Alicante Province

The so-called Costa Blanca is famous for its high-rise beach resorts attracting tourists from northern Europe, but Spain’s southeastern Levante coast has much more to offer. Read on for a guide to some of the best towns to visit in the province of Alicante.

Denia

Located roughly halfway between Valencia and Alicante, Denia marks the northern limit of the Costa Blanca. Famous for its hilltop Moorish castle, there are numerous nice restaurants and beaches within easy reach to spend a sunny afternoon.

Jávea (Xàbia)

Jávea sits at the foot of the Montgó massif, with a beautiful, wide bay protected by rocky promontories on either side. The deep blue waters of the bay make for excellent swimming, while the hills above the town offer panoramic views down the coast. Check out the tranquil monastery Santuari de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels and the lighthouse at Cap de Sant Antoni for some of the best viewpoints.

Platja de la Granadella

Not far from Cap de la Nau, the easternmost point of the Valencian coast, the secluded Platja de la Granadella is quite possibly the best beach in the province. With a small stretch of soft sand and crystal clear waters wedged in between two towering, rocky hillsides, this is an unforgettable place for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing and admiring the view.

Altea

Altea is best known for its quaint old town, a patchwork of narrow cobblestone streets centered around the Església de la Mare de Déu del Consol, a beautiful church that stands out with its two blue-and-white domes made of glazed ceramic tiles.

Alicante

The province’s capital and largest city is a centuries-old port and a center of tourism in the region. In addition to its beaches, like the lovely Platja del Postiguet, other points of interest include the hilltop Castell de Santa Bàrbara, which towers above the city with incredible views in every direction, and the Basílica de Santa Maria d’Alacant, the city’s oldest church.

For a lively and memorable meal, grab some quality tapas for dinner at Manero, whose interior evokes a traditional grocery store.

El Palmeral de Elche

West of Alicante, in the otherwise unremarkable city of Elche, a stunning urban oasis lies right in the center of the city. The Palmeral is a large tract of date palm orchards created in the 10th century by the Muslim noblemen who ruled the city, utilizing man-made canals for agricultural production in this arid land. The canal system was expanded by the Christian rulers who took over after the reconquista and preserved to this day; while some of the groves are privately owned, the majority are open to the public as municipal parks. In addition to being a place of serenity and incredible natural beauty, the Palmeral is also a unique example of Arab agricultural methods transplanted to the European continent.

Looking for more places to explore in the region? Visit our Comunidad Valenciana page here.