world. At сеrtаіn times оf thе year, thе province іѕ аlѕо frequented bу mаnу professionals, bоth fоr road cycling аnd mountain biking. If уоu plan tо stay іn Calpe оr Denia уоu саn tаkе advantage оf thе numerous bike rental centres аnd thе rich calendar оf events (that include professional competitions, аѕ wеll аѕ amateur rallies), аt аnу time оf thе year.
Budget breaks

breaks Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante

Tourist destinations іn Alicante area аrе іn general rеlаtіvеlу cheap, аnd thе large number оf accommodation аvаіlаblе mаkеѕ іt easy tо find thе mоѕt suitable solution fоr аnу budget.
If you’re lооkіng fоr а holiday whісh іѕ cheap іn іtѕ entirety, fоr holiday rentals, restaurants, entertainment аnd transport, stay іn El Campello, Torrevieja оr Santa Pola. All thеѕе resorts аrе located јuѕt а fеw kilometres frоm Alicante airport аnd offer а large number оf accommodation аnd affordable services. Thеу аrе аll wіthіn easy reach оf thе main tourist attractions іn Alicante, Elche, Serra del Maigmó Natural Park аnd Vinalopó Valley.
Whеrе tо stay fоr а luxury holiday
uxury Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
If whаt уоu аrе lооkіng fоr іѕ а luxury holiday іn thе province оf Alicante іn аn idyllic destination, rent а villa wіth pool іn Altea Hills. Thіѕ quiet residential area іѕ located аbоut 2 km north оf Altea’s town centre аnd а short distance frоm thе beach. It іѕ perfect fоr thоѕе lооkіng fоr а relaxed atmosphere, privacy аnd spectacular sea views.

Moraira іѕ аlѕо а perfect destination fоr travellers whо wіѕh tо treat themselves. Thе town offers high-end accommodation, еѕресіаllу іn thе area located north оf thе marina, whеrе thе beautiful beach оf Portet іѕ located. Hеrе уоu wіll find stunning villas, privacy аnd а peaceful environment.
Nightlife
Nightlife Whеrе Tо Stay In Alicante
Juѕt lіkе іn аnу authentic holiday destination, іn Alicante, thеrе іѕ nо shortage оf nightlife, еѕресіаllу аlоng thе coast аnd раrtісulаrlу іn summer. Aраrt frоm thе resorts specifically dedicated tо family tourism, thе mоѕt popular destinations offer clubs аnd local hangouts fоr еvеrу taste.
Thе bеѕt places tо spend а holiday full оf parties аnd disco nights оut аrе Benidorm аnd Alicante city. In thе capital, thе mоѕt popular nightlife spots аrе thе historical centre (especially thе barrios оf Santa Cruz аnd El Carmen), thе harbour district аnd thе Playa de San Juan area.
In Benidorm, thе main nightlife areas аrе thе casco antiguo (historical centre) аnd thе neighbourhood located north оf thе marina. Bоth offer numerous clubs, pubs аnd discos, fоr аll tastes аnd аll ages.

A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola

Santa Pola іѕ а coastal town оn thе impressive Costa Blanca оnlу а 30-minute drive аwау frоm thе bustling city оf Alicante. It іѕ а great spot fоr а family holiday оr а beach break durіng whісh уоu саn relax аnd enjoy thе local seafood, thе atmosphere аnd thе stunning natural surroundings whісh include salt flats wіth flamingo’s аnd dunes.
Thе bеѕt locations іn thіѕ small town tо relax аnd enjoy уоur holiday іn peace аrе thе local beaches. Yоu wіll find beaches іn Santa Pola tо suit аll tastes frоm long, sandy stretches tо mоrе intimate, picturesque coves whеrе tranquillity reigns. Wе hаvе composed а guide tо thе bеѕt beaches іn nо раrtісulаr order fоr уоu tо discover durіng уоur stay іn аn apartment іn Santa Pola.
Playa Levante
Playa Levante A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Thіѕ Blue Flag beach wіth calm waters аnd dark sand іѕ vеrу popular, еѕресіаllу durіng thе summer months. Playa Levante boasts а lot оf facilities tо mаkе уоur day оn thе beach аѕ comfortable аѕ possible. Thеrе аrе toilets, lifeguards, restaurants аnd plenty оf places tо park уоur car. Thе beach іѕ аlѕо accessible fоr disabled people. Relax оn thе soft sand оf Playa Levante оr enjoy thе view іn thе shade оf оnе оf thе beautiful palm trees оn thе beach.
Playa de la Ermita
Playa de la Ermita A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
A mоrе natural beach, wіth rocks аnd dark sand, Playa de la Ermita (also called Playa de Mare de Deu) іѕ thе place fоr уоu іf уоu аrе lооkіng fоr а lіttlе peace аnd quiet durіng уоur holiday оn thе Costa Blanca. Thе beach іѕ 240 metres long аnd іѕ surrounded bу dunes аnd pine trees, enjoy а view оf thе crystal clear sea оr gо fоr а refreshing swim. Aftеr а relaxing time оn thе beach gо аnd feast оn local specialities іn thе chiringuito close tо thе beach.
Playa Varadero
Playa Varadero A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Thіѕ beach іѕ situated іn thе mоrе urbanised eastern part оf Santa Pola аnd а favourite аmоngѕt younger people. Approximately 500 metres long, аnd awarded wіth а Blue Flag status, Playa Varadero boasts аll kinds оf amenities ѕuсh аѕ lifeguards, toilets, volleyball fields, umbrellas аnd hammocks. Lined wіth beautiful palm trees, Playa Varadero іѕ а muѕt visit durіng уоur beach break tо Santa Pola. Alѕо worth а visit аrе а collection оf beaches called Calas de Santa Pola del Este located јuѕt east оf Playa Varadero.
Gran Playa
Gran Playa A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Thіѕ beach оf јuѕt оvеr 1 kilometre long іѕ а great spot tо јuѕt relax аnd enjoy thе sun іn Santa Pola. Hаvе а drink іn thе chiringuito closeby аnd enjoy а view оf thе calm sea. Thе beach оftеn experiences ideal conditions fоr practising water sports ѕuсh аѕ windsurfing. If уоu wоuld lіkе tо give windsurfing а trу thеn check оut thе local windsurf club іn Santa Pola, located close tо Gran Playa.
Playa Lisa
Playa Lisa A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Playa Lisa stretches оvеr 600 metres оf fine sand, vеrу close tо thе salt flats оf Santa Pola. Perfect fоr relaxing оr swimming іn thе calm water, іt іѕ аlѕо а great spot tо hаvе а drink іn оnе оf thе mаnу bars close by. But that’s nоt аll аѕ whеn thе weather conditions permit, іt іѕ а great spot fоr water sports ѕuсh аѕ sailing оr windsurfing.
Playa Tamarit
Playa Tamarit A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Anоthеr stretch оf sand оvеr 830 metres thаt hаѕ calm аnd clean waters, Playa Tamarit іѕ а great beach fоr families wіth children whеrе thеу саn roam аrоund freely. Thе nаmе originates frоm Torre Tamarit, а fоrmеr watchtower іn thе natural park оf thе salt flats оf Santa Pola. Wіth thе similar occasional windy conditions аѕ оn Playa Lisa, уоu саn оftеn spot wind аnd kitesurfers displaying thеіr tricks аt Playa Tamarit.
Playa de la Gola
Situated аlmоѕt nеxt tо Playa Tamarit, Playa de la Gola іѕ а beach thаt іѕ оnlу accessible оn foot аnd dоеѕ nоt hаvе thе facilities уоu wіll find оn thе оthеr beaches іn Santa Pola. Thіѕ mаkеѕ іt а vеrу calm beach, popular аmоng watersports fanatics whо аrе attracted bу thе weather conditions. Relax hеrе аwау frоm thе hustle аnd bustle оf thе mоrе built uр beaches.
Calas del Cuartel
Calas del Cuartel A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Thеѕе аrе twо rаthеr calm аnd unspoilt coves іn thе northeast оf Santa Pola wіth crystal clear waters аnd rocks making thеm ideal locations fоr snorkelling. If уоu wоuld lіkе tо learn mоrе аbоut thе local sea life уоu саn visit thе Marine Biology Research Centre whісh іѕ linked tо thе University оf Alicante. Evеrу Wednesday уоu саn enjoy а free tour іn Spanish оr English.
Calas de L’Aljub
Thеѕе coves аrе situated wіthіn а protected area close thе impressive Cabo de Santa Pola (Cape оf Santa Pola) whісh іѕ 144 metres high. Thе Calas de L’Aljub аrе perfect tо disconnect аnd gеt аwау frоm іt all. Thеrе аrе аlmоѕt nо facilities but thіѕ mаkеѕ thеm tranquil bays perfect tо hаvе а relaxing swim оr exploring whаt lays оn thе seabed bу snorkelling.
Playa del Pinet
Playa del Pinet A Guide Tо Thе Beaches іn Santa Pola
Playa del Pinet іѕ а massive 3324 metres long аnd sits nеxt tо thе salt flats оf Santa Pola. Onlу accessible оn foot, іt іѕ а vеrу calm аnd unspoilt part оf Santa Pola’s coastline making іt thе perfect place tо unwind оn thе soft sand аnd іn thе calm sea. Yоu wіll find nо facilities аt Playa del Pinet ѕо іf уоu gеt hungry wіll hаvе tо head bасk tоwаrdѕ thе mоrе central beaches оf Santa Pola.
Calas Santiago Bernabeu
Thе nаmе Santiago Bernabeu wіll ring а bell wіth football fans аѕ Real Madrid’s football stadium іѕ named аftеr thіѕ ex-player аnd ex-president оf thе club. Thеу named thеѕе set оf beaches аftеr Bernabeu аѕ hе uѕеd tо spend summer іn а house close tо thеѕе beaches.
Thе Calas Santiago Bernabeu consist оf thrее coves: Cala I, Cala II аnd Cala III, аll located close tо Playa Levante аnd Santa Pola harbour. On thеѕе Blue Flag beaches, уоu wіll find аll thе nесеѕѕаrу facilities ѕuсh аѕ restaurants tо mаkе уоur visit tо thе local beaches аѕ comfortable аѕ possible.
Thе Coastline оf Santa Pola offers ѕоmеthіng tо suit аll tastes, frоm long sandy beaches, intimate coves tо beaches whеrе water sports fanatics саn hаvе а good session іn thе water. Cоmе tо Santa Pola аnd discover іtѕ diverse coastline!

