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
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Bolulla - Ruta del Agua, The Water Route. Looking for something different to do? Enjoy the picturesque water route of Bolulla.
This beautiful hidden gem is located inland about half an hour drive from Benidorm, Altea or Calpe.
The Bolulla water route includes beautiful walkways, cascades, and an old mill.
The walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a gentle pace, making it suitable for families with children, and ideal for dog walkers, however there are some uneven pathways which are not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or anyone with walking difficulties.
Parking can be found at the start of the route (Ruta del Agua de Bolulla 03518 Bolulla, Alicante), indicated by signposts, as soon as you enter Bolulla, take the first road on the right where you will find several parking spaces. Once parked you will see the river on your left, continue straight on the unpaved road. A few meters ahead you will find a fork with private land on each side, you will then see the sign that indicates the direction of the route.
Continue walking until you see a steep pathway heading upwards, with ropes to help guide you, (These ropes seem to be a new addition) if you are feeling fit take the climb, when you reach the top you will see water coming out of a very small hole which feeds the Font dels Xorros. This part of the walk is not necessary to enjoy the rest of the route and is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or has any walking difficulties.
If you continue on the main path (ignoring the rope climb above) the first cascade you come across is the Font dels Xorros also known as Font de Renyinoyosa , which is particularly spectacular to see straight after any recent rainfall, but even after a dry summer there will still be a waterfall, this is a lovely place to sit and relax, enjoying the sound of the water.
If you visit after a recent rainfall the falls will be a lot heavier. The photos below were taken late September.
Next to the font you will find an information panel explaining the importance of the place for the inhabitants of the village.
Continue walking and follow a narrow walkway on the left you will come across a waterfall with a pool of crystal clear water where you can go down for a bracing dip. It is indicated on the signs as assut, which means water dam.
As you continue along the path you will see a small aqueduct that diverts the waters of the Azud to the municipal laundry and the orchards on the other side of the river.
The path then continues along a dirt track where you cross a little stream that sometimes carries a small amount of water, there are strategically placed rocks to help you cross.
From this point on the pathway is quite steep, if you continue you will come to the remains of the old flour mill, which was in operation until the 20th century, the flour mill was used by both the farmers of Bolulla and those of Tárbena, the nearest town.
There is a large pond located just above the mill which always has water.
The route ends here, at the road. From here, turn around and enjoy the same tour in reverse. One of the good things about linear routes is that, even if you pass through the same place, the landscape is different. And in addition, it allows you to enjoy places that you have already gone through from another angle.
Please remember that these places must be respected and preserved. Do not throw garbage, pick flowers, or dirty the water.
As this is only a short walk, we suggest driving through Taberna and continuing over the mountains and into the Jalon Valley before returning to Benidorm.
The famous Lo Pagan mud baths known as Las Charcas de las Salinas or Baños de lodo (mud baths), are situated just past, San Pedro del Pinatar, on the North bank of the Mar Menor (Small Sea) in the province of Murcia.
These therapeutic mud baths are located in the natural saltwater lagoons of the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park (a protected wetland known for its rich biodiversity and large bird population). These lagoons are known for their high salt and mineral content, which contributes to the healing properties of the mud.
Beginning at the small beach and old windmill, the mud baths stretch along the Punta del Algas headland. The mud baths themselves are separated from the rest of the Mar Menor by a small, paved strip of land and can be accessed from special wooden stations positioned along the water.
The mud in these lagoons is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, among others. These minerals are believed to have various benefits for the skin and body.
Many people visit the Lo Pagan mud baths to enjoy the natural exfoliating and detoxifying effects of the mud, as well as its potential to alleviate certain skin conditions and joint problems such as arthritis as the deep heat helps, they are also good for people with a lot of stress as the warmth takes the stress of your body.
For those suffering from skin conditions such as eczema the mud is very good. Although be careful of the graininess of the mud.
In the past the mud Baths were known as a fountain of youth as when the mud is drying the skin stretches and hereby reduces wrinkles.
The best time to visit - Lo Pagan, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Las Charcas de las Salinas is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are not extremely high. During these times, you can comfortably enjoy the mud baths and explore the surrounding area without the peak summer crowds. It is even possible to visit the Mud baths in the Winter as only the surface water can be a little bit cold and the mud will still be quite warm.
Lo Pagan Mud Baths
Finding and applying the mud
Walk along the promenade and select one of many wooden platforms/jetties to enter the “mud” You can enter directly from the shore, don’t be disappointed if you don’t feel any mud straight away, just walk a little bit further and you will find lots of mud and heat zones. The mud is warm, very warm making the water itself feel cool.
