2. Coves de Canelobre (Busot)
Canelobre Caves lie about 24 kilometers from Alicante, perched at an elevation of around 700 meters along the southern slopes of Cabeçó D’Or. The caverns are renowned for their vast spaces, striking acoustics, and dramatic stone formations. Their scale and atmosphere make them a natural stage for performances and concerts when the settings permit.
Access is straightforward from Alicante or Xixona, with Busot being the gateway to the caves. A parking area sits opposite a bend that veers sharply to the right, near the entrance to the cave complex, marked by clear signage. Pla de la Graya is nearby.
2. Guadalest
Guadalest sits inland in the province of Alicante, surrounded by a valley of extraordinary charm. The reservoir reflects the surrounding landscape, while the fortress known as the Castle of San José clings to a rock face, offering breathtaking views and a sense of timeless history.
The Gorgeous Town of Alicante, Named One of the Best in Spain by The Times
You can stroll through streets lined with shops, craft markets, and intimate bars, and climb to viewpoints that reveal the city’s remarkable panorama.
To reach Guadalest from Benidorm, travellers typically take the CV-70 via La Nucía or Polop, or the CV-755 via Altea.
3. La Encantada Pass (Planes)
Even on a short itinerary, Planes offers a cluster of attractions within the Gallinera Valley, fondly called the cherry valley. The excursion can be compact, including Via Crucis from the town to the Santo Cristo Hermitage, a stroll among cherry and almond trees, a walk past the Enchanted Gate waterfall, and a path that winds toward the historic fields.
Planes is a municipality worth exploring in its own right.
To reach the old town of Planes, the journey begins on the CV 700 from Muro de Alcoy or Pego.
4. Source of the Vinalopó River (Banyeres de Mariola)
Banyeres de Mariola holds the distinction of the province’s highest-altitude municipality. Nearby lie the Mariola Mountains and a perimeter that hosts many freshwater springs feeding the Vinalopó River.
From Banyeres de Mariola, travelers follow the CV-795 toward Banyeres and then the Interpreting Center. Sierra de Mariola Natural Park sits at Ulls de Canals, a public park adjacent to which visitors can park and start explorations.
Perfect walking route to disconnect from everything in Alicante during Christmas
5. Nature Park of Torrevieja and La Mata Lagoons
The Torrevieja lagoon covers a substantial area, while La Mata spans about 700 hectares to the northwest. The two lagoons are separated by scrubland and linked by an engineered canal originally built to support salt production at Torrevieja.
The region is a haven for birds such as the flamingo and the grebe, and other wildlife that thrives in the saline landscape. A good starting point is the turn off along the N-332 near Torrelamata.
6. The Sources of the Algar (Callosa d’en Sarrià)
Algar’s sources lie just 15 kilometers from Benidorm and a short distance from Callosa d’en Sarrià. The area is a protected wetland with ecological richness. A 1.5-kilometer trail follows the Algar riverbed to reveal waterfalls, springs, and natural pools that invite reflection and refreshment.
Access is via CV-755 to Callosa d’en Sarrià, then CV-715 toward Bolulla and Tarbena, where signposted routes lead to Fuentes del Algar. Parking is available, and dining options are nearby in municipal or private lots that may require a fee.
7. Orihuela
Orihuela showcases Mediterranean architecture, museums, and palaces renowned for their beauty. The town is home to numerous Cultural Interest Assets such as El Palmeral, the Circus Theatre, the Episcopal Sacred Art Museum, and the Miguel Hernández House Museum, the latter honoring the poet born here.
The castle itself preserves ruins, defensive towers, and dungeons that hint at a storied past, while the surrounding walls feature the queen’s baths and other historic elements.
Where to watch the sunset in Alicante
8. Santa Cruz Neighborhood (Alicante)
The Santa Cruz district is quintessential Alicante. Narrow lanes wind between colorful houses and flowering balconies, with steep staircases offering panoramic city views. A visit to the Santa Cruz retreat from the eighteenth century is also rewarding.
9. Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park
Spanning about 2,470 hectares, this park combines salt farms, freshwater ponds, beaches, dunes, and fields. It is designated as a Special Area for Birds, and the Salt Museum explains the history and uses of salt in the region.
Along the N-332, the route progresses from the Salt Museum toward Pinet.
10. Font Roja Natural Park
A single place cannot be chosen because Font Roja surrounds visitors with diverse landscapes. The sanctuary, forests with holly, ash, maple and oak, Cova Gelada, vantage points, and snow wells all contribute to its allure.
Access to Font Roja begins at the Alicante exit on the N-340. The AP-7 joins afterward and after about 11 kilometers, the designated car parks provide convenient parking.
Did you know all these places? It is recommended to experience them for yourself!
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