Jijona is only 26 km from Alicante, and it would be
inexcusable not to pay a visit to the birthplace of turrón. Close at hand are the
Caves of Canelobre, a marvel of nature you will surely enjoy.
Don't miss the Habaneras and Polyphony Festival held in Torrevieja
every year in August.
On the way you'll see the famous Salinas, salt flats, and perhaps you can
take home a barquito de sal, the typical souvenir. Torrevieja is only 42 km from
Alicante.
Did you know that only 22 km from Alicante you can see the largest
Palm Forest in Europe? A trip to Elx won't take long and you're sure to enjoy a
stroll through this subtropical area so different from others in Spain.
If you happen to be here in August, do not miss the Misteri d'Elx,
a liturgical drama of medieval origin.
If you're into mountaineering, you can have a go at the Maigmó
mountain (1296 m) taking the road to Castalla.Although you can drive up a track
leading almost to the top, the energetic will ascend on foot and have a pleasant
rest on the Balcón de Alicante, which offers a magnificent panorama of the
Castalla mountains and the Alicante plain, with the blue Mediterranean in the
background.
Do not forget to visit the city of Orihuela, with its wide
variety of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. 54 km from Alicante.
They say that Ibi (40 km) is the Spanish headquarters of the Three
Kings of Orient, who bring gifts at Christmas time. This may not be true, but it
certainly has a huge number of toy factories. And also a Toy Museum your children
will love to visit.
You should also visit the village of Agost, famous for its pottery.
This town makes more earthenware botijos than any other spot in Spain. The
authentic souvenir is the Botijo de Novia.
If you're visiting in summer and looking for action, ask about the
Trensnochador ("night-owl"). It's a train that runs at night, connecting
with all the disco centres and nightspots from Alicante up to Altea. The best of
the movida (night scene) of the Costa Blanca!.