The province of Alicante not only offers us great beaches in which to enjoy the summer but also beautiful natural spaces to explore its trails, observe its fauna and flora and practice all kinds of outdoor activities, as well as various adventure sports.
If you are on holiday in Alicante, do not miss some of the most beautiful places in this Autonomous Community. Take note of these 6 nature spots that really must be visited.
1. Clot de Galvany
Clot de Galvany (Av. Del Carabasí, 82, 03195 Port Marí, Alicante) is located in the municipality of Elche, catalogued as a Municipal Natural Area and Biological Station, as well as a Site of Community Interest (SCI) and Special Protection Area for las Aves (ZEPA) in a large part of its 336 hectares.
In this space, not only flora and fauna are of interest but you will also be able to see fossils and geological formations, as well as ethnographic and archaeological heritage. So be sure to explore its routes and take the opportunity to discover its 7 viewpoints and bird observatories. The visit can begin in the Aula de la Naturaleza, an interpretation centre where you can find out about the surroundings, visit the garden and the recreational area. Free guided tours are offered on Sundays and holidays and special activities are usually organised the rest of the week.
2. Carrascal de Font Roja Natural Park
Declared a Natural Park in 1987, Font Roja is located in the municipalities of Alcoy and Ibi and is another of the nature enclaves that you cannot miss if visiting Alicante. It spreads for 2,298 hectares, north of the Sierra del Menejador, with an impressive oak forest.
It is only 11 kilometres from the centre of Alcoy. Essential places to visit are the Font Roja Natura Centre and the Sanctuary, and there are 3 hiking trails (no bikes allowed): the climb to the Menejador - about 6.5 kilometres, the Barranc del Infern - about 5 kilometres and then a small stretch of less than 2 kilometres which will only take about 45 minutes.
3. Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park
With about 2470 hectares, the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park is a wetland included in the RAMSAR list (most important wetlands in the world) and catalogued as an Area of Special Importance for Birds (ZEPA). It is located in the bay of Santa Pola and is a beautiful example of conservation and traditional use of the environment since the main economic activity in the area is the extraction of salt.
The Salt Museum and Visitor Interpretation Center of the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park (Av. Zaragoza, 45, 03130 Santa Pola, Alicante) is open every day and offers all the information you need to get to know the salt flats and tour the park, in addition to routes and guided tours.
4. Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja
The Natural Park of the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja, declared as such in 1996, is located by what many know as the Valencian Dead Sea, although you have to remember that bathing in its waters is prohibited. In fact, you have almost certainly seen a photograph of its pink lagoons, with a concentration of 350 grams of pinkish pigment per litre of water, which is produced by bacteria. The lagoon is located very close to the Torrevieja salt flats.
Its 3700 hectares are distributed within the municipalities of Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, Rojales and Los Montesinos. There you will find a visitor centre, numerous viewpoints and bird observatories, parking for cars and bicycles and a recreational area, as well as interpretive routes and conveniently marked trails.
5. Serra Gelada Natural Park
Next to the Mediterranean Sea, there is a beautiful mountain range that you will just love to explore, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. In the Serra Gelada Natural Park (Camí Vell del Far, 18, 03581, Alicante) you can follow a simple route to the beautiful Faro de l’Albir, descend to the old ocher mines and contemplate the views from its cliffs. It is the first land maritime park in the community where you can enjoy a wonderful landscape of sea and mountains at the same time.
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6. El Hondo Natural Park
The El Hondo Natural Park is currently located on the land occupied by the old lagoon of Elche, at the mouth of the Vinalopó River. The park extends through the municipalities of Elche, Crevillent, San Felipe Neri, Dolores and Catray, it is classified as a ZEPA zone and included in the RAMSAR listings.
It is a delight to walk along its walkways and stop at its observatories to contemplate the many birds that inhabit it. All the routes are signposted and are of low difficulty, as all are relatively flat, so it is perfect for people of all ages and for walking or cycling.
