Hidden Gems in Alicante Province

1. Guadalest — The Clifftop Castle Village

Perched dramatically on a rocky pinnacle 595 metres above sea level, the village of El Castell de Guadalest is one of the most spectacular sights in the Valencia region. The Moorish castle ruins crown a sheer limestone crag, and the only entrance to the old village is through a rock-cut tunnel carved in the medieval period. Below, the turquoise reservoir (Embalse de Guadalest) reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror.

Despite receiving over two million visitors a year, Guadalest retains a genuine village atmosphere once the coach parties leave around 3pm. The tiny streets, the 11th-century castle tower, and the views from the Mirador del Castillo are extraordinary. There are several quirky museums (including a micro-miniatures museum and a salt and pepper shaker museum), a handful of excellent restaurants, and plenty of local olive oil, honey and almonds to buy. The drive from the coast winds through the stunning Guadalest valley — itself worth the trip.

2. Fonts de l’Algar — Waterfalls and Rock Pools

Hidden in the hills behind Callosa d’en Sarrià, the Fonts de l’Algar is a series of natural waterfalls, cascades and crystal-clear rock pools fed by mountain springs. The main waterfall drops about 15 metres into a deep emerald pool, and the whole site is set in a lush gorge of fig trees, reeds and wild ferns that feels a world away from the beaches just 20 minutes to the east.

The pools are swimmable (and bracingly cold — around 17°C year-round), making this a favourite summer escape for families and locals. A well-maintained boardwalk and stepped path leads through the site, taking about 45 minutes to walk the full circuit. Entry costs around €5 for adults. Combine with a visit to Guadalest (20 minutes further up the valley) for a perfect inland day trip.

3. Isla de Tabarca — Mediterranean Island Marine Reserve

Tabarca is Spain’s smallest permanently inhabited island, lying just 22km off the coast of Santa Pola. It’s surrounded by Spain’s first marine reserve, which means the waters are teeming with fish, octopus and sea anemones — visibility often reaches 15–20 metres, making it some of the best snorkelling in the western Mediterranean.

The island itself has a walled old town dating from the 18th century, a handful of seafood restaurants (the caldero tabarquino rice dish is legendary), a small museum, and pebble beaches with astonishingly clear water. Ferries run from Santa Pola (20 minutes), Torrevieja (50 minutes) and Alicante (1 hour) throughout the year, with frequent services in summer. Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

4. El Palmeral de Elche — UNESCO Palm Grove

Elche’s palm grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest palm grove in Europe, with over 200,000 palm trees planted in an intricate system of irrigation channels dating from the Moorish era. Walking through the Huerto del Cura (Priest’s Garden) — the most famous section — feels like stepping into a North African oasis, with towering date palms, cacti, fountains and a remarkable seven-branched Imperial Palm tree that is over 150 years old.

Elche is also home to the Misteri d’Elx (Mystery Play of Elche), a medieval liturgical drama performed annually in the Basilica de Santa María since the 15th century and designated a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The town’s archaeological museum displays a replica of the Lady of Elche — one of Spain’s most famous ancient sculptures.

5. Bocairent — Cave Windows and Medieval Streets

The mountain town of Bocairent, on the northern edge of Alicante province, is home to the Covetes dels Moros — a cluster of 50+ cave “windows” carved into a sheer cliff face, believed to date from the Moorish period (10th–11th century). Their exact purpose remains debated: grain storage, pigeon lofts, or defensive lookouts. Visiting them involves a moderately steep climb down to a narrow ledge with heart-stopping views across the gorge.

The old town of Bocairent is equally impressive — a maze of narrow medieval streets, whitewashed houses, stone arches and a bullring carved into the rock. The town has been designated a Historic-Artistic Site and receives far fewer visitors than its beauty deserves. The drive from the coast (about 1.5 hours) passes through stunning mountain scenery including the Sierra de Mariola natural park, famous for its aromatic herbs and medicinal plants.

6–10. More Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

Cuevas de Canelobre — A cathedral-sized cave inside a mountain near Busot, 45 minutes from Torrevieja. The main chamber is 70 metres high with spectacular stalactites and was used as an aircraft engine repair workshop during the Spanish Civil War. Guided tours run year-round.

Villena Castle — The imposing Atalaya castle dominates the skyline of Villena, an inland town with a rich medieval and Moorish heritage. The archaeological museum houses the Tesoro de Villena — a hoard of 66 gold objects from the Bronze Age, one of the most important prehistoric finds in Europe.

Jijona/Xixona — The turrón capital of Spain, where the famous almond nougat has been made since the 16th century. Visit a turrón factory, taste artisan varieties, and learn about the craft at the Museo del Turrón. Best visited in autumn when production is in full swing for Christmas.

Pou Clar, Ontinyent — A series of natural spring-fed rock pools in a forested gorge, perfect for a wild swimming adventure. Much less crowded than Fonts de l’Algar and completely free to visit. The water is cold but refreshing, and the setting among pine and oak forest is magical.

Novelda’s Mini Gaudí — The Santuario de Santa María Magdalena in Novelda is a modernist chapel heavily inspired by Gaudí’s work, designed by local architect José Sala Sala in 1918. It sits on a hilltop beside a medieval castle, and the interior’s organic stonework and stained glass are genuinely astonishing for such an unknown building.