Alicante y Benidorm

Castle of Santa Barbara

· Alicante

A castle on Mount Benacantil, 166 m high. It began as an Islamic fort in Alicante, which stayed in Muslim hands until 1248 CE, and it overlooks the city and the sea on every side.

Rábita Califal de Guardamar

· Guardamar del Segura

• Originally a mosque (confirmed)

A unique complex among the dunes at the mouth of the Segura river: about twenty small mosques (khalwas) for devout men of the ribat, dated by a foundation inscription to 333 AH / 944 CE in the reign of Abd al-Rahman III. One of the rarest testimonies to ribat and Sufism in al-Andalus.

Moderate effort · needs a car

By car. The site is inside the pine dunes south of the town; a nearby car park, then a short walk on sand and wooden walkways. No facilities or water on site. Open in the mornings, Wednesday–Sunday only.

Castell de Dénia

· Dénia

Castell de Dénia was the capital of Mujahid al-Amiri's kingdom in the Taifa period, the city from which fleets set out for the Balearics and Sardinia, and which produced the imam of the Quranic readings, Abu Amr al-Dani. Its Islamic walls and towers still encircle the hill above the harbor.

Easy to reach

In the center of Dénia (light rail and buses); a 10-minute climb up a slope and steps from the street. Partial shade and a café at the top. Hard going for pushchairs.

La Vall de Laguar

· La Vall de Laguar

• Morisco heritage

A mountain valley in northern Alicante where the Moriscos of the Kingdom of Valencia took refuge in autumn 1609, refusing the expulsion decree issued in September of that year – Valencia was the first place where it was applied – and they fortified themselves at Mount “Cavall Verd” until they were defeated and deported. It stands as witness that the expulsion was not silent.

Hard going · needs a car

By car only, on a winding mountain road. The Barranc de l'Infern trail is a circular route of about 15 km, taking 6–7 hours with thousands of stone steps; very strenuous. No water and not enough shade, and weak phone signal. Short sections from the villages are possible. Hot in summer.

Cuevas del Canelobre

· Busot

A karst cave in the Cabezo del Oro mountain, whose dome rises about 70 m, one of the highest underground domes in Spain. It is called “Canelobre” (the candelabrum) for its huge limestone formations. Local tradition says it was known in Muslim times, and it was used as an aircraft workshop in the Civil War.

Moderate effort · needs a car

From Busot, a winding mountain road leads to the entrance car park; inside the cave there are many steps. The temperature is constant. Booking is required at peak times. A car is necessary.

Castillo de Biar

· Biar

An Almohad castle from the 12th century, with a tall square tower at its center containing a rare polygonal Almohad dome, overlooking a strategic pass between Valencia and Murcia.

Moderate effort · needs a car

By car to Biar, then a 10–15 minute climb up alleys and a sloping path; the tower's staircase is narrow and very steep. Not suitable for pushchairs. Cafés on the square.

Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada

· L'Alfàs del Pi

A chain of sea cliffs rising 400 m between Benidorm and Albir, among the highest cliffs on the Iberian Mediterranean coast. The paved route to the Albir lighthouse is easy and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Moderate effort

The route to the lighthouse from Albir takes an hour there and back on a paved road with a steady climb and no shade. The crossing of the ridge to Benidorm is a hard 4-hour trek. Bring water and a hat.

Huerto del Cura

· Elche

The jewel of the “Palm Grove of Elche”, planted by Muslims in Andalusi Elche with an Arab irrigation system dating back to around the 10th century. It is the largest palm grove in Europe and part of the World Heritage. In the orchard stands the “Imperial” palm with seven arms.

Easy to reach

A train or bus from Alicante to Elche, then a 10–15 minute walk. Level, shaded paths suitable for pushchairs and older people. A café and toilets, with the city's services next door.

Fonts d'Algar

· Callosa d'en Sarrià

Waterfalls and clear natural pools on the Algar river between the mountains, with wooden walkways and refreshing natural swimming pools in summer.

Moderate effort · needs a car

Effectively by car (few buses from Benidorm). Paid parking at the entrance, then a 1–1.5 km path beside the river with steps and wet rocks; hard going for pushchairs. Food stalls at the entrance, and the pools are cold. Crowded in the afternoon in summer.

Playa de San Juan

· Alicante

Alicante's longest beach (about 7 km), with fine golden sand, clear Mediterranean water and Blue Flag status, served by tram lines from the city center. Warm water (25–26°C in summer) and a swimming season that runs until October.

