where else to visit ? Suggestions please.

Although we have flown in and out of Alicante over the past  4.5/5 years we've never visited Alicante at all.

So, if we were to go for a day out to Alicante, where do we head for?

Aside from also visiting Murcia for a day out where do other people go? We have done the local placesand Cartagena and we have stayed at La Manga (although I do wonder if we missed something there- lots of hotels and beaches?)

We've been to 'The Guns'  and will go back, visited Alhama de Murcia, Totana, Aledo, Los Alcazares and the various shopping malls at Lorca, Dos Mares and Neuva Condomina. Have visited and enjoyed La Mariposa.

We are not particularly looking for beaches, though I hear lo Pagan is worth a visit.

Any suggestions?

Hi Jan.

It depends if it's only a day trip or you fancy a night or two away.

Last year I went to a place called San Jose which is straight up the A7 toward Almeria,from memory maybe 2hrs on A7 then maybe 30 mins from a turnoff.

It's a lovely place with windsurfing,plus nice bars and restaurants etc;and it's on the edge of a conservation area.

I stayed in a great place called the Hostal Santuario,and I think around 60e for a double with breakfast so not dear.

Hostal Santuario San José 950 380 503 - www.elsantuariosanjose.es - reservas@elsantuariosanjose.es

I stayed 2 nights and drove into Almeria for the day on the Sunday,1/2 hr drive and worth going to.

Also along the same lines Granada is less than 4 hours if you fancy a stopover.

John

Many thanks, we are over for more than three weeks and may plan a vist to Granada- probably but I'm looking for other options too. Though we may just veg out in the end!

Some info on a trip to Granada.

When we were last out my parents took a bus from Alhama to Granada (and back).  Journey time is around 5 hours there and 4.25 hours coming back, but the bus stops are various towns along the way e.g. Totana, Lorca, Guadix, etc.  Despite the journey time my parents said it was a very pleasant journey which went surprisingly quickly.

Price was around €80 for a return for both of them (you can pay on the bus).  Pick up and drop off in Alhama is by the petrol station (Repsol I think) on the main road running through Alhama (N340a I think).

Bus company running the route is Alsa.

Not sure if height of summer a good time for days out, lots of Spanish places shut down in summer unless near the coast Most of day time hot   Go up mountains and see if cooler .

Pool and sea side is enough for many, cities will be hot   later in the year better for sightseeing

Thanks for the Granada bus info- long journey...but, maybe.

I know the cities are usually hot and most people are heading out of them rather than in but this is our opportunity with friends to do some extended sightseeing/overnights.

The beach isn't really our thing but will be directing our friends to the various local and La Manga places.

Just been to Alhama Station this morning Lorca Aguilas train pulled up so asked if the station in Aguilas near beach . reply was Yes  so day out on an air con train to Aguilas ?   easier than driving all the way or paying toll?