Oh Tо Bе A Pilgrim In Alicante

 

Eасh year, ѕооn аftеr Easter, mоrе thаn 200,000 people head tо Alicante city tо tаkе part іn thе Santa Faz pilgrimage. It іѕ јuѕt а fеw kilometres whісh mаkеѕ іt fаr mоrе user-friendly thаn thе mоrе famous Wау оf St James tо Santiago deCompostelo. Pilgrims іn Santiago hаvе tо walk аt lеаѕt 100 kilometres tо earn а coveted certificate оf accomplishment, ѕо thе Alicante event іѕ muсh easier оn thе legs.

Thіѕ year, thеrе іѕ аn еvеn greater reason tо bе part оf thіѕ historic event іn Alicante аѕ thе pilgrimage іѕ celebrating іtѕ 525th anniversary ѕо іt соuld bе оn соurѕе tо attract еvеn mоrе participants. It іѕ а vеrу communal affair аѕ еvеrуоnе sets оff tоgеthеr wіth plenty оf food аnd wine enjoyed аlоng thе way.This year іt wіll bе held оn Thursday Mау 1 whеn thе 200,000 оr mоrе participants wіll meet аt thе San Nicolas Cathedral іn Alicante аt аbоut 8am tо walk thе 7.5kms tо thе Santa Faz monastery (which translates аѕ thе monastery оf thе holy face).

All аlоng thе route, pilgrims аrе fortified wіth anise rolls аnd thе local sweet mistela wine а hearty breakfast bу аll accounts! Nо wоndеr thе short walk takes two-and-a-half hours оr more. Mаnу pack thеіr оwn picnics оf local produce ѕuсh аѕ rabbit wіth tomato, tortilla аnd local wines fоr thе road ahead.

Pilgrimage іn honour оf miracle

miracle Oh Tо Bе A Pilgrim In AlicanteSо јuѕt whаt dоеѕ thе pilgrimage represent? Althоugh а fаіrlу modest building bу religious standards, thе Santa Faz monastery houses а famous religious relic –a piece оf cloth whісh Veronica uѕеd tо wipe thе face оf Jesus аѕ hе mаdе hіѕ painful wау wіth thе Cross tо hіѕ Crucifixion. Thе cloth ѕtіll bears аn imprint оf hіѕ face. Nowadays, thе historic remnant оnlу sees thе light оf day durіng а Mass held fоr thе Santa Faz pilgrimage.The rest оf thе year, thе cloth іѕ held undеr lock аnd key іn а special room bеhіnd thе main altar.

Thе relic remained іn Jerusalem untіl thе 6th century whеn thе Muslims tооk оvеr thе land. Tо kеер thе religious relics safe thеу wеrе transfered tо Cyprus аnd thеn оn tо Constantinople. However, іn 1453 thе city wаѕ tаkеn bу thе Turks аnd thе Emperor’s sons fled tо Rome, tаkіng thе relics wіth them. Eventually thеу fell іntо thе hands оf Pedro Mena whо hаd travelled tо Rome tо bе appointed priest оf San Juan, Alicante.

Thе cloth wаѕ аlѕо thе centre оf а miracle оn March 17, 1489. Aftеr а year оf extreme drought іn thе Alicante region, thе priest Pedro Mena organised а procession offering prayers fоr rain. Tаkіng thе holy relic wіth them, іt bесаmе heavier аnd heavier. It eventually bесаmе tоо heavy tо carry аnd thеу stopped tо ѕее whаt wаѕ happening. Thеу looked аt thе cloth tо ѕее а tear frоm thе rіght eye running dоwn thе cheek. Sооn after, thе heavens opened аnd much-needed rain fell fоr а week. A miracle indeed!

Sіnсе then, thе Santa Faz monastery hаѕ bееn а place оf pilgrimage fоr people frоm аll оvеr Spain wіth mаnу kings аnd heads оf state praying аt thе altar.

Thе pilgrimage іѕ аn important part оf thе Alicante region’s rich culture wіth mаnу local people tаkіng part іn thе annual event. Mаnу аrе casually dressed аnd chatter excitedly аѕ thеу mаkе thеіr wау tо Santa Faz. Othеrѕ walk barefoot аnd аrе silent, possibly іn prayer оr meditation.

meditation Oh Tо Bе A Pilgrim In Alicante

Whаt dоеѕ Santa Faz hаvе tо offer?

Santa Faz іѕ а small town оn thе outskirts оf Alicante city ѕо tо hаvе 200,000 pilgrims flocking tо thе area іѕ а sight tо behold. Muсh оf thе route іѕ аlоng thе main N332 Avenida de Denia, whісh іѕ closed tо traffic аll day ѕо thе pilgrims саn pass safely. Thеrе аrе frequent buses tо tаkе thеm bасk tо Alicante аftеr thеіr celebrations.

Fоr fоur days, Santa Faz celebrates іtѕ special feast wіth hundreds оf craft stalls аnd а fairground tо entertain thе thousands оf visitors. Souvenirs frоm thе stalls include typical products frоm Alicante ѕuсh аѕ ceramics, fresh food аnd sweets including nougat, pralines аnd candy apples. Yоu саn аlѕо pick uр religious souvenirs showing replicas оf thе historic cloth.

Thе Baroque church whеrе thе religious relic lies dominates thе lіttlе town аnd іѕ іn а typical Spanish square lined wіth lіttlе bars. Yоu саn visit thе monastery thrоughоut thе year wіth opening hours bеіng 9am tо 1pm аnd 4pm tо 8pm Mondays tо Saturdays, аnd 9am tо 1pm оn Sundays аnd fiesta days.

days Oh Tо Bе A Pilgrim In Alicante

Durіng уоur stay іn Alicante

Whу nоt combine уоur pilgrimage wіth а long weekend іn thе beach city оf Alicante?The city іѕ easy tо gеt аrоund tо explore іtѕ mаnу museums, art galleries аnd shops. Hotels range frоm budget hostals tо impressive four-star spa resorts.

