Holiday on the Costa Blanca: what do I need to know before I go?

Where is the Costa Blanca?

The province of Alicante is located on the southeastern coast of Spain, within the Valencian Community region of Spain. It's here that the popular stretch of coastline known as the Costa Blanca is found, bordered by the Costa del Azahar to the north and the Costa Cálid to the south, and with Alicante and Benidorm being the two major tourist centres.

When to visit Costa Blanca?

Due to its temperate climate, Costa Blanca has an annual average of 18 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal destination all year around. Although, it is still recommended to come for summer holiday, for example between July and August, or for a long weekend, for example in June or September.

Why visit the Costa Blanca?

This coastline on the east coast of Spain offers extraordinary landscapes. Its 18 kilometers of coastline allow the Costa Blanca to have magnificent white sand beaches. It also has many towns and villages to visit full of rich and sumptuous aesthetic and culture. Finally, the local customs, particullary their culinary specialties or their singular traditions, make the region shine. Costa Blanca is proving to be a perfect destination for summer holidays during which you can discover the history and customs of a region, but also abandon yourself to lazing about on the beach. 

What to see on the Costa Blanca?

This stretch of Mediterranean coastline is full of interesting places to visit, with natural scenery, beautiful beaches and pretty towns. Alicante, for example, is a port city with its charming Barrio de la Santa Cruz old town, offers quaint narrow streets, coloured houses and a lively atmosphere. A steep climb up to the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, provides sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Benidorm is another lively seaside resort, while complete relaxation awaits you on Playa del Albrir in Albrir, or Playa de la Fossa in Calpe.

The most beautiful places on the Costa Blanca:

• The Peñon de Ifac in Calpe where you can have a getaway in the mountains through a tunnel. The latter ends with a drop of 330 meters which gives rise to stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Duke of Levante's promenade in Torrevieja. A beautiful soothing stroll along a pontoon facing; the sea, enough to fill your lungs with sea air.
• The sumptuous Pink Lake of Torrevieja. A water of a pretty pink color which offers a unique ornithological ecosystem and a landscape to explore. Breathtaking.
• Fonts de l'Algar, an extraordinary waterfall formed by the river Algar. Clear water surrounded by two steep cliffs which gives a unique spectacle. A nice treasure to enjoy only 3 kilometers from Callosa d'en Sarrià.

Which activities are not to miss on the Costa Blanca?

The shores of the Alicante province abound with activities of all kinds to delight you during your stay and fill you with thrills and escapes. The first characteristic of the Costa Blanca is its status as a seaside resort. Many nautical activities are possible, but not only! Here is a selection of the best hobbies to enjoy during your time on the coast:

• Take a cruise on a Catamaran to witness the a sunset over the sea.
• Try Fly board in Calpe. Soar above the water and admire the horizon. Thrills are guaranteed.
• Scuba dive in the exceptional nature reserve of Cabo San Antonio. Groupers, rays, moray eels and many other riches of Mediterranean fauna await you for an adventure in the seabed.
• The region also has many Golf clubs such as Las Colinas Golf, La Sella Golf, or Vistabella Golf. Golf lovers will be delighted in these "greens" located in exceptional settings.

What are the essential places to visit on the Costa Blanca?

The Costa Blanca has many monuments and museums. As beautiful as they are impressive and as diverse as they are culturally rich, here are the monuments and museums of the region:

• The Castle of Santa Barbara and its fortifications dominate the beautiful city of Alicante. Dating back to the 9th century and the period of "Al-Andalus" under Arab domination, it constitutes a true heritage for the region.
• The Belvedere of the Castle of Benidrom. Located in the ruins of an ancient fort supposed to defend the city from pirate incursions, this "balcony of the Mediterranean" offers a breathtaking view of the expanse of the sea.
• The Archeological Museum of Alicante which tells you the story of Spain and the city over the centuries. Between extraordinary Mayan pieces and Roman jewels. An odyssey into the confines of History is offered to you.
• Again to Alicante, quench your curiosity with the splendid archaeological site named"The Ciudad descubierta". The relics of Antiquity are witnesses of what the region was like in the past.

What are the most beautiful villages on the Costa Blanca?

The beachfront of  the Valencia autonomous region is full of picturesque towns and villages with multiple charms. Here is a selection of the most beautiful of them:

• Denia, a port city surrounded by Islamic walls dating from the 11th century which give it a unique beauty. The city in addition to its beautiful decorations, is designated as Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.
• Altea with its pristine walls, fishing port, and old town. Walking its streets gives you an escape of the spirit.
• Vila Joiosa, built on the ancient ruins of a Roman city named Allon. A palette of a thousand and one shades colors this village which overflows with charm.
• Calpe and its rock over 300 meters high. It is a natural ornithological reserve and at the same time a magical setting overlooking the town of Calpe.

What are the best beaches along the Costa Blanca?

The Costa Blanca is above all famous for its sumptuous beaches. We have therefore selected you a range of the most beautiful beaches that make the prestige of the Spanish coasts.

• La Playa de Levante in Benidorm. Lots of activities and exposure to the sun up to late afternoon for all day sunbathing.
• Playa de San Juan. Situated only six kilometers from Alicante, a wide expanse of white sand that seems to reach as far as infinity stands before you.
• Playa del Moraig in Javea. A sumptuous cove. An ideal place to relax or observe the seabed with a mask and snorkel.
• Playa el Paraiso in Villajoyosa. More than a kilometer of sand for a peaceful day. A corner of paradise to bask in the Spanish sun during your dream vacation.