Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls in Callosa. Guadalest is a beautiful village that has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site since 1974. You can’t miss its streets, square, castle and museums. What’s more, you will find a wealth of handicrafts and gastronomy in its numerous shops. From there, you can travel to Callosa, and visit the Waterfalls of the Algar River. If you do it in the summer you can dive into the natural pools, called ‘tolls’, and eat in any of the restaurants or prepare your own food in the barbecue area.
Tarbena, Xaló and Benissa. Tárbena, a small village of about 700 inhabitants surrounded by a stunning mountainous landscape. It boasts several interesting monuments, such as the church of Santa Bárbara, declared a Site of Local Importance by the Government of Valencia, and Sa Caseta des Moros, a 12th century Mudejar-style citadel, considered a Site of Cultural Interest. Continuing along the road, we reach Xaló, known for its sweet liqueur, mistela, and for its antiques market, which takes place on Saturday mornings. If you delve further into the Marina Alta region, you can make a stop at Benissa. This town has many places of interest if you are into mediaeval history. Highlights include the Sala del Consell (Council Hall) which is on the pretty Puríssima Street; the square of the Iglèssia Vella; the Palace of the Torres-Orduña family, today home to the library and Cultural Centre; the Franciscan Convent; and the church of the Puríssima Xiqueta, a building prominent in the town’s skyline.
Calpe and the Penyal d’Ifac. There are many reasons for visiting this great little town: cultural attractions, its salt pans, the variety of its fauna, the Penyal d’Ifac (declared a natural park in 1987), its historic buildings, the old town, monuments like the Baños de la Reina (‘Queen’s Baths’) or the Pou Salat (‘Salty Well’), its sandy beaches, its coves and, of course, its varied cuisine based on the local seafaring culture.
Altea, a village of white houses and narrow streets. Its old town is well worth a visit. Enjoy its craft shops, its food and its beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Alicante, the capital of the province and a university city with a thousand things to see and do. Visit its castle, the MARQ (Archaeological Museum), the port, the Esplanade, or the old town.
Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, is located off the coast of the city of Alicante (about 22 kilometres). The village is well worth a visit for snorkelling, swimming in its coves and enjoying a good fish stew.
Benidorm, one of the most well-known tourist cities with wide beaches, cultural activities, music festivals, etc. It has something for all tastes; even for those who just want to pay a quick visit because they aren’t fond of the hustle and bustle.
