As the name Costa Blanca or White Coast suggests, this east coast area of Spain is truly blessed with miles and miles of pure white sand.
With 300 annual days of unbroken sunshine, blissful Blue Flag beaches in long established holiday resorts, the Costa Blanca region really is one of the most popular in Europe.
It stretches from La Manga and Torrevieja in the south through Alicante, Benidorm, Calpe, round to Javea and up to Denia and Gandia in the north.
From April to September, fun in the sun is the Costa Blanca mantra. But whilst the bustling resort of Benidorm oozes bars, clubs, restaurants and water sports, there are plenty of quieter beach resorts, lagoon areas and scores of golf courses.
Make a trip inland and discover quaint hideaways, orange groves and local culture.
The Costa Blanca is well worth exploring, particularly the historic capital city of Alicante and what better way than at your own pace from the freedom and comfort of a private self catering holiday villa or apartment. Home From Home currently has a pretty two bedroom apartment within walking distance of the village of Algorfa, typically Spanish and set amongst orange and lemon groves.
Benidorm
Benidorm is the largest holiday resort in the Mediterranean and since the 1950s has succeeded in giving holiday makers, mostly from Britain, exactly what they want. With its distinctive Manhattan-like skyline that includes Hotel Bali, the tallest hotel in Europe and Spain’s highest building, it has the best of the Med’s beaches – all Blue Flag – and leads the way when it comes to family entertainment.
Benidorm has three distinct personalities. There’s the bustling Playa Levante to the east, characterful Benidorm Old Town in the centre and to the west, a firm favourite with families, Playa Poniente.
Playa Levante is the most densely populated with a stunning stretch of golden sandy beach and the liveliest of Benidorm’s nightlife. Playa Poniente is quieter, has a slightly longer, wider beach and is a popular base for families. Whichever you choose, the selection of watersports, parasols and pedaloes is endless. And there’s plenty to do beyond the beach including a huge waterpark, amusement park and animal parks.
But Benidorm hasn’t been stripped of authentic Spanish culture. Nestling inland from the distinctive rock promontory which was once the site for Benidorm's fortress, the Old Town has managed to retain its character. It is an evocative maze of cobbled streets and white houses crammed with inviting shops and restaurants. Enjoy spectacular views from the Balcon Del Mediterraneo across both Playa Levanate and Poniente. There’s also the opportunity to experience a traditional festival with over 50 fiestas organised throughout the year.
Alicante
Whether for a day trip or the base for your holiday, Alicante, the region’s capital city, combines beach resort with urban buzz and sophistication. Popularly known as ‘The City of Light’, it has a long sweep of golden sand, yet there are white washed narrow streets, a picturesque trendy marina, an historic hilltop castle, baroque town hall, renaissance cathedral, and a 14th century church. Superb boutiques and specialist shops, parks, gardens, art galleries and monuments abound and keeping right up to date with modern day demands for entertainment, there’s a theme park, water sports, golf, tennis, a yacht club and a bull ring.
Best for Family Holidays
As well as the Playa Poniente area of Bendidorm, the Costa Blanca offers a superb choice of family holiday resorts including Calpe, Moraira and Javea in the north. Whichever you choose, all are within easy reach a huge number of family holiday attractions including Aqualandia waterpark, Mundomar Animal Park, Terra Mitica Adventure Amusement Park and Terra Natura Adventure Park.
South of Alicante lie Torrevieja and La Manga, both coastal playgrounds and ideal for families. The Aquopolis waterpark is nearby plus Torrevieja has some pretty beaches with fine sand and good facilities. The famous La Manga resort with its luxury golf and sports facilities is located around a vast lagoon formed by the slow advancing of rocks and sand. La Manga means 'the sleeve' and refers to the channels which push into the strip of land that separates the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea.
Best for Golf
The Costa Blanca is a great golf holiday choice. Courses are of a high standard and plentiful around Benidorm and Alicante, with more good courses to be found at Villamartin, Las Ramblas, Campoamor and Quesada.
Probably the most famous golfing resort is the La Manga Club which has three championship courses and has hosted the Spanish Open and the Spanish PGA Championships. Its teaching academy is one of the best in Europe.
Best for Scenery & Culture
Inland some stunning scenery awaits. Just a few miles north of Benidorm sits Guadalest with its beautiful valley, high clifftop Moorish castle and breathtaking views of the Serra de Aitan. Pretty inland Elche is famous for its date palms and gardens whilst Murcia's magnificent Gothic cathedral is not to be missed. Not far from Murcia is the historic port town of Cartagena which was a republican stronghold during the Spanish Civil War and boasts its own Spanish Civil War Museum. In Orihuela this former capital of the region retains its cultural heritage and has a stunning Gothic cathedral dating from the 14th century.
The further north you go and the more Spanish and low key the Costa Blanca becomes. Denia town attractions include the elevated Castillo de Denia and a small but interesting archaeological museum. The 18th century Denia Church of Assumption is also a pretty picture within a small old quarter near Denia's fishing port.
65km south of Valencia, Gandia has over 20km of stunning clean golden sandy beaches, a promenade and plenty of restaurants. There’s a fine selection of historic sites and museums in the town including the renowned Palacio Ducal de los Borja palace.
Popular excursions from the Costa Blanca's coastal resorts include day trips to Valencia with its architectural masterpieces, the City of Arts and Sciences, one of the world's largest aquariums, plus a choice of some of Spain's best art galleries.
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