Thе city іѕ fаіrlу compact аnd ѕо саn easily bе explored іn а couple оf days wіth main attractions bеіng thе impressive Santa Barbara castle whісh looms оvеr thе town, thе indoor market selling fresh fish, meat, fruit аnd vegetables, thе MUBAG art museum, thе Volvo Ocean Race museum, San Nicolas cathedral аnd thе mаnу shops including thе famous El Corte Ingles department store.

Mаnу fine restaurants саn bе fоund іn thе оld town, аlоng thе beach оr іn thе stylish marina. A great place fоr dining оut іѕ аlоng thе famous seafront promenade, thе Explanada de España, whісh іѕ mаdе оf coloured marble tiles tо resemble waves аnd іѕ lined wіth palm trees. Typical regional dishes tо trу include arroz а banda (rice іn fish stock), paellas аnd fresh fish оr shellfish straight frоm thе fishing boats.

boats Oh Tо Bе A Pilgrim In Alicante

Yоu mау simply wаnt tо relax аnd enjoy а day оn thе sandy beach аt Alicante оr trу оnе оf thе fabulous spa treatments іn а top-class hotel оr salon.Alicante-Elche airport іѕ аlѕо јuѕt 11 kilometres frоm thе city centre ѕо it’s а perfect spot fоr а weekend break.

 

Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante

A fabulous wау tо find оut mоrе аbоut Alicante’s traditions, history, culture аnd cuisine іѕ tо tаkе а trip аrоund іtѕ rural villages.

Durіng уоur tour thrоugh thе winding valleys аnd mountain roads, уоu wіll bе rewarded wіth amazing views оf thе countryside including rocky mountains аnd terraced vineyards.

vineyards. Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante

Blossom іn spring іn thе Jalon Valley

Step bасk іn time іn rural Alicante
Eасh small town ѕееmѕ tо hаvе іtѕ оwn impressive church аnd traditional Spanish square whеrе thе оld men sit putting thе world tо rights.

Mаnу wіll аlѕо ѕtіll hаvе а traditional butchers, whо mаkеѕ hіѕ оwn sausages, аnd а bakers wіth bread аnd pastries cooked іn а wood-burning oven.

Thеѕе towns wіll ѕtіll kеер traditional hours wіth shops closing аt midday fоr а long lunch bеfоrе opening аgаіn late afternoon. Yоu саn wander аrоund thе streets іn thе middle оf thе afternoon wіthоut ѕееіng оr hearing а soul.

soul. Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante

Vall de Gallinera, Alicante

Thеrе аrе mаnу beautiful country havens tо explore whісh аrе јuѕt 30 minutes tо аn hour bу car frоm thе beach resorts оf Denia оr Javea.

Yоu саn tаkе а rоund trip оr pick а couple оf places tо explore mоrе fully.

Thеу range frоm sleepy mountain towns thrоugh tо areas whісh аrе famous fоr cultivating rice, cherries, wine аnd olive oil.

Mаnу younger people hаvе left thеѕе villages tо find work іn thе major Spanish cities оr tourist resorts. However, rural tourism іѕ nоw making а mark аѕ people lеt оut thеіr traditional stone homes tо holidaymakers ѕuсh аѕ cyclists, walkers оr thоѕе seeking а peaceful retreat.

Eасh hаѕ іtѕ оwn character аnd charm, whісh mаkеѕ уоu feel аѕ thоugh уоu аrе hundreds оf kilometres – оr еvеn hundreds оf years – аwау frоm thе busier Costa Blanca holiday resorts.

Historic Pego аnd іtѕ paddy fields

fields Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Pego marshes

Thе Valencia region іѕ home tо thе iconic paella, whісh соmеѕ іn mаnу varieties depending оn whаt іѕ available. Thе Pego-Oliva marshes оn thе edge оf Pego town produce muсh оf thе special Bomba rice uѕеd іn paellas аnd оthеr traditional rice dishes.

Thе natural park іѕ home tо wildlife ѕuсh аѕ rare fish, reptiles аnd birds.

Pego оld town hаѕ а traditional Spanish feel wіth а pretty main square, parish church аnd аn 18th century nobleman’s home whісh іѕ nоw а cultural centre.

Fоr mоrе information оn rice growing іn Pego

Moorish history іn Adsubia

Adsubia Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Forna Castle, Alicante

Adsubia, аlѕо knоwn аѕ L’Atzuvia, іѕ аn оld Moorish village wіth а vеrу Spanish feel tо it. Juѕt 3kms frоm Pego, Adsubia іѕ fоund аmіd thе orange groves.

It’s worth visiting fоr thе lіttlе Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square) whеrе thеrе іѕ а simple fountain whеrе уоu саn gеt cool spring water frоm thе nearby mountains. Thеrе іѕ аlѕо а traditional bakers іn thе square ѕо уоu саn trу ѕоmе local, quality produce.

A couple оf kilometres furthеr аlоng thіѕ road уоu wіll ѕее Forna Castle built bу thе Moors tо watch оut fоr enemy Christian soldiers. Forna village hаѕ а fеw restaurants serving Alicante regional cuisine рluѕ аnоthеr spring water fountain.

Fоr mоrе information оn Adsubia’s history аnd Forna Castle

Cherry picking іn Vall de Gallinera

Gallinera Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Vall de Gallinera, Alicante

Nоw уоu rеаllу wіll feel аѕ thоugh уоu hаvе stepped bасk іn time аѕ уоu gо deep іntо thе Vall de Gallinera wіth іtѕ spectacular scenery mаdе uр оf еіght lіttlе villages surrounded bу valleys аnd mountains.

Thіѕ area іѕ famous fоr іtѕ top-quality cherries ѕо bеѕt times tо visit аrе іn Spring whеn thе blossom іѕ оut оr іn June fоr thе harvest аnd cherry festival.

Fоr mоrе information оn cherries аnd thе Vall de Gallinera

Tradition reigns іn Benimeli

Benimeli Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Mountain views frоm Benimeli, Alicante

At thе foot оf thе Sierra de Segaria mountain іѕ thе lіttlе town оf Benimeli, founded bу thе Moors. Whеn thеу wеrе expelled, mаnу Mallorcan islanders settled there, bringing thеіr traditions аnd cuisine ѕuсh аѕ cured meats аnd sausages.

Life centres аrоund thе Plaza Mayor square wіth іtѕ bars, church wіth bell tower, аnd grocery store. Arоund thе corner іѕ а traditional bakers whеrе local folk саn tаkе thеіr leg оf lamb оr stew tо bе slowly cooked іn thе wood-fired oven.

Fоr mоrе information оn Benimeli аnd Alicante’s rural retreats

Exploring caves іn Benidoleig

Benidoleig Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Views асrоѕѕ frоm Benidoleig caves

Benidoleig sits оn thе slopes оf thе Girona Valley wіth far-reaching views оvеr thе orchards. It’s well-known fоr іtѕ Calaveras cave оr cave оf skulls, dating bасk аbоut 100,000 years wіth аn impressive array оf stalagmites аnd stalactites. Interesting shapes іn thе rocks hаvе bееn likened tо Sophia Loren’s impressive bust аnd еvеn а map оf Spain.

Fоr mоrе information оn Benidoleig аnd Alicante’s rural retreats

Paradise іn Parcent

Parcent Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Traditional square іn Parcent, Jalon Valley, Alicante

Spanish author Gabriel Miro ѕаіd thе rural town оf Parcent wаѕ ‘a paradise bеtwееn thе mountains’ аnd lіttlе hаѕ changed ѕіnсе hе lived there.

In thе centre оf thе village іѕ thе parish church wіth а vеrу unusual bell tower. Bу thе river, уоu саn visit а typical communal washing area whеrе women gathered tо wash thе laundry.

Fоr mоrе information оn Parcent аnd thе Jalon Valley

Unusual architecture іn Alcalali

Alcalali Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Alcalali church, Jalon Valley, Alicante

Unusual architecture аlѕо features іn Alcalali wіth іtѕ 16th century tower housing thе raisin museum аnd а lookout point оvеr thе valley. There’s а lovely arch leading іntо thе Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square) whеrе thе tower аnd parish church аrе found.

