The landscape of the Costa Blanca is characterised by a gentle coastline overlooked by mountains that can reach 1,500 metres in height only a short way from the coast, such as Aitana and Puig Campana, making Alicante the second most mountainous province in Spain.
The province has many natural parks, including coastal mountain ranges (the Serra Gelada in Benidorm, the PeA�A?n de Ifach in Calpe and El MontgA? in Denia), inland mountain ranges (the Mariola and La Font Roja Sierras in Alcoy), as well as wetlands of exceptional ecological value (the Salinas de Santa Pola saltings, the Lagunas de Torrevieja-La Mata, the El Hondo wetlands in Elche and the Marjal marsh in Pego-Oliva).
1986 saw the creation of the Isla de Tabarca Marine Reserve. The island lies off Santa Pola and the surrounding seabed is exceptionally rich in both flora and fauna. The Cabo de San Antonio, a headland with fantastic views between JA?vea and Denia, is another of the Costa Blancaa��s Marine Reserves and especially recommendable for lovers of scuba diving.
Some of the most spectacular geological formations are the caves, such as Canelobre in Busot, La Cueva de las Calaveras in Benidoleig and La Cova del Rull in La Vall de Ebo. Other especially interesting natural areas include Las Fuentes del Algar, an extraordinary collection of waterfalls, springs and sources in Callosa da��En SarriA�.
Information source: costablanca.org
