Holidays in the resorts of the Costa Blanca. Costa Blanca beach, Spain
The Costa Blanca ("White Coast") stretches from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. The length of the “White Coast”, which coincides with the coastline of the province of Alicante, is 240 km.
The Costa Blanca coincides with the coastline of the province of AlicanteThe World Health Organization has recognized the Costa Blanca as one of the best regions in the world to live. Here is the warmest and sunniest coast in Spain: in summer the water temperature reaches 28 ° C, and the number of sunny days per year approaches 320. Most of the beaches of the Costa Blanca are awarded the blue flag, while each of the cities scattered along the coast from north to south, has unique conditions for living and recreation.
What is important
The Costa Blanca differs from other regions in the affordability of housing prices compared to other regions Spanish coasts: a one-bedroom apartment or studio can be purchased here for 50–60 thousand euros, and a three-bedroom bungalow or townhouse for 100–130 thousand.
At the same time, the Costa Blanca real estate market is heterogeneous: in the north of the coast (in Denia, Javea, Moraira and Calpe) there is no active construction, so real estate there is represented mainly by the secondary market, while in the southern areas new residential complexes are actively being built.
Medicine, sports and family holidays: Valencia, Denia, Javea
Valencia(Valencia) is the third largest city in Spain and the administrative center of the province of the same name.
About 1 million people live in the Valencia agglomeration, and the city itself is the largest transport hub, so getting to it both from other parts of Spain and from abroad is not a problem: it is located 15 km from the center international Airport Manises.
Valencia is considered one of the most important centers of Spanish medicine and education: the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia are located in the city. Local medical institutions are considered the leading centers in the field of oncology and plastic surgery in the country.
In Valencia there are monuments of ancient Roman and Arab architecture, the Gothic and Renaissance eras, and in last years the city has also become a sports capital of international level: regattas, Formula 1 stages and Moto GP motorcycle races, Tennis Open 500 and other major competitions are held here.
Denia(Dénia) is a small (with a population of less than 42 thousand people) city halfway from Valencia to Alicante. From here you can take a ferry to Ibiza and others Balearic Islands. Owners of their own vessels can moor at the yacht marina.
Unlike the bustling resorts of the Costa Blanca, there are few hotels in Denia, and tourists prefer to stay in rented villas and apartments. Nightlife is represented by bars and restaurants with entertainment programs, while discos and casinos are practically impossible to find in Denia.
The city houses the Archaeological Museum, located in the ancient building of the Governor's Palace (Palau del Governador), the Ethnographic Museum (Museo Etnológico) with a unique exhibition dedicated to local winemaking, and the Toy Museum (Museu dels Joguets).
Shopping in Denia can be done in local shops, at the market on Mondays and at the La Marina shopping center, located three kilometers from the city.
Javea(Jávea), a cozy resort town half an hour from Denia and 80 km from Alicante, is perfect for family vacation. As in Denia, there are practically no noisy night discos here, but there is a large selection of entertainment for the family, and the surrounding area will appeal to lovers active rest.
The city is located at the foot of Mount Montgo, which is the highest in the region (750 m). In 1987, the mountain and surrounding areas received the status of a national park. The coast near Montgo is favored by divers, who are attracted by the abundance of underwater rocks.
A beautiful view of the city and its surrounding landscapes opens not only from the mountain, but also from Cape San Martin (Cabo de Nao San Martin), on the edge of which there is an ancient lighthouse. In clear weather you can see Ibiza from here.
Residents and visitors of Javea can take part in traditional celebrations such as the Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos), the Bonfire of St. John the Baptist (Hogueras de San Juan), as well as the modern international festival of puppets (Festival Internacional de Marionetas).
"Golden mean": Calpe, Moraira, Altea
Calpe(Calpe) is a first-class resort, which until the middle of the last century was a quiet fishing village. Today, this city is not only a tourist Mecca in the region, but also a permanent place of residence for many people from Great Britain, Germany and Scandinavian countries.
Calpe attracts tourists and property buyers from all over the world with its natural beauty and luxurious beaches over 11 km long. The best of them are the sandy beach of Cantal Roig (located near Mount Ifach) and the sand and pebbles of Puerto Blanco. Next to the latter is the yacht club of the same name.
Mount Ifach is the hallmark of Calpe and the core natural park Peñón de Ifach, which is home to about 300 plant species.
In Calpe, modern buildings coexist with ancient architecture. In the city center there is a unique Moorish quarter, the pearl of which is the last monument of Gothic architecture in Valencia - the Iglesia Vieja church.
