Highlights of a holiday on Spain’s Costa Blanca
Spain is one of Europe’s most beloved beach holiday destinations. Its long sections of coastline and Mediterranean climate mean that sunbathing and sea-based water-sports can be enjoyed almost all year round. Activity-led resorts and family-friendly beaches sit side-by-side with isolated coves, separated by a scattering of mountain villages, historic towns, and attractive cities.
The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular choices for tourists seeking a Spanish beach holiday. Found in the Alicante region of Spain, this 200km stretch of coastline has the spectacular Valencia city as its capital and also encompasses the sought-after town Benidorm. The Costa Blanca promises captivating sea views, impressive heritage sites, fascinating cities, and a range of fun-filled experiences both at the beach and inland. Discover the highlights of a holiday on Spain’s Costa Blanca.
Visit the City of Palms
One of the best ways to kick off a holiday in Costa Blanca is with a visit to Elche, ‘the City of Palms’. Elche is just 15 minutes from Alicante airport by car but will make you feel as if you are a world away. The Palmeral (palm grove) of Elche spans an astonishing 144 hectares and contains 45,000 date palms. Dating back to the Roman times, this expansive network of orchards is valued for its heritage as much as its sheer size and beauty.
Spend a day in Torrevieja
Another place that is a must for your Costa Blanca itinerary is Torrevieja. Once a small fishing village with a long salt-mining history, Torrevieja is now a key port city with modern marina, plenty of cafés and restaurants, and lively nightlife. You can still experience Torrevieja’s heritage, at the tiny museum and by walking the trails at Torrevieja Nature Park to the pink and green salt lakes.
Walk along the Algar waterfalls
More glorious nature awaits you at Algar waterfalls, locally known as the Fonts de l’Algar. This site has been a protected area since the turn of the 21st century, recognised for its unique beauty. For 1.5km the river Algar runs through an undulating limestone pathway, giving way to bubbling springs, gushing waterfalls, and calm crystal-clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. The Fonts de l’Algar are just inland from Callosa d’en Sarrià, about 30 minutes from Benidorm by road.
See impressive historical sites
During your time on the Costa Blanca, you will have the opportunity to see impressive historical sites. One of the most notable is the centuries-old Castillo de Santa Bárbara which sits on a hilltop in Alicante, surveying the city below. Another magnificent heritage building is the Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Consuelo in Altea. This blue-domed neo-baroque church is spectacular thanks to its size and the ornate interiors comprised of pillars and archways decorated in gold and floral motifs.
Explore the regional capital
A must-visit location for your Costa Blanca holiday is Valencia, the regional capital. This city of contrasts is fascinating to explore: the magnificent burnt orange buildings of the Old Town sit beside futuristic structures dedicated to various arts and sciences, fronted by a modern port area and several golden-sand beaches. The wetlands reserve Albufera Natural Park is just 10km inland for those seeking peaceful and picturesque walking opportunities away from the urban.
Enjoy a round of golf
Do you like being out on the green? You can enjoy a round of golf or even a full-day extravaganza at one of the first-class courses in Costa Blanca. This region is one of the most popular golfing holiday destinations in Spain with over 30 high-standard courses to choose between and options to suit beginners, novices, and experts.
Child-friendly fun in Benidorm
For families in need of more action-packed activities than a sedate stroll around a golf green, head to Benidorm. The pulse-racing Terra Mítica theme park, considered to be the best in Spain, is just one of many attractions that make this area is well-suited to families travelling with children. Another benefit of holidaying here is that Alicante airport transfers bring you to Benidorm in just 30 minutes, saving you the stress of tackling long journeys with easily bored offspring.
Relax on the beautiful beaches
What Costa Blanca holiday would be complete without plenty of time to relax on the beautiful beaches? Given its location by the Mediterranean Sea, there is no shortage of sandy bays and craggy coves for tourists to explore. Holidaymakers looking for safe sea-bathing opportunities should opt for the larger beach resorts like the praised Playa Levante in Benidorm, a 2km bay backed by an urban skyline that is monitored by lifeguards. For those who want to avoid the crowds, there is an abundance of quieter and arguably more picturesque coves in the more rural towns and quaint remote villages.
Whether you are a couple planning a romantic getaway, solo traveller seeking a little bit of everything, or family looking for a beach resort with engaging attractions, a holiday on Spain’s idyllic Costa Blanca is sure to fit the bill.