Nature Parks in Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is blessed with some magnificent nature parks, both inland an on the coast.
Northern Costa Blanca
Serra Gelada Nature Park
The park includes much of the municipal district of Benidorm, L'Alfàs del Pi and the Gelada Mountains that shadow the coast. The areas that are specifically protected are the Gelada Mountains' cliffs, Mitjana Island and certain sections of islands and seabed off the coast of Benidorm.
El Carrascar de la Font Roja Nature Park
Located between the inland villages of Alcoy and Ibi, this park's unique and mountainous landscape is worth exploration. The Sierra de Menejador has an east-west orientation, meaning one side is always bathed in Spanish sunshine while the other side continually lurks in its own shadow. It's said that the park may have the best preserved Mediterranean forest in the land. There are small-leaf oaks, Holm oaks and kermes oaks, along with maple, flowering ash and yew trees. The canopy is full of large birds (eagle owls, golden eagles and Bonelli's eagles), while the floor is crawling with rare wild boars, genets, badgers and wild cats.
Sierra Mariola Nature Park
The Sierra Mariola, like Montgó, is a massive limestone massif. The nearest town of interest is Alcoy, which sits west of the coastal town of Altea. The park environment consists of pine forests, with patches of yew, teak, maple, ashe and oak trees. There are also abundant aromatic and medicinal herbs on the forest floor. Some of the most stunning views are found in the Sinc Ravine which runs from Alcoy in the massif. There are several trails for single or multi-day hiking and the view from Montcabrer's summit should not be missed. There are two mountain shelters for those on multi-day hikes.
The Rock of Ifach Nature Park
Sticking out into the Mediterranean Sea and climbing 332m into the sunny Spanish sky, this massive limestone massif clings to the town of Calpe by an isthmus. Thanks to hosting a range of unique flora, like endemic cliff plants, Phoenician juniper and dwarf palms the area has been protected as a park. There are also over 80 species of birds that use Ifach to breed or rest during long migrations. Although it doesn't look feasible, it's possible to reach the top via a scenic trail. As you'd imagine, the views are glorious. If hiking to the top is too passé, there are some more challenging rock climbing routes.
El Montgó Mountain Nature Park
The impressive limestone massif of Montgó mountain climbs 753m from the plains that separate Dénia and Jávea. There's an amazing array of vegetation, with almost 600 species of flora present. Hike through pine forests, scrub bush and stony terrain to eventually summit Montgó. The views from the top are astounding and you can even see all the way to Ibiza on a clear day. An information centre in Torrecremada, Dénia provides information.
Natural Marine Reserve of the Cape of San Antonio
The marine reserve's 160m-tall cliffs clutch the coast between Dénia and Jávea. Its rugged and spectacular beauty is beyond reproach and thanks to its unique ecology, the Cape of San Antonio and its surrounding seabed have been designated as a marine reserve. The area is perfect for scuba diving.
Southern Costa Blanca
The Santa Pola Salt Flats Nature Park
This 2470 hectare park rests just outside Santa Pola and protects various salt flats, sand dunes and a fresh water marsh. Although amazing, the flora that has adapted to the salt-rich environment isn't what impresses most who visit. It's the large concentrations of greater flamingos that draws the ooos and awes.
Natural Marine Reserve of the Island of Tabarca
The waters around the Island of Tabarca and part of its shores have been designated marine reserve due to the areas eco-systems. The shores play home to important marine birds as well as rich flora and fauna. The crystal clear waters and interesting seabed are a hotbed of scuba diving activity. It's easy to reach the island from Santa Pola or Alicante.
The Fondó Nature Park
This park near Elche comprises several important eco-systems and is a wetland of great importance. This park is formed from what was the deepest part of a massive lagoon that used to stretch all the way to Santa Pola. The lagoons size was shrunk massively in the 18th century by drainage work and landfills.
La Mata and Torrevieja Salt Flats Nature Park
Just inland from the coastal community of Torrevieja, this 3700 hectare park houses two famous salt-water lagoons. The lagoons have been used for almost 2000 years to mine salt. Although production is lower today than in the 19th and 20th centuries, Torrevieja's port continues to ship one million tonnes of the salty stuff around the world each year. Over 200 bird species have been identified in the nature reserve, including flamingos. Besides bird watching, the nature reserve is an excellent place to walk, cycle or horseback ride. Seeing that the area reserve is a salt flat, you don't have to worry about any hills!
Take a look at our Spanish properties or request a FREE brochure for properties across Spain.
