COSTA BLANCA
A beautiful coastline, boasting some of the best
EEC blue flag beaches in Europe all with blue transparent waters. The wonderful
climate allows you to enjoy the varying types of beaches from long stretches of
fine sand, to bays with rugged cliffs, to sand dunes all year round. Inland are
important marshlands and salt lagoons serving as habitats for numerous protected
species including the Flamingo and Montagu’s Harrier. These large lagoons dating
back to the 12th century are currently amongst the most important in Europe. As
well as providing a sanctuary for wildlife the salt lagoons draw moisture out of
the atmosphere creating a uniquely dry microclimate. The salt lagoons are
attributed in helping to improve the conditions of people suffering from
arthritis, asthma and rheumatism. The waters of the lagoon are also rumoured to
have curative properties and it is not uncommon to see people bathing in them.
Served by two major International airports (Alicante and Murcia), both within
two hours flight time from the UK, an excellent motorway network, express coach
services, and good train services, this unique area is not only one of the
prettiest areas of Spain but also one of the easiest to get to.
Known as the ‘Market Garden of Europe’ the Costa Blanca South is one of the gastronomic
centres of Spain. Its plentiful daily markets display a staggering and mouth
watering array of fresh fish, meats and every conceivable variety of fruit and
vegetables.
With bustling fishing villages, numerous marinas, many bars and
restaurants, an excellent range of top class golf clubs and other sporting
facilities, and a thoroughly modern infrastructure the southern Costa Blanca
really does offer paradise to everyone.
Attractions
The Costa
Blanca is the coastline that stretches 170 miles along Spain's east coast
centred on Alicante and running from Valencia in the north to La Manga in the
south. It is famous for the resort of Benidorm which has a reputation for being
a unique family resort. The countryside at the north end of the Costa Blanca is
attractively mountainous and rocky. All the resorts have plenty to offer for
tourists and have a wide selection of accommodation both near the beach and
rising up the hillside.
The area is well serviced by Alicante airport. Alicante
is a holiday resort in itself and offers a wonderful city with great shopping.
Just south of the airport lies the resort of Torrevieja with it's sandy beach
and lively market, several golf courses and wonderful accommodation. Near
Cartegena is the well known sports and golf complex of La Manga.
Inland from the beaches lies one of Spain's most fertile areas, well known for the citrus trees
that supply fruit worldwide, almond trees that blanket the ground with rich
blossom and date palms in massive forests. The Costa Blanca is one of those
resorts where everyone can find their place in the sun, from cosmopolitan towns
where life goes on 24 hours a day to sleepy little villages where the peace and
tranquillity is unique.
The best known traditional dances on the Costa Blanca are the Jota Valenciana and the Jota Murciana. These
can be performed either solo or in pairs and although the partners do not
actually make contact with each other, the movements are both vigorous and
gracious. The dancers are accompanied by musicians playing guitars or other
instruments introduced to the area by the Moors. Flamenco is also popular here.
When it comes to fiestas and festivals, there are so many on the Costa Blanca,
you are bound to see one wherever you are, whatever time of year. As with the
rest of Spain, one of the most important events is the Semana Santa or Easter
Week. These deeply religious celebrations are somewhat overwhelming.
Sports and recreation Much of a holiday on the Costa Blanca will be spent on one of the wonderful beaches and there are hundreds of
miles of them. Most of the major resorts have facilities for water sports such
as skiing, boating, jet-skiing etc and several have diving and snorkelling
available. Skuba-diving has taken off in a big way on the Costa Blanca. Wind
surfing is one of Spain's fastest growing sports and on this coast it is
popular.
The area has a good climate that is pleasant most of the year and the average annual temperature is 18º. The humidity here is low and
is especially good for sufferers of arthritis. The beaches here are one of the
biggest attractions to tourists and most of them comprise of wonderfully clean,
white sand. Most of the resorts offer a wide range of watersports.
Alicante
The region of Alicante is located on the eastern coast of Spain and is part of
the Costa Blanca, wedged between Murcia in the south, and Valencia in the north.
The city of Alicante is on the coastline between Benidorm and Elche. Alicante
city has a population of over 300,000 and combines both classic and modern
societies, living in harmony. It offers business and pleasure, entertainment and
education. It's history reaches back to prehistoric times with remains being
found here from the third century before Christ.
Today, Alicante is a first rate tourist centre thanks to its splendid beaches, excellent climate and well known
facilities. Besides it's golden beaches and impressive Paseo Maritimo, Alicante
has a wealth of history to offer the visitor and has an impressive mountain-top
castle. The city also has a range of 18th century manor houses, all worthy of a
visit. Among it's churches is the Iglesia de Santa Maria, which is the oldest church in the city and was built between the 14th and
16th centuries. It was once the main mosque during Moorish times. Its front
comprises of two solid looking towers and wonderful Baroque stonework. The
church houses several important works of art. The Cathedral de San Nicolas was
built between 1616 and 1662 and stands over 45 metres tall. The Communion Chapel
inside is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish
Baroque. St Nicolas is the patron saint of the city so this Cathedral is one of
the most important buildings in the city. The Monastery de la Santa Faz is 5km
from the city centre and is now used as a convent of the order of St Clare.
