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Alicante’s natural parks enjoy a bumper summer
Visitor numbers rose by almost 20%, with Peñón de Ifach, Montgó and the Santa Pola Salt Flats leading the way
Alicante’s best-known natural spaces have had a particularly busy summer, helping push visitor numbers at parks across the Valencian Community to a new high.More than 94,100 people visited the region’s natural parks between June and August, an increase of 19.68% on the 78,639 recorded during the same period last year. August was the busiest month, with 38,116 visitors, followed by July with 31,800 and June with 24,201.
The real figure may be higher still, as the data only counts people who visited a centre or were registered or assisted by environmental educators.
Three of the most popular parks are in Alicante province, led by the unmistakable Peñón de Ifach in Calpe. Some 34,535 people were recorded there over the summer, confirming its place as one of Spain’s most visited natural parks and a firm favourite with both Spanish and overseas visitors.Rising 332 metres from the sea, the limestone rock is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land and is one of the Costa Blanca’s most recognisable sights. Its route to the summit takes around two and a half hours, beginning with a relatively gentle path past viewpoints and the remains of an Iberian settlement before reaching the tunnel, built in 1918.
Beyond the tunnel, the route becomes narrower and more demanding, but the reward is a sweeping Mediterranean view which, on a clear day, can extend as far as Ibiza. The park is home to nearly 300 plant species and around 80 types of bird, including Eleonora’s falcon and cormorants.
Montgó Natural Park, between Dénia and Jávea, was the second most visited park, with 22,608 people recorded during the summer. It offers a very different kind of Costa Blanca escape, combining mountain scenery with cliffs, coves, terraced fields and a rich mix of wildlife.Its trails take visitors through a landscape shaped by farming, fishing and traditional crafts, with viewpoints, old agricultural settlements, windmills and Roman inscriptions among the discoveries along the way. Birdwatchers can spot water birds and birds of prey, while foxes and badgers are also found in the park.
The Santa Pola Salt Flats welcomed 5,391 recorded visitors. This protected area offers a striking mix of working salt pans and conservation, providing an important habitat for wildlife while preserving traditional uses of the landscape.The parks’ activity programmes remain a draw throughout the year, particularly at Easter and in summer. Popular events have included “The Treasure of Cape Sant Antoni” at Montgó, night routes and astronomy workshops, and wildlife activities led by environmental educators.
Away from Alicante, Albufera Natural Park near Valencia is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The protected lake and wetlands, described as “a true urban oasis”, are home to many bird species and surrounded by rice fields, where the traditions of farming, fishing, boat trips and paella remain very much part of daily life.Images: comunitad de Valencia and parquesnaturales.gva.es
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