easy
4 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking on uneven terrain required
Discover the rugged beauty and cultural depth of Novelda with Costa Blanca Tour Services. From marble sanctuaries to award-winning wineries, this 4-hour tour packs Alicante’s heritage and landscapes into one unforgettable trip.
Just inland from the Mediterranean coast, Alicante offers more than sun and sea—it leads you to the rugged landscapes and cultural riches around Novelda, a town defined by its marble quarries, vineyards, and historic landmarks. Costa Blanca Tour Services presents a compelling 4-hour journey that reveals this quiet but striking corner of Alicante province. The tour begins with a visit to the Santuario-Castillo, a fortress-like sanctuary perched above Novelda. Its dramatic silhouette carved from the region’s characteristic marble stands as a rugged monument to local heritage and religious devotion, visible from miles around. Walking the site gives an intimate look at intricate architectural details formed from the very stone that shapes the landscape.
From there, the tour shifts to Novelda’s rolling vineyards — a less-trodden terrain bursting with life and aroma as the vines stretch under the warm Spanish sun. The highlight is an immersive stop at Casa Cesilia, an award-winning winery where guests get a guided walkthrough of winemaking methods that blend centuries-old tradition with contemporary craft. Here, wine tasting isn’t just sampling; it’s an education in the unique profiles shaped by Alicante’s limestone and clay soils.
This combination of cultural architecture, raw geological beauty, and vinicultural expertise makes Costa Blanca Tour Services a standout operator in the region. It’s a rare chance to experience Alicante from a grounded, authentic perspective that connects land, history, and taste. Perfect for travelers who want more than a surface-level visit, Novelda’s marble, bodegas, and Santuario offer a balanced palette of sensory and intellectual discovery, just a quick drive from Alicante city center.
The tour includes some uneven stone paths at the Santuario-Castillo and winery grounds—sturdy footwear is recommended.
Walking through vineyards and open spaces under the sun can be dehydrating, so carry water to stay refreshed.
Visits to Casa Cesilia winery include tastings that are scheduled—confirm your booking to avoid missing out.
Alicante’s sun can be strong, even outside peak summer months, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
Novelda’s marble industry dates back centuries, and the Santuario-Castillo reflects early 20th-century architectural innovation blending modernism with Gothic revival styles.
Efforts focus on sustainable vineyard practices and protecting the limestone quarry areas from overdevelopment to preserve the region’s natural and cultural landscape.
Necessary for navigating cobbled paths and vineyard terrain safely and comfortably.
Protects skin from Alicante’s strong sunshine during outdoor parts of the tour.
spring|summer|fall specific
Keep hydrated throughout your visit, especially when the sun is high.
Useful for cooler mornings or evenings when temperatures can drop.
spring|fall|winter specific