A travel guide to the Costa Blanca: plenty to see at any time of year

People have been hopping on planes to the Costa Blanca for decades now. This beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coastline, offers holiday-makers the chance to relax and unwind under the Spanish sun. But what else does the region have to offer? What are the hidden gems of the Costa Blanca? Where are the places off the beaten track, the authentic and enrapturing beauty spots of this Valencian community? Allow me to give you a little insight into the region and, hopefully, help you make the most of a part of Spain we all think we know so well.

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A guide to the Costa Blanca

Alicante

Alicante is frustratingly under-explored by people holidaying in the Costa Blanca region. Much more than just an airport and coach station, it is a port-town steeped in history, with parts of its origins dating back to the Iberian Civilization of the 6^th century BC. If you appreciate the history of places you visit, the city and its surroundings are littered with archaeological sites and museums.

If you’re more of a 21^st century kind of traveller or just fancy seeing some of the more modern day sights, the marina of Alicante is a stunning area to while away an afternoon. Surrounded by world-class fish restaurants and boutique shopping destinations, the marina provides a great spot in which to spend a couple of hours. The city’s castle of Santa Barbara is also well worth a look. Take the lift to the summit for just 2€ or, if your legs can take the strain, walk up the steep hill to the castle and enjoy the magnificent view with an ice cream (or something a little stronger and more refreshing, perhaps). A museum and gift shop are also part of the castle.

Tip: head to the Archeological Museum of Alicante in the centre of the city, which was named European Museum of the Year in 2004.

Benidorm

Land of high culture and fine dining it is not, but for a down-to-earth, week-at-the-seaside type of experience; Benidorm is where a large part of the Spanish package holiday industry made its name. There are hotels and bars galore and a surprisingly beautiful beach in the centre of the resort, with the scenery and coastline getting ever more remote and beautiful as you head up the coast. El Cisne Rastro market, held every Sunday from around 8 or 9 in the morning is well worth a visit. Held on the N-332 near a large campsite, the market has all the trappings of a genuinely lovely Spanish market. If you want to head further out of the city and reach a slower, more Spanish pace of life, there are hundreds of fantastic resorts scattered around. The Asia Gardens Hotel and Thai Spa, only a few miles from Benidorm, is just one example of five star luxury just a stones throw away from the lights and sounds of the big city! There really is more to the Costa Blanca today than ever before.

Guadalest

Guadalest is one of the most spectacularly beautiful towns in Spain. Tiny at just 200 or so inhabitants, it sits adjacent to a reservoir with several small museums, a church and a scattering of hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as fantastic shops. Officially declared as a spot of natural beauty, as well as historical and artistic value, if you are ever even remotely close, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t spend a day wandering through its picture-perfect calles.

Calpe

The archetypal Spanish fishing village, you won’t believe that Calpe is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm and its skyscrapers. A world away from that, Calpe is slow and steady and typically Spanish, with the pace of life a deliciously slow one! Eat, drink and enjoy the views in this wonderful town. If you have the opportunity, take a meandering stroll through some of the quieter backstreets, away from the waterfront. Here you will discover unpretentious yet exquisite eateries that made this town famous in the first place. With a similar feeling to Altea, another smaller fishing village in the shadow of Benidorm and Alicante, the views are second to none. A walk to some of the higher points around the town, to get those stunning views, are not to be missed!

Visiting at different times of year

Traditionally us Brits like nothing more than two weeks in the sun sometime around July or August, but the Costa Blanca can offer much more than that. Enjoying a warm, Mediterranean climate most of the year, there are many snatched weekends or mini-breaks to be had in the region at any time of year. Particularly beautiful in early spring and autumn, the region is much quieter because of the reduced tourism but nevertheless retains its beauty and charm. If you’re wanting winter sun, the Costa Blanca can also be a great option, with many resorts and towns remaining fully open and operational, despite the fact you’ll need to pack a cardigan or two if you plan to dine al fresco.

There’s more to the Costa Blanca

I hope I’ve shown that there’s much more to the Costa Blanca than just a place to take the bucket and spade for a week or two! Far from being a place to simply lie on the beach and lose yourself in a good book for days upon days (although of course there’s nothing wrong with that!), the Costa Blanca is an oasis of beauty and a genuine jewel in Spain’s tourism crown; well worth a visit.

Photo credits: Castillo de Santa Barbara by Paco Cameo, Piscina del hotel by Barcelo Asia Gardens, Guadalest by Stephen & Claire Farnsworth, and Calpe Costa Blanca by thdolby.

For more coastal tales:

Seafood on the beach at the Chiringuito in Spain
Three days, three beaches on Zante
Life’s a beach – watching the surfers at Taghazout – Morocco

This article is brought* to you by Barceló who are one of Spain’s leading tourist companies. Its hotel and travel divisions operate more than 140 hotels in 17 countries and more than 400 travel agencies in 22 countries.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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