When people think of the Costa Blanca, they most likely associate the region with golden beaches and a package-tourist atmosphere. But behind the coast lies another side: tranquil mountains, dense pine forests, and winding hiking trails invite you to slow down and explore. Away from the well-known beaches, the province of Alicante unfolds its authentic diversity – sometimes rugged, sometimes gentle, sometimes vibrant, then again completely quiet, but always full of character and soul.
Hidden nature in the Sierra de Mariola
One of the region's hidden treasures is the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park. Over 1.400 plant species form a vibrant mosaic here, crisscrossed by clear streams and the Vinalopó River. Those who venture here will feel how the rhythm of nature slows their breathing, creating small moments of tranquility. Hikes through pine forests, over hills, and along hidden paths allow the landscape to work its magic and invite you to reconnect with your senses.
Peace and mindfulness at Masqi The Energy House
Nestled amidst this verdant setting lies Masqi The Energy House , a haven for self-care, healthy eating, and a slower pace of life. Sonia Ferre founded this extraordinary hotel after a personal crisis, transforming it into a space where nature, mindfulness, and tranquility converge.
Holistic well-being in nature
At the Masqi Hotel, holistic practices take center stage: Ayurvedic kinesiology, mindful rituals, gut-friendly nutrition, yoga, and breathwork are combined into a deeply personal experience. Light-filled rooms, tranquil corners, and a Mediterranean garden create the perfect setting to recharge, find serenity, and be fully present in the moment.
Señoríos del Relleu: A sea of olive trees
Beyond the hills of Relleu stretch vast olive groves, shimmering silver in the sunlight. Here lies the estate of Señoríos del Relleu , a family-run olive oil production facility, nestled in a landscape of pomegranate and carob trees, and of course, numerous olive trees.
Olive oil tasting in Alicante
During a tasting, we get to know the different varieties: from mild and fruity to spicy and peppery. Each variety tells a story about the soil, climate, and harvest time. And about the work the family has invested in their trees for generations. It's fascinating to taste how different olive oil can be, even though it always comes from the same tree.
Small changes for everyday life
I've also noticed how beneficial the tasting is for my digestion. Since then, I've incorporated olive oil into my daily diet, whether it's drizzled over fresh vegetables, in salads, or simply taken by the spoonful. Besides the taste, there are many health benefits. Olive oil is rich in healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, and for me, it's now an integral part of a conscious, Mediterranean lifestyle. The unique, artistic bottle design from Señoríos del Relleu is the perfect finishing touch that makes this olive oil so special.
Adrenaline rush in the morning: Pasarela de Relleu
A morning excursion leads to the Pasarela de Relleu, a wooden footbridge clinging to the steep rock walls of a gorge in the Amadorio River. Stretching approximately 850 meters in length and rising about 60 meters in height, the route offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Two hours are sufficient to experience the wooden planks, the terraced slopes, and the old shepherds' paths.
From pine forests to quarries to tranquil streams – the fascinating landscape reveals itself here in all its facets.
Moose: Tales from 1001 Palms
About twenty kilometers southwest of the coast near Alicante stretches a sea of palm trees: the Palmeral of Elche, Europe's largest contiguous grove of date palms. More than 200,000 palms extend across the plains east of the old town in rectangular plots, crisscrossed by a network of ancient irrigation canals that has functioned almost unchanged for over a millennium. This oasis, however, is not a natural accident, but a cultural artifact. It was created during the founding of the Islamic city of Elche and continues to uniquely connect landscape, technology, and urban life. The canals and distribution channels direct water from the Vinalopó River to reliably supply the palms and other crops. The plots, called "huertos," demonstrate at every step how closely intertwined city and agriculture still are here.
Lady of Elche
Today, the Palmeral is far more than just a testament to medieval agricultural techniques; it's a vibrant recreational area and a green counterpoint to the city's urban fabric. Gardens like the Huerto del Cura and the Parque Municipal offer idyllic strolls right in the heart of the city. The guardian and patron saint of Elche is the Dama de Elche. This limestone bust of an Iberian woman from the 4th century BC is considered one of the most important examples of pre-Roman art in Spain. Her elaborate headdress, delicate ornamentation, and serene, almost otherworldly gaze lend her the aura of a mysterious goddess from a bygone era. She reflects the region's cultural diversity, which ranges from Iberian communities through Roman and Islamic influences to the Christian Middle Ages. She impressively demonstrates how deeply history is rooted in Elche.
The best paella in the world: What does elk taste like?
The heat is immediately palpable as Noelia Pascual leads us through her open-air kitchen. Flames lick beneath heavy pans, wood crackles, and the aroma of roasted rice fills the air. My gaze lingers on her flawless skin—and for a brief moment, I wonder if this daily work by the fire might even be the secret to her natural glow. Restaurante Cachito has been a family business for over 90 years and has been run by women for generations.
The recipes come from Noelia's mother and grandmothers – a culinary matriarchy passed down and cherished here for generations. In 2021, Noelia was awarded the title of best paella in the world. The dish, a classic rice dish from Alicante, is reduced to its essentials, carefully prepared, and closely linked to local produce. Together with her sister Lidia, she runs the family restaurant, uniquely combining tradition, authenticity, and precision.
The one who whispers to the birds: El Fondo Nature Park
Finally, the journey takes us to El Fondo Natural Park, a wetland between Elche and Crevillent. The freshwater and brackish lagoons provide a habitat for over 170 bird species. Our guide from Avanzatour certainly has eagle eyes and a keen ear for even the faintest fluttering in the water and sky. We could swear he understands what the birds are saying. In any case, his enthusiasm for birdlife is contagious. He can identify even the most inconspicuous little bird. But the flamingos steal the show, even from the rarest of the species. Their vibrant pink plumage looks like a splash of color on the shimmering water. The paths are spaced far enough apart to ensure the birds remain undisturbed, yet close enough to hear every wingbeat.
The extraordinary wonder fruit: Pomegranates from Elche
Pomegranates play a major role around Elche. The region is famous for the Granada Mollar de Elche, a DOP-certified variety with juicy, soft seeds and a mostly pale pink to red peel. The trees bear fruit from their fourth year onwards, with 700 to 800 trees per hectare.
The blossoms are unusual: for every 5,000 male flowers, there are 2,000 female flowers; the latter later develop into the fruit. Harvesting in October requires about 15 people per hectare, working in teams of three to four to carefully cut the fruit. Worldwide, there are over 500 varieties, but in Elche, the "white" kernels are considered particularly high-quality.
Surprising Costa Blanca
Would you have guessed how multifaceted the Costa Blanca truly is? Away from the well-known beaches, it reveals tranquil mountains, fragrant pine forests, and enchanting hiking trails interspersed with olive groves, traditional family-run restaurants, and historic cultural landscapes. Strolls through palm groves, sampling freshly produced goods, or observing flamingos in the nature park leave lasting impressions.
This article was created with the support of Spain Experience . Thank you very much!
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