The province of Alicante has wonderful corners, both mountain and beach, that are worth discovering. In this blog we propose a route through charming towns, to enjoy with the family and very close to Benidorm. A one-day excursion, where you can enjoy the local gastronomy, and its landscapes.
GUADALEST
One of the most beautiful towns in Alicante, Guadalest, is located about 20 kilometers from Benidorm. The road there is full of pine, medlar and almond forests that make the trip very pleasant. With a permanent population of 300 people in the region, Guadalest is a very small town but it fills with tourists who come to enjoy its main attractions: the Guadalest reservoir and how picturesque the town itself is, divided between the old part of El Arrabal and the Castell de Guadalest neighbourhood.
If you travel by car you can leave it in the public car park, from there, follow the railing that surrounds it. You will soon be able to get your first look at the huge, serene reservoir below, reflecting the surrounding mountains. You can approach the water through a well indicated path, you can take a walk or, if available, enjoy a boat trip through the reservoir. The trip takes about 50 minutes and costs € 5 per person. It takes place on a boat powered entirely by solar energy, a welcome novelty in the region.
You can also visit the Castillo de San José, from where you can enjoy wonderful views over the reservoir and the southern Aitana mountain range.
In addition, Guadalest has no more and no less than 8 museums, some of them very curious. So the sale of handicrafts and exhibitions are the main focus of economic activity. What is really interesting are the ceramics; white ceramic jugs and jugs from Agost.
Also noteworthy are the old sales that will delight us with the traditional cuisine of the mountains of Alicante, a mixture of flavors from the sea, the mountains and Arab influence, such as Arròs amb fressols i penques, Arròs al forn, or Borreta. Typical dishes of the area that will make you enjoy the experience even more.
Guadalest, due to its proximity to Benidorm, makes this town a recurring visit. You will love its picturesque streets and visit its artisan shops. Do not miss it!
ALTEA
Just 10km from Benidorm, between the sea and the mountains is a small paradise on the Costa Blanca, Altea. Its narrow streets with white houses and its small artisan shops make Altea a very charming place. The highlight is, without a doubt, its historic center, located in the upper part. The Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church is the construction that stands out the most, due to its beautiful blue domes, one of the essential places to see in Altea. In the same square, we can find the Cronistas de España viewpoint, which provides a spectacular view of the Mediterranean. And during the summer months we can enjoy its handicraft market..
Altea is a paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean, you just have to travel its more than 6 kilometers of coastline and get to know its great variety of beaches, which are characterized by their pebbles.
And it is also worth highlighting the gastronomy of Altea, among the typical dishes we find the famous Alicante rice dishes, highlighting for example the caldero (fish-based rice prepared in an iron cauldron), a delight!
Altea is one of the most picturesque towns in Alicante and a great option to spend the day as a couple or as a family.
CALPE
Just 23km from Benidorm, its beaches are of fine sand and crystal clear water, so it is not surprising that it is a vacation destination for many national and international tourists.
Perhaps the most representative of this Alicante town is the magnificent Peñón de Ifach, a mythical mountain that crowns the town facing the Mediterranean Sea. It has a height of 332 meters, its fauna and marine area have been declared a national park. There is a route that runs from the foot of the rock to the top, and the final reward is incredible, beautiful views of all of Calpe.
Another attraction of Calpe are its salt flats, located in the center of town and you can see some examples of majestic birds such as flamingos, storks, herons and ducks. It is currently a protected natural area.
And when it comes to gastronomy, Calpe is not far behind, its cuisine is based mainly on tasty fish from the bay, such as monkfish, mackerel, octopus or sardines. As well as other delicious dishes.
Without a doubt a wonderful excursion that can be done accompanied by the smallest of the house.
Near from Benidorm there are beautiful and charming towns, where you can enjoy its contrasts. Beach or mountains, relaxing or more hectic activities, what is clear is that the variety of options is infinite and fun is guaranteed!
