All about the Natural Parks on the Costa Blanca

The natural parks on the Costa Blanca (in Spanish: Parques Naturales and in Valencian Parcs Naturals) constitute the ecological wealth of this popular coastal region in Spain. It is a network of protected areas essential for biodiversity within the province of Alicante.

The parks are spread throughout the coastline: in the Costa Blanca North you will find mainly mountainous massifs and impressive cliffs, while the Costa Blanca South is characterized by vast wetlands and salt lakes.

The 9 official natural parks

Which nature park suits you? Choice Guide

With 9 unique parks, it can be hard to choose. Find out which nature park best suits your needs:

• For the hiker:
  • Easy family hikes: Sierra Helada(lighthouse), El Hondo (yellow route), Vías Verdes, Paseo Ecológico(Peñon de Ifach);
  • Average challenge: la Fuente Roja (various routes), Marjal de Pego-Oliva (circular walks), Sierra de Mariola (lower routes);
  • Spicy climbs: Peñon de Ifach (after tunnel), Montgó (summit), Sierra Helada (traverse), Sierra de Mariola (Montcabrer).

• For the bird lover:
  • Top spots: El Hondo, Salines de Santa Pola, Lagunas de La Mata, Marjal de Pego-Oliva. This is where you are most likely to see (water) birds and flamingos.

• For unique landscapes:
  • Iconic rock: Peñon de Ifach;
  • Spectacular cliffs: Sierra Helada;
  • Pink Lake: Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja;
  • Enchanted forest: la Fuente Roja;
  • Vast wetlands/rice fields: Marjal de Pego-Oliva, El Hondo.

• With children:
  • Sierra Helada (lighthouse, paved), El Hondo (yellow route, footbridges), picnic areas at Lagunas de La Mata and la Fuente Roja are very suitable.

The different types of natural parks

• Wetlands (marshlands): 4 of the parks are crucial wetlands; El Hondo (reservoirs), Lagunas de la Mata-Torrevieja (salt lakes), Marjal de Pego-Oliva (marsh and rice fields) and Salinas de Santa Pola (salt mining basins);
• Coastal mountains and cliffs: 3 parks protect iconic coastal mountains; the Sierra Helada (with cliffs over 300 meters), the Montgó (a 753-meter-high massif) and the Peñon de Ifach (the 332-meter-high rock in Calpe);
• Interior (forests and mountains): 2 parks are located inland; the Sierra de Mariola (known for aromatic herbs and ice cellars) and Font Roja (a well-preserved Mediterranean holm oak forest);
• Bird populations: the wetlands are essential for birds; the Salinas de Santa Pola, Lagunas de La Mata and El Hondo are top spots for seeing flamingos;
• Flora: the Montgó is home to more than 650 different plant species, and the Sierra de Mariola is known for its wide variety of aromatic and medicinal herbs.

General tips for your visit to the nature parks

Regardless of which park you choose, keep in mind these general advice for an enjoyable and responsible visit:

• Respect nature: always stay on the marked trails, bring back all your trash, don’t pick plants and don’t disturb the animals;
• Check the weather: The weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Check the forecast;
• Bring plenty of water: this is essential, there are often no drinking water points;
• Protect yourself from the sun: use sunscreen, a cap or hat and sunglasses;
• Wear appropriate footwear: sturdy hiking or athletic shoes are recommended, especially in mountainous areas;
• Check with visitor centers: for the most up-to-date information on trails, accessibility and regulations.

The natural parks of the Costa Blanca offer a wealth of experiences. Are you ready to explore them? Click through to our comprehensive guides for each park for detailed itineraries, practical tips and all the information you need for your adventure!

Tip: Download the free CostaBlanca.com app! This way you always have all information about the natural parks, including maps and tips, at hand offline during your visit.

Question & answer (FAQ)

Protected landscapes

Protected landscapes (in Spanish: Paisajes Protegidos and in Valencian Paisatges Protegits) are areas officially recognized for their high aesthetic and cultural value. They often act as ecological corridors between the major natural parks and define the characteristic appearance of the region.

In these areas, nature often goes hand in hand with history: you will find mountain ranges such as the Sierra de Bernia and the Puig Campana, as well as landscapes where traditional agriculture and nature conservation have come together for centuries.

These areas have a protected status just below that of a Parque Natural. They are often vast and scenically very impressive:

• Serra del Maigmó and Serra del Sit: a huge mountain area inland (Tibi/Petrer) with dense forests and spectacular views, also called the “balcony of Alicante.

• Serra de Bèrnia i Ferrer: the iconic ridge separating the Marina Alta and Baixa, famous for the “Forat” (tunnel) and the fortress;

• Puig Campana and El Ponotx: the striking mountain with the notch near Finestrat and the adjacent “sleeping lion” (Polop), very popular with climbers;

• Les Sorts: an agricultural and cultural landscape in Teulada-Moraira, known for traditional grape growing;

• The Serpis River: the protected landscape surrounding the river that flows from Alcoy to Gandia, with a popular cycling route (Vía Verde) along the old railroad line;

• Solana del Benicadell: a ridge on the border between Alicante and Valencia, loved for its panoramic views.

Municipal natural parks

Municipal natural parks (in Spanish: Parajes Naturales Municipales) are local gems managed by the municipalities themselves. These areas are often on a smaller scale than the national parks, but have great local significance because of their specific ecological, recreational or cultural value.

They are the ideal destination for those looking to get off the beaten path: these “hidden” parks range from dune areas and local forests to historic waterworks, and often offer a quieter alternative to the better-known tourist attractions.

There are more than 30 of these local parks in the province of Alicante. Below are the most relevant for visitors to the Costa Blanca:

• Clot de Galvany (Elche): dunes and marshland near Carabassí beach, with old bunkers;

• El Palmeral (Elche): although a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this also serves as a protected green area;

• Parque de la Granadella (Jávea): the forest area surrounding the famous bay;

• El Arenal de l’Almorxó (Petrer): a unique inland du information;

• Els Arcs (Castell de Castells): spectacular natural rock arches;

• Lagunas de Lo Monte (Pilar de la Horadada): reservoirs important for birds, in the extreme south;

• Racó de Sant Bonaventura (Alcoy): a river landscape with waterfalls and industrial archaeology;

• Los Algezares (Aspe): an area of historical and geological value.

Marine reserves

The marine reserves (in Spanish: Reservas Marinas and in Valencian Reserves Marines) protect the hidden underwater world of the Costa Blanca. These specific zones in the Mediterranean have been established to preserve and restore the unique biodiversity and the fragile seagrass beds(Posidonia).

These reserves are known for their crystal clear waters and rich marine life: from the protected waters around Tabarca Island (Spain’s first marine reserve) to the species-rich seabed at the foot of Cape San Antonio.

The Costa Blanca is also known for its underwater nature.

• Island of Tabarca (Reserva Marina de Tabarca): Spain’s first marine reserve (since 1986), with crystal clear waters and enormous biodiversity surrounding the region’s only inhabited island;

• Cabo de San Antonio: the marine reserve at the foot of the Montgó between Dénia and Jávea, crucial for the reproduction of many fish species.