Alicante between palm groves, coast and mountainous landscapes

Alicante between palm groves, coast and mountainous landscapes

Alicante and the province of the same name combine Mediterranean landscapes, impressive cultural heritage and a variety of excursion destinations. The province alternates between beaches and mountainous landscapes. This allows you to tailor your stay to your interests: from urban history, the coast and nature experiences to excursions to smaller towns. This range is also a helpful starting point when choosing a suitable hotel, as cultural attractions are just as central as beaches and hiking landscapes.

Culture between Elche, Alicante and Villena

One outstanding cultural heritage site is the Palmeral of Elche in the south of Alicante province on the Mediterranean. This man-made oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises 67 palm groves with around 45,000 date palms spread across 144 hectares. The irrigation system, including the Acequia Mayor, and the traditional arrangement of the groves have been preserved in the Palmeral. Rows of date palms separate the individual plots. Anyone interested in landscape history and the connection between water, agriculture and culture will find a particularly tangible way to engage with the region here.

Elche’s cultural profile also includes the Misteri d’Elx, a sacred musical drama about the death, assumption and coronation of the Virgin Mary. In Alicante itself, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara is a medieval castle from the 9th century that can be visited. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alicante’s Hogueras de San Juan festival is recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest and provides another cultural highlight.

There are also further destinations outside the city for culture-focused days. At Castillo de Castalla, you can visit the Palau, the Torre Grossa and the arms courtyard. The Gran Tesoro de Villena, with objects made of gold, silver, iron and amber dating from the Bronze Age, can be viewed at the Museo Arqueológico José María Soler. The nearby area around Alicante also includes the MUBAG museum, Castillo de San Fernando and the Museu Volvo Ocean Race.

Beaches and destinations in the surrounding area

The surrounding area of Alicante includes Playa del Cocó, Playa del Postiguet and Playa de Babel. These three coastal destinations make the beach a clear part of the region’s appeal without requiring you to focus on a single type of holiday. Vida y Color Zoo is also located nearby. This means that, alongside culture and the coast, you can find a destination suited to travellers with a variety of daily plans and interests.

Nature, hiking trails and regional wine experiences

Sierra de Mariola, Font Roja and the Salinas de Santa Pola are part of Alicante province’s natural attractions. Numerous local and short hiking trails make it possible to discover villages, customs and the history of the region. The Barranc de l’Infern is characterised by a descent to the riverbed, caves, large rock windows and springs. Hiking opportunities therefore range from short regional trails to landscapes with striking geological features.

Along the Costa Blanca, wine tourism experiences revolve around the Moscatel and Monastrell grape varieties, as well as other varieties. This offering complements the nature and cultural experiences with a regional focus on flavour. If you would like to balance sightseeing, walks, landscapes and an interest in wine during your trip, Alicante province offers several different areas of interest.

Travel and your personal base

Alicante–Elche International Airport offers fast direct connections to numerous cities in Spain and Europe. This provides a concrete point of reference for planning your journey. When choosing a hotel in Alicante, you can then consider whether your stay should focus primarily on the city’s castle and museums, the nearby beaches, or nature and hiking destinations in the province.

Other places in the region

Agres, Senija, Almoradí, Polop, Tibi, Benilloba, La Vila Joiosa, Torrevieja, Sanet Y Negrals, Santa Pola, San Miguel De Salinas, Rojales, Pego, Pilar De La Horadada, Pedreguer, Parcent, Ondara, Orba, Murla, Mutxamel, Los Montesinos, Lliber, La Nucia, Jijona, Javea, Guardamar Del Segura, El Fondó De Les Neus, Guadalest, Gata De Gorgos, Formentera Del Segura, Els Poblets, Finestrat, El Campello, Dénia, Crevillente, Calpe, Catral, Benijófar, Benissa, Benitachell, Beniarbeig, Benidorm, Altea, Alcalalí, Algorfa, Alicante, L'Atzúbia, Jacarilla, Daya Vieja, Teulada, San Juan De Alicante, Petrer, Muro De Alcoy, La Romana, Elda, Elche, Benimarfull, Alcoy, Castalla, El Verger, Benigembla, Monforte Del Cid, Ontilles, La Carroja, San Isidro, Busot, Callosa D'en Sarrià, San Fulgencio, El Tossal, Castell De Castells, El Ràfol d'Almúnia, Bolulla, Sant Vicent Del Raspeig, Biar, Daya Nueva, Salinas, Sax, Bigastro, Aspe, Aigües, Tangel, Santa Clara, Trencall, Banyeres De Mariola, Cocentaina, Alcoleja, La Vall d'Ebo, Benidoleig, Benimantell, Sella, La Vall De Laguar, Alfafara, Pinoso, Beneixama, Gaianes, Onil, Beniardá, Benferri, Beniarrés, Tàrbena, Ibi, Quatretondeta, Orxeta, Relleu, Villena, Benimassot, Forna, Confrides, Callosa De Segura, Casas del Señor, Novelda, Abdet, L'alfàs Del Pi, La Vall D'alcalà, La Vall De Gallinera, Orihuela, Penella, San Bartolomé, Albatera, Agost, La Torre de les Maçanes, El Chaparral, Portichol, El Tosalet, Lorcha, Arneva, Tabarca, El Mojón, Puerto Marino, Xinorlet, Los Arenales Del Sol, Monóvar, La Encina, Margarida, Benissili, Canyades d'en Cirus, Granja De Rocamora, La Florida, La Mandarina, Benifato, Xaló, Benejúzar, Penàguila, Barbarroja, La Canalosa, El Moncayo, Montesol, El Bacarot, Castillo de Montemar, Beniaia, Las Virtudes, Tormos, La Murada, La Xara, Dolores, Muntanya de la Sella, Bahía de Jávea, L'Alguenya, Orito, San Felipe Neri.