Outings in the area
Think charming local markets, breathtaking nature, unique sights and vibrant cities that are absolutely worth a visit.
We will gladly inspire you with fun excursions, useful tips and unforgettable days out.
Do you have any suggestions of your own? Please let us know!
This page is still under development, more information will follow soon.
Markets in the area
Several markets can be visited in the immediate vicinity.
In Hondón de las Nieves, there is a weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 1.30pm.
(C. Horno – El fondo de les Neus)
In Hondón de los Frailes, there is a weekly market on Thursdays from 8am to 1pm. (C. Azorin – Hondon de los Frailes)
In Aspe, there is a weekly market on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am to 2pm. (Calle Magallanes – Aspe)
There is also a fresh produce market hall in Aspe that is definitely worth a visit, it is open from Monday to
Saturday from 7.30am – 2pm and on Friday from 7am – 2pm and from 6pm – 9pm.(Mercardo de Abastos –
Aspe)
In Guardamar del Segura, on Sunday mornings, from 8am to 2pm, there is the Lemon Tree Market, an ernome market
where a little market lover can have a good time. (Lemon Tree Market)
On the website mercadillosemanal you will find more weekly makrets in the area, you can search on the day of the week or on the place name.
Nature
The Costa Blanca boasts beautiful and diverse nature. Walking in the area you will come across the most extraordinary places.
Close to the valley there are some of these natural areas that are definitely worth a visit!
Patano de Elche
Patano de Elche is een dam just outside Elche surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve with several hiking trails.
The dam was built in 1632 and the reservoir contains water from the river Vinalopó. The reservoir behind the dam is the second-oldest active water reservoir in Spain.
The dam itself is no longer in use so water flows over it permanently.
The river also produced hydroelectricity for a while, the plant from 1922 still stands below the dam.
The route from the car park to the dam is about a 20-30-minute walk, through a valley of the river Vinalopo. This route is not suitable for everyone, it is a rocky terrain, with bridges and steep sections. But with a pair of good shoes definitely doable!
Parking Aparcament del Pantà d’Elx
Río Chícamo
Near Mascisvenda (Murcia) lies the Río Chícamo.
A very beautiful area which is well known to nature lovers. It is a place of great geological, botanical and faunistic value. It offers a geological look back in time to more than 7 million years ago.
Since you have to cross the river on some parts of the walk and there is always water in it, it is advisable to take the walk with suitable shoes.
In the summer months, many people go to the Río Chícamo to enjoy its refreshing water. If there is enough water in it, some spots are deep enough to swim in.
The trail starts from the source and follows the river. The further you walk into the gorge, the more beautiful nature becomes.
The total route is about 2.5km but one has to walk the same route back, so eventually you can easily choose to shorten the route.
From the car park, walk down and when you reach the water, follow the water to the left.
Parking near the source - Mascisvenda
Tabarca
Tabarca is island which lies some 20 km off the coast of Alicante. It is a small island with beaches, coves, restaurants, shops, a small village and a beautiful natural area. It is the only inhabited island in the region and is officially part of the city of Alicante. The area is one of Spain's few maritime nature reserves with many different marine plants and sea fish.
A day visit to the island is definitely recommended. You can leave from Santa Pola or Alicante by ferry, glass-bottom boat or speed boat, which is of course an adventure in itself. Once on the island, the enjoyment can start, take a walk in the nature reserve, go snorkelling in one of the many bays or lay your towel on the beach, enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants and stroll through the village. At the end of the day, your chosen boat will bring you back.
Also highly recommended is booking a snorkelling excursion to the island of Tabarca. These guided excursions let you discover the most beautiful snorkelling spots on the island.
Sights
Sanctuary of Santa Maria Magdalena
Novelda is home to the sanctuary of Santa Maria Magdalena. A beautiful structure said to be partly inspired by the style of Antonio Gaudí (known for the Sagra Familia in Barcelona).
Santa Maria Magdalena is the patron saint of Novelda, on 22 July there is a holiday in honour of Santa Maria Magdalena.
The shrine is a very special structure and well worth seeing inside too.
On the walls in the church are effigies of the biblical story of Mary Magdalene and there is a beautiful organ no less than 12 metres high and made entirely of marble.
The church is still in use and it is a popular place for weddings. Many people also choose to have their children baptised here.
Next to the sanctuary is the Mola Castle.
An excavation of a medieval castle which used to be the an important part of the defence of the Andulian territory against the Christian kingdoms of Aragon and Castellon. While you're there, it's well worth a visit.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria Magdalena - Novelda
Open-air museum 'Cau de Elche'
The Cau open-air museum is a special and inspiring place, located in an old sandstone quarry. Here, artist Mariano Ros has carved an impressive collection of sculptures directly into the rocks, giving the location a magical atmosphere.
Many of the artworks are inspired by the city of Elche and its rich culture. Among others, you will discover a depiction of La Dama de Elche (the Lady of Elche), the iconic date palm grove, and the dam of the Pantano de Elche.
To reach Cau, walk about 2 kilometres to Cau from the car park. The route is easy to walk and also great for families with children.
Be surprised by this unique location!
Parking Cau Mariano Ros
Alicante
Of course as the first must visit when staying in the region is Alicante.
The capital city of the province of the same name. This port city on the Mediterranean is the second largest city in the Communidad Valencia, and the tenth in all of Spain.
Alicante is a city that captures the heart of every visitor. Its combination of beautiful beaches, historical sights and a lively atmosphere means it has something for everyone.
The absolute highlights:
- Castillo de Santa Barbara
An imposing medieval castle towering over the city on Benacantil hill. Inside the castle, you can explore ancient corridors, courtyards and various terraces.
The castle offers breathtaking views of the city, the port and the sea.
A visit to the castle is free but various tours can be booked.
The quickest route to the top is by lift, which takes you up at lightning speed for just a few euros.
But a walk via the Parque de la Ereta to the castle and then down the old castle walls is also highly recommended!
- Playa del Postiguet
A real city beach, with Alicante’s many restaurants and cafés within walking distance. This is the perfect place to enjoy sun, sea and sand.
- Explanada de España
This promenade with its unique wavy mosaic pattern and surrounded by palm trees is one of the most iconic and well-known images when people think of Alicante. During the summer months in the evenings, the promenade is bustling with tourists and locals.
- El Barrio
This old quarter of Alicante is a maze of narrow streets, colourful houses and cosy squares. Here you will find the historic church of Santa María and plenty of restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine.
- Mercado Central
This market hall is a real gourmet’s paradise. The tastiest olives, fresh seafood, and of course local specialities such as jamón ibérico.
A true taste of local life.
Just 25 kilometres from the Hondón Valley lies Abanilla, a charming town with a rich history. It is the perfect place for a leisurely morning stroll, taking in the special atmosphere and culture.
One of Abanilla’s most striking sights are its colourfully painted steps, with more than 180 steps leading straight up through the old town. The steps are decorated with paintings depicting life in Abanilla, its inhabitants and the surrounding nature. The climb takes you to the imposing Sacred Heart of Jesus, a 4-metre-high statue of Christ standing on a 7-metre pedestal. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view that is worthwhile in itself.
Another unique attraction is the municipal laundrette, a public laundry built in 1880. To this day, this historic place is still used, offering an insight into local traditions.
The San José church is also an absolute must-see. This beautiful structure is richly decorated with impressive frescoes on the ceilings and walls, and the altar shines in an abundance of gold.
Abanilla is a town that combines history, culture and extraordinary views.
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