Are you ready for a holiday that will get your heart pumping, your adrenaline pumping and your memories long-lasting? The Costa Blanca is much more than sun, sea and sangria. This region on the east coast of Spain is a paradise for adventure travellers. From the mountain peaks of the interior to the crystal clear bays of the Mediterranean, action is always just around the corner.

In this blog we take you along the 5 most exciting outdoor activities that you absolutely must try if you are looking for adventure on the Costa Blanca.

1. Diving and Snorkeling at Isla de Tabarca and Cabo de Palos

Looking for an underwater world full of colorful fish, seagrass meadows and hidden caves? Then Isla de Tabarca and Cabo de Palos are two absolute top destinations on the east coast of Spain. Both locations are protected nature reserves and popular with both novice snorkelers and experienced divers.

Tabarca Island

• Crystal clear water (perfect visibility up to 20 meters!)
• Dive spots for beginners and advanced divers
• Coral rocks and seahorses in shallow areas
• Snorkeling is possible directly from the beach

Practical information:
Boat trips depart from Alicante, Torrevieja and Santa Pola, among others.
Diving centers: Scuba Elx, Dive Academy Santa Pola

Did you know? Tabarca was once a refuge for Berber pirates in the 18th century. Today it is a peaceful island with barely 100 inhabitants.

Cabo de Palos (Murcia region, just outside the Costa Blanca)

• Famous for the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve
• One of the richest marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean
• Permanent residents: barracudas, moray eels, groupers, octopuses
• Spectacular wreck dives on shipwrecks and underwater caves

Practical information:
Located 1 hour drive from Torrevieja / 75 min from Alicante
Dive centers: Planeta Azul, Balkysub, Adventure Divers

Did you know? National Geographic named Cabo de Palos one of the best diving locations in Europe . The area is strictly protected, which makes the underwater life here explode with biodiversity.

2. Climbing in the Sierra de Bernia

The impressive Sierra de Bernia between Altea and Callosa d'en Sarrià offers rugged peaks, rock formations and views over the coastline. Climbing enthusiasts will find plenty of routes here: from easy sport climbing routes to challenging via ferratas.

• Route along the Forat de Bernia , a natural tunnel through the mountain
• Climbing on limestone with a sea view
• Also popular for bouldering and abseiling

PRACTICAL INFO:

• Need a guide for beginners: Costa Vertical
• Best time: spring and autumn

Did you know? The "Forat" is a natural tunnel of ± 20 meters where you literally walk through the mountain. A magical moment!

3. Paragliding over Altea and Benidorm

Flying like a bird above the azure sea and green valleys? In the area of Altea, Benidorm and Guadalest you can paraglide with an experienced pilot. From the air you see the winding coastline, white villages and rugged rock formations in a way that you can never experience from the ground.

• Tandem flights for everyone from approx. 8 years old
• No experience necessary, you float along comfortably

Providers: Parapente Santa Pola , Paragliding Alicante
Start locations: Puig Campana, Sierra de Aitana, Santa Pola

Did you know? On clear days, you can even see the island of Ibiza on the horizon from 800 meters!

4. Kayaking along the Cliffs of Moraira

The coast near Moraira and Jávea has spectacular rock formations, caves and hidden coves that are best explored by kayak. The Cova dels Arcs (a sea cave with open 'windows') is a particular highlight.

• Calm sea in the morning = perfect for beginners
• You get to places you can't reach by walking or swimming
• Beautiful view of the underwater life

Providers: Siesta Advisor Jávea , Fun & Quads Denia
Departure points: Playa del Portet, Cala Granadella

Did you know? The Cova dels Arcs is a popular spot for freedivers and is also called the 'cathedral of the sea'.

5. Canyoning in the Barranco del Infierno

For the real daredevils, there is canyoning : walking, climbing, jumping and abseiling through a deep gorge with water, rocks and slides. The most spectacular spot? The Barranco del Infierno in Vall de Laguar , also called "the hell's gorge" - but one you don't want to miss.

• 6+ hours of activity in a spectacular canyon
• More than 600 steps through natural stone stairs
• Abseiling from waterfalls (only in wet seasons)

Only do this with a guide if you are not an experienced canyoner!
Providers: Tronkos y Barrancos , Aventuring Turismo Activo

Did you know? The Barranco has over 6,800 steps – locals also call it the “Roman staircase of the mountains”.

Ready for Action?

Whether you’re diving into the depths of the Mediterranean, clambering up mountains or letting the wind take you, the Costa Blanca offers adventure for every type of traveller. And the best part? Everything is within an hour’s drive of each other. So you don’t have to choose – you can do it all!

Book your excursion locally or contact a licensed guide. And be sure to bring your GoPro – because you want to capture these travel moments!

Quick overview