Busot

Busot is a tiny village of around 3,200 people clinging to the slopes of the Sierra del Cabeçó d'Or, 24 km north of Alicante. It is most famous for the spectacular Cuevas de Canelobre — one of Spain's tallest cave chambers (45 m high), whose natural acoustics host classical concerts. The cool altitude (about 320 m), pine-clad sierras and panoramic views toward the coast make Busot a favourite escape for Alicantinos and a quiet residential choice for expats wanting mountain calm with the beach 20 minutes away.

Moorish settlement reconquered by Jaume I, later part of Alicante's defensive ring of inland villages. The Canelobre caves were used as an aircraft-engine repair workshop during the Spanish Civil War; opened to the public in the 1960s.

Quiet mountain-village life: hiking, gardening, cooler summer evenings on the terrace and Sunday lunches in the village restaurants. Many residents are weekenders from Alicante or northern European retirees in the surrounding urbanisations.

• 1.Visit the Cuevas de Canelobre — and catch a concert if scheduled
• 2.Hike the Cabeçó d'Or (1,210 m) — a classic Alicante summit
• 3.Walk the village viewpoints over Alicante bay
• 4.Sunday lunch at one of the village's mountain restaurants
• 5.Cycle the back roads to Aigües and Xixona

Hearty inland cooking: rice with rabbit and snails, grilled meats, mountain stews and the famous *turrón* of nearby Xixona.

A handful of rural houses (*casas rurales*) and B&Bs; no large hotels.

Continue exploring the Central Costa Blanca.