Seaside ports and majestic historic quarters to be discovered in the towns of the Alicante region

From Montgó to Ifach

The Costa Blanca route begins in the north in the town of Denia. Narrow seaside streets and traditional white houses with red tiled roofs create a charming urban landscape, especially in the popular fisherman's quarter. Buildings which are well worth a visit include its Moorish castle, the town hall with Roman remains and the Church of La Asunción. It also boasts wonderful natural surroundings with fine sandy beaches, cliffs and the Montgó Natural Park. 

Nestling between two capes is Jávea, an ideal place to enjoy water sports. In addition to its beaches, the old town boasts local architectural features, at the foot of the Montgó massif. Notable monuments include the church fortress of San Bartolomé, an Isabelline Gothic building that used to protect the town from pirates, or the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto, in the form of a keelhaul.

Sheltered by the Peñón de Ifach, Calpe has been home to different civilisations which have left remains such as the Baños de la Reina (The Queen's Baths), and an ancient Roman fish salting factory. This geological curiosity and its surroundings have been declared a natural park, due to their botanical and faunistic wealth. On a walk through the walled town, a visit to the Gothic-Mudejar temple of La Virgen de las Nieves is a must.

Sheltered by the mountains you will find Altea, a white print crowned with the blue dome of the temple of the Virgen del Consuelo. The square at the top of the town offers wonderful panoramic views over the region. In the lower part of the town are the main shopping street, the fisherman's quarter and the port which, to this day, is still a busy fishing port. Its six kilometres of beaches and seafront promenade round off a magical and peaceful destination. 

Benidorm, beaches and services

Benidorm is synonymous with summer. A playful town that offers pleasures such as a stroll along the sea front promenade, bathing, nautical sports or a boat trip to its island. The town is famous for its magnificent climate year-round and the high quality of its services. Its unquestionable gems are the beautiful urban beaches of Levante and Poniente or the cove of Mal Pas, near the old town. 

The historic centre boasts treasures such as the church of San Jaime, whose blue vaults rise up between the buildings. Flanking the old town, wide commercial avenues describe the present-day Benidorm. Here, numerous hotel complexes, restaurants and terraces make for a pleasant stay, not forgetting the Terra Mítica theme park.

Carrying on towards the south we come to Villajoyosa and El Campello, both quiet towns which are ideal for practising nautical sports. Villajoyosa stands out for its colourful seaside houses.

Alicante, a luminous capital

The city of Alicante has always been an important commercial port. The capital is overlooked by the Benacantil mountain and the fortress of Santa Barbara which offers great views over the surrounding area. The old town includes gems such as the Gothic church of Santa María, built on the site of a mosque. Opposite is the La Asegurada Municipal Museum, which houses works by Miró, Picasso and Chillida. Another museum worth visiting is the Provincial Archaeological Museum, which exhibits remains from the Tossal de Manises archaeological site.

The old quarter boasts attractions such as the group of buildings around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with Baroque facade, the Colegio de la Compañía de Jesús and the Concatedral de San Nicolás. Its great natural treasure is its coastline and the largest recreational area is the Explanada de España promenade, which is filled with terraces. Also, the urban beach of El Postiguet, where locals and visitors enjoy the sun and sea. Local festivals include Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) and the magical Feast of Saint John, with its bonfires.

Further along, a great place to stop is Santa Pola, an old Iberian fort and an important fishing town, set in a landscape of great environmental richness.

Torrevieja is another of the most popular tourist towns on the Costa Blanca. Its two enormous salt marshes have been declared nature reserves and are surrounded by modern residential developments. But the city does not only depend on tourism - its salt is exported all over the world. It also preserves a strong seafaring tradition, expressed through its habaneras.

Remote interior

Continuing southwards, you come to the coastline which is part of the inland municipality of Orihuela, with sandy beaches and cliffs which are suitable for fishing and diving. Its monumental town features examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, while its meadows are home to golf complexes.

The interior of the province offers a different image, with tall mountains, tilled land and forests. The towns scattered across this region are more rustic and more varied. Highlights include Elche, with the largest palm grove in Europe, whose Mystery festivals are not to be missed; Jijona, world famous for its turron; and Alcoy, where the River Serpis rises, giving shape to its Medieval centre.