8 excursion ideas in and around Alicante

1. Visit Elche

Elche is a good sized city in the Alicante province. Perfect if you want to combine shopping, history, traditions with a beach visit.

The municipality has approximately a population of 230 000 and is known for its palm parks, palm orchards and plantations. It is one of Europe´s biggest exporter of dates. The city is a mosaic of old buildings, palm groves and gardens. One of the most famous parks is the Huerto del Cura. In the gardens of Huerta de Curas, you can find palm trees that are more than 300 year old. Look out for the Imperial Palm, it is an impressive tree.

After your visit to the park, cross the street and enjoy refreshment in the gardens of Hotel Huerto del Cura.

In one of the palm parks you can also find an adventure park.

There are several walking and bike trails around the palm groves from 2.5 to 10 km.

There’s also a big shopping district, especially for the shoe lovers, such as Outlet Elche Parque Empresarial.

After your shopping, find a nice place to eat lunch in Elche  and/or visit a vineyard in Elche.

2. Day trip to Santa Pola

Visit the salt lake and the Salt museum, as well as the fishing harbor. Ride or drive along the beautiful beaches of Santa Pola towards los Arenales del Sol.

In the village El Altet (close to the airport and the beach) you can eat a delicious tapas lunch at the square on the main street. 

3. Industrial tourism in Murcia

Visit the mine district where today many of the mines are converted into museums or cultural centers. In ”Agrupa  Vicenta” center they also have Flamenco festivals.

Alicante has a long tradition of family run businesses in different fields and sectors. Many villages and towns specializes in a field. For example, in the Pinoso area they specialize in marble and wine (Casa del Mármol y el Vino), textile industry  in Alcoy, toys in Ibi (check out the toy museum).

In Elche and Elda shoe production are also important industries.

If you like sweets, check out how they make the famous Christmas sweet Turron in  Jijona or go to for a chocolate tasting in Villajoyosa with the famous brand “Valor” .

4. On the countryside and inland

Check out Castalla on the mountain road from Alicante to Alcoy.  

Petrer- nice food, vineyards and castles. 

Relleu,  outdoor, olive production och good local food.

Sax, an old castle , outdoor, cycle and an old historic town centre.

Cocentaina, an interesting history place as the old capital under islamic rule in the 11th century.

Novelda, known for its Architecture (modernism) and buildings, a legacy of its business community and wealthy land owners.

8. Discover Rojales and its old Barrio del Rodeo

Excursions South Alicante should definitely start in Ciudad Quesada. Take a walk to the top of Ciudad Quesada, take the street “Calle Thader” and then hit the small paths down the hill side towards Rojales.  You will reach the Barrio del Rodeo.

Here you will find the cave village Las Cuevas del Rodeo which used to be living quarters during the 19th and early 20th century.

Locals from the older generation can still tell you that their parents were born in one of the caves. Many families eventually build a modern house infront of a family cave.

Part of the cave village has ben converted to a recreational area with arts & crafts workshops, galleries and small bars or cafés.  They are not open on a daily basis.

Walking more towards the golf course you will find the municipal sport facilities with a swimming pool, soccer pitches and a “Pétanque /boule” pitches with a small bar and outdoor terrass.  They will lend you the pétanque balls and they have ice creams, nice tapas and cold drinks and  beer.

There is a nice concert hall in the village.