8 hidden gems on the Costa Blanca to explore this summer
As we hit the busy summer season on the Costa Blanca, many tourists will be flocking to the usual places like the beaches of Alicante, the waterparks and theme parks of Benidorm, and seaside resorts like Torrevieja.
While these places are all well worth a visit, sometimes it’s nice to venture away from the tourist hotspots and discover the region’s more hidden gems.
Whatever you enjoy doing, here are 5 hidden gems on the Costa Blanca awaiting you this summer…
Santuario de Santa María Magdalena, Novelda
In the town of Novelda, approximately 30 minute’s drive from Alicante, you’ll find the unique Gaudi inspired church of Santuario Santa Magdalena.
Set on a hill overlooking the town, this pretty and unusual church is often missed by those visiting Alicante on holiday.
As well as the church itself, there is a restaurant with a terrace with great views, a castle, and a small town centre.
Find out more about Novelda and Santuario Santa Magdalena here.
Carmen del Campillo, Casa Morisca
Around 30 minutes from the center of Alicante, in the town of Crevilliente, you can find a beautiful Moorish tea house, Carmen del Campillo.
With a large Arab house and beautiful gardens, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked off to Morocco.
You can wander the gardens, explore the house, and sit with a drink and some pastries as the sun goes down and the lights and candles are lit.
Find out more about Carmen del Campillo here.
El Cau open air museum, Elche
El Cau is located approximately 15km outside the city centre of Elche, and is home to more than one hundred sculptures carved into the rock on the hillside.
The sculptures and paintings depict scenes from the local area as well as biblical stories and legends. There are also some amazing views over Elche’s countryside and out to the coast in the distance.
The walk up to the hillside is a only around 10 minutes and not to steep so is suitable for children.
Find out more about El Cau open air museum here.
Parque Natural Font Roja, Alcoy
The Natural Park Font Roja is 11km from the town of Alcoy, and home to a large park area as well as visitor centre and Sanctuary.
There are many walking and hiking routes for all abilities, various viewpoints, waterfalls, and picnic areas.
This is a great place to visit at any time of year, and in the summer there are plenty of shaded areas to help you stay cooler than on the coast.
El Pantano de Elche
A little hard to find but worth the trek from the carpark, the Pantano de Elche is the name given to the waterfall and dam in Elche.
There are also some steps to the side of the waterfall that take you to the lake behind which has some great views towards the neighbouring mountains.
The whole surrounding area has some great views over the mountains, river and countryside.
Find out more things to do in Elche here.
Pink Salt Lake, Torrevieja
The only pink lake in Europe, the salt lake in Torrevieja is definitely off the beaten track.
Located around an hour from Alicante, it’s situated in a residential areas and can be quite hard to find a path down to the lake unless you know where to park.
If you want to see a unique sight, and get away from the busy tourist areas, a trip to the Laguna Rosa is worthwhile.
Find out more about the pink lake of Torrevieja here.
Canelobre Caves
The Canelobre caves are located in the town of Busot, in the province of Alicante, approximately 5km from the centre of town.
Situated 700 meters above sea level in the Cabeçó D’Or mountain range, these caves are 145 million years old and cover more than 80,000 m2.
Accessed through a 45m tunnel, the Canelobre Caves have one of the highest vaults in Spain, with a height of 70m. You’ll have a guided tour of the caves and find out about the history of this amazing place.
Cuevas del Rodeo, Rojales
Another set of caves, but very different to the Canelobre Caves. The Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales are a series of cave houses that have been turned into artists workshops and galleries.
Located in the hillside behind the town of Rojales, the caves are open throughout the week but the time to visit is on the first Sunday of every month when there is also music, drinks, and craft workshops you can attend.
These hidden gems on the Costa Blanca will give you the chance to get away from the busy crowds and explore some of the quieter places in the area.
