Laberinto Casa Tapena located in Onil, situated in the region of L'alcoià, at the foot of the Sierra de Onil, just a short distance inland from Alicante and about 77km (approx 50 minutes drive) from Benidorm, this hidden gem is well worth a visit with its maze and gardens.
Find Casa Tapena on the CV-802/903 just over 1km from the centre of Onil. Address: Laberinto Casa Tapena, Partida de, Carrer de Favanella, s/n, 03430 Onil, Alicante
Casa Tápena was built in 2002 and covers an area of 8 hectares, it was born under the slogan "four landscapes, a thousand roads and an idea", in reference to the four different areas which you will find to explore.
There are plenty of parking spaces a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, a few tapas dishes and bocadillos, the toilets are large, clean and well maintained.
As you head away from the car park up towards the main casa (house) you will find a large BBQ/Picnic area and children's playground.
Please note - The use of barbecues depends on the level of risk of forest fire, which is decided by the Generalitat Valenciana. If this is extreme (level 3) or extraordinary they cannot be used, and can be closed without prior notice.
The first area is agricultural and displays many of the native species of the province of Alicante, such as olive trees, vines, almond trees, quinces, apple trees, cherry trees, walnut trees, fig and strawberry trees (Madrone) one of which is said to be the largest in the province.
Laberinto Casa Tapena Onil
The second and most popular area is the MAZE (labyrinth) which is one of the largest in Spain measuring 7,056 m2. The challenge is to negotiate the maze and reach the centre, touch the tall cedar tree, close your eyes and make a wish, then get out again without getting lost or cheating.
Entrance to the Maze is just the other side of the fountain pictured below.
Laberinto Casa Tapena Onil
The third section is the Mediterranean Garden, stroll among the plants and hedges and enjoy the views, while listening to the sound of water from the fountain. Walk higher you will find access to a "Secret Garden"
The fourth section is the wetland, which takes advantage of the nearby natural spring which creates a small pond where you will find aquatic species, above this section is a small Aleppo pine forest where you can walk and relax.
As you head back to the Mediterranean Garden enjoy the wonderful aroma of the rose gardens.
The Casa Tápena: building houses the offices of Alicante natura where there is a classroom and exhibition area for environmental education activities. Among them it has a didactic bee hive, where you can watch the hard working bees, so at certain times during the week you will find school trips taking place.
Opening Hours - Entrance is FREE
From Monday to Friday: from 9:00 to 14:00.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 9:00 to 18:00 (summer from 9:00 to 20:00).
Closed on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January
What to see in Onil
Onil is known as the birthplace of the doll. Ramon Mira, manufactured the first Spanish dolls around 1870 which were made of clay. Visit the Museuo del la Muneca (the doll museum) which is housed inside a 19th century mansion.
Access is via guided tour only, but this is free of charge., but it is possible to just turn up about 10 minutes before a scheduled tour. On certain days, you can link your museum tour with a tour of a real doll factory. The guide is in Spanish, but a recorded information is provided for non-Spanish speakers.
From Tuesday to Sunday - 12.00
Saturdays - 18.00 hours
Museo del Aceite (the olive oil museum), Museo de los Festeros (the museum of festivals) and Museo de los Reyes Magos de Oriente (the museum of the Three Wise Men).
Castillo de Onil, also known as Palacio Fortaleza del Marqués de Dos Aguas, is a good place to start your explorations of the town. This Site of Cultural Interest sits on Plaza Mayor, flaunting Gothic and Renaissance styles complete with four robust towers. One of these has been transformed into the belltower of the local church, where you will find a 15th century altarpiece. The fortress houses a museum dedicated to local festivals, celebrations and customs, some of which are unique to the town.
Other points of interest in the town include an air-raid shelter dating back to the Spanish Civil War and a beautifully conserved 18th-19th century ice house located at Call Pouet.
Onil is also a place of festivals. Dating back three centuries, the town’s Moors and Christians celebrations fill the streets with music, colour and intricate costumes. Another interesting event is Nit dels Fatxos, held on Christmas Eve, in which locals parade torches made of esparto, creating beautiful interplays of light. Both festivals have been declared Events of Tourist Interest.
Other nearby places to visit - Castalla Castle
Like/Follow Benidorm Seriously on Facebook for information and news.
