With so many fascinating, beautiful, and pleasant places, Alicante State offers a remarkable array of experiences. Pinning down an ideal top list is tough, but this article highlights some of the city’s wonders. If you know them already, you’ll want to revisit, and if not, exploring them this December bridge period makes for a delightful trip.
altea
Altea stands out as one of the province’s true treasures. Its whitewashed buildings glow under sunlit skies, inviting strolls through narrow lanes. Mediterranean eateries offer traditional dishes, while the pace is relaxed and friendly. The town’s charm lies in its clear simplicity and the beauty of its small-town atmosphere, making every walk a pleasure.
Although it remains a classic image of the region, Altea’s appeal ranks it high in any list of Alicante’s best experiences. Among the wonders the area has to offer, Altea easily earns its place in a regional tour.
Guadalest
Nestled in Marina Baixa, Guadalest sits in a valley carved by a river bearing the same name. The village is famed for its fortress and castle, earning its nickname castelludos/as from locals. Its historic heritage dates back to Arab occupation, giving it a deep, layered past that visitors can feel as they wander the streets.
The town’s architecture and scenery invite a sense of discovery. The castle, with its long history, stands as a reminder of the area’s medieval roots and enduring spirit.
In Guadalest, the fortress dominates the skyline, and the town’s story unfolds through its walls and alleys, inviting travelers to pause and imagine life in another era.
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Macanes Tower
For a faithful itinerary to the most magical places, Torremanzanas, known locally as Macanes Tower, deserves mention. This small, intimate town nestles beneath pine forests and invites visitors to wander along mountain trails, breathe fresh air, and savor the calm of nature.
In autumn, the town’s quiet charm becomes even more pronounced as leaves turn gold and the air takes on a crisp edge. It’s an ideal stop for travelers looking to slow down and reconnect with the countryside.
Pa Beneit de la Torre de les Macanes
Autumn and early winter bring a peaceful rural atmosphere, making it a perfect resting place for hikers and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from urban life.
Priest’s Garden in Elche
The Priest’s Garden in Elche is a small but famous oasis within the city. While Elche offers a range of heritage sites and cultural opportunities, a walk through this compact park reveals lush vegetation, a wooden bridge, and a reflective pond. Exotic birds add color to the scene, and the area’s heritage status underscores its cultural value.
Beyond the greenery, the garden features a serene pond and a graceful bridge, with a backdrop of palm trees that speak to the region’s subtropical appeal, a reminder of Elche’s World Heritage designation.
Santa Cruz neighborhood in Alicante
Many visitors remember the dreamy streets of Santa Cruz. Nestled beneath Santa Barbara Castle, this neighborhood feels like a compact village with colorful houses lining narrow lanes. The Paseo de la Vila and nearby fishing quarters add layers of charm, with bright facades and playful light that photographers love.
The area emanates a bohemian vibe where art and daily life mingle—perfect for a relaxed stroll that could become a spontaneous photo expedition.
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Guardamar Dunes
A pocket of desert-like landscape in the south of the community, the Guardamar dunes are a natural wonder with a long history. The dunes formed long ago and have shaped the local ecosystem. Early in the last century, pines were planted to stabilize the soil and protect nearby farming areas, preserving this unique microenvironment.
This area remains a remarkable stop for families seeking a gentle day outdoors, offering wide skies and the chance to observe a shifting coastal landscape.
Tabarca Island
The sun, sea, and a gentle breeze define Tabarca, a long, flat island that feels like a compass pointing toward the open sea. Here, visitors can escape the pace of the mainland and immerse themselves in a maritime atmosphere that is both historic and tranquil.
Tabarca represents a blend of gastronomy, natural beauty, privacy, and seclusion. It embodies a balance between traditional charm and contemporary tastes, a microcosm of Alicante’s coastal essence.
Ifach Rock
Legends tell of a battle between a benevolent genius and an evil one, with the latter turning to stone as he fled into the sea. The result is Peñón de Ifach, a natural monument crowned by a 332-meter rock that rises from Calpe. Today, visitors can enjoy a well-kept walking trail that offers spectacular views of the coastline and inland landscapes.
L’Algar’s fonts
L’Fonts de l’Algar lies about 15 km from Benidorm and 3 km from the town center of Callosa d’en Sarrià. This protected natural site preserves rich ecological diversity and offers educational programs for visitors, along with amenities for a comfortable day in nature.
The Algar river carves a 1.5-km route through caves and limestone features. Visitors marvel at cascading waterfalls, springs, natural pools, and the old canal, all reflecting a long history of water management in the area.
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Calahorra Tower
Elche’s Calahorra Tower, also called Torre de la Calaforra, is a fortress of Islamic origin integrated into the Andalusian defensive wall. Its vibrant interior showcases a mosaic of colors and a key representation of the city’s past, highlighting the Arab influence along the old road in Elche. This venue stands as one of the city’s hidden wonders.