Costa Blanca refers to the over 130 Miles of coastline belonging to the Province of Alicante. The name "Costa Blanca" was devised as a promotional name used by BEA when they launched their air service (for £38/16s.) between London and Valencia in 1957. (Although Valencia is in 'Costa Azuhar'). The Costa Blanca has a well developed tourism industry and is a popular destination for British tourists. It extends from the towns of Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. It includes the major tourist destination of Benidorm. Alicante is the largest town in the Costa Blanca and is the location of the airport which in 2005 handled 8,795,705 passengers.
Denia With it's moderate climate (mean annual temperature 19°C) and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Denia, along with its neighboring communities, has a reputation of being among the world's healthiest places, a fact which has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Denia offers something to everybody: sandy beaches, spectacular rocky coves, colorful fiestas (no other town in Spain has more of them), five nearby 18-hole golf courses designed, among others, by Spanish world class players Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal and a million possibilities to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Year after year, Denia's beaches have been awarded the prestigious "Blue Flag of Europe". Las Marinas, situated to the north, boasts 15 km of sandy beaches - ideal for swimming, wind surfing or sunbathing, while to the south of town, the rocky beaches and coves of Las Rotas with the nearby Marine Reserve of the Cape of San Antonio are a paradise for scuba divers and snorkeling. Getting hungry after all these activities? Dozens of fine restaurants and literally hundreds of tapas bars will satisfy even your wildest cravings. Try the delicious "arroz a banda" rice dish or the famous "gamba de Dénia" prawn, gourmets claim it's simply the best in the world!
Denia has always been a safe haven for seafarers. Today, the Yacht Club of Denia and its newly built Marina, offer a total of over 1.000 moorings for yachts of any size. The ports of Denia, traditional point of departure for the 60-mile hop to the Balearic Islands, are perfectly equipped to handle any ship repair or maintenance requirement.
Javea is an ancient fishing village in the north of the Costa Blanca, surrounded by numerous beautiful capes, coves and beaches and situated approximately 90 kilometers from the cities Alicante and Valencia. The 753m high Montgo Mountain overlooks the area and provides shelter from Mediterranean winds.
Before the advent of tourism, it was a small, sleepy village relying on fishing and farming for local income. Many of the 'fincas' (country farmhouses) that have been renovated feature wide, covered terraces that were originally used for drying crops and grapes.
These days, Javea is divided into three main areas, the beach, the port and old town and an easy way to get between them in the summer months is on the fun train that runs back and forth until late. The old town dates back to the 17th century and is where the main church, markets and post office are located. Surrounding the indoor market and church are narrow, Moorish style streets, lined on both sides by shops of all kinds, art galleries and restaurants.
The port area comprises an interesting architectural mix of modern and ancient whitewashed buildings and narrow streets. The sandy Arenal beach is surrounded by a low-rise promenade featuring a wide selection of bars and restaurants. In the summer evenings, local artisans set up stalls and sell their wares here. Further along, towards the port, there is a pebble beach with water skiing and windsurfing and numerous beach bars.
Moraira a small coastal town, is situated in the beautiful mountainous area of the Costa Blanca. The resort is conveniently placed between the airports of Alicante and Valencia (about 90km from each). However, the surrounding area has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, with beautiful and unspoiled scenery and many small villages to explore.
The town has pleasantly grown from a small fishing village to an attractive holiday and retirement resort retaining its considerable charm that attracts visitors from all over Europe and is particularly popular with Spanish from Madrid and Valencia. It has an impressive marina, excellent variety of local shops, weekly open markets, harbour-side fish restaurants and bars still retaining their Spanish character.
The two main local gently-shelving sandy beaches, awarded the prestigious EEC Blue Flags for cleanliness, are well tended and very safe for family bathing. In fact the whole of the Costa Blanca has 34 Blue Flag beaches. Other local leisure facilities include 3 large Golf courses, tennis, football, squash, all water sports, boat hire and trips, horse-riding, go-kart racing tracks for both adults and children, a small fairground and three good night-clubs for all ages. There are too many restaurants of interest and good quality to list here but we can mention that there are 8 Michelin recommended restaurants in the immediate area with three of them being star rated and not expensive either.
Moraira enjoys a typical subtropical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees. Neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round location.
Benissa is a beautiful small town set in the northern part of the province of Alicante. Beautiful beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear water, tall mountains, wide valleys with unusually green countryside all add to Benissa's unique appeal. In the late 1980s and 1990s the local authorities rescued the historical part of the town from gradual decay, did a magnificent job restoring the town's splendid seventeenth and eighteenth-century town houses, narrow streets, churches and town hall.
