La Marina Alta: come and enjoy the Costa Blanca

La Marina Alta is a county with endless scenery. Great gorges and natural coves invite you to go hiking and cycling, as well as enjoy water sports or unwind on the shore. And then there’s the cultural legacy and the monuments dotted about this part of the province of Alicante. Fancy coming with us to explore this incredible place?

What to do in La Marina Alta: ideas for hikers and cyclists 

Stretching from Calp to Benissa, Paseo Ecológico is a lovely walk that will take you and your family on an exploration of beautiful coves. You can start your walk at the breathtaking Peñón de Ifach, which has been listed a Natural Park. Climb up to the top of this giant rock to breathe in bird’s-eye vistas over the Mediterranean.

La Vall de Laguar is home to the Cathedral of Hiking at Barranc del Infern, which is also known as the trail of the 6,000 steps. The impressive beauty of this route will blow you away. In Benimeli, Parcent, Alcalalí and La Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park, your boots or bike will become your travel companion. And this is just the start of all the very many trails that there are in the county. Exploring them is an adventure you’ll want to embark on. 

What to do by the seaside in La Marina Alta

El Portixol in Jávea, El Cabo de San Antonio Natural Marine Reserve in Dénia, Llebeig and Els Testos coves in Benitachell and the beaches at Teulada/Moraira are just a few of the very many beautiful stretches of the Mediterranean in La Marina Alta. 

On the coastline, you will find everything from well serviced beaches to the most natural nooks and crannies. And then, of course, there are the El Portitxol and El Descubridor Islands in Jávea, which you’ll want to put on your list of places to visit. 

What to do in La Marina Alta: a little bit of history

If you’re looking for things to see in La Marina Alta, you won’t want to miss the riuraus route. Dotting the county with their charming arches, these constructions were built mostly in the late 19th century to dry grapes and make raisins. The riuraus are a wonderful way to learn about the local architecture and the raisin industry, which was an important one in a number of municipalities.

The castles in Dénia and Llíber are great destinations for an historical route, while you can take a look at more historic remains at the archaeological sites at Cova de la Calavera in Benidoleig and El Pla de Petracos in Castell de Castells.

La Caseta de la Neu in Parcent, El Colom and El Corb Caves in Ondara, and the Art Nouveau architecture of Pedreguer and L’Albarda Garden should also go on your to-visit list, which could be much, much longer. We highly recommend you set off to explore the historic treasures, old towns and rich heritage of La Marina Alta. 

What to do in La Marina Alta: the gastronomy of a boundless county 

Last but by no means least, we would like to shine the light on the gastronomy of La Marina Alta so you can release your inner foodie during your time here. We are going to start in Dénia, which is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and the perfect place to savour the powerful flavours of arroz a banda, a dish that will take your palate aback.

In Xaló we’d recommend sipping on a glass of delicious mistela or vermú, and in Pego you simply have to try arroz en costra (rice with a crust). Other dishes your stomach will thank you for include Jávea’s cruet de peix, Beniarbeig’s prawn with Swiss chard and Benissa’s putxero de polp. Come and discover a county that is calling out to be explored and enjoyed.