Moraira(Moraira) is the quietest town of the Costa Blanca, a fishing village located between Javea and Calpe. It was chosen by property buyers and tourists from the Nordic countries. It is especially popular with the British, many of whom prefer to spend their holidays here all year round.
Moraira is often home to retirees who love passive relaxation and silence. Despite high demand from wealthy foreigners, the Moraira property market offers a wide range of properties to suit almost every taste.
Fishing here has never died out, so every day you can buy fresh seafood at the local market. Moraira is also famous for its Moscatel grapes (a Spanish variety of wine and Muscat grapes), from which the world-famous dessert wine of the same name is made.
Altea(Altea) is a relatively large resort (compared to other towns and villages of the Costa Blanca) south of Calpe, where guests have large hotels and a lot of entertainment typical of Mediterranean resorts. And yet the main thing here is the atmosphere of a bohemian lifestyle. In the 1960s this town was chosen by musicians, artists and writers from all over Europe and opened it to the general public.
Altea is now the center of cultural life on the Costa Blanca. Here is the new arts center and concert hall Palau Altea Center d'Arts, many antique shops with ancient art objects and products of local artisans, as well as the Orthodox Church of St. Michael, built in the traditions of Russian architecture and consecrated in 2005.
Resort south: Benidorm, Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa
Benidorm(Benidorm) is a large resort, which is also called the Spanish Rio de Janeiro due to its characteristic high-rise buildings and the shape of the beach. The city is considered the entertainment capital of the White Coast.
Among other things, it has the largest number of theme parks in the region, including one of the largest in Europe, Terra Mitica, as well as three water theme parks: Mundomar, Aqualandia and "Terra-Natura"
The coast of Benidorm is divided into three beaches: Playa de Levante, popular among tourists, located near the city center and at the same time uncrowded Playa de Poniente, and also located in the area of the city port of Mal- Pass (Mal Pas).
Benidorm regularly hosts the Benidorm indie festival Low Cost Festival, which attracts music lovers from all over Europe. Thus, Benidorm will be the optimal choice for nightlife lovers and young people.
Alicante(Alicante) is the second largest city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia, the center of the province of the same name. The international airport is located 10 km from Alicante, so for many this city is Starting point for a trip to the Costa Blanca.
The symbol of Alicante is Mount Benacantil, on the top of which is the ancient fortress of the city of Santa Barbara, built in the 13th century.
Alicante is one of ancient cities Spain. Through its architecture, represented by Roman, Moorish and Gothic monuments, one can trace the rich history of the city.
The recreation center in Alicante is the Paseo Maritimo promenade, where there are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. Pearl local cuisine is paella. Alicante is considered the birthplace of this traditional Spanish dish.
Torrevieja(Torrevieja), located 50 km from Alicante, is rightfully considered the Russian capital of the Costa Blanca, as the largest diaspora of Russians lives here. In 2010, a Russian school accepted its first students in this city. In addition to Russians, many people from northern Europe live in Torrevieja.
The main natural attractions of Torrevieja are the salt lakes and those located on their shores. National parks Lagunas de La Mata and Molino del Agua.
This city will also appeal to lovers of cultural recreation: since 2004, Torrevieja has hosted an exhibition dedicated to the Spanish Navy and located on board the real Dolphin submarine. At the Salt Museum (Museo del Mar y de la Sal), you can learn about the history of salt production in the region.
Orihuela Costa(Orihuela Costa), located 5 km south of Torrevieja, is one of ancient settlements on the Costa Blanca. In the historical part of the city, many churches of the 14th-17th centuries have been preserved. , including the Orihuela Cathedral, decorated with works by Velazquez.
The main feature of this area of the Costa Blanca is the rapid development of elite residential areas. Among these, Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, etc. deserve special mention. There are practically no hotels here, but there is a developed infrastructure: kindergartens and schools, supermarkets and shops. The sophisticated public will be delighted by the golf courses and yacht clubs.
In 2012, the largest shopping complex in the province of Alicante, Zenia Boulevard, was opened in Orihuela Costa, which, contrary to Spanish tradition, operates without siesta breaks.
A distinctive feature of the Costa Blanca is the affordability of housing prices in comparison with other Spanish coasts (costas). A one-bedroom apartment or studio can be purchased for 50–60 thousand euros, and a three-bedroom bungalow or townhouse for 100–130 thousand.
However, the Costa Blanca real estate market is heterogeneous. In the northern part of the coast (the cities of Denia, Javea, Moraira, Calpe) there is no active construction, so real estate is represented mainly by the secondary market, while in the southern areas new residential complexes are actively being built.
Real estate in the north is in demand among wealthy foreigners and retirees who prefer silence and passive relaxation, while the south of the Costa Blanca is more of a resort area.