Benissa has a white church similar to the churches painted by Constable. The Church called the 'Cathedral of the Marina Alta' was constructed in the 'twenties by pious masons from Benissa who used their own physical strength and monetary contributions to build it. The church was consecrated during the 'Festival of St Peter the Apostle in 1929' and measures 56 metres in length and 29 metres in width. It includes a magnificent altarpiece in honour of the venerable patron saint of the village, the Blessed Xiquet and a statue attributed to Juan de Juanes. When visiting the cathedral, the curious light shining through the roof onto the altar is not to be missed. Interesting walks can be taken through the village starting from the Ayuntamiento -the former Hospital for the Poor - where you can see the magnificent 'huerta' and the beginning of the track used by the ancient ribereros (the workers who emigrated from Benissa to harvest rice on the Valencia coast). On the calle Purísima observe the iron grilles on the white houses bedecked with flowers. The streets of the town are mainly narrow and deserted, enabling a peaceful walk through the most interesting places in the town such as the Casa de la Cultura and the Lonja de Contratación (exchange building)- Benissa's oldest building and the Museum of Ethnography. The medieval centre of Benissa is situated around the ancient prison, which today serves as a Casal de la Joventut (Youth Centre). The municipal district has not been re-developed on a large scale and its 4 km coastline still offers small quiet beaches. These include Fustera, a fine sandy beach, the Cala Pinets and L' Advocat, which combines rocks and sand. Finally, the Cala Baladrar is a shingled beach. Marine excursions and water sports such as diving and fishing can all be enjoyed on these beaches.
Calpe an ancient fishing village sits in an ideal location, easily accessed by the A7 motorway and the N332 that runs from Valencia to Alicante. Calpe is dominated by the towering rock of Ifach which reaches to an impressive 332m and is now a nature reserve. The summit of the rock is reached by means of a tunnel through the rock. From here, magnificent panoramic views can be had. On a clear day, the island of Ibiza is visible.
Calpe has a wonderful mixture of old Valencian culture and modern tourist trappings, perfectly harmonising providing an ideal base from which to explore the local area or enjoy on the many beaches.
A town rich in history and culture and its strategic position on the coast has attracted many voyagers and settlers throughout history. Remains of Iberian tribes have been found around the town and later, the Romans founded a prosperous colony whose main activity was dried, salted fish. Christians and Moors lived peacefuly for a time but were subjected to attacks by pirates during the 14th-17th centuries. The peace of the 18th century enabled Calpe to regenerate and form the current tourist location.
Calpe has a wonderful modern marina that sits alongside the old fishing port. From here it is possible to take boat rides around the rock and to the nearby resort of Benidorm. The port has a nautical club and facilities for yachting, windsurfing and water skiing. If its dry-land sports you want then the rock of Ifach offers climbing facilities.
Altea. About 40 km north of Alicante lies Altea, a lovely fishing village local law forbids building more than six stories. During the summer month every night on the small cozy plaza in the old centre there is a (original) handicraft market . All around the plaza are different bars and restaurants, from where there is a wonderful view of the Mediteranian, because the plaza is situated at the highest point of the village. Every Tuesday there is a market on the promenade. In Callosa, about 15 km. distance there are the Algar spring with a small waterfall. Continue another 15 km. and You'll come to Guadalest, an entire village built on top of a cliff.
The old centre (Casco Urbano) with its cozy bars and restaurants. The Campomanes marina with good selection of bars and restaurants. The promenade with its pavement terraces. Altea la Vieja (3 km) with its chiringuitos (simple restaurants on the beach.
Benidorm, amazingly popular holiday resort for both English and Spanish. Twenty years ago Benidorm was visited by many 'lager louts' that discouraged family groups to holiday here, today however, after a massive effort by the local council Benidorm is back to being a very desirable holiday location. Many people have decided to make the town their permanent home.
Two fantastic beaches with 4 miles of soft golden sand, an outstanding year round climate and an incredible variety of entertainment both in and out of town make Benidorm the Mediterranean's favourite year-round resort. There is the delightful Old Town with its marvelous selection of shops and boutiques; there are pubs and clubs galore, from 'olde worlde' to the newest disco sounds; there are adventure and theme parks with the wildest rides; there are shows and performances the like of which you've never seen at home.
Just outside Benidorm you'll find just waiting to be discovered: Mountainous fortresses, Safari Parks and delightful little coastal towns - just full of local flair. A favourite is the nearby holiday resort of Albir.
Villajoyosa means 'joyful or happy town'. This very popular town is situated at the mouth of the River Sella and is the main town of the La Marina region.
The town is a much older town than Benidorm. It is only 10 Km to Benidorm and the route is filled with olive, carob and almond tree, as well as a number of palms, pines and prickly pears.
Whilst the area once had a considerable number of vines, these have largely been replaced by tomato plantations. As with many of the east coast towns, villajoyosa suffered from attacks by the Barbary Coast Pirates. According to legend and possibly a little history, on the 29th of July 1538 36 boats carrying Algerians arrived to ransack the town but the inhabitants were able to fight them off thanks to the intercession of Saint Martha.
Villajoyosa's church is a Gothic building with renaissance doorways, although these have been somewhat changed by Neo-classical alterations carried out in the 18th century. Since that day, she has been the towns Patron Saint and the fact is commemorated with regular re-enactment of the landing of the Moors.
