6 Natural Wonders of the Costa Blanca (Alicante)

Beyond its reputation as a “sun and beach” destination, the province of Alicante is actually one of the most mountainous areas in Spain. By venturing into the interior of the Costa Blanca, you will find endless mountain ranges with over 50 peaks exceeding a thousand meters in height. These mountains create numerous ravines, perfect for adventure sports like canyoning, and are also home to natural wonders that we will explore today.

We suggest staying at one of the charming rural hotels in the interior of Alicante, allowing you to enjoy hiking trails and cultural visits at a leisurely pace, savor the delicious local cuisine, or even, why not, visit one of the beautiful beaches and coves along the Alicante coast.

1. The Ifach Rock

The Peñón de Ifach is a towering limestone rock over 300 meters high, situated off the coast of Calpe (Calp) in the northern part of Alicante province. Known as Penyal d’Ifac in Valencian, it is one of the natural parks in the Valencian Community, protected since 1987 due to its unique flora, which includes endangered species. The most remarkable aspect of the Peñón de Ifach is the ability to climb to its summit via a moderately challenging hiking trail. The views from the top of this natural wonders are truly breathtaking…

2. Fonts d’Algar

Near the popular tourist destination of Benidorm, in the town of Callosa d’En Sarrià, lies a stunning natural area with lush vegetation:Les Fonts d’Algar (Las Fuentes del Algar). This spot features water as its main attraction, creating a series of waterfalls, pools, and tranquil areas. To protect the site, entry is controlled, and visitors need to purchase a ticket (€5 for adults) to explore it.

3. The Relleu Reservoir Footbridge

Relleu is a tranquil and small town nestled in the interior of Alicante, situated at the base of the Sierra de Aitana, the tallest range on the Costa Blanca. This charming town boasts a rich cultural heritage, including a 17th-century dam, which is one of the oldest in Europe. In addition to the dam, a narrow and spectacular gorge has carved through the mountain over centuries, creating the ravine known as l’Estret del Pantà. Recently, a breathtaking walkway named “El Caminito de Relleu” has been installed, allowing visitors to explore this remarkable landscape.

4. The Arcs of Castell de Castells

Located in the interior of the Alicante province, specifically in the town of Castell de Castells, are two massive natural rock arches amidst the Sierra de la Xortà. For those who are used to visiting only the beaches of Alicante, it may seem incredible that such a landscape and natural wonder still exists on the Costa Blanca.

5. The Mascarat Canyon

The Barranc Salat, also known as the Cañón del Mascarat, is a deep chasm with towering vertical walls. This ravine slices through the substantial limestone barrier of the Sierra de Bèrnia, separating its extension towards the sea, the Sierra de Toix or Morro de Toix, from the main ridge. This particularly rugged and steep section of Alicante's landscape is situated between Altea and Calpe. For decades, its presence hindered road connectivity until a complex network of tunnels and bridges was constructed at the end of the 19th century, allowing for easy passage. There is a straightforward route that lets us explore the Mascarat Canyon, offering experiences akin to canyoning but without the need for gear or special skills. In fact, the route is so easy that it can be enjoyed with children, and expressions of awe are guaranteed…

6.La Cova dels Arcs

La Cova dels Arcs (translated from Valencian as “cave of the arches”) is a distinctive cave situated at the end of Cala Moraig, along the coast of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell, in the northern part of Alicante province. This remarkable sea-level cave features three large “windows” that offer views of the silhouette of Isla del Descubridor and Cabo de la Nao in the distance. The cave is part of an intricate network of subterranean galleries created by an underground river (El Riu Blanc), which ranks among the longest in Spain. Within the cave, a siphon allows divers to access this complex system of underwater caves.