places to visit

SANTA BARBARA CASTLE – ALICANTE

This historical castle is located on Mount Benacantil with 166 meters of altitude bordering the sea. The entire bay of Alicante is clearly visible and gives some spectacular panoramic views. The Museum of the City of Alicante is located in the Castle of Santa Barbara and offers a journey through the history of the City. Here you will find ten exhibition halls that have been restored and refurbished, each showcasing different archaeological materials found in various historical eras from archaeological sites in the city. Tel: 673 849 890 www.castillodesantabarbara.com

PARQUE EL PALMERAL – ALICANTE

El Palmeral Park in Alicante, found just off the N332 as you enter Alicante, is a mini oasis with stunning views of the mediterranean sea. Park “El Palmeral” is, as the name suggests, a park full of different palm trees. It is made up of several levels because the park is built against a hill. A picturesque waterfall provides refreshment and gives an extra dimension to the park. As you walk along the gravel paths, over wooden bridges, pass beautiful flower beds and rare palms, you will feel a sense of pure relaxation. The park has a boating lake and plenty of shaded seating spots, ideal for a picnic. Entrance is free and opening times are from 9 am to 10 pm.

PARQUE MUNICIPAL DE ELCHE

The famous palm groves are the most characteristic cityscape of Elche also well known as the “Mediterranean Oasis”. They surround the city with a wash of vibrant green tropic, covering two miles long and a mile wide encasing around 200,000 palms. Elche Municipal Park is one of the highlights of visiting Elche, a perfect place for enjoyment and relaxation. Amongst the various types of palms, you can see a variety of plant species, waterfalls, fountains and small ponds, including one with ducks and swans. Elche Municipal Park has a large children’s adventure playground, making it an ideal day out for families. Tel: 966 658 196

PARQUE REINA SOFIA – GUARDAMAR

Parque Reina Sofia is a beautiful public park situated in the heart of Guardamar del Segura, just a few meters from the beach. With a natural setting and an ambience of tranquility, the park has an abundance of established trees creating plenty of shade in the summer. There are picnic benches and seated viewpoints for rest, a lake with bridges and waterfalls providing picturesque scenery and a large adventure playground for the children. From here you can watch the ducks and swans swimming in the pond and admire the peacocks and squirrels walking freely around the park. There is a delightful cafeteria offering snacks and refreshments with a spacious and comfortable outdoor seating area. Parque Reina Sofia can be found on Avenida dels Pins 03140 Guardamar del Segura.

PALMERAL DE ORIHUELA – COSTA BLANCA

Palmeral de Orihuela is a picturesque palm grove situated in the city of Orihuela on the Costa Blanca, and is considered to be the second largest palm grove in Europe. The ideal place to start your journey is at the Palm Grove Interpretation Centre located on Avenida Doctor García Rogel, Orihuela. Here you will be guided through the history and traditions of the palm tree with various exhibitions and audio visuals. Afterwards you can enjoy a gentle stroll through the palm groves, soaking up the impressive mountain views, discovering an Islamic castle ruin, and exploring more of what this natural oasis has to offer. Tel: 965 376 231 www.palmeraldeorihuela.com

SALT LAKES – TORREVIEJA

The Salt Lakes of Torrevieja known as Las Salinas, are one of the most tranquil and healthiest places to visit in the Alicante region. The high concentration of salt, together with the temperature forms a microclimate recommended by medical specialists for its beneficial health properties, in particular for heart disease, skin disorders, rheumatism, bronchial illness, arthritis and other climatically influenced health problems. Take a magical journey on the Salt Lake Tourist Train to discover this historical region and be amazed by its picturesque pink lakes. The tour is approximately one hour and leaves everyday from the Paseo de la Liberdad, Torrevieja. Tel: 653 918 709 www.visitasalinasdetorrevieja.com

