Unusual Attractions of Costa Blanca Worth Visiting
Costa Blanca is well-known for its beaches, lively resorts, and mild Mediterranean climate. However, the region offers much more than just seaside relaxation. Hidden among mountains, the coastline, and natural parks are unusual and unique spots often overlooked by standard tourist routes. These attractions impress with their history, geology, natural features, and distinctive atmosphere. Most of them are accessible for independent visits, and many are completely free. Below are some of the most interesting and unusual places in Costa Blanca worth seeing at least once.
Beyond its natural wonders, Costa Blanca is famous for its centuries-old history, influenced by Iberians, Romans, Moors, and medieval Spain. Along this coast, you can find dozens of cultural, architectural, and archaeological sites. Even if you have visited popular resorts like Benidorm or Alicante, the region’s unusual locations can reveal its character and atmosphere in a completely new way. These sites vary from high mountain villages to underground halls and ancient watchtowers. They offer the chance to experience the Mediterranean spirit, touch antiquity, witness rare natural phenomena, and take unique photographs.
Canelobre Caves (Cuevas de Canelobre)
Town: Busot
Google Maps: view on map
The Canelobre Caves are one of Alicante province’s most unusual natural wonders. This vast system of halls reaches up to 70 meters high, resembling a cathedral. The caves are famous for their stalactites and stalagmites forming bizarre, sometimes fantastical shapes. Some formations have been given names like “Camel,” “Sword,” and “Dragon.” Due to the unique acoustics, classical music concerts are occasionally held here.
The caves’ history goes even deeper. Scientists believe Canelobre formed over 150 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. Inside, a special atmosphere of coolness, silence, and muted light prevails. Visitors often remark that the space feels like an underground cathedral, with light playing on minerals creating an almost mystical sensation.
Guided tours explain how water levels and the earth’s crust shaped these unique formations. In the 20th century, the caves were even used as a secret shelter and workshop for aircraft parts, adding a historical layer to the site. The walk along the equipped paths takes around 40 minutes, leaving lasting impressions.
Tabarca Island (Isla de Tabarca)
Town: Santa Pola
Google Maps: view on map
Tabarca is Spain’s smallest inhabited island and the only island in the Valencia region. This remarkable place combines picturesque coves, historic fortifications, romantic streets with old houses, and crystal-clear waters. The surrounding waters are a marine reserve due to their rich underwater life.
The island exudes a special calm, as if time slows down. Streets are narrow and paved with stone, and houses feature traditional Mediterranean architecture. Beaches with white pebbles and clear water are perfect for snorkeling, with visibility often exceeding 20 meters. Marine life is impressive, with octopuses, starfish, colorful fish, and even small schools of barracuda commonly seen.
Tabarca’s history is linked to pirates, slavery, and liberation. In the 18th century, prisoners from the Algerian city of Tabarca were settled here, giving the island its name. As a result, the architecture is unique, differing from other regional villages. Fortified walls, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, a lighthouse, and defensive ruins remain, looking especially photogenic on sunny days.
Guadalest – Cliffside Village (El Castell de Guadalest)
Town: Guadalest
Google Maps: view on map
Guadalest is one of Spain’s most picturesque spots. The village is perched on high limestone cliffs, with a fortress overlooking a turquoise reservoir. It looks straight out of a postcard: narrow streets, stone houses, museum courtyards, and small craft shops.
Guadalest is not just a tourist attraction—it fully conveys the region’s history. The first fortifications appeared during Muslim rule, later rebuilt by Christian kings. The surviving architecture showcases layers of different eras, while the rocky landscape emphasizes the strategic importance of the location.
Access to the fortress is through a narrow tunnel carved into the rock, evoking a journey into the past. From the top, panoramic views include the emerald lake, surrounding hills, serene valleys, and majestic mountains. Springtime is particularly beautiful when the valley bursts with color.
Beyond main attractions, the village hosts unusual museums, such as miniature and micro-miniature museums, a medieval torture museum, and a household museum. Guadalest truly surprises.
Pink Salt Lakes of Santa Pola (Salinas de Santa Pola)
Town: Santa Pola
Google Maps: view on map
Santa Pola’s pink salt lakes are one of southern Costa Blanca’s most unusual natural spots. High salt content and microorganisms give the water a distinctive pink hue. The surrounding landscape resembles a Martian scene, particularly striking at sunset.
The color comes from algae and bacteria able to survive in extreme salinity. Flamingos in the reserve get their pink hue from these organisms. Birdwatching is possible almost year-round, especially early morning or evening.
Besides natural beauty, the lakes have economic importance: salt has been harvested here traditionally. The salt flats form a unique geometric landscape, looking especially spectacular from above. Tourists can observe the harvesting process and see huge white piles resembling snow-covered hills.
Illeta Watchtower (Torre de la Illeta)
Town: El Campello
Google Maps: view on map
Costa Blanca’s watchtowers are 16th-century relics built to guard against pirate attacks. Torre de la Illeta is among the best-preserved and scenic towers, located on a cape near the Illeta dels Banyets archaeological complex.