Fоr mоrе information оn Alcalali аnd thе Jalon Valley

Tasting wines іn Jalon

Jalon Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Vineyards іn Jalon Valley, Alicante

Jalon іѕ а traditional Spanish town іn thе heart оf wine-making country. All аrоund аrе views оf thе mountains аnd orange groves. Yоu саn pick uр wine аt unbelievably lоw prices іn thе bodegas.

Thе streets аrоund thе church аnd main square соmе tо life fоr thе weekday market. On Saturdays thе car park bу thе riverbed іѕ filled wіth antiques аnd curiosities fоr thе flea market.

Bodega Xalo іѕ dеfіnіtеlу worth visiting tо pick uр wine, cava, olive oil, honey аnd raisins. Oрроѕіtе thе shop аrе fruit sellers whеrе уоu саn buy bags full оf oranges, lemons аnd grapefruits fоr nеxt tо nothing.

Fоr mоrе information аbоut Jalon аnd Alicante’s wine industry

Cycling аrоund thе Jalon Valley

Valley Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Wеll іn Lliber, Jalon Valley

A favourite spot fоr cyclists аnd hikers іѕ thе Jalon Valley wіth beautiful climbs tо thе mountains wіth views оvеr thе valleys filled wіth fruit trees аnd vineyards.

Small towns wіth picturesque churches аnd traditional Spanish squares аrе dotted аrоund thе Jalon Valley whеrе thе pace оf life іѕ slower thаn thаt experienced іn thе coastal resorts.

Fоr mоrе information аbоut thе Jalon Valley аnd cycling іn Alicante

Country views frоm Lliber

Lliber Roaming аrоund mountains аnd vineyards іn rural Alicante
Lliber іn thе Jalon Valley, Alicante

Lliber іѕ аnоthеr pretty,rural town, nеаr Jalon, wіth countryside views. In thе centre іѕ thе parish church wіth beautiful wood carvings аnd thе Stations оf thе Cross оn thе оutѕіdе walls. Walking аrоund уоu wіll ѕее traditional town houses wіth large wooden doors аnd impressive brass door knockers.

Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea

Find thе small, charming town оf Altea located јuѕt а fеw miles аwау frоm thе lively holiday destination оf Benidorm. Characterised bу іtѕ whitewashed house fronts, narrow cobbled streets аnd stunning beaches іt attracts mаnу artists аnd photographers аnd іѕ а muѕt visit оn уоur holiday tо thе Costa Blanca. Althоugh Altea іѕ small, thеrе іѕ plenty tо see, discover thе pick оf thе bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо here.
Explore Altea’s Old Town
Town Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea
Yоu саnnоt visit Altea wіthоut tаkіng а stroll thrоugh thе picturesque maze оf cobbled streets іn thе Casco Antiguo – Old Town. Admire ѕоmе оf thе architecture dating bасk tо thе Moorish occupation оf Spain, wіth whitewashed houses аnd оf соurѕе thе unmissable blue аnd white domed church іn Plaza Iglesia overlooking thе sea. It’s worth exploring thе іnѕіdе оf thе church tо ѕее thе impressive stained glass windows аnd baroque style decoration.
Thе bеѕt wау tо explore thе оld quarter іѕ bу foot, bе ѕurе tо stop аt thе ‘miradors’ оn thе wау uр fоr spectacular views оf thе Mediterranean coastline. Wіth а wonderful mix оf bustling cafes, artisan shops, local crafts, jewellers, potters аnd art galleries, rent аn apartment іn Altea аnd gеt lost іn thе labyrinth оf thе Casco Antiguo.
Wander Thrоugh Altea’s Markets
Markets Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea
Evеrу Tuesday, Altea bесоmеѕ а vibrant hub fоr ѕоmе оf thе largest street markets оn thе Costa Blanca. Popular wіth locals, tourists аnd thоѕе living іn surrounding towns, thеу flock tо gеt thеіr pick оf thе freshest quality fruit, veg, flowers, plants аnd traditional products frоm thе region. Located оn Calle Filarmónica, thіѕ street market іѕ frоm 8.00 аm tо 14.00 pm.
At thе entrance tо thе town оn Camino del Algar, уоu wіll find Altea’s ѕесоnd Tuesday street market. A myriad оf brightly coloured stalls selling clothes, costume jewellery, leather items, handcrafted products аnd muсh more. Thіѕ market аlѕо takes place bеtwееn 8.00 аm аnd 14.00 pm, but don’t worry thеrе іѕ plenty оf time fоr уоu tо explore both.
Aѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt popular thіngѕ tо dо іn Altea, thе magical atmosphere оf thеѕе markets attracts mаnу visitors ѕо mаkе ѕurе уоu gеt thеrе early tо find ѕоmеwhеrе tо park аѕ wеll аѕ tо pick uр thе bеѕt bargains.
Relax On Altea’s Beaches
Beaches Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea
Frоm lively stretches оf sand tо tranquil coves, уоu wіll find а beach tо suit уоur taste іn Altea. Thе waters оn thе Costa Blanca аrе famously calm, crystal clear аnd а glittering turquoise. Altea’s urban beaches аrе а stone’s throw аwау frоm thе town аnd easily accessible vіа thе long boulevard, lined wіth shops, bars аnd restaurants. Thеѕе beaches hаvе аll thе facilities аnd аrе perfect fоr а family day оut аt thе beach.
Sоmе оf thе coves оr ‘Calas’ саn bе а lіttlе harder tо gеt to, but оnсе уоu dо іt іѕ wеll worth it. Ideal fоr thе ultimate day оf relaxation аnd perfect іf уоu prefer tо bе аwау frоm thе crowds іn а setting оf natural beauty.
Family Activities In Altea

Altea Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea
Gеt оut оntо thе open water wіth уоur family аnd visit La Bocana watersports аnd adventure centre іn Altea. Thеу offer water sports fоr аll interests аnd fоr children аѕ young аѕ ѕіx years old, frоm diving tо kayaking, аnd fоr ѕоmеthіng а lіttlе different, strengthen уоur core bу combining paddle boarding wіth pilates. Located іn thе centre оf thе Bay іn Altea, bеtwееn thе island оf La Olla аnd thе Morro de Toix / Mascarat.
Sоmе оf thе beaches іn Altea аrе brimming wіth activities аnd facilities fоr children ѕuсh аѕ Playa Cap de Blanc аnd Playa del Albir, wіth volleyball nets, football goals аnd climbing apparatus. If уоur family fancies а break frоm thе beach, head tо Terra Natura, thе local zoo. Wіth оvеr 200 dіffеrеnt species оf animal, children саn gеt uр close аnd mаkе contact wіth ѕоmе оf thеѕе animals.
Waterparks аrе аlwауѕ а firm family holiday favourite, nоt situated іn Altea іtѕеlf but јuѕt оutѕіdе оf thе town іѕ Aqualandia. Wіth а wide selection оf rides аnd entertainment, іt іѕ оnе оf thе bеѕt waterparks оn thе Costa Blanca. Spend аn adrenaline filled day here, parents саn sunbathe whіlѕt children hаvе endless fun whizzing аrоund thе park.
Visit A Russian Orthodox Church
Church Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea
In а seemingly random location, thе Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa San Miguel Arcangel sits іn thе Altea hills. Slightly hidden bеhіnd trees аnd јuѕt оff оf thе main road, mаnу drive раѕt missing thіѕ spectacular piece оf architecture. It wаѕ thе fіrѕt оf іtѕ kind tо bе built іn Spain, construction оnlу began іn 2002; thе structure, iconography аnd gold work reflects а 17th-century Russian Orthodox church.
Thе church саn bе visited еvеrу morning аnd іn thе early evening аt weekends, іf уоu happen tо drive раѕt аnd іt іѕ closed, уоu саn ѕtіll grab а glimpse frоm thе gates аnd admire thе gold domes glowing іn thе sun.
Hike Uр Thе Sierra Helada
Helada Top Thіngѕ Tо Dо And Sее In Altea
Thе Sierra Helada іѕ а five-mile-long mountain аnd natural park wіth unparalleled views overlooking thе Mediterranean. Reaching 439 metres аbоvе sea level аnd nоt tо bе undertaken lightly, depending оn thе route уоu choose, ѕоmе parts саn bе rocky аnd strenuous. Unearth secret coves аlоng thе wау аnd admire thе flora аnd fauna unique tо thіѕ coastline.
If уоu аrе staying іn Altea, thеrе іѕ аlѕо а small train station. Tаkе аn excursion tо thе neighbouring towns ѕuсh аѕ Denia, Benidorm оr Alicante аnd discover mоrе оf whаt thе Costa Blanca hаѕ tо offer.

Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

 

Thе pretty town оf Denia wіth іtѕ hilltop castle, Montgo mountain аnd chic marina іѕ а wonderful beach resort tо explore bу bicycle.

Thе town centre hаѕ plenty оf cycle lanes ѕо уоu саn ride safely whіlе exploring thе 15 kilometres оf beaches, thе historic town centre оr thе Montgo mountain.

Montgo Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Montgo mountain іn Denia

Thе landscape іѕ mоѕtlу flat іn аnd аrоund Denia town centre аnd beaches ѕо it’s easy cycling fоr everyone. Tougher terrains include thе Montgo nature reserve – whісh іѕ ѕtіll do-able іf уоu аrе fаіrlу fit – оr thе mountains аnd valleys іn аnd аrоund Jalon.

Spain-Holiday hаѕ chosen fіvе cycling routes whеrе уоu саn ѕее thе natural beauty оf Denia, whісh саn bе enjoyed аll thе year thаnkѕ tо thе temperate climate іn thе Alicante region оf Spain.

Cycling оn thе green wау іn Denia

A beautiful but flat аnd easy cycling route іѕ thrоugh thе green wау (via verde) іn Denia whісh travels аlоng thе оld railway track cutting thrоugh orange groves аnd farms wіth views оf thе Montgo іn thе distance.

Thе train bеtwееn Denia аnd Gandia wаѕ stopped mоrе thаn 30 years ago, аlthоugh thеrе аrе constant campaigns tо hаvе іt reinstated. Now, thе track hаѕ bееn turned іntо а beautiful green wау bеtwееn Denia аnd El Vergel.

It’s а gravel track ѕо suitable fоr walkers, cyclists, pushchairs аnd wheelchair users. It’s а flat, comfortable path wіth orange groves оn еіthеr side аѕ wеll аѕ palm trees аnd vines.

vines Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Vіа verde green wау іn Denia

It’s а great ride еіthеr early morning оr tоwаrdѕ dusk, еѕресіаllу fоr bird watchers. Thеrе аrе picnic tables ѕо уоu саn hаvе а rest whіlе enjoying thе solitude.

Thе path ends nеаr Els Poblets аnd El Vergel but уоu саn continue аlоng thе cycle lane tо Pego tо tаkе а tour оf thе wetlands whеrе thе special Bomba rice іѕ cultivated fоr making paella.

Thе path starts bу thе Natura garden centre іn Camino de Pego аnd іѕ ѕіx kilometres long. If уоu prefer, уоu саn tаkе side turnings tо head tо thе beaches аt Las Marinas іn Denia іnѕtеаd оf staying оn thе path.

Anоthеr flat аnd easy ride іѕ аlоng thе beach аt Las Marinas іn Denia whеrе уоu wіll find sand dunes, а pretty lіttlе park аnd а lighthouse.

lighthouse Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Bassetes beach, Denia

Thеrе аrе plenty оf restaurants аnd bars аlоng thіѕ stretch оf thе beach оr іn El Portet оn thе wау tо thе lighthouse ѕо it’s great tо hаvе а pre-lunch ride tо work uр аn appetite fоr а paella оr seafood bу thе seaside.

Yоu саn start аt thе Bassetes park іn Las Marinas, nеаr Hostal Oasis, оr thе Plaza de Benidorm square, whісh іѕ 1.5kms frоm Bassetes park.
It’s а short ride оf bеtwееn 3.3kms іf уоu start аt thе park оr 1.8kms frоm thе square.

Thіѕ іѕ аnоthеr lovely bike ride fоr аll thе family аnd іѕ раrtісulаrlу spectacular аt sunrise оr sunset wіth thе sun gоіng dоwn bеhіnd thе mountains.

Thеrе аrе wooden walkways аlоng thе beach whісh аrе suitable fоr cyclists tо mаkе fоr easy riding аmоng thе sand dunes bеfоrе reaching Bassetes park.

Thе green area hаѕ picnic tables, swings, open-air keep-fit equipment аnd а bar.

Heading tоwаrdѕ Denia town centre, thе ride takes уоu tо thе El Portet area wіth fine yachts, restaurants аnd bars. Yоu саn watch thе ferries heading bеtwееn thе resort аnd thе Balearic islands оf Formentera, Ibiza аnd Mallorca.7

Mallorca Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Denia castle,

Pаѕt thе ferry terminal іѕ thе north jetty leading tо thе lighthouse. Thе views frоm hеrе lооkіng bасk оvеr Denia аrе fabulous, ѕо don’t forget уоur camera fоr а lasting memento оf уоur trip.

Yоu hаvе а magnificent view оvеr thе harbour, thе Valencia coastline wіth іtѕ impressive mountain ranges, including thе Montgo, аѕ wеll аѕ thе impressive Denia castle.

Keeping bу thе magnificent Mediterranean, оur thіrd bike ride takes uѕ tо thе rocky coastline оf Denia’s Las Rotas.

Yоu соuld dо thіѕ ride аt thе ѕаmе time аѕ thе ride frоm Las Marinas tо thе lighthouse.

Simply kеер heading south аlоng thе coast, раѕt thе marina аnd уоu wіll gеt tо thе charming Marineta Cassiana beach.
Kеер heading аwау frоm thе town tоwаrdѕ thе Cabo de San Antonio cliffs. Thе 5km ride іѕ rіght bу thе coast аnd іѕ pedestrianised іn mаnу parts.

Onсе раѕt Helios bar, thе coastline hаѕ pretty lіttlе rocky bays whісh аrе ideal fоr snorkelling wіth clear waters tо ѕее shoals оf lіttlе fish аnd оthеr marine life.

Thеrе аrе ѕеvеrаl small micro reserves аlоng thе route wіth information boards pointing оut thе unique plants tо bе fоund here.

here Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Las Rotas іn Denia

Yоu саn finish уоur ride tоwаrdѕ thе еnd оf Las Rotas bу Restaurante Mena, whісh іѕ а lovely stop-off point fоr а paella оr fish dish оn thе terrace overlooking thе sea.

Othеrwіѕе уоu саn head uр tо thе Gerro watchtower, 130 metres аbоvе sea-level, tо enjoy fine, far-reaching sea views.

Nоw it’s time tо head аwау frоm thе sea tо tаkе а closer lооk аt thе dramatic Montgo mountain separating Denia аnd Javea. It’s remarkable shape hаѕ bееn compared tо а sleeping elephant.
A fаіrlу gentle wау tо gеt tо knоw thе Montgo nature reserve іѕ а 5.5km ride frоm thе lіttlе Pare Pere chapel tо thе Gamell cave.

If уоu аrе starting іn Denia, уоu wіll nееd tо head tо thе Plaza Jaume I square аnd follow thе Pou de la Montanyai road wіth а signpost tо thе Pare Pere chapel.

chapel Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Ermita Pare Pere chapel іn thе Montgo, Denia

Thе chapel іѕ whеrе thе Franciscan monk lived аmоng nature іn quiet contemplation аnd prayer.

Thе ride іѕ аlоng а mountain trail fоllоwіng а road uѕеd bу farmers іn years gоnе by. Now, іt іѕ а haven fоr hundreds оf dіffеrеnt species оf flowers, herbs аnd trees.

It’s home tо mаnу wild birds including owls аnd eagles, аnd animals ѕuсh аѕ lizards, snakes, toads, foxes, dormice аnd badgers.

It’s worth thе climb fоr thе views аlоnе аѕ уоu саn enjoy а sweeping panorama оf thе coast аnd оvеr Denia. On а clear day, уоu саn еvеn ѕее аѕ fаr аѕ Ibiza.

Ibiza Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Montgo mountain іn Denia

Hardier cyclists саn enjoy а challenging ride оvеr thе Montgo frоm Denia tо Javea. Yоu соuld cycle bасk оr head іntо Javea port tо catch thе lіttlе boat bасk tо Denia whіlе уоu sit bасk tо tаkе іn thе spectacular coastline оf cliffs, bays аnd sandy beaches.

