First we visit the capital of the Marina Baixa - La Vila Joiosa, famous for its chocolate and the characteristic multi-coloured houses. Beyond this town, we find the Casino Mediterraneo and the Terra Mítica theme park near Benidorm, the biggest tourist resort on the Costa Blanca.
Going inland we find charming villages such as La nucía and Polop. Our route continues towards Calloca´en Sarriá to see the attractive waterfalls at the source of the River Algar, later reaching the beautiful village of Guadalest in its striking setting. We are now in the foothills of the Aitana Mountains, which is 1.558 metres high and the highest in the province. Here, it is worth visiting the villages of Confrides and PEnaguila and also the Aitana Safari Park. We then drive down towards the sea through Sella and Orcheta, crossing leafy woodland on the way towards the Amadorio reservoir.
Beyond Benidorm and Altea – the beautiful white-washed town crowned by its blue domed church the scenery becomes more rugged, crossing regions with attractive coves and steep, rocky areas such as El Mascarat we suddenly come across the impressive rock of the Peñon de Ifach . The symbol of the Costa blanca and the tourist resort of Calpe. Then comes Benissa, attractive areas like Moraira, the Cape of La Nao – the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula . and Javea with its beautiful old town.
The cliffs of Cape San Antonio and Montgó (753 metres high, Nature Park bring us to Denia – the capital of the marina alta and a beautiful town with remote origins exemplified by the castle which houses valuable archaeological remains.
The inland route reveals the secluded valleys of the Marina Alta area: Vall de la Gallinera, Vall d´Alcalá, Vall d´Ebro and Vall de Laguart – all with small villages in quiet, leafy settings.
The River Segura flows into the sea at Guardamar with important archaeological sites and dunes among the pine trees surrounding the town.
La Mata saltwater lagoon is on the way to Torrevieja, a tourist resort famous for its salt marshes and International Habaneras Choir Festival. We then pass though magnificent developments such as Punta Prima, La Zenia, Cabo Roig and La Dehesa de Campoamor, upmarket residential areas with golf courses and other desirable facilities.
Pilar de la Horadada is at the southernmost end of the province and its last beach, El Mojón, borders on the coast of Murcia. From there we drive through Vega Baja country to the capital, Orihuela. Artistically speaking, Orihuela is the richest of all towns in Alicante. And an Episcopal centre, with five national monuments and several museums.
On the way back to El Campello we pass through Callosa de Segura, whose San Martín Archpriest church is the finest example of Renaissance architecture in the province, and Crevillente famous for its carpets and the museum dedicated to the work of the sculptor Mariano Benlliure.
