The Alicante region of the Marina Alta is one of the most touristy in the Levantine Mediterranean, but there are many places that sometimes go unnoticed, especially the first few times. That is why we have prepared a guide for you so that you know what to see, what to do and where to eat on your next trip to this Mediterranean paradise.
Dénia
The capital of the Marina Alta hides natural jewels such as Cova Tallada (which can be reached on foot or by kayak), Les Rotes (rocky beaches with an impressive promenade) or the Montgó Natural Park, which precisely delimits Dénia and Jávea. There is the Cabo de San Antonio, one of our favourite places to watch the sunset.
Dénia is also a Creative City of Gastronomy by Unesco, so the offer of restaurants is of high quality and very varied. El Pegolí, Casa Federico, El Faralló, El Baret de Miquel, Restaurante Mena, Primera Línea or Pont Sec are safe bets, so don’t leave without trying the famous Dénia red shrimp!
You can’t miss Els Magazinos either: the gastronomic and cultural market of Dénia, which, with more than 20 different gastronomic spaces, is the epicentre of Mediterranean life in the area. The terrace of the restaurant A la Fresca is like a summer night’s dream. Also stop by the Lonja de la cultura, which hosts an exhibition of a different Mediterranean artist every month.
When you go, take the opportunity to visit La Xara, where the Obrador La Sana is located. There you can buy the best bread in the area: loaves of rye, whole wheat, spelt, focaccias or, at weekends, special breads, with ingredients that will surprise you.
Jesús Pobre
This district of Dénia is not to be missed on Sundays: the Riurau Market is organised there, a market of local producers that brings together farmers, artisans and bakers. You can buy organic fruit and vegetables (avocados, medlars, almonds and oranges are some of the most outstanding products of the area), as well as local cuisines, typical sausages, local wines and handicrafts. On the first Sunday of the month, the market is an antiques flea market.
In Jesús Pobre there is also Les Freses, a beautiful winery surrounded by vineyards of local grape varieties, where they organise guided tours with wine tasting. Take advantage of the opportunity to take home some of their wines as gifts: Àmfora, Tallaruques and Dolç are some of our favourites.
For dinner, book a table on the terrace of La Tasca de Jesús Pobre.
Pedreguer
One of our favourite spots in the region is here: the Jardín de L’Albarda, a lush Mediterranean garden of more than 5 hectares that can be visited every day of the year. It is a haven of peace where you can simply sit and watch nature, read or paint. They also organise concerts, yoga or meditation classes.
Xaló
Its great flea market of antique objects, known throughout the region, is on Saturday mornings. A tip: go early to find unique pieces of typical Spanish decoration. This area also has a great wine tradition, so there are several wineries to visit, such as the Pepe Mendoza winery.
Calpe
Touristy and international, Calpe is one of the towns of the Marina Alta bathed by the Mediterranean. Its spectacular Peñón de Ifach is impressive from the sea or from land: you can climb up to the peak of this natural park by booking in advance (and with suitable footwear). Its sandy beaches, its fish market, the iconic Red Wall (not open to visitors but where you can stay), the picturesque streets of its old town, its haute cuisine restaurants (it has 3 restaurants with 3 Michelin stars and 4 Repsol Suns: Beat, Audrey’s and Orobianco) are other of its attractions.
Teulada-Moraira
This charming seaside town is perfect for a stroll, a drink of horchata in Los Jijonencos and a spot of shopping. There, for example, is the famous Dona Alpargata shop: in this espadrille shop, where people come even from other provinces, you can choose from dozens of models of this very Mediterranean footwear. Our secret? Don’t miss Portet Beach.
Benissa
In this pretty village you will find the Church of the Puríssima Xiqueta, known as the Cathedral of the Marina Alta: an impressive neo-Gothic building. As well as wandering through the streets and getting lost in its corners, you can also discover its unknown coastline, between Calpe and Teulada-Moraira: the Benissa Ecological Promenade connects several coves, such as Playa de la Fustera (sandy beach) or Cala del Advocat. Many of them have beach bars, making it an ideal place to spend the whole day.
Gata de Gorgos
This is the most famous village in the area for its wicker, jute and esparto grass handicrafts: its main street, just where the road passes through, is full of small shops selling chairs, baskets, lamps and rugs. If you want to eat there, we recommend El Corral del Pato.
Benitatxell
One of the most turquoise beaches in the area (with the permission of La Granadella), is in Benitatxell: it is the Cala del Moraig, nestled between imposing cliffs. Nowadays it can only be reached on foot, although the road is asphalted. You will be fascinated by the Cova dels Arcs, a photogenic cave (both from the sea and from the coast) where expert divers dive. If you want to see it, go with caution and appropriate footwear, because the rocks are slippery.
You can also do the Cliffs Route: a walk that connects this beach with Cala Llebeig. A word of advice: avoid going in high season.
Alcalalí
Spring, in the Marina Alta region, begins in Alcalalí. This is where every year, in February, Feslalí is held: the almond blossom festival. You can enjoy guided tours, photography or cooking competitions and special menus with almonds as the main ingredient.
And, in the interior of the region, there are several valleys that few people know about but which are a real gem: La Vall de Laguar (especially recommended in spring, when the cherry blossom blooms, and in June, when the cherries are picked), Vall de la Gallinera (its 8 small villages hide hiking routes and natural spots such as La Foradà that will captivate you), Vall d’Ebo or Vall d’Alcalá. The Marina Alta region is waiting for you!
Text by: Marina Vega