Tip - Bring a plastic container or a child's bucket and spade. so you can scoop the mud for application and a sponge to help remove it.
It is recommended that you do a patch test first, place a small amount of mud on a small area of skin, allow it to dry and wash it off, if you have no skin reactions you can then use your container to scoop up the mud and cover yourself in it, then sit or do the mud walk for 20 - 30 minutes until the mud is dry.
Tip - Make sure one person in your party keeps their hands mud free, so you can take loads of photos.
Warnings - The water doesn’t really smell, but the mud itself has quite a distinct sulfur, rotten egg smell, which you will soon get used to.
Your bathing suits will get quite black, so do not wear your best swim wear and use old towels.
Local legend dictates that the best way to maximize the benefits of the mud is to walk three kilometers to the Molino de la Calcetera Lighthouse, most choose to lounge by the lagoon and enjoy the views before washing off.
The rinsing - Go back into the water, and really wipe and scrub the mud off, it will not just wash away easily, this is where the sponge helps.
Then enjoy a swim in the Mar Menor on the opposite side of the promenade.
It's important to note that while many people find mud baths enjoyable and beneficial, individual experiences may vary. If you have any specific health concerns or conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before engaging in any therapeutic treatments.
There's a selection of nearby bars and restaurants to enjoy food and refreshments.
In addition to the mud baths, the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park offers other attractions, such as walking and cycling trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area, including the salt flats and sand dunes. You can also find information centers within the park that provide educational information about the local ecosystem.
The lagoons are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird species including flamingos.
Birdwatchers often visit the area to observe migratory birds, especially during the spring and autumn seasons.
Lo Pagan itself has a beautiful beach, boulevard and small marina and some great little tapas bars, specialites in the area are salted tuna, gray mullet and Mar Menor prawns, the star dish to look out for is caldero, which is similar to a Valencian Paella.
Getting to the Mud baths from Benidorm
Sadly this area is quite difficult to get to from Benidorm and there are no regular excursions, the easiest way would be to hire a car.
Car - Driving distance from Benidorm is around 133km and would take about an hour and a half, they are easy to reach via the AP-7 (take exit for San Pedro del Pinitar ) or just follow the N 332 in the direction of San Pedro del Pinitar and at the roundabout take the exit to Lo Pagan.
Access to Las Charcas is FREE, and there is parking available nearby, however, the parking areas fill up early, especially during the summer months.
Bus - It is possible to get to Lo Pagan by bus from Benidorm - Bus from Benidorm to Murcia 1hr 45 mins, 12 - 28€, Murcia to Lo Pagan 1hr 20 mins, 4 to 13€ and then a 16 minute walk to the mud baths themselves.
or Bus from Benidorm to Alicante 45 mins, 7 - 11€, then bus to Pillar de la Horadada 2hrs 35 mins 5 - 7€ then bus from Pillar to Lo Pagan 10 mins 1€ and again walk to the mud baths.
Tram, Train and Bus - Tram from Benidorm to Alicante (Luceros) 1hr 16 mins, 3 - 6€, 6 mins walk to Alicante Termino to Balsicas-San Javier 11 - 16€, catch the bus at Balsicas-San Javier to Lo Pagan 29mins 1 - 3€, the mud baths are a 16 minute walk from the bus station.
The Mar Menor is the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. It is approximately 170 square kilometers (66 square miles) in size, with a length of approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) and a maximum width of 13 kilometers (8 miles). The lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow strip of land known as La Manga.
The Mar Menor's water has a high salt concentration, making it noticeably saltier than the nearby Mediterranean Sea. The lagoon is fed by several rivers and natural springs, and its shallow depth helps maintain the warm water temperature, especially during the summer months. The salinity and warm water make it a unique environment with its own ecosystem.
The Mar Menor's coastline features sandy beaches that are popular among tourists and locals. The warm, calm, and shallow waters of the lagoon make it suitable for swimming, water sports, and leisure activities. The area around the Mar Menor is also known for its tourist resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
Find lots of other places to visit in this section of the website.
All about Villena which is pronounced the same as "Vienna" by some local Valencians or "Bienna". Villena is a medium-sized city in the province of Alicante (Northwest) and part of the Valencian Community, 95km from Benidorm. It is the capital of the comarca of the Alto Vinalopó.
Villena is the birthplace of the composer Ruperto Chapí.
Anyone driving past on the Madrid-Alicante autovía cannot help but notice the 12th-century castle towering majestically over the town.
