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| Regional activities | The Island of Tabarca lies 11 nautical miles off the coast and is reached by ferry from Alicante marina. It used to be a hideout for pirates and today you can visit the medeival port, relax on one of the beaches or go snorkling in the marina reserves surrounding the island. It really is a marvellous day out for the whole family. Discover the inland Spain with a jeep safari (run by 'marco polo adventures' out of Calpe . A full day of adventure and action driving 4x4's through the mountains of the Costa Blanca. The Limon Express is a return journey from Benidorm to Gata de Gorgos on an historic railway, that takes in the stunning costal landscape as it passes Pennon d'Ifach, Altea and other towns. It's an ideal excursion for those wishing to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Bullfighting really is synonomous with Spain and the closest "Plaza de Torros" is at Ondara, 16km inland near the town of Denia in the mountainous Marina Alta. During the summer, "corridas" are held on most Sundays and during the fiestas. Other "Plazas" are situated in Alicante and Valencia, with the later attracting the top matadors in the world for it's fiestas. Benidorm Palace offers cabaret entertainment and is now into its twenty-sixth year. The entertainment includes a variety of contrasting acts from internatinal cabaret artists, and the evening is full of colour, music and dancing. There's even a chance for guests to take centre stage during the interval and dance to the live band. The family run Bodegas Enrique Mendoza is a vineyard of 65 hectares and at an altitude of almost 2,000ft. For the wine enthusiasts it is well worth a visit; sample the 11 different wines including the award winning 1994 Sauvignon. The winery is situated in Alfas del Pi, in the north of the DO Alicante. The Col de Rates (Rat's Tail Pass) is an excursion not to be missed. Begining in the Jalon valley the pass is reached by driving up into the mountains in the direction of Tarbena and Callosa de'n Sarria. There are several areas to stop and admire scenery, it's also ideal picnic territory. This particular area also offers a satisfying challenge to walkers and cyclists. More information on the region is available on the 'Costa Blanca' page of this website, which includes details on many interesting towns and cities to visit, especially the unmissable cliff top village of Guadalest. |
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One of the most popular ways to spend the day, especially amongst the children, is to visit one of the regions four main amusement parks. Aqualandia is a huge water park near Benidorm, and has all the usual array of exciting slides, chutes, flumes, wave pools, high diving areas and themed water rides. Mundomar is another popular family destination. It's an aquatic park with plenty of unusual creatures, such as flamingoes, turtles, penguins and many more. There's also a Spanish galleon and a bat cave, as well as dolphin and sea lion displays. Terra Mitica, near Benidorm, is a new 'Disney" style adventure playground, and at 105 hectares it's Europes largest park with plenty to amuse the whole family. There's lots of shows, white knuckle rides and restaurants split into 5 different 'civilizations'. The beautiful Vergel Safari Park occupies a nature reserve just north of Ondara. There are 145 differents species roaming free such as lions, tigers, leopards and wolves. There are also opportunities to get closer to more domestic animals, and shows involving seals and dolphins. Charter a motor boat and cruise around the regional coastline, boats of all sizes available from small 'ribs' to a 65ft motor cruiser. It's also possible to enrole in some RYA training. From the ports of Denia or Javea, less than 15km away, it's possible to charter smaller sailing boats (if qualified), or alternatively book your group a place on a 85 seater catamaran for a relaxing boat trip. It's an excellent opportunity to discover dramatic parts of the coastline most holiday makers just don't get to see. Approximately 90kms away is the city of Valencia which also happens to be the home of one of the country's best football teams. The 3 times Spanish champions often have home games against Spanish and European opposition at their famous ground the 'Mestalla' stadium. It's also possible to take a behind the scenes tour of the club. |
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