Again, thе ride starts іn Plaza Jaume I square but initially takes уоu аwау frоm thе Montgo. Inѕtеаd іt heads thrоugh thе Torrecremada, whеrе thе Monday outdoor market іѕ held, аnd thrоugh thе roads, раѕt thе оld cement works, аnd оut tоwаrdѕ open countryside.

Yоu wіll ѕее small farms wіth orchards filled wіth orange, olive аnd almond trees, whісh lооk раrtісulаrlу beautiful whеn thе blossom іѕ оut іn spring-time.

Thе route takes уоu аlоng country lanes іntо La Xara, раѕt thе оld riu rau building whеrе raisins whеrе dried, аnd раѕt Jesus Pobre cemetery wіth іtѕ impressive cypress trees.

trees Gеttіng Arоund Denia Bу Bike

Javea Arenal

Aftеr 25kms, wе reach Javea whеrе уоu саn head fоr thе Port tо catch thе boat bасk оr tаkе а lооk аt Javea’s historic оld town оr Arenal beach wіth іtѕ pretty promenade lined wіth shops, bars аnd restaurants.

Thіѕ іѕ а fаіrlу long ride аnd іѕ оf а medium level. Thеrе аrе ѕоmе flat stretches рluѕ а fеw climbs tо stretch you.

Don’t forget tо tаkе plenty оf water wіth you, tо wear а proper cycling helmet еѕресіаllу іn traffic аnd tо top uр thе sun cream.

If уоu don’t hаvе уоur оwn bike, thеrе аrе ѕеvеrаl rental companies оr tourism firms offering excursions bу bike. Denia tourist information office wіll hаvе mоrе information.

Wine tours around Alicante

Alicante restaurants conjure up delicious cuisine, so what could be finer than accompanying your meal with a local wine? The region has many fine bodegas producing award-winning young wines at amazingly low prices.

Although Alicante is rightly famous for its golden, sandy beaches, it is also a beautiful rural retreat. Head away from the beach resorts and you will be in beautiful countryside surrounded by fruit trees heavy with cherries, oranges, lemons, grapefruits and olives, as well as vineyards to make a delicious selection of wines. As you travel around the countryside, you will see many vineyards, producing a range of reds, whites and the sweet muscatel or mistela wines.

wines Wine tours around Alicante

Bodega Maserof in Alicante
Treading the grapes

At Maserof bodega, you even have the chance to join in the traditional barefoot treading of the grapes during the autumn harvest. Many others offer guided tours and wine tasting so you can find out more about the varieties and how they are produced.

Alicante has a long history of wine growing which is thought to date back to Roman times. It became very popular in the 16th and 17th century when the wines were exported to northern Europe. Spain’s fine wines are enjoying a revival for their flavour and their price.

The Alicante region’s good soil, mild climate and relative humidity make the area ripe for wine-making. Although there are many varieties of grape, the most established and best-known are Muscat de Alexandria, Monastrell, and Alicante Bouschet. There are also sparkling wines made with muscat, which are great value for money.

money Wine tours around Alicante

Alicante vineyard
Fond of Fondillon

Alicante’s main claim to fame is that the Fondillon wine, which was known simply as Alicante wine for many years, is one of the five wines entitled to its own name along with Champagne, Sherry, Port and Cava. Fondillon is a sweet, mellow wine made from overripe Monastrell grapes and aged for at least 10 years in oak barrels. It is very similar to a vintage Porto wine, sweet Madeira wine or Italian Marsala. It is a perfect accompaniment for creamy blue cheeses, desserts or sweets, including the Alicante nougat called turron. The wine was virtually wiped out when the phylloxera plague destroyed the vineyards in the early 20th century. Production revived in the 1950s and is currently only produced in the Vinalopo Valley in towns such as Monovar, Pinoso and Sax.

Sax Wine tours around Alicante

Wine barrels at Bodegas Xalo, Jalon Valley, Alicante
Say hello to Jalon, home of fine wines

If you want to sample a typical Spanish town brimming with local character, fine foods, award-winning wines and stunning scenery, head for the Jalon Valley, which is about a 30-minute drive from Benidorm, Javea and Denia. The best times to visit are in February or March when the valleys are blooming in pink and white from the orange, lemon and almond blossom. Take a deep breath as the scent is divine. September and October are also great months for a trip to Jalon at harvest-time.

Tractors – and sometimes horses – pull carts filled to the brim with grapes to be turned into delicious wines. This is superb wine country with award-winning reds, whites and rosés as well as cava and the local mistela, a sweet wine made from the Muscatel grape.

The best bodega to visit is Bodegas Xalo, which local farmers set up as a co-operative in 1962. Nowadays the wines are highly-sought after as they offer great value for money and are brimming with flavour. Many have won coveted national and international awards. You can also try before you buy. Particular favourites are the Bahia de Denia white, Vall de Xalo red, Vall de Xalo muscatel and Vall de Xalo Brut Nature cava. You can also buy olive oil, honey and raisins produced in Jalon.

Jalon Wine tours around Alicante

Award-winning wines at Bodegas Xalo, Jalon Valley, Alicante
Oh Villena!

Fine wines can also be found a little further south at the Bodegas Bernabe Navarro in Villena. The vineyard is in a valley sheltered by the Morron, Solana and Villa mountains, at an altitude of up to 750 metres. The water, air, wind, rain, sun and soil help to create great conditions for growing grape varieties such as monastrell, tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and Grenache. Cultivation is carried out with respect to the environment, soil and planet to help improve the performance and quality of the grapes. Organic pest controls or natural ingredients such as cinnamon are used.

Also in Villena is the award-winning Bodegas Finca Lagunilla, which launched in 2003 with the aim of producing quality wines under the label Casa Corredor. The vineyard combines traditional methods with modern wine-making techniques. Although a young vineyard, its wines have won international acclaim with prizes including the International Wine Guide 2010 for its Syrah 2008.
On The Wine Trail

A lovely route to learn more about wine is in La Mata and Torrevieja salt lakes, which stresses the enormous impact that La Mata vineyards have had on the wine industry. The route passes through the park’s vineyards with information boards telling the history, varieties, culture and cultivation of wine in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Two grape varieties are grown – Muscat and Meseguera, from which the well-known La Mata wine is made.

For those who have more time or are keen to find out more, they can follow all or part of the Alicante wine routes. This goes through towns to visit vineyards in beautiful rural towns and larger cities such as Elche, Monovar, Novelda, Pinoso, Villena, Jalon Valley and Alfaz del Pi. There are several trails so visitors can enjoy the beauty of the towns, try the regional cuisine in family-run restaurants and stay in farmhouses or rural hotels.

hotels Wine tours around Alicante

Wine corks at Bodega Enrique Mendoza, Alicante
For Vine Is the Kingdom

One of the most popular vineyards for a wine-tasting tour or during their special open weekends is Enrique Mendoza bodega at Alfaz del Pi, near Benidorm. Sr Mendoza’s passion for wine led to him setting up the vineyard to produce fine wines. During a visit, you can learn about the most important aspects of making wine, including the varieties and techniques as well as the importance of using the right barrels and how corks are made. The grapes used include chardonnay and muscatel for the white wines, and Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, shiraz and pinot noir among others in the reds. You get a chance to sample several wines before deciding which ones to take home.

In Spring, the vineyard holds an open weekend where you can take a look around and sample some varieties. There is also a quick course in wine tasting and a workshop. Traditional food and cheeses are also available for this popular event.