Parc Natural del Montgó

· Dénia

A limestone mountain rising 753 m above Dénia and separating it from Jávea, visible from far out at sea, with endemic plants and archaeological caves. From its summit, on clear days, the view reaches as far as the islands of Ibiza.

Hard going

The climb to the summit takes 4–5 hours there and back, over sharp, very steep rocky ground with no shade or water. 1.5 liters of water per person. Not suitable for older people or children. Closed on fire-danger days.

Les Rotes (Dénia)

· Dénia

A protected rocky coast south of Dénia at the foot of the Montgó, with very clear waters and a marine reserve rich in fish. A coastal walking path runs along it to “Cova Tallada” and the Cabo de San Antonio lighthouse.

Easy to reach

Local bus from Dénia or by car (limited parking in summer); the beach is rocky and suitable for snorkeling, and the promenade is level. Few restaurants. Water shoes are essential.

Castell de Guadalest

· El Castell de Guadalest

A village perched on the mountain, entered through a tunnel in the rock, topped by the remains of a fort of Islamic origin, overlooking a turquoise lake and the mountains of the Guadalest valley.

How to get there

Bus to Benidorm, then a local bus to Guadalest — by car ≈1 h

Moderate effort · needs a car

By car, or on an organized tour from Benidorm (rare buses). Paid parking at the entrance, then a climb through a rock tunnel, steps and a very steep road up to the castle; unsuitable for pushchairs and tiring for older people. Plenty of restaurants and shops.

Casco histórico Altea

· Altea

A white town on a hill with paved alleys and art shops, crowned by a church with a blue dome overlooking the Altea bay.

How to get there

TRAM L1 from Luceros to Benidorm, then L9 to Altea (≈1 h 30 min) — by car ≈50 min

Moderate effort

Tram L1 from Alicante/Benidorm or a bus, then a 10–15 minute climb to the old town along streets and a steep staircase. Few parking spaces at the top. Plenty of restaurants and cafés.

Isla de Tabarca

· Tabarca (Alicante)

The only inhabited island in the Valencia region: a small fortified village built in the 18th century to house prisoners from Tabarka in Tunisia, surrounded by Spain's first marine reserve, with clear waters for diving.

How to get there

Boat from the port of Alicante (≈1 h) or from Santa Pola (≈25 min)

Easy to reach

By ferry only, from Santa Pola (25 minutes) or Alicante (an hour). The island is small and flat and can be crossed on foot. Restaurants are expensive, toilets are few, and there is no shade outside the village. Make sure you catch the last ferry; rough seas may cancel trips.

Les Cases de Colors (Villajoyosa)

· Villajoyosa

An old seaside town on the Alicante coast, famous for its row of colorful houses hanging over the riverbank above the beach. Fishermen used to paint them in bright colors so they could recognize them from the sea. It is also known for its chocolate-making tradition.

Easy to reach

Tram from Alicante or Benidorm, or 30 minutes by car. The old quarter slopes down to the beach, with lifts; two hours.

Bocairent – Arc i Plaça de l'Ajuntament

· Bocairent

An amazing mountain town south of Valencia, whose old quarter with narrow Andalusi alleys clings to a rock above a valley. In a nearby cliff are the “Moors' Caves”: dozens of rooms carved into the rock, whose purpose is not known for certain.

Moderate effort · needs a car

1 hour 15 minutes from Valencia or Alicante by car. Stairs and sloping alleys; half a day.

Terra Mítica

· Benidorm

A theme park in Benidorm inspired by the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean (Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the islands), with elaborate live shows and water rides.

Aqualandia

· Benidorm

One of the largest water parks in Europe, on the slopes of Sierra Helada, with towering slides, a wave pool and a lazy river.

Mirador del Castell - Balcó de la Mediterrània

· Benidorm

A white terrace on a rocky headland between Benidorm's two beaches, on the site of an old castle, with the finest view of the city's towers and the sea.

Terra Natura Benidorm

· Benidorm

A zoo “without visible barriers” that takes you between habitats of the Americas, Asia and Africa, with walk-in aviaries and back-to-back daily shows, plus a water park in summer. A fun day out for families on the Costa Blanca.

Easy to reach

Tram L1 or bus to Benidorm, then a bus or taxi, or by car with a large car park. Paved paths with slopes, suitable for pushchairs. Restaurants, toilets and partial shade.

