Costa Blanca Things to do, a complete & up-to-date guide

Top 10 highlights on the Costa Blanca

1. Climb the Peñon de Ifach in Calpe

The Peñón de Ifach is a 332-meter-high limestone rock that defines Calpe’s skyline. You hike along a mountain path and climb through a narrow tunnel and the rocks to the top.

This natural park is the habitat of many rare plants and several species of birds. From the summit you have a sweeping view of the coastline and surrounding mountains.

Tip: Read more about the Peñon de Ifach

2. Visit Castillo de Santa Bárbara

3. Visit the palm garden of Elche – UNESCO World Heritage Site

On a walk through the Palmeral de Elche, you’ll traverse Europe’s most extensive palm forest, home to more than 200,000 date palms.

This special area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000 and serves as evidence of the ingenious agricultural methods of the Moorish period.

On the route you will pass antique irrigation systems and pass highlights such as the Huerto del Cura, home to the famous 175-year-old Imperial Palm.

Tip: Read more about the palm garden in Elche

4. Walk along the waterfalls of Algar

The Waterfalls of Algar(Fonts de l’Algar) are a natural paradise in the hinterland, where the Algar River has created a series of waterfalls and clear pools of water.

During a 1.5-kilometer walk along the landscaped path, you will pass several waterfalls and natural pools. With wooden steps and bridges, the beautiful rocks and green surroundings are easy for everyone to visit.

With plenty of shade and cold water, this is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.

Tip: Read more about the Algar waterfalls

5. Visit the old center of Altea

Altea’s old town center, the Casco Antiguo, is a charming maze of narrow alleys running up between the characteristic white houses.

Throughout this part of town you will come across charming little squares, with the Plaza de la Iglesia as the central hub. This square is also where the parish church Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, with its famous blue domes, is the icon of Altea.

While walking along the steps and slopes, you will pass numerous cozy corners and viewpoints where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Tip: Read more about the things to do in Altea

6. Visit the mountain village of El Castell de Guadalest

The mountain village El Castell de Guadalest sits spectacularly atop a steep rock and is accessed through a carved rock gate. In this car-free center, stroll through atmospheric streets full of history and small museums.

From the remains of the castle of San José, you can enjoy sweeping views of the azure reservoir and mountains. The combination of its special location and medieval atmosphere makes this one of the most unique places in the region.

Tip: Read more about things to do in Guadalest

7. Visit The Ocean Race Museum in Alicante

Located in the port of Alicante you will find this museum entirely dedicated to the famous sailing race around the world. Since the city has been the official starting place of this race since 2008, Alicante is the ideal location for this center.

Within the walls of the museum, you will discover all about the challenging life on the ocean, the innovative technology behind racing yachts and the need for ocean conservation.

The permanent exhibits, which survey half a century of racing history, are open to the public free of charge.

For an even more intense experience, you can participate in additional activities for a fee, such as a simulator that simulates forces at sea or a tour of the original race boat Brasil 1.

Tip: Read more about The Ocean Race Museum Alicante

8. Visit chocolate museum Valor

At Valor’ s chocolate museum you will discover the rich history of chocolate production in Villajoyosa. The museum is housed in an authentic 19th-century mansion, located right next to the current factory.

A visit to this location takes you through the origins of the cocoa bean and shows the historic machines that were once indispensable in the production process.

The extensive collection of objects charts the growth of this family business since the year 1881. In the various rooms, you will see step by step how the techniques for grinding and mixing chocolate have improved over the years.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will have a chance to taste various chocolates and have a look at the accompanying store.

9. Walk to the lighthouse in Albir

This 5-kilometer walk takes you along a paved path to the Faro del Albir, in the middle of the protected natural area of Sierra Helada.

During the tour, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramas of Altea Bay and pass interesting things to do, including a former ochre mine and the information center in the lighthouse.

With its excellent walkability, the trail is an ideal blend of culture and nature for those seeking an active morning or afternoon by the sea.

Tip: Read more about the Albir lighthouse

10. Visit the Open Air Museum in Albir

Visit the Museo al Aire Libre Villa Romana de l’Albir. This open-air museum displays the remains of an ancient Roman villa and offers an interesting insight into the history of the region.

Here you will learn about the ritual of bathing in hot springs built more than fifteen hundred years ago. Nowadays, excavations continue every year, making the museum ever expanding.

The museum is free to visit and it is even possible to watch a short 3D film.

11. Visit the markets on the Costa Blanca

Weekly markets are the beating heart of social life on the Costa Blanca. On fixed days in almost every village or town, you will find a colorful collection of stalls where locals and tourists gather.

At these markets you will discover a huge range of fresh local produce, from oranges and olives to artisan cheeses and leather goods. It is the ideal place to taste the authentic Spanish atmosphere and find unique souvenirs.

Most markets open early in the morning and last until early afternoon, after which life moves to the surrounding terraces.

Costa Blanca highlights by place

Which Things to do suit you? Choice Guide

With so many options in the region, it can be hard to choose. Find out which Things to do match your interests here:

• For the culture enthusiast:

  • Historic castles: castle of Santa Bárbara(Alicante) and the castle of Dénia;

  • Unique architecture: the blue domes in Altea and La Muralla Roja in Calpe;

  • World Heritage Site: the palm gardens in Elche.

• For the nature lover:

  • Views: the rock Peñón de Ifach(Calpe) and the cliffs at Benitachell;

  • Hiking: natural park Sierra Helada and the route to the lighthouse in Albir;

  • Water: the waterfalls of Algar and the pink lake in Torrevieja.

• For families:

  • Attractions: Terra Mítica(Benidorm) and Rio Safari(Elche);

  • Educational: the Roman villa in Albir and the museums in the port of Torrevieja;

  • Sailing: a crossing to the island of Tabarca from Santa Pola or Alicante.

The different types of things to do

• Historic fortresses: castle ruins and defense towers all along the coastline;

• Natural parks: protected natural areas with marked hiking trails and local flora;

• Traditional villages: white inland towns with narrow streets and squares;

• Museums and art: galleries and museums about local industries such as chocolate or salt;

• Religious heritage: ancient churches, basilicas and cathedrals with their own architectural style.

General tips for your visit to Things to do

Please consider the following advice for a pleasant visit to the various locations:

• Reserve tickets in advance: for popular spots such as the Peñón de Ifach, reservations are required;

• Wear good shoes: many sites have uneven paths or steep inclines;

• Check opening hours: museums and castles often have lunch breaks during the hottest hours;

• Transportation: some mountain villages are more accessible by car than by public transportation;

• Water and sun: bring plenty of drinking water and protect yourself from the sun during hikes.

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