Although being built in 1752, there are remains here dating from 1582 in the
form of a defence tower.
Scattered around the city are numerous statues and
columns dedicated to patrons of the city. Many of the roundabouts contain a
monument of some description.
When it comes to museums, Alicante has its fair share. The archaeology museum, created in 1932 has an extensive collection of
artifacts and is known to be one of the best in Spain. The museum is now housed
in a new building and incorporates the most modern of multimedia displays. The
Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.
It occupies the entire summit and a large proportion of the slopes of the
Benacantil mountain. It commands a unique look-out over the coastline, the Bay
of Alicante and the surrounding farmland. Remains from the Bronze-age have been
discovered on this site. The castle has three enclosures of differing dates,
each with unique features. The castle can be accessed by a road leading up the
western slope of the mountain, winding its way through pine trees. You can also
visit the castle by means of an elevator that ascends from the Paseo Maritimo.
Entrance to the castle very reasonable.
Alicante also has an array of palaces worth visiting, including the Gavina Palace which now houses the
Provincial Gallery with fine paintings from the 19th century. The main theatre
dates from 1847 and is a fine example of classical construction.
Alicante is a major education centre and has an impressive university, founded in 1979. At
present it has over 30,000 students on a campus covering over one million square
metres. The university has six higher schools, seven colleges and seven
university institutes. It has branches in several provincial towns.
Recreation is the key word in Alicante and to this end there are numerous parks, gardens
and plazas in which to soak up the sun and the atmosphere. Most have impressive
water features, monuments and statues.
When it comes to beaches, the Playa de San Juan is considered to be one of the finest in Spain. A broad beach, some 5km
long that has all the facilities you would expect, from hotels, bars,
restaurants and even an 18 hole golf course. There are three small coves,
Palmera, Cantalares and Judios. They are difficult to access and therefore
appropriate as nudist beaches. The small, sandy Almadraba beach and the well
hidden Albufereta beach are ideal for watersports in safe surroundings. Further
south is the Playa del Coco, next to the regional railway station. This beach
connects to Playa del Postiguet, located close to the city centre, with an
attractive promenade, flanked by palm trees. The last of the city's beaches is
Saladar, broad, sandy and open. The pedestrian walkway here gives panoramic
views of the bay of Alicante.
Located 11 miles south of Alicante is a guitar-shaped island with a total area of 30 hectares. The Island of Tabarca has
a curious history and has a firm place in ancient Greek history. It was once a
refuge for Berber pirates and in 1760, King Carlos III ordered a fortress to be
built here. It is possible to take a boat ride from Alicante to the island. The
old quarter of the city is a maze of small streets climbing the hill. Many of
the streets are lined with curios balconies and multi-coloured buildings. Higher
up are white-washed houses that offer panoramic views of the city and the bay.
The harbour has been the strength of the city for centuries, sending products
abroad and bringing in goods from all over the world. It was once the port of
Madrid. Today, modern facilities combine with tradition and history to provide a
thriving centre. As well as a working fishing fleet there are pleasure crafts
and passenger vessels, nautical schools and sailing clubs. There is also a wide
selection of bars and restaurants. Some of the finest fish restaurants can be
found here as well as a pulsating nightlife.
Alicante is a cultural centre and has a varied selection of events and fiestas. At the end of June a traditional
arts and crafts market is staged in Plaza de la Santisima Faz and nearby
streets. The event has a medieval theme. During July and August the new
esplanade in front of the port comes alive for the summer festival with constant
theatrical performances and concerts. The fist ten days of December sees the
International Puppet Festival that attracts people from all over the world - one
of the finest events of it's kind in the world.
An excursion inland can be made to Busot to see the Cuevas del Canelobre.
The caves are 24km from Alicante and house the highest vaults in the whole of
Spain. The interior reminds you of a cathedral interior with it's coloured
lights illuminating the rock and mineral formations. Busot also offers the
visitor many hiking routes with unique views and a range of restaurants with
local cuisine. More caves can be found at Vall d'Ebo, some 30km from Denia.
Elche
Some 23km inland from Alicante is the capital of the El Baix
district and the Valencian region's third largest city in terms of population.
Elche had it's original location at L'Alcudia where the bust of the Lady of
Elche was found, however the city was moved by the Moors to it's current
position, surrounded by groves of palm trees. Today over 300,000 officially
protected palm trees in the city lend it a somewhat exotic air. These palms are
evident on every street corner and can be especially enjoyed in the well-tended
city park and just a short walk away in the Huerto del Cura (Priest's Garden),
where a palm in the form of a seven-armed candelabra is a good example of the
freaks of nature.
