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Date Published: 20/01/2023

ARCHIVED - Two Alicante towns make National Geographic list of most beautiful places in Spain

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The municipalities in the Marina Baixa area of Alicante province are considered well worth a visit in 2023

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Two Alicante towns make National Geographic list of most beautiful places in Spain

National Geographic magazine has published its list of the most beautiful towns and villages in Spain that are "well worth a trip in 2023" and two of them are in Alicante province.

There is far more to Alicante province than its stunning coastline, boasting picturesque villages and beautiful mountain ranges perfect for rural tourism.

The province has some real pearls, particularly in the Marina Baixa region, home to Guadalest and Altea, both of which have been selected by the prestigious American monthly magazine as "essential" places to visit this year.

Altea - the Pearl of the Costa Blanca

Altea has earned its enviable name as the Pearl of the Costa Blanca thanks to its immaculate narrow streets with whitewashed houses and the blue dome of its central and elevated church that creates a purely Mediterranean landscape and invites locals and visitors alike to explore every corner of the coastal town.

From the highest and oldest part of the village you can enjoy unique views, gushes National Geographic, adding: "On each balcony there is a viewpoint from where you can see the mountains of Aitana, Bèrnia and Puigcampana on one side, and the Punta de l'Albir, Morró de Toix and Penyal d'Ifac enveloping the bay on the other."

The publication also includes references to the El Fornet neighbourhood "with its cobbled streets and white houses adorned with the chromatic riot of geraniums, jasmine and bougainvillea".

You can get to Altea by car on the national road N-332 or the AP-7 motorway, taking exit 64. By train, the easiest way to get to Altea is via the Alicante-Denia line or Alicante TRAM.

Guadalest - the province's emerald jewel

Guadalest is another of the Costa Blanca's villages that makes a regular appearance in the list of the most beautiful villages in Alicante, the Valencian Community and Spain. And it's not difficult to see why. This small town in the mountains of Alicante has all the requisites to be a truly charming place to spend a day or longer.

The castle of Alcozaiba, at its highest point, offers spectacular views over the mountain ranges of Aitana, Bèrnia, Serrella and Xortà.

Walking through its small historic centre, which can be reached after passing through the only gate in the castle wall, is a journey to another era. The town hall square with the statue of San Gregorio and the medieval prison is an unmissable meeting point for all those who visit the town.

And just beyond the wall is the Casa de los Orduña, from where visitors can access the top of the castle, a spectacle not to be missed. In addition, the spectacular natural surroundings in which the village is set, with the reservoir at its feet, make it a magnificent setting for a memorable kind of day out.

This isn't the first time that National Geographic has recognised Altea and Guadalest, they featured in the 2022 list of the five most beautiful towns and villages in Alicante province.

To get to Guadalest, take the N332 northbound towards the CV-70 in the direction of La Nucia and follow the signs to Guadalest. There are also train links from Alicante and Valencia.

You might like: Top beaches to visit in Alicante, Spain: Ultimate Costa Blanca South beach guide

Image 1 and 2: Communitat Valenciana

Image 3: Valencia Bonita

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