What are the must-see heritage sites on the Costa Blanca ?

          Cultural heritage highlights on the Costa Blanca
 

Behind the Costa Blanca's natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes lies a rich cultural heritage that has left a deep imprint on the region. From towns that embody the very essence of historical heritage, to small villages that have inherited their character from the past, to castles and fortresses, the Costa Blanca has a wealth of treasures to discover during your holiday and enrich your cultural experience.

Let's head for the town of Elche in the province of Alicante. Elche is one of those towns that should be visited to learn more about the history of the region. The remains of the past are numerous, and you will have the opportunity to discover a great deal about the historical heritage during your visit to Elche. A stroll through the historic centre can be an excellent way to get your first taste of the city, where you can contemplate buildings from different eras, in a variety of architectural styles, in narrow, charming streets. Along the way, you'll come across the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria, built on the site of a former Muslim Mosque, with its remarkable fusion of architectural styles. Finally, the Palacio de Altamira, a Moorish palace dating from the 15th century, is a reminder of the Arab and Muslim era, from which Elche has inherited a great deal. This is also the perfect opportunity to visit the archaeological museum located within the palace walls.

Many picturesque villages have also inherited a strong cultural heritage. Guadalest, for example, has just a few hundred inhabitants but is a real treasure trove. With its exceptional landscapes, peaceful lake, and rich heritage, Guadalest is a must-see during your holiday! Nestling in the mountains, its historic centre offers breathtaking panoramic views while you discover Guadalest's delightful little streets, dotted with stairways and belvederes, as well as monuments such as the baroque parish church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption. Finally, you won't want to miss a visit to Guadalest Castle, which dominates and overlooks the village. This 11th-century fortress was an essential bastion of defence against the Muslims in the Middle Ages.

The Costa Blanca also boasts a host of castles in different locations. The main ones are el Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante, which dates back to the 11th century and was built by the Muslims. It also bears many traces of all the civilisations that have followed. The Atalaya castle in Villena proudly towers over a hill, its three storeys showing all the power it once embodied. Made up of double ramparts, it has no moat. The first is reinforced by twelve towers, while the second, higher up, houses the powerful keep in its south-east section. Finally, a visit to Dénia Castle is a must. This fortress contains parts of each of Dénia's most important milestones. With Roman, Muslim, and medieval Christian remains, you'll be travelling through time in this place full of history!

                   Natural heritage highlights on the Costa Blanca
 

The Costa Blanca is also home to some exceptional landscapes! You'll find a walk in every possible environment. With sandy beaches, wild coves, nature parks, mountains, the Mediterranean Sea and even fountains and waterfalls, you'll find a veritable paradise of nature as far as the eye can see during your holiday! There are many places to see and do on the Costa Blanca, and here is a list of the most important ones:

La Granadella Natural Park

La Granadella nature park is located near Javea and covers more than 750 hectares, providing plenty of opportunities for walks with family and friends! The park is a perfect blend of flora and fauna typical of the area, giving you the chance to discover a breathtaking ecosystem and environment. With its rocky and limestone formations blending perfectly with the intense blue of the water along the beaches, don't miss the chance to take a stroll with your camera and leave your holiday with memories of this natural beauty!

 Las Fuentes Del Algar 

The Algar waterfalls, also known as the Algar springs, are a veritable masterpiece of scenery! A day trip to these waterfalls will transport you to a magical setting. The Algar springs are just 30 minutes from Benidorm, but you will have the chance to change continents! With cascades and small waterfalls forming rivers and natural pools, lush vegetation and crystal-clear pools, an excursion to the Algar springs is an exceptional adventure for your holiday, where you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery! Away from the crowded beaches and sweltering summer heat, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in these magical surroundings!

The pink lagoon of Torrevieja

A true miracle of nature, the pink lagoon at Torrevieja is unique in Europe! In fact, to see this kind of extraordinary scenery, you would have to travel to Mexico or Bolivia. It's a real paradise on earth, so don't hesitate for a second! The pink lake at Torrevieja owes its colour, worthy of a film or dream landscape, to the presence of a bacterium due to a high concentration of salt, almost equal to that of the Dead Sea. A landscape that may not seem real, but once you're there you'll be left speechless by its incomparable beauty. Take an excursion to admire the pink lagoon of Torrevieja, and you'll be in for an enchanted moment!

Penon de Ifach Nature Park in Calpe

The fabulous Penon de Ifach nature park is the symbol of Calpe and the Costa Blanca. This enormous rock, 332 metres high, is a rare geological formation that rises majestically above the sea, right in the heart of the town of Calpe. Try your hand at climbing this gigantic rock formation on a hike with friends or family and discover spectacular flora and fauna, as well as a well-deserved reward once you're up there: a 360-degree panorama that's simply out of this world!