The main sites to see here are:-
Castle of la Atalaya, built by the Moors in the 11th century
Tall and stately, the three storeys of Villena castle rise up proudly from the top of Mount San Cristobal, overlooking the capital of the region.
This is the largest castle on the Vinalopo Castle Route and one of the most impressive in the Province of Alicante. The name means vantage point or Castle of the Watch, also known as the Castle of the Pies Negros ('black feet') or simply Villena Castle, and has a total of 12 turrets along the outer fortress walls. This is a sturdy military building of Arab origin, It has no moat, and is built with a double walled enclosure.
All about Villena
Due to its great historical value and unique qualities, the castle was declared a "Historical Artistic Monument" in 1931. Restoration and archaeological excavations began in 1958 and continued on and off until 1990.
The outer wall is reinforced with twelve turrets along the outer fortress walls. The inner wall, which is taller, contains the imposing keep located at the southeast.
The tower has a square floor plan and is divided into four sections; the two lower sections are built of Almohad masonry, and the two upper levels of stonework.
The first floor conserves the traditional Almohad star-shaped ribbed vault, which makes it practically unique among Hispanic military architecture. It is topped with cantilevered turrets on the corners and sides.
Entrance fee - Normal price: 3.00€, reduced price: 1,50€ (groups, students, 65+) children under 7: FREE
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 14:00 guided tours upon reservation at: 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.
Tuesday to Saturday. Open from 16:00 to 18:00 Guided tour upon reservation at 16:30.
Closed: Monday all day and Sunday afternoons and holidays.
All about Villena
Municipal Palace (Town Hall) - Pl. de Santiago, nº 2
Built by Pedro de Medina at the beginning of the XVI century as a place of residence for the magisterial beneficiaries of the Temple of Santiago (abbey house), it was transferred in 1576 by the ecclesiastical town council, and acquired by the City Council for Casas Consistoriales, or a town hall.
The importance of the building is due to its Renaissance character, clearly seen on the façade, in two of its windows and in the double gallery patio with built-in staircase.
Its construction is attributed to Jacobo Florentino, a sculptor who had worked with Michelangelo in Florence, and after working in Granada and Murcia, died in Villena in 1526
In the middle of the 20th century, the upper part of the façade was enlarged, and the patio was also restored. The Municipal Palace of Villena was declared a Nacional Artistic Historical Monument in 1968.
Open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 14:00, Saturday, Sunday and Fiesta Days from 11:00 to 14:00
Santiago Church - Plaza de Santiago - Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
The construction of the archdeacon's church of Santiago dates from the 13th century. At the end of the 15th century, work was begun under the patronage of the Medina family to extend the church. These were concluded in the 16th century and involved the introduction of some of the church's most noteworthy Renaissance elements, such as the doorway into the sacristy, the chapter room and the baptismal font.
It is one of the most important Gothic-Renaissance sites in the Region of Valencia. Its floor plan has three naves, and there is a beautiful baptismal font in the interior. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.
Open for worship (free entrance): Monday to Thursday from 11:00h to 12:00h.
Masses from Monday to Saturday at 8:30h and 20:00h. Sundays and holy days at 8:30h, 12:00 and 20:00h.
Guided tours: Opening hours and tours from the Tourist Info Office in Villena, in Plaza de Santiago (next to the church)
From Tuesday to Saturday at 12:00 h and 13:15 h (duration 30 min).
On 25th December, 1st January and 6th January the guided tour will not be available due to holidays.
Price: 1€ (0.50€ with discount)
Santa Maria Church - Plaza Sta. María, 10
This church was built in the XVI century on the old Muslim mosque of Villena, at which time it became the church of El Rabal, the suburb outside the medieval walls of Villena.
The church consists of a single nave with a gothic ribbed vault supported by arches with Renaissance reliefs
The beautiful main façade stands out, framed by a baroque doorway that houses the Virgin of the Assumption in a niche. The church is declared a site of local relevance.
Villena Archaeological Museum- currently CLOSED due to being relocated.
Founded by archaeologist José María Soler García, which contains the Treasure of Villena.
The Treasure of Villena is the largest Bronze Age treasure hoard ever found on the Iberian Peninsula, and the second-largest ever found in Europe (the largest being Royal Graves hoard found in Mycenae, Greece). It consists of 59 items of various precious materials, such as gold, silver, iron, and amber. The entire hoard weighs almost 10 kg. The gold objects—which comprise about 90% of the collection—are made of 23.5 carat gold and include eleven bowls, three bottles, and 28 bracelets.