CANELOBRE CAVES – BUSOT

The Canelobre Caves, known in Spanish as the Cuevas del Canelobre, are  one of the best kept treasures of the Costa Blanca. These spectacular caves are located in the small village of Busot in the Alicante province, an area with excellent hiking routes. The Cuevas del Canelobre are accessed through a tunnel, that during the Civil War, was used as a shelter and repair shop for aircraft engines. As you enter the 70 meter high main cave, one of the tallest in Spain, you will be amazed by the striking formations, colourful lighting effects, incredible acoustics and the pleasant temperature of 18 degrees which remains constant throughout the year. Tel: 615 171 485 www.turismobusot.com

LES FONTS D’ALGAR – CALLOSA D’EN SARRIÁ

The Fonts D’Algar is a picturesque nature reserve with a spectacular landscape featuring waterfalls, crystal clear pools, lush greenery and picnic spots. A visit to the Fonts D’Algar consists of a 1.5km walk way meandering along the Algar River, where you can stop and rest at viewpoints or take a refreshing swim in the natural springs. Located just 15km from Benidorm and 3km from the town centre of Callosa d’en Sarriá, the Fonts D’Algar is an ideal location for a day out, a short break away and for tourists visiting the Costa Blanca. Within close proximity is Camping Fonts de L’Algar offering friendly and comfortable accommodation, and the famous theme park Dino Park Algar, which is full of fun for all the family. Tel: 965 880 153 www.lasfuentesdelalgar.com

EL CASTELL DE GUADALEST – COSTA BLANCA

El Castell de Guadalest, also known as Guadalest is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Spain and has been declared a site of cultural interest. This enchanting town is just a 30 minute drive inland from Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, and is the ideal location for an exciting day trip or a special weekend away. Guadalest is full of history, charm and natural beauty. A visit to the hilltop castle and its surrounding historical buildings is highly recommended, where you will also encounter spectacular views of the reservoir. The old town comprises of quaint cobbled streets lined with craft shops, restaurants, and a delightful selection of small museums. Tel: 965 885 298 www.guadalest.es

CUEVAS DEL RODEO – ROJALES

The Rodeo Caves known as the Cuevas del Rodeo are quaintly tucked away in the town of Rojales and are one of the main attractions of the area. They are a set of caves excavated from the mountain in the 18th century by Murcian miners who came to Rojales to work in agriculture. Creating a true underground urban plot, the caves became the home of generations until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the Rodeo Caves are a tourist attraction and a fascinating place to visit for local residents. They have been transformed into studios and workshops by local artists and craftsmen who open their doors to visitors, free of charge, every Monday to Friday from 9am till 3pm.

ILLETA DELS BANYETS – EL CAMPELLO

La Illeta dels Banyets is one of the oldest excavated archaeological sites of Alicante. It is located in the town of El Campello, about 9km from the city of Alicante. It is an old peninsula that was separated from the coast by an earthquake. In 1943 it was reattached to the ground to form a natural breakwater, and has become a historical place of interest. The Archaeological Museum in Alicante have regular guided tours of the site. With its natural beauty and spectacular scenery, La Illeta dels Banyets makes a very interesting and unique day out. Tel: 965 149 000 www.marqalicante.com

CUEVA DE LAS CALAVERAS – BENIDOLEIG

The Cueva de las Calaveras which translates to Cave of the Skulls is a spectacular cave in Benidoleig, situated inland on the Costa Blanca, close to Pedreguer. It is more than 900 meters in length, and owes its name to the fact that in a caving expedition carried out in the seventeenth century, the remains of twelve people were found inside! During your tour of the cave, you will see magnificent rock formations, stalagmites, beautiful domes over 20m high, fossils and bone remains among many other things. This fascinating visit generates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, as well as being extremely interesting and fun for adults and children alike! There is free parking, disabled access, a picnic area, cafeteria, children’s play area and a souvenir shop. Tel: 966 404 235 www.cuevadelascalaveras.com

LA ZENIA CAR RENTAL

Looking to hire a car on the Costa Blanca?..La Zenia Car Rental is easy, hassle-free, and with no hidden charges. You can choose from a range of vehicles that have been carefully maintained, offering comfort, convenience, and value for money. Whether you’re planning a summer holiday or just need an extra car for the weekend, the fleet has something for everyone. They offer free home delivery and collection for all the rental cars, within 30km around La Zenia. Tel: 722 508 360 www.lazeniacarrental.com