In the heart of the Sierra de Aitana, at an altitude of 1,000 meters and just over an hour and a half from Valencia, there is a place where visitors get into their cars, roll down the windows, and come face to face with African elephants, giraffes, lions, and tigers. No cages. No walls. No glass.
The Aitana Safari Park, in the Alicante municipality of Penàguila, is the only safari park in the Valencian Community.
The park covers 1.5 million square meters of mountainous terrain in the province of Alicante. Within this space, more than 700 animals from over 60 species from five continents live together: Europe, Africa, Asia, America, and Oceania.
The main route is done in your own car along approximately 7 kilometers of internal tracks. Unlike a conventional zoo, here the animals move freely across large areas of land.
Visitors remain inside their vehicles while giraffes stretch their necks next to the window or a herd of zebras crosses the road at a leisurely pace.
How Safari Aitana was created
Safari Aitana opened its doors in August 1975, although construction began two years earlier, in 1973. It was the brainchild of Juan Sevila and María van Soldt, a married couple who wanted to create a space where animals could live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. Today it is run by Juan Daniel, the founders’ son.
Safari Aitana is recognized as an official shelter by the CITES ( Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) agency of the Alicante delegation. It also collaborates with SOIVRE and SEPRONA.
What animals are there at Safari Aitana?
Among the species in the park are African elephants, lions, tigers, jaguars, hippos, water buffalo, llamas, lynxes, wolves, meerkats, and a wide variety of birds.
Safari Aitana also takes in animals that have been confiscated or come from individuals who are unable to care for them.
How to visit Safari Aitana
The main visit is made in the visitor’s own car, with no need for prior reservation. Access to the park is open from 11:00 a.m., and the last entry is allowed at 4:00 p.m.
For those who want a more personalized experience, the park offers private guided tours in your own vehicle with an exclusive guide and even the possibility of feeding some of the animals, although this option requires prior reservation.
Admission for adults costs €25 in 2026, and €21 for children aged 4 to 10. Children under 4 are free.
Safari Aitana is located on the CV-785 road, km 20, in Penàguila (Alicante). It is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Valencia and about 45 minutes from Alicante city.
The surroundings of the Sierra de Aitana add to the appeal of the getaway: nearby villages such as Alcolecha and Sella are ideal for rounding off the visit with a meal or a hike.