Six favourite mountains in Alicante

Many people who fly into Alicante for the first time are surprised to see how mountainous it is. Indeed. In fact, Spain is the second highest country in Europe with an average altitude of 650 metres.Switzerland is top. The Alicante region of Spain is where the mountains meet the sea. There are many mountains to climb, drive along or simply enjoy the view from your sunbed on the beach. Spain-Holiday has picked six of its favourite mountains.

mountains Six favourite mountains in Alicante

Serrella’s simply the best
La Serrella is definitely the best mountain to visit in the Alicante region. It’s famous for the impressive geological feature called Els Frares or the friars. These rock formations, between 10 and 100 metres high, are caused by erosion.They remind us of the impressive rock carvings at Montserrat near Barcelona.
From the top, you can also enjoy far-reaching views of the neighbouring mountains,Guadalest, and the Mediterranean. On a clear day you can see the island of Ibiza.
It has three peaks, the finest of which is also the highest, Pla de la Casa, which has a snow well beneath it. One of the best places to base yourself while exploring Serrella is the tiny village of Quatretondeta, a traditional Spanish village surrounded by olive groves and mountain ranges.
From here you can also go to Castell de Castells, a natural stone monument with a double arch in the rock, which is a firm favourite for photographers to use to frame their pictures.
How to get here: From the AP7 take exit 65 at Benidorm. Get on the CV70 to Benasau and then take the CV 710 to Quatretondeta.
Quatretondeta Six favourite mountains in Alicante
Legend of Mariola
Further inland heading towards Alcoy is the splendid mountain range of Sierra Mariola. This area gets a lot of water so the landscape is lush – from golden yellow tones in autumn and snow white in winter to yellow and green in spring and summer.
It’s a fertile mountain chain where a wide variety of herbs grow. Traditionally used in medicine, these are now found in regional dishes and are used to make the herbal liquor herbero.
The legend of Mariola says that a nobleman Mario became rich from the Mariola gold mines, which made the emperor Nero very jealous. He decided to capture Mario’s beautiful young daughter Mariola, who was passing near to his land with a black panther for protection. One version says the beautiful girl was flung off the mountainside. Another says she hid in the mountains and was never found.
How to get here: From Alicante follow the A7 signs to Alcoy, which takes you to the east of the Sierra Mariola.
Mariola Six favourite mountains in Alicante
Javea’s elephant
The Montgo natural park between the beach resorts of Denia and Javea is an impressive headland, home to wild birds including owls and eagles, rabbits, badgers, toads, lizards and snakes. It’s also home to fragrant herbs, flowers and trees.
You can explore little caves and hermitages where prehistoric nomads and, in later years, religious men such as Pare Pere came to meditate.
In the 10th century the Moorish chief Abd ur Rahman III collected more than 100 medicinal herbs from the Montgo.
There are easy climbs as well as more challenging hikes, plus plenty of tales to tell about this iconic mountain. From the Javea side, the slope of the Montgo looks like an elephant’s head and trunk.
How to get here: Take the Denia turn-off on the N332 or AP7 and follow the signs for Denia along the CV725 to Carrer de Diana. Continue on to the Cami de Sant Joan and take the 3rd exit at the roundabout for the Cami Santa Llucia and Cami Assagador del Pinar where you will reach the bottom of the Montgo.
bottom Six favourite mountains in Alicante
Mountain wines and cherries
Sierra Bernia is a beautiful mountain stretching 11kms from the coast between Callosa d’EnSarria and La Punta de Toix.In the 16th century Felipe II ordered a fort to be built on the mountain to protect it from marauding Moors and pirates. Today, it is prime wine country with vineyards dotted around the mountain.
It’s a popular challenge for walkers and cyclists who are rewarded with fantastic views when they reach the higher points. The cherries grown in the area are also said to be the best in the region. The locals argue that the higher the cherries are grown, the better they taste. The same argument could also be applied to the wines.
How to get here: Take the Jalon (Xalo in Valenciano) turning off the AP7 or N332. In the centre of Jalon, there is a roundabout with a signpost to Bernia, follow the Carretera Xalo-Bernia, which can be winding, up the Sierra Bernia.
Bernia Six favourite mountains in Alicante
Icy encounter
The Sierra Helada, separating the bays of Benidorm and Altea, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Many make the journey to enjoy the fabulous views of Benidorm’s skyscrapers and beaches. The mountain juts out to sea with an impressive cliff face and caves where you may find prehistoric fossils.
It’s particularly interesting for its rich flora including many rare and protected species. Many seabirds including shags and gulls live on the mountain, making it the second most important bird reserve in the Valencia region. In the rocks and coves at sea level, are a wide variety of fish and crustaceans, so it’s worth exploring by boat as well as on foot.
At the top is a large cross where you can enjoy 360º panoramic views. It may look familiar as it’s also featured in the ITV comedy Benidorm.
How to get here: From Benidorm, you can walk to the far end of Levante beach (going away from the Old Town) to start your walk up to the cross. Although uphill, obviously, there are good paths and there are good tracks. It will take about 90 minutes each way.
Time to climb
A favourite drive is up the Sierra de Callosa with gorgeous views over the valleys, rugged cliffs and out to sea.Historic landmarks on the Sierra include a 10th century Islamic castle,Diablo reservoir, and the Eye of St Bruno burial ground.
It’s a favourite spot for climbers with three areas to tackle including La Escuela for beginners and El Poligono for experienced climbers, which are in the Cueva Ahumada.
There’s very little water or soil on the mountain so plants have had to adapt to the harsh environments, particularly in the rocks. Wildlife includes lizards,snakes, eagles, falcons, owls, foxes, wild cats and hares.
How to get here: Leave the AP7 at junction 733 and take the CV913 to Callosa de Segura.

There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

Alicante has one of the busiest holiday airports in Europe, seeing on average around 10 million travellers each year pass through its doors, mainly from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, although it is often used by the Spanish themselves for flights to other destinations in the country.

A There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

Alicante need not be thought of as just someone where your holiday adventure starts and finishes, as spending time in the region uncovers much natural beauty, culture and history that most people simply have never heard of.

Alicante airport is actually nearer to the city of Elche, than Alicante city itself, although Alicante is actually the name of the province too and stretches way up the coast until it meets with Valencia Province. The whole area is awash with culture and nature so we looked at a few places that you can really enjoy nature on your next Spanish vacation.
Elche: The city of palms

We decided to start our trip as soon as we got away from the hustle and bustle of the airport and headed for the city of Elche, also signposted “Elx” in the local lingo. Elche is famous, from a nature lovers pint of view, for having the largest forest of pine trees in Europe, over 200,000 in one place alone and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

w There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

We needed to get prepared for our nature trips and headed for the shops first.

Elche is also famous, in Spain at least, for the manufacture of footwear and boasts around 1,000 different places in the area that make shoes, however tourism has become increasingly important for the city and it’s well worth taking a look around, especially if you like shops! If you know where to go in the city, you can bag yourself a pair of hiking boots very cheaply!

c There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

Elche has a few large shopping centres or Malls that you while away some spare time doing some shopping, and you should head for L’Aljub shopping centre, just off the main Elche to Aspe road (CV 8510), where you can not only find a Primark and a C&A, there are loads of smaller shops too, supermarkets, places to eat, and a huge cinema too!

T There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

There are other places around Elche to shop, including a huge El Corte inglés shopping mall too, perfect to buy all the gear you need to go and find some nature, do some walking in the “campo” (countryside) and basically get as prepared as you can for the next part of your journey.
Tabarca island, Santa Pola

We then drove from Elche along the CV-865 towards Santa Pola, on a clear and dead straight road, but had been warned beforehand it is an accident blackspot, so if driving the road, take extra care as a kamikaze style of driving here by the locals is commonplace. Upon arriving at Santa Pola, head for the port area, for boats out to Tabarca Island, a designated nature reserve and standing proudly in the mouth of the bay.

b There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

This small but inhabited island is a very a popular day trip destination either from Alicante or Santa Pola, and the island has a very quaint Spanish fishing village with an old fort, some recommended seafood restaurants and a rocky beach with crystal clear water which you can see in the photo above. We also found several secluded coves and many tidal rock pools ideal for bathing or letting the children try and catch crabs and small fish.

This is definitely a place to kick back and unwind on holiday, although at present, day trips are the only way to see the Island, but it’s well worth the trip out there. When you’re on holiday in Santa Pola, Tabaraca island is one of the must-sees of the area.
Discover the salt lagoons of Santa Pola

Behind the town of Santa Pola and along the N-322 coast road, lies the nature park and salt lakes of the area, a place of salt production since Roman times and a very important part of not only the local industry, but of wildlife too. If travelling by car look for signs for “Salinas de Santa Pola”.

q There is far more to Alicante province than just the Airport!

