10 incredible and unforgettable places to visit in Alicante province

From impressive caves to stunning salt lakes, there's more to Alicante province than its coastline

1. Coves de Canelobre, Busot (Canelobre Caves)

These caves are located 4.7 km from Bisot urban centre at an altitude of 700 metres on the slopes of the Cabeçó D'Or, one of the few Jurassic reliefs of the Prebetic in the province. The cavity develops in the Upper Jurassic limestones, which are 145 million years old. This Jurassic core is flanked by more modern Cretaceous materials and, in turn, by Tertiary marls and limestones. During the Quaternary, the runars that fall down its steep slopes were formed.

2. Guadalest

Guadalest is located in the Guadalest Valley and boasts a unique charm. In fact, it features in the National Geographic's list of the most beautiful places in Spain 2023. You can't miss its reservoir, surrounded by a beautiful landscape with outstanding views, or the castle of San José, perched on a rock at the top.

3. Barranco de la Encantada, Planes (La Encantada ravine)

Few destinations combine as many charms in such a short distance as a tour around Planes, in the Vall de Gallinera, known as the valley of the cherry trees. There are a number of excursions to find out more about it, including the Way of the Cross that takes visitors from the village to the Chapel of Santo Cristo, through the cherry and almond tree fields. And it's well worth following the path of the Barranco de la Encantada ravine with its waterfall and the path that slides over its encased bed.

4. Nacimiento del Río Vinalopó, Banyeres de Mariola (Source of the River Vinalopó)

This municipality is actually the highest in Alicante province. In the vicinity of the town, the Mariola mountain range is a very important environmental enclave, with several springs that give rise to the Vinalopó river.

5. Parque Natural de las lagunas de Torrevieja y la Mata

The breathtaking Torrevieja lagoon, which covers an area of 1,400 hectares, is the largest, while La Mata, located 1.5km to the north, has an area of 700 hectares. They are separated by the Chaparral and connected by an artificial channel known as the Acequión, which was built for the exploitation of the Torrevieja salt mines.

6. Fuentes del Algar, Callosa d'en Sarrià (Algar Springs)

The Fuentes del Algar, located just 15 km from Benidorm and 3 km from the town centre of Callosa d'en Sarrià, are a natural area of great ecological wealth, and have been declared a Protected Wetland Area. There's a 1.5 km long circuit along the course of the river Algar with stunning views of the landscape, the waterfalls, the springs that emerge from the rock and the natural pools where water "heals the body and soul".

7. Orihuela

Orihuela is home to gems of historic Mediterranean architecture and has a wide variety of museums and palaces. A number of places and buildings are classified as Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC) such as El Palmeral, the Circo Theatre, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art or the House Museum of Miguel Hernández, who was born in Orihuela.

8. Barrio de Santa Cruz, Alicante (Santa Cruz quarter)

This area is considered a "typical reflection of Alicante". Visitors can walk through its delightful streets lined with colourful little houses and flowers. However, be prepared, there are plenty of steep streets with lots of stairs, although on the plus side, this offers unforgettable views of the city. Other attractions include the hermitage of Santa Cruz, which dates back to the 18th century.

9. Parque Natural de las Salinas de Santa Pola (Santa Pola Salt Flats Natural Park)

This natural park covers 2,470 hectares and is home to salt farms, freshwater ponds, an area of beaches and dunes, and farmland. The enclave has also been declared an 'Area of Special Importance for Birds'. The park boasts a Salt Museum, housed in an old salt mill, where visitors can learn about the uses of salt, its characteristics, history and consumption.

10. La Font Roja (The Red Spring)

It's impossible to single out just one place to visit at the Font Roja, the whole of its surroundings are incredible. There's the sanctuary, the forest with its oak, ash and maple trees, the Cova Gelada, snow wells and staggering vistas from various viewpoints.