Getting to Villena
The easiest way is by car, but Alicante, Alcoy, and Elche have bus lines that connect to the town. Villena has a train station that connects to Alicante, Murcia, and Valencia. There is also a station on the high-speed AVE train between Alicante and Madrid. However, this station is situated quite a distance outside of the town so you would need a taxi to reach the town centre.
Whilst in this area visit Biar which also has an impressive castle and is also on the Vinalopocastle Route.
If coming from Benidorm/Alicante direction you could also visit Jijona castle and Turron Museum.
Find other places to visit on the Costa Blanca and beyond here.
All about Biar - The town of Biar is situated 39km from Alicante and 82km from Benidorm, located in the “ Sierra Mariola” mountain range in the province of Alicante. Biar is known for its production of dolls, blankets, forged metal goods and pottery.
Biar was called Apiarum by the Romans, which meant ‘Beehive’, during Roman times it was a major producer of honey, but the origins of the name have long been questioned as in Arabic the word ‘Apiarum’ means ‘Place of Springs.’
The one thing you can not miss as you approach Biar from any direction is the impressive 12th century castle which majestically overlooks this quaint town, the castle is part of the Vinalopo Castle Route.
Step back in time and pay a visit Biar.
Places to visit in Biar
The castle of Biar
The castle is located on a rocky hill at 750 meters above sea level and is of Muslim (Arab) origin It was built in the 12th century by the Almohads, and reinforced from the mid-13th century onwards.
In February, 1245, King James I conquered Biar, after this historic event, the castle was used for defence purposes, monitoring the southern border of Valencia. Biar was a strategic point due to its location on the frontier between the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile.
Biar Castle was declared a national monument on June 4th, 1931.
All about Biar
The castle is in a good state of conservation, and comprises a double enclosure. The exterior, which follows the shape of the hill has four semi-cylindrical towers at the corners, all with battlements and arrow slits, there are only curtain walls to the south of the fortress as the northern side is protected by a sheer rockface. The interior also has three semi-cylindrical towers
The castle you can see today is the result of many modifications made over the years.
The great Master or Homage tower is 19 meters high and is built with lime and sand mortar, square and consists of three floors, on the 1st floor is a Traditional Almohad ribbed vault, the only example of its kind in Spanish military architecture and considered the oldest, in Almohad style vaults.
At the foot of the castle extends the medieval old barbican.
The castle gives you spectacular panoramic views over the remains of the town walls, Medieval towers the towns historic centre and the Vinalopo Valley.
Opening times - from 10:15 - 13:45, entry 1€
It is quite a steep climb up the hill to the castle, from the car park, and some of the interior is quite uneven, so a good pair of flat shoes is recommended.
Driving down from the castle to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, you cross the old preserved and renovated town, full of fountains and stairs, this drive is not for the faint hearted.
Municipal Ethnographic Museum - 1 Calle Mayor, next to the Plaza de España
The building where the museum is located is from the nineteenth century, and its works and objects have been exhibited since 1999. It consists of more than 1000 pieces.
The Museum has three floors with an elevator so that disabled people can access the different floors..
Each section has a QR where there is a summary explanation of the most significant objects.
ADMISSION: 1€
All about Biar
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción - Situated in the Plaza de la Constitución, this Renaissance Gothic church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgine and dates back to the 15th century and is defined by its plateresque door, baroque belltower and churrigueresque communion chapel.
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Gracia. Also known as Santuario de Biar, this incredible building is nestled in one of the most beautiful settings in the county, in the heart of Sierra Fontanella.
The Sanctuary consists of three naves, the central one covered with ribbed vaults, with stuccoes and fresco painting and the shields of Biar and Aragon.
Find fresco paintings of remarkable artistic value by Tomas Belando, (1757) the altar has a dressing room that forms its own, isolated space, where the image of the Virgin (the patron saint of the town) is kept.
Attached to the sanctuary is the hermit's house, and next to it the Hospedería that was for a few years the residence of the Franciscan Capuchins, a religious order that remained in Biar for 321 years.
Acueducto Ojival - This a 70m-long aqueduct dating back to 1490 by Pere Compte, who was considered one of the best architects of the time. The waterway was used to carry irrigation water and aimed to save the Rambla dels Molins from overflooding.
The aqueduct is built forming three eyes: two of them, with pointed arches and the southernmost is a lowered semicircular arch.
Recommended nearby places to Visit - Jijona.
Find lots of other places to visit on the Costa Blanca here.