Dive Academy Santa Pola

· Santa Pola

Nueva Tabarca island, off Alicante, is Spain's first marine reserve. It was settled during the reign of Charles III with prisoners of Genoese origin who had been ransomed from the Tunisian island of Tabarka, which is why it bears its name. Its waters are clear and rich in Posidonia meadows.

Moderate effort

Departure by boat from the port of Santa Pola (bus from Alicante). Diving requires advance booking and has age limits; the boat trip takes 30–45 min. Cancelled if it is windy.

Mundomar

· Benidorm

A marine and tropical zoo next to the Sierra Helada, with sea lion, dolphin and parrot shows. It is one of the families' favorite places in Benidorm for its organization and abundant shade.

Mesquita d'Alacant

· Alicante

A large, clean mosque in the city, which holds Friday prayers that women also attend.

Carnicería El Hadj Halal

· Alicante

A large, renovated halal butcher and shop, with a wide range of Maghrebi products and excellent olives.

Carnicería Halal Jordania

· Alicante

A halal butcher known for Algerian and Moroccan products and good meat.

Hospes Amérigo

· Alicante

• One of the city's best hotels

An old Dominican convent in the heart of Alicante, with a spa and a pool on the roof.

Meliá Alicante

· Alicante

• One of the city's best hotels

On the marina between the beach and the old town, with balconies overlooking the harbor.

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa

· Finestrat

A five-star resort with tropical gardens, waterfalls, several pools and a Thai spa, above Benidorm about 40 km from Alicante. It is quiet and built around a relaxing atmosphere.

Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton

· Alicante

• Boutique

A boutique hotel in a restored historic palace on the seafront, within walking distance of the old town and the beach. Beach towels are provided daily.

Hotel Les Monges Palace Boutique

· Alicante

• Boutique

An old palace in the historic quarter converted into a boutique hotel with rooms of varied character and a rooftop terrace. Quiet and close to the beach.

INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante Porta Maris

· Alicante

A four-star hotel on the marina quay with a 360° view of the sea and the beach, with two pools and a restaurant. The old town is three minutes' walk away.

Explanada of Spain - Alicante

· Alicante

Alicante's most famous promenade, with its wavy marble floor (6.6 million pieces) beneath rows of palm trees alongside the harbor.

Mercado Central de Alicante

· Alicante

A modernist building from 1921 with a dome and a handsome facade, one of the best fish and fruit markets in eastern Spain, with tapas bars inside and a flower courtyard behind it.

Outlet Stores Alicante

· Sant Vicent del Raspeig

A large outlet center in San Vicente del Raspeig on the outskirts of Alicante, rated 4.2 by more than 20 thousand visitors.

Marina El Portet de Dénia

· Dénia

The old fishermen's quarter at the Dénia harbor, turned into an elegant marina with a seafront walk, cafés and restaurants overlooking the boats and the castle. Ferries to Ibiza and Mallorca leave from here.

SHA Wellness Clinic

· L'Albir (Altea)

Europe's most famous health and wellness resort, on the hills of Albir overlooking the Mediterranean near Benidorm. It combines preventive medicine, macrobiotic nutrition and a complete aquatic center in specialized residential programs.

Área recreativa de la Font Roja (Alcoi)

· Alcoi

A large recreation area in the Font Roja Natural Park above Alcoy, with stone and wooden tables among native trees, toilets and trails for all levels.

Easy to reach · needs a car

About an hour by car from Alicante via Alcoy; the tables are near the car park. Good shade.

Barbecue

Not allowed: no fires or barbecues at all; picnic with ready food only.

JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy

· Villena

The academy that made Carlos Alcaraz, in the Villena countryside in Alicante, combining technical, physical and mental training on several courts. Intensive summer camps for children and young players, and tennis weeks for adults with on-site accommodation.

Instituto Bernabeu (Alicante)

· Alicante (Albufereta)

A prestigious Spanish center for reproductive medicine, gynecology and genetics, offering in-depth diagnosis of difficult cases and repeated implantation failure. Known for serving international patients, with a personal assistant for each patient.

Vissum Grupo Miranza (Alicante)

· Alicante

An advanced eye center in Alicante associated with Professor Jorge Alió, a pioneer in refractive, corneal and advanced lens surgery. Patients come from Europe and America for its modern techniques.