When King James I conquered the city, the victorious Christians occupied the Vila Murada or walled city and the Moors moved to the
Ravel area, where a contemporary art gallery is now situated. In the historical,
old section of the city amongst the most interesting sights are the Altamira
Palace, the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Moorish fortress and the Moorish Baths.
The municipal park in Elche is a wonderful place to enjoy both the sun and the
shade. The park is filled with tall palms, water features, band stands and much
more. On the other side of the road is the outdoor swimming pool and the sports
park where all manner of sports take place. The tourist office is located in the
corner of the park.
The River Vinalopo runs through Elche and has several
impressive crossing points. If you stay close to the river you are guaranteed to
see the best of the sights including the Basilica, the Palacio, the Museo de la
Festa and the old town market. The tourist board can issue you with a street
plan that has suggested routes marked on it to ensure you get the most from your
visit.
All over Elche are splendid buildings with intricate stonework and a fair
share of statues and monuments. Look out for the Lady of Elche. Be sure to walk
and make sure you have good walking shoes on and take plenty of water with you.
Further afield, a great day out can be had at the Rio Safari park, located on
the Elche - Santa Pola road. The park has a wide range of animals on display as
well as swimming pools and water slides. There are also dolphin displays to
watch.
Benidorm
The biggest holiday resort on the Costa Blanca. Nowadays
the 6km of beach area along Benidorm' s frontage attracts an average 180,000
people. It hasn't always been like that though. It was once a sleepy fishing
village - before the holiday boom of the 70's.
The council now provide such things as free jazz and classical concerts. Families from all over Europe flock to
Benidorm in the summer and in the winter, the hotels and apartments fill with
pensioners, enjoying the climate for the winter months.
The shopping areas are typical touristy shops offering all manners of goods. Benidorm has a youthful
and pulsating nightlife with many discos and nightclubs, endless bars and fine
restaurants. Here you can party till dawn.
Benidorm has two crescent shaped beaches with golden sand that is always well cared for and clean. This makes it
an ideal family holiday resort. The old part of Benidorm sits on the piece of land that divides the two beaches and is about the
size of a postage stamp. A fort stood here until 1812 when the British and
Spanish troops blew it up whilst expelling the French. The greatest
concentration of shops and entertainment is to be found here. This point that
divides the beaches is called Canfali Hill.
In Benidorm you can entertain yourself on the beaches, sample go-karting, ten-pin bowling or take in two theme
parks, the water features at Aqualand or watch a dolphin show.
Located just north of Benidorm is Calpe, a resort worthy of a visit. Further north is Denia
which is again very much a family resort. A quiet little town that was once the
centre of the region's raisin growing industry. Although tourism has taken over,
raisins are still grown here and remain to be a local delicacy. The main avenue
in Denia is the Plaza de la Constitucion where you can sit and watch the world
go by. Here you will find a wonderful 17th century church. The area around Denia
has been voted the third healthiest place to live by the World Health
Organisation.
Another quaint little town north of Benidorm is Altea where careful development and planning has maintained the tranquil atmosphere and
character. There are 257 steps up to the old town from which a wonderful view can be had. Inland from
Benidorm The mountains you see on the horizon are fragrant with wild lavender
and herbs and in July and August blackberries are abundant, ready for the
taking.
Drive south on the motorway to Villajoyosa then take the smaller road to
Sella. The countryside is bland until you look down to see the blue waters of
the Amadorio Dam, a fisherman's favourite. From Sella, the road winds higher
through a terraced hillside, filled with vines until you reach the Safari
Aitana, one of the largest safari parks in Europe. From here make for Guadalest
(25km from Benidorm), where you will find the famous fortress built by the Moors
some 1,200 years ago. The fortress is only accessible through a 50 feet long
tunnel through the rock. From here take the Parcent road for 2.5km to stumble
upon the El Algar Waterfalls. Leave your car in the car park and walk to the 80
foot falls. It is possible to swim in the cold waters beneath them or take a
donkey ride round the area.
10km further along the C3318 is Tarbena, an extraordinary mountain village, famous for it's delicious sausages.
There is no doubt that within just a short drive from the coast you can see such a diversity
of different landscapes and cultures which makes the Costa Blanca an ideal
destination for any kind of holiday.
Major villages, towns and cities in Costa Blanca
Agost, Alcoy, Alicante, Almoradi, Altea, Banyeres, Belda, Beniarres,Benidorm, Biar, Bocairente, Callosa d'En Sarria, Calpe, Catral, Dolores, El Campello, Elche, Finestrat,
Guardamar del Segura, Ibi, Javea, Jijona, La Nucia, Los Montesinos, Ondara, Ontinyent, Orevillente, Orihuela, Pedreguer, Petrel, Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales,
San Miguel de Salinas, San Vicente del Raspeig, Sax, Teulada, Torrevieja, Villajoyosa and Villena.
