Standing in the Alicante province itself are two prominent safari parks which are within easy reach from Alicante. Here is a guide to these two parks:
Vergel Safari Park
Featuring lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, zebras, a series of primates, and Iberian wolves inhabiting freely in their natural habitat is the Vergel Safari Park which is located just beyond the town of Ondara on the Northern shoulder of the Costa Blanca. The park also has a safer zone for walks among less dangerous animals like pigs, ponies and other domestic breeds. There is also a seal and dolphin area, where shows are put on several times per day. Apart from a wide variety of animal species, the park also has a lot of activities like go carts, mini trains, and children’s play areas. You can reach this park through the main A7 toll road (motorway) of Alicante or you could take the N-332 coastal road towards Valencia, turning off at Pego on the C-311 just after Ondara. The park is open during the summer months, from 10am-7pm, and winter months from 10am-5pm.
Aitana Safari Park
Aitana Safari Park stands on a high elevation of the Aitana mountain range, near the village of Sella, and approximately 33km inland from Benidorm. The park takes pride in its vast collection of animals like lions, tigers, elephants, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe. Children enjoy the zoo area and the Daktari Park which is a nursery used to raise the youngest animals. Vistors can also enjoy themselves at the picnic area or dine at the restaurant specialising in local foods. The park can be reached by taking the A7 toll road or the N-332 coastal road to Villajoyosa, and then head towards La Sella, passing through Orxeta. The park is approximately 15 km after La Sella near the town of Penaguila. The Aitana Safari Park opens at 11am daily throughout the year.
Apart from these two most prominent parks is the Rio Safari Elche, which features many different types of animals, including lions, tigers, primates, many crocodiles, exotic birds and dolphins. Other attractions include swimming pools and water slides. There is a dolphin display put on daily. The park is located 4kms from Santa Pola on the Elche-Santa Pola road (CV-865).