Inland Costa Blanca – The hidden gem of Alicante: 4 scenic Routes

Inland Costa Blanca – The hidden gem of Alicante: 4 scenic Routes 🌄🍷
Did you know that inland Alicante and the Costa Blanca hide incredible treasures that few people have discovered? We’ll show you the very best spots so you can add them to your travel radar for your next visit 🏰😉 . Rural escapes in Alicante & Costa Blanca wine tourism 🍇
Experience the true essence of the Inland Costa Blanca (Alicante) — history, wine, nature, gastronomy, outdoor adventures, and tradition come together in a journey that delights all your senses 🌿
💫 BOOK NOW: Unique Getaway – Sleep inside a wine barrel in the Alicante mountains 🍷✨
1. Vinalopó Castles Route – A Journey Through Alicante’s Medieval Heritage 🏰🌿
Perfect for history and architecture lovers! Discover a land of culture and castles that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time 🌳Alicante and the Costa Blanca are home to more than 100 castles 🤯 — from hilltop fortresses to hidden gems in charming villages. Many towns also have small local museums and traditional festivals that capture the authentic spirit of each place.
- Castalla → Biar → Villena → Sax → Elda → Petrer 🏰
- Other beautiful castles on the Costa Blanca can be found in Marina Alta and Marina Baixa.
You’ll explore beautifully preserved medieval fortresses, many of Muslim origin, along a route filled with history, tradition, and local gastronomy. The Inland Costa Blanca also offers fascinating archaeological and ethnological museums, plus folk festivals that bring its culture to life.
💫 BOOK NOW: Romantic Getaway in Adsubia – 2 Nights with E-Bike Tour, Candle Workshop & Honey Tasting Experience 🍯✨
2. Nature Route – Sierra Trails & Natural Parks of the Costa Blanca 🥾🌄
For those seeking nature, hiking, cycling, or pure relaxation, this routes are a paradise of active and adventure tourism 🚴🏞️
- Natural Parks: Such as Serra de Mariola, Font Roja, Marjal de Pego-Oliva, Peñón de Ifach, and Montgó — perfect for hiking, guided tours, and wildlife watching.
- Mountain ranges & valleys: Discover stunning mountain ranges and valleys like Maigmó, Aitana, and Sierra de Bernia, offering scenic trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and thrilling adventure activities such as rock climbing, canyoning, horse riding, mountain biking, or via ferratas.
- Caves: Don’t miss the Canelobre Caves in Busot or the Skull Caves in Benidoleig, impressive geological formations carved by nature over millennia.
- Bocairent: And just a short distance into Valencia, the charming town of Bocairent awaits — famous for its Moorish caves and historic old town.
A fantastic plan to enjoy with friends, your partner, or family — and be amazed by the beauty hidden inside the mountains 🚴🧘♀️
💫 BOOK NOW: Getaway to Bocairent & Fontanars – 2 Days of E-Bike Adventure, Scenic Landscapes & Wine Tasting 🍷🚴
3. Charming Villages & Gastronomy Route – Taste the Heart of Inland Costa Blanca 🏘️🍽️
A slow-travel journey to savor the rural essence of Alicante, offering wellness, relaxation, and authentic Mediterranean living 🧘
Explore some of the most picturesque villages in Spain:
- Guadalest – One of Spain’s most beautiful villages, with its stunning castle and unique museums.
- Callosa d’en Sarrià – Just nearby, discover the spectacular Algar Waterfalls.
- Polop de la Marina – A lovely village with cobbled streets and a charming main square full of fountains.
- Vall de Gallinera – A paradise for cherry lovers, home to the famous Route of the 8 Villages.
- Alcoy and Cocentaina – Renowned for their Moors and Christians festivals, full of music, color, and fireworks.
Throughout the Inland Costa Blanca (Alicante), local gastronomy is a true delight. Don’t miss traditional dishes such as inland rice dishes, Alicante stew (Putxero amb pilota), Olleta, Manchego-style gazpachos, artisanal sausages and cheeses, local pastries, and the world-famous Jijona nougat (Turrón de Jijona). Here, every bite tells a story — you’ll fall in love not just with the views, but with the flavors of Alicante 🤤
💫 BOOK NOW: Tasting of 9 Artisan Cheeses at a Local Dairy – Costa Blanca 🧀✨
4. Wine Route – Marina Alta & Vall de Pop, the Essence of Alicante’s Vineyards 🍷🍇
For wine lovers and those who appreciate agricultural traditions, this route offers an authentic taste of Alicante’s winemaking heritage. Discover the heart of wine tourism on the Costa Blanca:
- Xaló (Jalón) – Visit local wineries and enjoy tastings of the region’s famous mistela dessert wine.
- Llíber and Parcent – Small, charming villages surrounded by vineyards and Mediterranean landscapes.
- Benissa – A medieval town with a beautiful historic center full of history and character.
- Teulada – A paradise for moscatel lovers, where this aromatic grape variety thrives under the sun.
This experience invites you to explore Alicante’s winemaking tradition, taste local products such as olive oil, honey, and cured meats, and immerse yourself in the slow rhythm of rural life. You can also follow the official Alicante Wine Routes, which include wineries across Villena, Petrer, Monóvar, and the Marina Alta. Don’t miss the region’s two signature grapes — Monastrell and Moscatel 🍇
💫 BOOK NOW: Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour Among the Mountains – Costa Blanca 🍷✨
🌟 Discover the Other Side of Alicante – Beyond the Beach!
The inland Costa Blanca is the perfect excuse to try something different: nature, delicious food, picture-perfect villages, and unforgettable experiences.
So next time you visit Alicante… don’t just stay on the beach 🏖️😅
Take a little getaway inland — and I promise you’ll fall in love with its charm! 💚