Explore Alicante: Altea, Guadalest, Tabarca and More

With so many fascinating, beautiful, and pleasant places in the province of Alicante, picking an ideal list is tough. Still, here are some of the wonders this region offers. If you already know them, it’s a good time to revisit, and if you haven’t yet explored them, December is a perfect bridge to explore any of these destinations.

Altea

Altea stands out as one of the province’s true jewels. Its whitewashed buildings sparkle in the sun, while Mediterranean restaurants serve traditional dishes from both near and far. The town exudes a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere, turning every stroll into a pleasant experience. The town’s charm is undeniable, making it a must-see in any Alicante itinerary.

Even though placing Altea high on the list is a bold choice, it remains one of the most charming towns in the country, and it clearly deserves a spot in any ranking of Alicante’s wonders.

Altea is a Mediterranean jewel in the province of Alicante. INFORMATION

Guadalest

Nestled in Marina Baixa and surrounded by a valley carved by a river of the same name, Guadalest is a picturesque town steeped in history. The fortress dominates the landscape, and the town carries a rich history dating back to the Arab occupation of the peninsula. The area is also associated with a reservoir that invites visitors to get lost in its serene surroundings.

The Guadalest reservoir is a place to get lost in the state of Alicante.

Among its notable features, the fortress stands out as a timeless landmark. The town has grown through centuries, absorbing a diverse historical baggage that speaks to its layered past.

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Torres de Macanes

Another highlight for an authentic itinerary of the province’s magical sites is Torremanzanas, known in Valencian as Macanes Tower. This small, cozy town sits beneath dense pine forests, inviting visitors to wander along mountain slopes and breathe the fresh air of the countryside.

In autumn, the town gains a certain charm as leaves fall and the landscape takes on a softer hue. Winter brings occasional snowfall, painting the area in white and preserving the tranquil rural ambiance that makes it a great place to pause and reflect.

Pa Beneit de la Torre de les Macanes Daily Information

It is a perfect resting spot for travelers seeking a peaceful rural experience while exploring inland Alicante.

Priest’s Garden in Elche

Another small wonder in Elche is the Priest’s Garden, a park that hints at the city’s rich heritage. Elche offers multiple heritage sites and cultural activities, yet a walk through this modest, charming green space is a delightful contrast to more crowded attractions.

Priest’s Garden in Elche. MATÍAS SEGARRA

Inside the park, visitors may encounter exotic birds such as peacocks strutting among lush vegetation that surrounds a wooden bridge and a pond. The site also nods to a symbolic imperial palm and its World Heritage status, adding a touch of splendor to a simple stroll.

Alicante’s Santa Cruz neighborhood

Who wouldn’t want to wander the dreamy streets of Santa Cruz in Alicante? Hidden beneath Santa Barbara Castle, the Santa Cruz neighborhood feels like a tiny village. Colorful houses line narrow lanes, with bright hues that give the area a festive, postcard-like character.

Santa Cruz neighborhood in Alicante. Alex Dominguez

It is a place where magic and intimacy blend through artistic touches and a bohemian vibe. Photographers will revel in the interplay of light and color, and visitors can enjoy a two-way walk that invites getting lost and simply savoring the journey.

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Guardamar Dunes

The Guardamar dunes offer a striking desert-like landscape in the southern part of the Comunidad Valenciana. The dunes have a long history, dating back to the 18th century, and the area has seen plantings of pine trees to slow dune movement and protect nearby lands. This microenvironment remains one of the most stunning places to visit in the province and a key stop for families seeking a nature-filled outing.

Guardamar Dunes.

The dunes have changed hands many times, and the community has worked to stabilize the soil, creating a peaceful, scenic destination ideal for outdoor exploration and learning about ecological stewardship.

Tabarca Island

The sun, sea, and a gentle breeze greet visitors to Tabarca, a small elongated island that sits like a compass on the open sea. It feels distant from the mainland, yet it is very much part of Alicante’s essence. Tabarca radiates gastronomy, calm, and natural beauty, offering a blend of privacy and exploration with a touch of tradition and novelty in every visit. Alicante’s maritime spirit is distilled here.

Tabarca Island. PILAR CORTES

Tabarca presents a refined, serene atmosphere where sea life and historic charm coexist, making it a must-see for travelers seeking a coastal escape with character.

Ifach Rock

Legends tell that Ifach Rock formed from a clash between a benevolent genius and a malevolent one, and when the evil figure fled into the sea, the rock was left in stone. Peñón de Ifach covers about 45 hectares and rises 332 meters above the Calp coastline. It has reopened to the public, and visitors can enjoy a well-marked walking space with scenic views that reward steady climbs.

Peñón de Ifach is at Calp. BALAGUER TONE

Fonts de l Algar

Les Fonts de l Algar lies about 15 kilometers from Benidorm and three kilometers from the city center of Callosa d’En Sarrià. It is a nature point with strong ecological value, preserved landscapes, visitor services, and educational programs that highlight environmental awareness.

Las Fuentes del Algar reopens with limited capacity

The visit includes a 1.5-kilometer walk along the Algar river to observe karst formations, cascading waterfalls, natural pools, and the scenic canal. The centuries-old ditches remain active, and the tranquil water invites a refreshing pause in nature.

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Calahorra Tower

The Calahorra Tower, known in Valencian as Torre de la Calaforra, is an Islamic-era fortress designed as a watchtower within the Elche defenses. Its colorful interior reveals a mosaic of cultural history, presenting a vivid panorama of the Arabian influence in Elche. This treasure stands as a quiet highlight within the city, inviting exploration.