No, you are correct Alcoy is not next-door to Torrevieja but if you are interested in nature it is most definitely worth a trip as you will have a chance to see the magnificent Griffon Vultures.

Alcoy is a pleasant enough “working” as opposed to “tourist” Spanish town about an hour’ and a half’s drive (120 km) from Torrevieja and is well-signposted off the Madrid motorway. Equally it could be a pleasant stop-off on any trip to Valencia or Barcelona

There are many Griffon Vultures just outside the old university town of Alcoy and can always be seen easily. It is a re-introduction project into this area and carcases are provided for these birds which is resulting in a great success for these huge majestic birds.

To get to the best spot to view them, follow signs to Alcoy from junction 70 on the AP7 (journey time ca 1 hour). When dropping down into the centre of Alcoy go over the large bridge and at the roundabout in the centre of town take the last exit. Travelling out of town you pass Alcoyano football ground on your left. Keep travelling on this road out of the town and you go steeply uphill and then through a tunnel. After the tunnel take the second turning to the right and follow this road until you come to a fork in the road. Take the left fork and you will eventually travel uphill where there is a small parking area near the top on your right.

Park here and walk up the path (about a 1km walk, reasonably easy). At the top the vultures are more than obvious and you will get some very close sightings.

I thank Malcolm Byrom for the above information. You can find more from the Costa Blanca Bird Club here

Some Photos

Griffon Vulture

Griffon Vulture