Sierra de Hondón

Not far from the coast, a group of 10 councils around the Sierra de Crevillente mountain range has come together to form an area called La Isla de Interior, The Inland Island, with the catchphrase  'the best alternative to the coast'.

One of the 10 towns is Hondón de Las Nieves, a little gem for those who w ant to get away from the hustle and bustle. Many of the towns and villages around here are easy to miss, with the main roads whisking past the outskirts.

Hondón de Las Nieves is the southernmost town of La Isla de Interior. Even a short visit to the town pays dividends. There is a small baroque church dating from 1685 and a fine wine museum.

Alicante Airport - 31km

Alic ante Airport is located about 11 kilometres from the city of Alic ante at El Altet and is easy to get to from the main A7 motorway. The airport provides a modern and convenient gateway to the Mediterranean coast, serving passengers arriving mainly from the UK, Netherlands and Germany. Accessibility ranks high because anyone is sure to find the airport’s location. Car parking is right outside the arrivals and departures lounges.

Alicante Airport boasts a friendly and helpful staff always ready to render service to travellers. It is not a big airport, making it easier to give efficient service to its clients. Inside the airport it is modern and spacious. It comprises several floors, each with all the expected facilities. The airport handles 8 million passengers each year, and the service is still efficient.

There are plenty of cafés, food stalls, bars and restaur ants to choose from. A duty-free outlet is also available, with products ranging from cosmetics, toys, electronics, home items, school supplies and the like. A delicatessen also whips up snacks for some quick bites.

Elche / ELX - 24km

Set in the heart of the Costa Blanca, surrounded by palm trees yet looking to the Mediterranean, Elx offers a variety of pleas ant surprises for the visitor. Its mild Mediterranean climate enjoying fresh sea breezes, its valuable cultural and ecological heritage, its fiestas and popular traditions contrasting with the industrial infrastructure of the town, with its broad avenues and modern services, all form part of the principal attractions of the town. In the historical, old section of the city amongst the most interesting sights are the Altamira Palace, the Basilica of S anta Maria, the Moorish fortress and the Moorish Baths.

The municipal park in Elche is a wonderful place to enjoy both the sun and the shade. The park is filled with tall palms, water features, band stands and much more. On the other side of the road is the outdoor swimming pool and the sports park where all manner of sports take place.  The tourist office is located in the corner of the park.

The River Vinalopo runs through Elche and has several impressive crossing points. If you stay close to the river you are guar anteed to see the best of the sights including the Basilica, the Palacio, the Museo de la Festa and the old town market. The tourist board can issue you with a street plan that has suggested routes marked on it to ensure you get the most from your visit. All over Elche are splendid buildings with intricate stonework and a fair share of statues and monuments. Look out for the Lady of Elche.

S anta Pola (Beach) - 39km

S anta Pola is located on the southernmost stretch of the province of Alic ante, lying on a calm bay. This major fishing port is a favourite destination amongst tourists because of its mild climate, as well as the hospitality of its locals.

It is a wonderful town thriving on tourism, yet managing to retain its culture and tradition. S anta Pola is a feast for the senses with its golden beaches that stretch the length of the town. It truly is a lively melting pot of both local residents and tourists. Day and night, the town exudes a friendly vibe, catering to people of all ages. This tourist office’s keen focus on promoting S anta Pola’s tourism guar antees that the town is always a must-visit.

Santa Pola boasts beaches with golden sand, perfect for water sports. The fishing industry flourishes in this area, and reflects on the town’s gastronomic delights. Fish straight off the boats is sold in daily markets while the Saturday market promises to satisfy bargain hunters. Taking a break from the beaches is always an option because S anta Pola offers so much more. Explore the natural park of Las Salinas and discover the beauty of the salt flats and resident flamingos.

Alic ante city has a population of over 300,000 and combines both classic and modern societies, living in harmony. It offers business and pleasure, entertainment and education. its history reaches back to prehistoric times with remains being found here from the third century before Christ. Today, Alic ante is a first rate tourist centre thanks to its splendid beaches, excellent climate and well known facilities.  Besides its golden beaches and impressive Paseo Maritimo,

Alicante has a wealth of history to offer the visitor and has an impressive mountain-top castle. The city also has a range of 18th century manor houses, all worthy of a visit. The seafront is attractive, and the bullring is one of the oldest in Spain still in use. Built in 1849 it has since been restored and enlarged. The current design dates from 1888.

Rojales - 51km

The village of Rojales in Spain is a traditional farming village, where the lifestyle is easygoing and very laid back. Situated on the Segura River on the Costa Blanca, the town is only 16 miles (25km) from Alic ante.

With its very pleas ant climate, Rojales is ideal for leisurely walks or an afternoon merienda at the town’s many quaint cafés. The traveller can easily become at ease as he explores this laidback town. Much of Rojales’ charm lies in the fact that anytime is a safe time to walk, play and dine outside. The hurly burly of more commercial towns like Torrevieja, Guardamar, Elche, Alic ante and Benidorm is a stark contrast to the slow and steady pace of this modest land. Here you can stroll the streets lined with restaur ants, and have a glass of cold beer or red wine while munching on tapas.

Nevertheless, the town is never lacking in fun and merriment. As with all other towns on the Costa Blanca, Rojales has fiestas (festivals) to celebrate the feast days of their patron saints.

At present, there has been a major improvement in Rojales infrastructure. Residential housing estates have been constructed within the municipal district. Because of its affordability and peaceful atmosphere, the area has become very popular for Northern Europeans to reside in. Villas and apartments are for sale at very affordable prices, some of which come complete with furniture. The inexpensive standard of living, as well as the scenic tranquility of Rojales make it a destination worth going to.

Guardamar (Beach) - 58km

Guardamar is a picturesque town with one of the largest beaches in Spain, measuring 11 kilometres. The sun, sand and sea make up the whole Guardamar experience, as it epitomises the typical summer seaside getaway. Amongst its many attractions is a superb beachside with miles of clean golden sand. Restaur ants and typical Spanish bars are open for lunch and dinner or even a quick merienda by the shore.

Guardamar exudes a very laid-back vibe, a carefree feel that entices travellers to not just see but also immerse themselves in the culture. Leisurely strolls by the beach or an evening walk to the park are just some of the activities worth indulging in. Unwinding in Guardamar is a religious experience because of its tranquility. On Wednesdays, though, the laidback town transforms into a mad, whirlwind of activity. It is market day, with buyers and sellers gathering to barter their wares.

A natural pine forest leads to sand dunes, the sea and finally the marina. All activities are done at a leisurely pace, devoid of the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan living. Of course, like all Spanish towns, Guardamar knows how to party. It comes alive at fiesta time, when the sun comes down. A f antastic street party entices both local residents and tourists to meet and revel the night away.