Alicante & Co: Beyond the Beaches

Costa Blanca Logistics

• The Tram (TRAM d'Alacant): You can travel between Alicante, Altea, and Calpe via a scenic coastal light rail. It’s cheap, clean, and offers better views than the highway.

• Siesta Hours: In smaller towns like Altea and Calpe, many shops close between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Plan your beach time or a long lunch for this window.

Alicante: The Hub

• The Lift to the Sky: Don't hike up to Santa Bárbara Castle in the midday heat. Take the elevator located across from Postiguet Beach, then walk down through the colorful Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

• The Mushroom Street: For a quirky photo op, stroll down Calle de las Setas, a pedestrian street lined with giant whimsical mushroom sculptures.

• Insider Tip: Skip the touristy paella on the Explanada. Head to the Mercado Central for "tardeo" (afternoon drinks and tapas), where locals gather.

Altea: Santorini of Spain

• Called as such for its striking resemblance to Greek islands. It features whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and a prominent blue-domed church (Nuestra Señora del Consuelo). It offers a charming, calmer, and more budget-friendly alternative to Greece.

• The Blue Dome Walk: The most iconic view is by Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Park at the bottom and walk up the stone stairs to find hidden art galleries and artisan shops.

• Dinner with a View: Book a table at a restaurant in the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) for sunset, but arrive early to grab a spot at the "Mirador de los Cronistas" viewpoint.

• Visit the Russian Orthodox Church (San Miguel Arcángel) just outside town; it’s a stunning piece of architecture made entirely of wood.

Calpe: Dramatic Coast

• The Rock (Peñón de Ifach): If you want to climb the massive rock, you must book a permit online in advance. It’s a protected park and daily slots are limited.

• The Pink Wall: Architecture lovers should visit La Muralla Roja, a world-famous colorful apartment complex. It is famous for its striking resemblance to the maze-like, pastel-colored, and surreal staircases featured in Netflix's Squid Game. PS: It is a private residence; you can view it from the coastal path, but entry is restricted to guests.

• Catch the mesmerising sunset with The Rock view.

• Eat at the fish market (Lonja) at the harbor during the afternoon auctions for the freshest seafood experience.

Torrevieja: Natural Wonder

• The Pink Lake: Visit the Laguna Rosa. The water turns a vibrant bubblegum pink due to algae and salt. The best time for photos is midday when the sun is at its highest.

• The Mud Baths: Head to the Lo Pagán area nearby for natural mud baths known for their healing properties, and they're completely free.