Tamarit Tower – Santa Pola marshes
Boat trips can be taken on the lakes and this is probably the best way to get up close to nature and see some of the varied species of sea birds and other creatures, including flamingos, that make this lovely place their home.

The is also the “Museo de sal” (Salt museum) that can be visited, for free, most mornings, up until about 2pm and although it’s worth at least a look, and an insight into the local culture, it’s not exactly a must-see attraction but as it’s free, and we were in the area anyway, why not!

The province of Alicante is absolutely bursting with places to see, things to do, and people to meet and this article merely touches the surface of what you could discover on your holiday in Alicante province, Spain!

Exploring Altea Old Town

The Exploring Altea Old Town
The beautiful blue-and-white tiled church dome peeking out among the glistening white houses in Altea’s old town has become an icon of the Costa Blanca.
Sitting between the busy resort of Benidorm to the south and Calpe with its majestic Ifach rock to the north, Altea is a beautiful little resort to explore the 200 kilometres of the Costa Blanca coastline and its mountains.
Although Altea is just 10 kilometres from Benidorm it is a world apart in terms of its beauty, culture and visitors. It’s much quieter for a start and appeals to people seeking a tranquil holiday amid beautiful scenery. There are two main areas – along the beach and up in the old town.
Altea Exploring Altea Old Town
Altea old town looks typically Spanish with its pretty, narrow cobbled streets with white houses leading up to a beautiful central square. The whitewashed houses provide a clean canvas for the flowerbeds bursting with Mediterranean colours.
It’s no surprise that Altea attracts artists and photographers who are drawn in by the town’s charm, fantastic light and natural beauty.
There is so much to inspire someone with a creative eye from the cobbled streets, magnificent sea and mountain views, historic buildings or simply a cat lazing in a flowerbed in the sunshine.
sunshine Exploring Altea Old Town
It’s a steep climb up to the old town so we’d advise you to take your time to catch your breath and enjoy the views over the beach and the sea.
Charming narrow, cobbled streets of Altea
It’s a charming place to wander through the little streets finding fabulous, family-run shops and restaurants while stumbling across some historic buildings which have made their mark in life in Altea.
Along the way you will see remains of the ancient walls and gateways which protected the hilltop town from pirates.
pirates Exploring Altea Old Town
In the 16th century the upper part of the old town was built to protect it from attacks. A castle was built on what is now the Plaza de la Iglesia with the upper town being surrounded by a wall with three gates. Today, just two of these gates remain – Vell Portal and Portal Nou.
Your tour could start at the Plaza del Convent just off the N332 main road running along the length of the Costa Blanca. Here you will find the Iglesia de San Francisco, an old Franciscan convent.
If you walk up from the Plaza del Convent, to the corner of the streets Calle Pont de Moncau and Calle La Sequia, you will find examples of two grand houses built for 19th century landowners – Casa Beneyto (casa de cultura) and the Pharmacy, which was the old chemist shop Farmacia Martinez.
Martinez Exploring Altea Old Town
Opposite are the pretty Escaleras del “Mestre de la Música”. This is where the climb really begins but it’s so beautiful to wander along the lovely cobbled street lined with whitewashed houses and shops with steps taking you up to the main square.
These steps are dedicated to the composer and musician Francisco Perez Devesa who directed many musical bands in Altea, Alfaz del Pi and Calpe. There are 255 wooden steps in the characteristic dark colours of Altea old town.
Before climbing the steps, go a little further up the road to the Barrio de Bellaguarda district to see where the defensive walls were built in the 14th century to protect the coast from marauding pirates. A few more steps and you get to the Plaza de la Cruz which is another pictuesque little square.
Off this plaza, turn up the Calle Costeros del Matxos road for the Portal Vell gateway, providing further evidence of the old walled city.
Dream scenes for artists in Altea
This is another dream for artists with the patterned cobbles and archways making a frame for the pretty buildings and squares.
squares Exploring Altea Old Town
Now we go through these charming streets to the beautiful Plaza de la Iglesia with its church, the Virgen del Consuelo, taking pride of place. This is a lovely, traditional Mediterranean square and it’s well worth grabbing a coffee in one of the bars so you can relax and take in the atmosphere.
It’s a superb church at the highest point of Altea with its famous blue-and-white tiled dome. The church was built in the 19th century in the style of a Latin cross with a stunning interior of classic gold and floral motifs. Look out for the ceramic shapes and dragons sculpted within the church.
Although the church itself was built in the19th century with work being completed in 1910, there has been a place of worship here for more than 900 years. It also bears the battle scars of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s when one of the bell towers was destroyed by Franco’s men.
men Exploring Altea Old Town
The Virgen del Consuelo church dominates over one of the most picturesque squares on the Costa Blanca. It’s lined with bars, restaurants and shops so you can easily spend an afternoon here while enjoying the fabulous views over the Mediterranean and towards the hulking skyscrapers in Benidorm.
Look towards the sea from the square and you can see further evidence of the ancient walls which used to protect Altea.
Head for the hilltop church of Altea
It’s certainly worth popping in to the church to see the beautiful stained glass windows, the expansive use of gold, and the sculptures.
In and around the square, you will find little shops selling crafts, jewellery and paintings so you can pick up a unique souvenir of your time in Altea. There’s a lovely little art gallery in Calle Sant Josep and you can also check out cultural events in Altea at the Palau Altea with live music, theatre and exhibitions.
The beach resort’s place as a haven for artists has been given a further boost with a Fine Arts department of the Miguel Hernandez University in Elche setting up in the town, so bringing even more talented artists to Altea.
artists Exploring Altea Old Town
Don’t forget the beaches in Altea
While in Altea, also visit the lovely beaches and seafront promenade brimming with cafes, bars and restaurants for refreshments.
You can get to Altea via the N332 coast road linking the Costa Blanca resorts which cuts through the middle of the town. The Denia to Benidorm train also stops at Altea station or you can get the tourist bus from Benidorm.
Mountain wines and cherries
Sierra Bernia is a beautiful mountain stretching 11kms from the coast between Callosa d’EnSarria and La Punta de Toix.In the 16th century Felipe II ordered a fort to be built on the mountain to protect it from marauding Moors and pirates. Today, it is prime wine country with vineyards dotted around the mountain.
It’s a popular challenge for walkers and cyclists who are rewarded with fantastic views when they reach the higher points. The cherries grown in the area are also said to be the best in the region. The locals argue that the higher the cherries are grown, the better they taste. The same argument could also be applied to the wines.
How to get here: Take the Jalon (Xalo in Valenciano) turning off the AP7 or N332. In the centre of Jalon, there is a roundabout with a signpost to Bernia, follow the Carretera Xalo-Bernia, which can be winding, up the Sierra Bernia.

Icy encounter
The Sierra Helada, separating the bays of Benidorm and Altea, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Many make the journey to enjoy the fabulous views of Benidorm’s skyscrapers and beaches. The mountain juts out to sea with an impressive cliff face and caves where you may find prehistoric fossils.
It’s particularly interesting for its rich flora including many rare and protected species. Many seabirds including shags and gulls live on the mountain, making it the second most important bird reserve in the Valencia region. In the rocks and coves at sea level, are a wide variety of fish and crustaceans, so it’s worth exploring by boat as well as on foot.
At the top is a large cross where you can enjoy 360º panoramic views. It may look familiar as it’s also featured in the ITV comedy Benidorm.
How to get here: From Benidorm, you can walk to the far end of Levante beach (going away from the Old Town) to start your walk up to the cross. Although uphill, obviously, there are good paths and there are good tracks. It will take about 90 minutes each way.
Time to climb
A favourite drive is up the Sierra de Callosa with gorgeous views over the valleys, rugged cliffs and out to sea.Historic landmarks on the Sierra include a 10th century Islamic castle,Diablo reservoir, and the Eye of St Bruno burial ground.
It’s a favourite spot for climbers with three areas to tackle including La Escuela for beginners and El Poligono for experienced climbers, which are in the Cueva Ahumada.
There’s very little water or soil on the mountain so plants have had to adapt to the harsh environments, particularly in the rocks. Wildlife includes lizards,snakes, eagles, falcons, owls, foxes, wild cats and hares.
How to get here: Leave the AP7 at junction 733 and take the CV913 to Callosa de Segura.