Fun & Unique Things To Do in Alicante and Costa Blanca.

Best Times: Outside of Summer, tends to be less busy.

Discovered by the Moors in 740 AD and later used as an aircraft repair shop during the Spanish Civil War, the Canelobre Caves in Busot (5km inland from Campello, and near Alicante city) showcase beautiful and massive karst formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and other intricate shapes. The caves are truly expansive; one of the feature vaults has a spectacular 70 meters high ceiling, reminding one of some of the largest cathedrals in Europe.

You can join guided tours to explore the network of caves, and enjoy haunting concerts which take advantage of the exceptional acoustics.
Definitely one of the top unique things to do in Alicante.

Best times: The temperature in the caves is a pleasant 20 deg Celsius all year round. Winter is the quietest period, so it’s easier to book, however in Summer they also offer music concerts.

Located in La Vall d’Uixó, 30km North of Valencia, and near Castellon de la Plana, you will discover the longest navigable underground river in Europe! While it is situated North of the Costa Blanca, this incredible adventure has to be mentioned here.

With a history spanning around 17 thousand years, the cave system shows archeological evidence of ancient human settlements, which include Magdalenian period paintings and fascinating engravings.
But what’s even more incredible is that you can travel the 2.5km underground river by guided boat tour or in kayaks while taking in the breathtaking caves, spectacular karst formations, and play of lights in the topaz blue waters.
There is still a 2km red zone that remains unexplored, leaving the end of the caves and the river’s continued path a mystery! Not to be missed – one of the most enjoyable and unique things to do.

Best times: Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
This fascinating cave system can be explored via boat, kayak, or on foot. There are also guided tours that offer information about the cave’s history, geology, and significance.
The entire coastline is spectacular, with dramatic cliffs, crystal clear water, and many hidden coves and caves; some caves even have fresh water flowing from the ceilings.
You can appreciate the stunning natural landscape from the many beautiful viewpoints in the area.

Best times: Open all year round. Winter is a nice, quiet time to visit. Summer is the best time to swim as the mountain water can be quite fresh.

The Algar Waterfalls is a natural park with cascading waterfalls and inviting pools where you jump from diving platforms, swim in refreshing waters, stroll through the verdant native vegetation, enjoy a family picnic, or dine at the restaurant above the cascades. You can access the waterfalls by strolling through the Algar Waterfalls natural park while enjoying the peaceful ambience.

Location: 20km south of Alicante City and 4 km off the coast of Santa Pola.
Best season to visit: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Summer usually offers the best underwater visibility and a blessed relief from the inland temperatures.

The crystal clear waters are abundant with beautiful marine life and are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
For the supremely fit, you can join the annual swim to the island in June from Santa Pola, or rent kayaks on the mainland and paddle your arms off to the cool island. For the rest of us sane people, you can take a leisurely boat cruise from Santa Pola and simply rent a paddle board on the island.
A fantastic day out for the family.

Best Time: Wine tours are available year-round. In early Spring, the valley is usually filled with beautiful pink and white blossoming almond and fruit trees.

Nestled in the Northern Costa Blanca, this picturesque valley, also known as Vall de Pop, lies just a short distance from the beaches of Javea and Denia. Hugging the Gorgos River (or Jalón River), the Jalon valley winds through the charming towns of Llíber, Jalón, and Alcalalí.

This inland haven offers delicious local wines and traditional delicacies such as savoury paellas, flavourful almond-based sweets like turrón, and delectable cured meats.

Winery tours:
Highest rated: Bodega Pepe Mendoza
Popular: Bodegas Xalo, Bodegas Riko – Loterías, Winery Museum Maserof, Bodegas Parcent

La Cova Tallada is a sea cave near Denia that can be reached by hiking or kayaking. Inside this coastal cave, you’ll find unique rock formations, making it an otherworldly experience. Once inside, you can snorkel or dive to explore its underwater chambers, stunning rock formations, and observe the fascinating marine life.

Best Time: Accessible year-round; summer for water activities.
Companies: There are no specific companies offering guided tours.

Guadalest is a charming mountain village inland from Altea bay. The picturesque medieval castle and museums, which are perched atop a cliff, offer stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape, and they form the main attraction of this charming retreat.

The Micro-Gigantic Museum showcases miniature and oversized items, and offers a unique and intriguing experience. Some of the more interesting and unusual things include tiny replicas of famous landmarks, historical scenes, magnified versions of common items, optical illusions, perspective tricks, puzzles, games, and interactive elements. Highly recommended.

You will find most people exploring the quaint streets of Guadelest which are lined with shops selling local crafts and artisanal products, and it’s well worth sampling some traditional dishes at the local restaurants and cafés.
You can climb the Bell Tower (Campanario de Guadalest) to get breathtaking views of the town and the countryside, and you can take a walk along the Dam to soak in the scenic beauty. There are also many hiking trails nearby for nature enthusiasts.
One of the more enjoyable things to do in Alicante province for the whole family.

Best time: It can be quite crowded during the summer months, so early in the morning and between October and May would be best.

The Relleu Dam, known as “Presa de Relleu” in Spanish, offers a captivating walkway experience due to its scenic location and surrounding natural beauty.
The famous footbridge hugs the side of a canyon wall and at its conclusion, you’ll find a viewing platform featuring a see-through glass floor, providing vertigo for some and jaw-dropping views into the void far below for others.
The walkway has been extended a few hundred meters along the canyon wall to provide an even more breathtaking and anxious experience.
This is the perfect activity if you are looking for something adventurous to do in Costa Blanca.

