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Busot - trips around Alicante
The surroundings of Alicante offer much more than just beaches and the sea. One of the most beautiful trips you can take here is the journey into the interior. Remarkable natural and historical treasures are hidden here.
About 25 km north of Alicante you will find one of the most interesting villages we have ever visited in Spain – Busot and its beautiful Canelobre Caves.
Busot is a picturesque village at the foot of the Sierra de los Tajos mountain range and offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Spanish rural life. It has a rich history dating back to the Moorish period.
The center of the village is dominated by the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo Mártiro from the 16th century. Its facade contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and creates a typical Mediterranean image. It is one of the oldest architectural elements of the village and is very well maintained. Walking through the village you will find traditional Spanish houses with balconies decorated with flowers and colorful tiles.
The heart of the village is the square, where all the residents gather and you can have a delicious coffee here in a local restaurant. Busot is also famous for its culinary specialties. We recommend trying their almond muffins, sweet potato dumplings or their nougat. You will be thrilled.
You must also visit the Castillo de Busot. The castle is of Muslim origin and there is little information about its history. It is estimated to have been built sometime in the 13th century. The castle is freely accessible and is currently undergoing significant renovation. In any case, the ascent to it is short, slightly more demanding, but worth it - there are wonderful views of the landscape from here.
While you're in Busot, be sure to visit the ethnic music museum. There is an excellent display of instruments from all times, cultures and corners of the world. The collection belongs to the collection of renowned musicologist Carlos Blanco Fadol, the largest collector of ethnic instruments in the world.
You must also visit the Canelobre Caves. You must register to visit, preferably online. We were extremely lucky. We were here in December and had the tour almost to ourselves. And we have to say that it's definitely not the last time we've been here, it was absolutely breathtaking. Excellent guides play a big part in this. The Canelobre Caves are considered to be some of the highest caves in Europe. These impressive caves were formed 145 million years ago. During the Civil War (1936-1939), the Republican Army used this area for aircraft repairs. For this they built an access tunnel which is still used today. The cave was also damaged by these interventions.
Upon entering the cave, you are immediately struck by its monumental dimensions. The main chamber reaches a height of up to 70 meters, which corresponds to the height of a twenty-story building. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with fascinating stalactite formations that are shaped like candlesticks – hence the cave's name 'Canelobre', which means 'candlestick' in Spanish. Visitors can admire the diverse formations, from massive stalagmites growing from the ground to delicate stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Particularly impressive are the "curtains" - thin limestone slabs that look like translucent curtains suspended in space. The play of light and shadow, created by the cleverly placed lighting, further enhances the magical atmosphere of this underground world. The temperature inside the cave is around 18 °C all year round, so it is advisable to take a light jacket or sweater with you.
Busot and its surroundings will be absolutely unforgettable for you, as well as for us.
