places to visit – COSTA BLANCA SCENE

Discover the top attractions and tourist spots on the Costa Blanca. From castles, caves and monuments to natural parks and waterfalls, the Alicante Province invites you to explore its magnificent places of interest.

TORREVIEJA SALT LAKES

The Salt Lakes of Torrevieja known as Las Salinas, are one of the most spectacular places to visit in the Alicante region, presenting a feeling of calmness with the unique natural beauty it holds. Take a guided tour of the pink lakes and embark on a magical journey to discover this historical region and its fascinating secrets. With a professional guide you will get to see the entire industrial area, the old stacker, the salt urns, the great mountains of salt, and possibly some beautiful pink flamingos. The tours can be made on foot, by bicycle or by embarking the tourist train. MORE INFO

SANTA BARBARA CASTLE

This historical castle is located on Mount Benacantil in Alicante overlooking the sea. The entire bay of Alicante is clearly visible and boasts 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. MORE INFO

EL PALMERAL PARK ALICNATE

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 everyday. MORE INFO

ELCHE MUNICIPAL PARK

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. MORE INFO

ELCHE TOURIST TRAIN

Enjoy a fascinating tour of Elche aboard the city tourist train. On this mini journey you can sit back, relax, and see the most emblematic areas of the city, including the delightful Municipal Park and the historical Palm Grove. During this enchanting train ride, which lasts about an hour, there will be a stop at the Palm Museum where you can learn about the history and culture of this city’s magnificent oasis. To complete your visit, it’s a nice idea to pack a picnic, and enjoy a relaxing lunch in the beautiful park at the end of the tour. The meeting point is at the Tourist Office, Plaça del Parc, 3, 03202 Elche where the train departs everyday on the hour from 10AM-5PM. MORE INFO

REINA SOFIA PARK 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. MORE INFO

ORIHUELA PALM GROVE

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. MORE INFO

CANELOBRE CAVES

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. MORE INFO

ALGAR WATERFALLS

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. MORE INFO

GUADALEST

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. MORE INFO

ROJALES RODEO CAVES

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 weekday from 9am-3pm.

WATER MILL PARK TORREVIEJA

This absolutely delightful park known as Parque del Molino del Agua is situated in La Mata, Torrevieja. It gets its name from the original water mill that was used years ago for grinding salt in the area. Today, it makes the perfect location for a pleasant walk amongst nature. The park is beautifully laid out with paved pathways running alongside a long water cascade which leads to the beach. You have spectacular sea views along the way, and there are seating areas under the pine trees to take rest or enjoy a picnic in the shade. Your walk is completed when you end up at the beach to enjoy a well deserved and refreshing swim! The best place to leave your vehicle is just outside the park on Calle Morera, 1 03188 Torrevieja. The park has good accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility scooters due to the well designed walkways, and dogs are allowed on a lead.

CUEVA DE LAS CALAVERAS

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. MORE INFO

L' ALBARDA GARDENS

The Jardín de l’Albarda, created in 1990, is a beautifiul botanical garden with an area of 50.000 m2. It is located in Pedreguer, Alicante, and has more than 700 species of indigenous plants, displaying the great diversity of our flora. There are always plants in flower and the colours and smells that nature gives will delight the visitor any time of year. In addition to it’s great botanical diversity there is also a formal garden and a wild garden; recreating the image of the old Valencian Renaissance gardens which are influenced by Arab culture. As it is a Renaissance garden the architectural aspects are of great importance. You will observe pathways, pergolas, temples and fountains of great beauty that will transport your imagination to past times. MORE INFO