Aitana Safari Park is located in the Aitana mountains and offers the opportunity to see exotic animals in a natural habitat setting.
Best Time: Open year-round; visit during the cooler seasons for a more comfortable experience.

The Aitana Safari Park is a wildlife park home to various animal species, including giraffes, elephants, tigers, lions, zebras, rhinoceroses, and more. The animals live in environments designed to resemble their natural habitats.
The park also offers a unique experience where visitors can drive through designated routes within the park, allowing them to get up close to the animals in a natural setting from the comfort of their vehicles.
Another enjoyable activity in Alicante for the whole family.

Best Time: Open year-round, however the cooler seasons offer more comfortable visits and less crowds.

The “Castillo de Santa Bárbara” is a prominent historical landmark situated on Mount Benacantil. The construction dates back to the 9th century during the Islamic rule of Spain and is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.

Perched about 166 meters above sea level, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Alicante city and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore the Torre del Homenaje (Keep Tower), the Revellín del Bon Repós, the Baluarte de la Reina and view exhibitions displaying historical artefacts, weapons, and archaeological findings that provide insights into its rich past.

Santa Barbara Castle Lift: For more comfort, there is a lift located at Avinguda Juan Bautista Lafora, which takes you all the way to the courtyard of Santa Barbara Castle.
If you are looking for an adventurous activity in Costa Blanca, then this is the ideal thing to do in Alicante as a family or couple.

Best time: Spring and autumn seasons are ideal as the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and blooming flora.

The ‘Palmeral de Elche‘ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the largest palm grove in Europe comprising approximately 200 thousand palm trees.
Its origins date back to the Phoenician times and were further developed during the Islamic period. The palm trees were introduced to Elche around the 10th century.

The grove covers a vast area of over 1.5 square kilometers (nearly 4,000 acres) and features a traditional irrigation system known as an “acequia” or ditch system, which channels water from the Vinalopó River to nurture the palm trees.
There are various species of palms, including the date palm, imperial palm, washington palm (commonly referred to as the Mexican fan palm), the Mediterranean fan palm (often used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes) and various hybrid palms.

Best time: All year round. The months outside of Summer are not as busy. Late afternoon is a lovely time to visit.

Barrio Santa Cruz is a picturesque neighbourhood lying on the slopes below Santa Barbara castle. It’s known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, local crafts, and authentic Spanish charm.
The MAMACA (Museum of Contemporary Art) feature collections by Spanish artists like Picasso and Dalí, and the Museo de Hogueras offers a memorable insight into the fascinating world of the Hogueras, a local festival where monumental sculptures are built and then burned.

Allow yourself plenty of time to indulge in the local Spanish cuisine, especially fresh seafood and traditional tapas, and visit the Mercado Central, a large bustling indoor market offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local gastronomic delights.
Marvel at the architectural beauty in the buildings surrounding Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Casa Carbonell, and the cathedral Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the port area, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, and offering a vibrant seaside atmosphere.

Best time: Autumn, Winter, and Spring.

The beautiful pink-hued salt lakes are renowned for their unique landscapes and health benefits. Enjoy a fascinating tour to discover their ecological significance, and the process of salt production. The floating visitor centre, a fascinating structure that floats on the salt lake, offers interactive displays showcasing the local flora, fauna, and history of the area.
Explore the salt sculpture park, where you can admire sculptures made from salt and learn about the region’s salt mining tradition.
During certain times of the year (most common from October to May) you might spot flamingos at the salt lakes. Birdwatching enthusiasts can observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Positioned atop a hill, the viewpoint offers stunning vistas of Santa Pola’s coastline, the town itself, and the Mediterranean Sea. The elevated location provides an excellent spot for photography and breathtaking sunsets.
The walkway and observation deck sits adjacent to the Santa Pola lighthouse, which has been in use since the late 19th century, and is an iconic feature of the town.
The area around the viewpoint offers various hiking trails along the coast or in the nearby nature reserve. It’s also an excellent spot for picnics while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and the beautiful scenery.
For the more adventurous, you can also enjoy a paraglide that launches you from the slopes of this spectacular lookout!

This refreshing and fun practice is a popular year-round activity due to the high mineral content and mild temperatures of the saltwater lagoon.
The mud is known to contain minerals like iodine, magnesium, and calcium, and many believe that applying the mud to your skin helps in treating various skin conditions, rejuvenates, improves wellbeing, and can even provide relief for arthritis and rheumatism.
You’ll find designated areas along the shores where you can cover yourself from head to toe in black mud, letting it dry under the sun, and then rinsing yourself off in the lagoon.
The most popular spots are at Lo Pagán and Los Alcázares which also offer cafés and restaurants nearby.
While this unique activity is strictly speaking in Murcia region, albeit on the border of Alicante province, I wouldn’t want you to miss out on this much fun.

Best time: All seasons.
Attend one of Tarbena’s astronomy nights, where you can stargaze under the clear Costa Blanca skies with the assistance of telescopes and experts.
Tarbena is also known for its cherry blossom route, especially in April and May when the cherry trees are in full bloom. Take a scenic drive or hike through the area to witness the beautiful pink and white blossoms.
One of the more unique and fun things to do in Alicante for the whole family, and also a romantic evening for couples.