Marina Baja
Alicante’s Marina Baja is defined by how the sea and the mountains come together in the region. Coastlines and rocky formations join forces to create a landscape filled with contrasts. The beaches, inland valleys, charming villages with Moorish roots and impressive mountain ranges are all a strong draw for travellers. There are many itineraries to choose from in this area featuring impressive mountains such as Puig Campana, Sierra de Aitana, Sierra Bèrnia and Sierra de la Xortà.
Marina Baja has many stunning landscapes that win the hearts of hikers and nature lovers. The local rivers, including the Amadorio, the Algar and the Guadalest, are surrounded by vast and beautiful landscapes, forest trails, bridges, reservoirs and many hidden spots to be discovered. One of the simpler activities is to visit the Guadalest Valley. The reservoir is quite popular in the summer months, when visitors go swimming in the turquoise water under the green mountains. A path along the shore leads to a dam with the same name. There are gorgeous views along the way of the Guadalest Castle and the highest peak of the Sierra de Aitana.
This itinerary would not be complete without stopping by the town of Guadalest, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its passageways, stairways and historic buildings have earned Guadalest the Historic-Artistic Protection status. The main square offers magnificent views of the surrounding area, including the waterfalls, springs and natural pools of the Algar Fountains.
Marina Baja has many other charming towns. The region’s traditional capital is Villajoyosa but its financial hub is Benidorm, one of the most important tourist destinations of the Iberian Peninsula. Villajoyosa captivates visitors with its fishermen’s vibe, colourful homes and sweet flavour (the Valor Chocolate Museum is located here). Benidorm, a ground-breaking holiday destination in Spain, continues to appeal to tourists from all over the world. Originally a fishing village, this is the perfect spot in Alicante for relaxing, swimming at the local beaches and making the most of the nightlife scene. However, it also has a rich historical and cultural legacy.
The historic quarter is shaped by a labyrinth of streets and squares leading to the Church of San Jaime and ending at Punta Canfali, a geological formation where the popular Mirador del Castillo (Castle Viewpoint) or Balcón del Mediterráneo (Balcony over the Mediterranean) is located. This renowned landmark separates the Poniente and Levante beaches, and offers stunning views.
Benidorm is also home to one of the most spectacular water parks in Spain, Aqualandia, as well as the popular Terra Mítica Amusement Park, whose attractions take visitors back in time to the Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilisations.
A tour of the region includes other interesting destinations such as Callosa d’En Sarrià, known for its loquat crops, and Polop de la Marina, famous for its picturesque historic quarter and Plaza de los Chorros square. Other towns worth visiting include La Nucia and its meticulous historic quarter, Altea and its lovely whitewashed homes, Alfaz del Pi, Finestrat, Relleu, Orxeta, Beniardá, Confrides, Benimantell and Sella, located at the base of the impressive Puig Campana. Standing 1,410 metres tall, this massive limestone formation is the second highest peak in the Alicante province and one of the jewels of Marina Baja.
Nearby plans
Related plans
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