3 excursions in Alicante to admire the beauty of autumn
There may be fewer hours of sunlight and beach days may be behind us, but no one can deny that autumn has something special and magical about it. Dry leaves, rain, candles and blankets are the stars of the new season, but as it’s not all about staying indoors, today we bring you 3 nature walks to contemplate the beauty of autumn in the province of Alicante. Put on some good boots and get ready to fall in love with the forest, it’s beautiful this time of year! Who said summer nostalgia?
1. Carrascal de la Font Roja Nature Reserve
This protected nature reserve of almost 2,300 hectares is located near Alcoi, and its flora dominated by holm oaks, oaks and maples makes it an ideal place to admire the fascinating colours of autumn. The green tones of the leaves turn yellow, ochre and orange in these months before they fall, in the case of the deciduous trees. If you want to enjoy an autumn picture in its purest form, we recommend you lose yourself among its paths. Some very interesting routes include the Fuente de la Hiedra and the Barranco de la Encantada.
2. Sierra de Mariola Natural Park
A couple of hours drive from Alicante you will find this beautiful protected natural area which is full of hikers every day. Its paths and hiking trails run through pine, beech and oak trees that, in autumn, fill the forest with bright colours. If you feel like enjoying some great views, go up to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Gracia: the panoramic view is incredible. Also highly recommended are the route to the source of the Vinalopó or the Mariola Fountain. And to get your strength back, don’t miss the gastronomy of the little villages you’ll come across along the way, with the best local seasonal products. An amazing autumn plan!
3. Route of the Castles of Vinalopó
Another way to enjoy autumn in Alicante is through the Route of the Castles of Vinalopó. A route of more than 100 km through the historic castles of Biar, Villena, Banyeres, Sax, Eda, Petrer, Novelda, Monóvar and Castalla, which were once disputed by Arab and Christian lords. This area is one of the areas with the most castles in Spain, the largest of which is the Castillo de la Atalaya, built in Villena in the 12th century by the Arabs. Also the castle of Banyeres, with its magnificent 13th century fortress, a creation of the Almohads, which at 830 metres high offers ideal views to enjoy the magic of autumn in Alicante. Save your next weekend and delve into the history of these medieval castles.