The surrounding area is perfect for walks. The rocky cape offers spectacular sea views, and the tower recalls a time when the coastline was vulnerable. The tower system spanned nearly the entire region, with signal fires transmitting warnings efficiently.
Today, Torre de la Illeta is a popular sunset viewpoint and spot for romantic walks and photoshoots. The sea breeze, waves, and proximity to the archaeological site convey the ancient Mediterranean spirit.
Benidorm Cross (La Cruz de Benidorm)
Town: Benidorm
Google Maps: view on map
One of Benidorm’s unusual spots is the hill with a cross in Serra Helada Natural Park. The original cross was erected in the 1960s as a symbol of the city’s “purification,” later becoming a well-known viewpoint.
The route to the cross follows a scenic trail through shrubs and rocky slopes. Views gradually open: first the bay, then Benidorm’s skyscrapers and surrounding mountains. It’s ideal for photography, especially in morning or evening light.
At the top, a spacious viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city center, neighboring beaches, Benidorm Island, and Puig Campana mountains. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere is peaceful: wind, sea, and wide views create serenity.
Algar Waterfalls (Fonts de l’Algar)
Town: Callosa d’en Sarrià
Google Maps: view on map
Algar Waterfalls is a natural park where water cascades down narrow stone steps, forming turquoise pools. The area is lush, and the route follows the river along equipped footbridges.
The name Algar comes from the Arabic “al-gar,” meaning “cave” or “stream.” The terrain recalls ancient irrigation systems used by the Moors. Some canals are still partially preserved.
Visitors come in summer to swim in the cool waters, which are often lower in temperature than nearby areas. In winter and spring, waterfalls gain power after rains, and surrounding nature is exceptionally green. A walk through the park takes about an hour, but many stay longer enjoying nature, fresh air, and swimming.
Elche Palm Grove (Palmeral de Elche)
Town: Elche
Google Maps: view on map
Elche Palm Grove is the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city hosts over 200,000 palms, with planting patterns dating back to the Arab period. Paths run through gardens, historical buildings, and shaded resting areas.
The grove is a unique human-made oasis system. Rows of palms form squares and rectangles as part of an ancient irrigation network. Arabs used palms to protect other crops from the sun, creating multi-layered agriculture. Fruit gardens still follow traditional care methods.
Particularly beautiful is Huerto del Cura Park, home to rare palms, including the multi-trunked “Imperial Palm.” The gardens contain both ornamental and fruit trees, such as pomegranates and oranges. The palm grove is ideal for leisurely walks, photography, and exploring the region’s Arab heritage.
Iberian Settlement of La Serreta (Poblado Íbero de la Serreta)
Town: Alcoy (Alcoi)
Google Maps: view on map
This archaeological site dates back to the 6th century BC and belongs to the Iberian civilization. La Serreta is located in a mountainous area, with remains of houses, walls, and sanctuaries providing insight into ancient life.
The Iberians were one of Spain’s most enigmatic peoples, known for metallurgy, a unique writing system, and rich mythology. La Serreta is one of the few well-preserved complexes showing residential, defensive, and sacred spaces.
Archaeologists have found unique artifacts—ceramics, bronze items, coins, weapons, and dedication fragments—many of which are displayed in Alcoy museums. Panoramic views from the plateau complete the experience, with mountains, valleys, and hills forming a majestic natural amphitheater.
Cala Moraig & Cova dels Arcs
Town: Benitachell
Google Maps: view on map
Cala Moraig is one of the region’s most beautiful coves, enhanced by the Cova dels Arcs cave. This natural stone tunnel was formed by water and wind. At sunrise, sunlight illuminates the arches, creating stunning reflections.
The cave is a hallmark of Costa Blanca’s natural attractions. It interests tourists and geologists alike: the arch structure reflects erosion processes shaped by water on limestone. Divers appreciate the site for its complex underwater tunnel system extending beneath the shore.
Surrounded by high cliffs, the beach is sheltered from wind, making the water particularly clear. Access is via an equipped path, though parking fills quickly in season. Even without swimming or photography, the cliffs themselves leave a strong impression.
Conclusion
Costa Blanca’s unusual attractions complement the region’s image as a beach destination. Caves, islands, cliffside fortresses, waterfalls, and archaeological sites offer a fresh perspective on the coastline’s history and nature.
Including these sites in your itinerary allows travelers to experience true Mediterranean diversity—from the silence of mountain plateaus to waterfall sounds and the breath of underground halls. These locations are perfect for those seeking new experiences beyond standard boardwalks, revealing natural wonders just kilometers from busy resorts.
Visiting these places makes a trip richer: in a single day, you can walk through a medieval village, swim in a mountain stream, and birdwatch at salt lakes. Most attractions are easily combined with coastal drives or day trips.
When planning a Costa Blanca route, include not only popular resorts but also these unusual sites for a more diverse and memorable experience.
