Costa Blanca day trips: 6 fantastic places to discover in southern Alicante
Make the most of the cooler weather and enjoy everything the Costa Blanca has to offer this autumn/winter
The Costa Blanca, or the White Coast in English, effortlessly conjures up images of pristine Mediterranean beaches and turquoise waters. But located as it is in southern Alicante, between Valencian and the Region of Murcia, the Vega Baja area has also developed much more of a cultural, social and historic identity.
In addition to its unrivalled coastline, the Costa Blanca offers a range of local excursions and activities perfect for a charming day trip in the cooler months.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit during the autumn/winter season.
1. La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park
The most populated city in the region was sure to get a mention and Torrevieja tops the list of things to do thanks to its unique Pink Lagoon and the Natural Park with views over La Mata.
The stunning home to hundreds of flamingos during the summer season, the lagoon actually looses its curious pink hue in the cooler months, but this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the La-Mata Torrevieja Natural Park.
Dozens of viewpoints are dotted around the park which make ideal spots for a family picnic among the native flora and fauna.
2. Orihuela
Orihuela is arguably the city in Alicante with the most cultural heritage, a stunning mixture of old-world charm and breathtaking modern architecture. Not to be missed are the Miguel Hernández house-museum and the murals of the San Isidro neighbourhood.
For a leisurely afternoon, take a stroll through the Convent of Santo Domingo. This building stretches over more than 18,000 square metres and is the largest National Monument in the entire Valencian Community.
3. Hondo Park
Located between the municipalities of Crevillent and Elche and the municipalities of Dolores and Catral, this Natural Park is a haven for birdlife and is surrounded by well-preserved salt plains and ancient palm tree orchards.
The park was originally part of the old Elche lagoon and was almost completely drained between the Middle Ages and the 18th century to convert it into arable land.
4. Guardamar dunes
Situated close to Torrevieja, visitors can spend hours barefoot, exploring the 800 hectares of white sand dunes in Guardamar. Close by is another must-see: the Reina Sofía Park, which has a large lake with turtles, ducks, peacocks and even some squirrels that dart around.
5. Cabo Roig cliff walk
If you’re looking for a bit of exercise, head a few kilometres south to the resort of Cabo Roig and its spectacular cliff walk which juts out over the ocean. The two-kilometre promenade can be busy during the day but when the gentle yellow lights spark on at night, it becomes a beautiful and romantic walk.
6. La Pedrera Reservoir
The next stop is a little further afield and is located in Orihuela municipality. The reservoir is easiest to get to by car or motorcycle, through the road from Torrevieja to Murcia, passing through the town of Torremendo via the CV-95.
The use of this reservoir is mainly for irrigation these days, especially for the Campo de Cartagena, although its waters are also used for human consumption in some towns in the Vega Baja del Segura.
Also of interest: Incredible must-see canyons on the Costa Blanca
Images: Wikimedia Commons
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