Costa Blanca

Alicante

Alicante is one of the major cities on the Costa Blanca. With a location close to white-sand beaches, turquoise sea, excellent golf courses, lively festivals, not to mention the nightlife - Alicante is indeed a hive of activity throughout the seasons. Moreover, Alicante has an interesting history and is rich in culture. The best place to start exploring Alicante is from the pedestrian pathway Explanada de España. This boulevard is lined with palm trees providing shade while you dip into the shops, restaurants and cafes.

Benidorm

Most holidays in Costa Blanca are destined for Benidorm. The resort is a popular choice for family holidays as it is blessed with beautiful beaches, fun atmosphere, and plenty of activities. Its lively nightlife scene makes it firm favourite partygoers too. Such is Benidorm's popularity that the population of the city doubles during the summer months. Benidorm is comprised of three areas, defined by the beaches of Playa Levante, Playa de Poniente, and the smaller Playa Mal Pas located in the middle. The old town, Casco Antiguo, is the only part of the city that has escaped modernisation and remains 14th century in style, and the only reminder of Benidorm's past as an innocent fishing village.

Beach Hotspots

Costa Blanca is not short of beaches, isolated coves and bays for sun worshippers to get their fill of sun and sand; there are 100 kilometres of beach stretched out between Valencia in the north and Murcia in the south. To make a broad generalisation the beaches near Valencia are more popular with the young and those to the south are quieter. Many of the beaches have been awarded blue flag status for their clean water and amenities. A few beaches worthy of a special mention are El Recati, Playa de la Devesa and Playa de Levante.

Torrevieja

Torrevieja is 41 kilometres from Alicante on the coast of Costa Blanca. It has two expansive salt lakes which are collectively known as La Mata y Torrevieja. The huge salt lakes, linked with each other, are now protected as a Natural Park. The harbour is surrounded by a number of hotels which enjoy the wonderful view. Torrevieja's expanse of 20 kilometres of coastline encompassing six large beaches are likely to have been one of the main attractions for the multitude of expats that now own second homes here.

Elche

Elche can be reached from Alicante but is a little more inland than the other main cities in Costa Blanca. It has a slightly different culture to the other hotspots on the coast. It is the third most populous city in the province of Alicante and lines the Vinaploo River which cuts through the city. It is famous for its prosperous shoe manufacturing industry as well as being a popular tourist destination. Elche is recognised worldwide due to the Basilica of Saint Mary. The City Hall and Archaeological Museum in Elche are also popular destinations for those wishing to take a day trip from the beaches of Costa Blanca. Elche is also known as the palm tree capital of the world!