Costa Blanca Day Trips

Elche

For a change from beaches, just 12 miles (19km) inland west of Alicante is Europe's only palm forest, forming a lush oasis around the city of Elche (Elx). The city boasts several beautiful parks and public gardens. The Parque Municipal is one of the most popular, festooned with palm trees, grassy promenades and children's playgrounds. Most beautiful is the Hort del Cura, filled with shade trees and bright flowerbeds.

Transport: Elche can be reached by an hourly train service from Alicante, or by regular bus connections

Isla Tabarca

The tiny islet of Tabarca is becoming an increasingly popular day trip destination from Alicante, with its quiet fishing village offering an old fort, several very reasonably priced fresh seafood restaurants, a rocky beach with clear turquoise water, and several coves and tidal pools ideal for bathing. The island lies 10 miles (16km) south of Alicante and can be reached in an hour by ferry from the dock on Explanada d'Espanya in the city.