Alphons Xlll granted city status to Villajoyosa in 1911. As well as tourism, Villajoyosa is the home of fishermen and chocolate-makers, a strange combination but both of which are deeply rooted in the City's history. The original and older part of town has been declared an historic monument. There are still various bridges remaining from the time of the Romans.
There is a fishing harbour and the local restaurants serve up some of the best seafood on the coast. The beach is second only to Benidorm, but is less crowded in the height of the holiday season. Villajoyosa is the venue for one of the best fiestas in the region. The festival of the 'Moors and Christians' is an annual spectacle of colourful music, dance and costume, with fireworks and sumptuous food served to everyone.
With its numerous businesses, artisans, restaurants, and its wonderful little market place, the Villa is a town of its own at the heart of the city, with its multi-colored facades and its narrow streets. They seem to draw you in and invite you to discover the emotion and the beauty of this recently restored village.
Villajoyosa will surprise you with the diversity of its colors, whether on the facades of its houses or their flower-covered balconies. The cool air of its narrow streets guides you from the church square, la calle del posso and la calle mayor to the sea and its embankment bordered with palm trees.
Alicante is a city with a population of over 300,000. Its history reaches back to prehistoric times with remains being found here from the third century B.C. Today, Alicante is an international tourist centre due to its splendid beaches, excellent climate and cultural facilities.
Besides its golden beaches and impressive Paseo Maritimo, Alicante has a wealth of history to offer the visitor and has an impressive mountain-top castle.
Among its 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.
The archaeology museum, created in 1932 has an extensive collection of artefacts 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.
Guardamar. Located next to the mouth of the River Segura, Guardamar overlooks a long beach bordered by a large expanse of sand dunes covered with pines and eucalyptus. The setting is one of the most unique scenes in the Land of Valencia, with an original combination of extensive coastal dunes protected by a verdant forest, fertile fields and orchards and the omnipresent beach and the Mediterranean sea. The forest parkland of the Dunas de Guardamar, with over 800 hectares running parallel to the coast, is a wonder in a class of its own.
Due to its ideal geographical situation, Guardamar has been the chosen location for many different cultures, from Iberians to Romans, Arabs and Christians. Historical remains of these civilisations can still be found. Of note is the Iberian settlement of Cabezo Lucero, where an example of Iberian art, La Dama de Guardamar (The Lady of Guardamar) was found dating from the 4th century BC. Dating from the Arab domination, the archaeological site of Ribita Califal, a group of mosques.
Santa Pola. In the centre of the town stands one of the most impressive castles and fortresses in the area. It dates from the 16th century and is still used today. It now houses an impressive museum as well as a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto.
Opposite the entrance to the castle is the Plaza de la Glorieta, a 20th century construction that offers shade and somewhere to eat and drink. At night the palza comes alive as all the locals meet to chat.
The town also offers a marine museum, located close to the police station and the beaches, several towers and viewpoints and a boat ride to the nearby island of Tabarca.
The resort has 6 beaches, all with golden sand and a fully operational fishing port and sports marina. All manners of water sports can be found here and because of the fishing industry, fresh fish can be found all over the town's restaurants. Daily markets have fresh fish, straight off the boats. The Saturday market, near the park is a bargain hunters paradise.
If you tire of the beaches then take an outing to the nearby natural park of Las Salinas and discover the beauty of the salt flats where you may be lucky enough to see the resident Flamingos.
The well organised marina offers all manner of water based sports including sailing, fishing and regattas. The Santa Pola Nautical Club is one of the finest sites on the coast. It has a rowing, sailing and canoeing school. Diving is also popular in the clear waters. Because of the heights of the Santa Pola Cape, you can also enjoy paragliding and hang gliding.
Torrevieja is a seaside city and municipality located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, in south-eastern Spain.
Torrevieja lies about 30 miles south of the city of Alicante and has a population of 84,348 (2005). Torrevieja was originally a salt-mining and fishing village as it is located between the sea and two large salt lakes (Las Salinas), which give Torrevieja a healthy micro climate.
Until 1802, Torrevieja existed only as an ancient guard tower, which gave the town its name (Torre Vieja (Spanish) means Old Tower) and some labourers' cottages. But in 1803, Charles IV authorized the movement of the salt mines from La Mata to the town itself and allowed the construction of dwellings there. In 1829, the town was totally decimated by an earthquake but the mines were soon reconstructed and re-opened. In 1931, Alfonso XIII gave Torrevieja city status by special grant. During this period, there was also a growing market for flax, hemp and cotton.
In the 19th Century, the salt was mainly shipped from the town by Swedish and Dutch ships. At the time, there was only limited demand from other regions of Spain, mainly Galicia and to a lesser extent, Valencia. Although by the dawn of the 20th Century, a quarter of all the salt mined in Torrevieja, was sold in Spain itself and the rest exported was to foreign markets.