Ivan Chepizhko, "Tranio"
Officially the coast Costa Blanca(White Beach) secured this name in the fifties of the 20th century, in the wake of general world interest in beach holidays and the cult of a tanned body. Today, the concept of “Costa Blanca” refers to the area of the Mediterranean coast of the Spanish province of Alicante, stretching from Denia, located not far from the border with the province of Valencia, to the town of Pilar de la Horadada, on the border with the province, near the Mar Menor.
The exceptionally favorable climate on the Costa Blanca is explained by the fact that mountain ranges approach the coastal plains from the north, protecting the coastal zone from cold winter winds. Thanks to the development of the resort infrastructure of the Costa Blanca, the beaches of the province have gained wide popularity among the Spaniards themselves, who spend the season here summer holidays, and among other Europeans.
The Germans, Dutch, British and Scandinavians fully appreciated the cleanliness of the sandy beaches, the seclusion of rocky bays, and the picturesque surroundings, replete with orange plantations and magnificent mountain landscapes. There are also plenty of places here that are interesting for their architectural and historical monuments. On the Costa Blanca, real estate has become prestigious - the pine-covered hills of Moraira are full of luxurious mansions, and Benidorm, whose mayor half a century ago got by with a bicycle, has become stylish and quite expensive resort, with skyscrapers reminiscent of Hong Kong.
Rated local peculiarities and Russians - in the area of Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura, several thousand of our compatriots permanently reside or have real estate, who were bribed by the cleanliness of the sea, affordable prices and the amazing friendliness of the Spaniards. The small towns of the Costa Blanca will be remembered for the fact that here they still greet even strangers warmly, and some of the carelessness and optionality of the southerners is in some way consonant with and close to the Slavic heart. However, this does not affect the level of service and quality of service.
To be fair, it must be said that some “colonists” even began to tire of the excessive liveliness of places like glamorous Benidorm, observed at the peak of the holiday season. It has become common to buy the so-called “casa de campo” (literally - a house in a field), at some distance from the coast. However, on the Costa Blanca such a “field” may turn out to be not only the subtropical surroundings of ancient Orihuela, but also a plot in the mountains in the Benifato area, overlooking the sea below and medlar and kiwi plantations covered with mosquito nets. Here, among pristine nature and mountain springs, patriarchal calm reigns, and having a car and excellent roads allows you to find yourself on the warm sand of the beach in about twenty minutes.
Anyone who looked at Alicante from the heights of the Carrasqueta Pass or indulged in medlar while walking between the Fuentes del Algar waterfalls or descended fantastic mountain serpentines from the Pego caves understands that the attractiveness of the Costa Blanca has only grown from this. The resort attracts not only with the blue flags of its beaches, the sweetness of the oranges of the Vega Baja region and the attractions of Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Mitica. The Costa Blanca does not fully reveal its secrets to everyone and not right away, but it is no longer possible to forget them.
However, the good thing about Costa Blanca is that here everyone can choose a place to their taste, based on their priorities. Someone will limit himself to Alicante and its resort towns satellites, El Altet, San Juan and Campello - proximity to the airport, regular charter flights and the ease with which you can rent apartments on the seashore have made this city almost another Moscow beach. In the immediate vicinity of Alicante there is the campus of the large University of San Vicente del Raspeig; Elche and Altea are considered student cities, and this is another reason why the Costa Blanca is so popular among Russian youth.
Benidorm
Thanks to the city, the Costa Blanca has acquired a glamorous tourist center with the intensity of nightlife, in no way inferior to Ibiza. The fame of its discos and nightclubs resounds along the entire coast; in the summer, the city is remembered by crowds of idle vacationers who rarely wear clothes heavier than a colorful T-shirt and Bermuda shorts. Vacationers relax and cruise between the beaches and the fruit-filled market, along the way checking out the countless souvenir and other shops that occupy the lower floors of the buildings. Among other cities on the coast, Benidorm is distinguished by its correct layout and width of streets, and that part of the Poniente beach, above which the 186-meter huge Bali skyscraper has risen, surrounded by other high-rise hotels, is almost officially called Benyork.
The beaches of this resort center are really good - it’s hard to choose between “playa Poniente”, “playa Levante”, which is in the top ten best beaches the world, or the tiny, bay-like beach “playa de Mal Pas”. And from each of the beaches you can see a huge rock granite island, a half-submerged iron rising above the sea a few kilometers from the shore - there is a restaurant and its own beach, adored by divers, and in general the island, crowned with a lighthouse, has been declared a reserve for seabirds nesting on it. The island serves as an excellent landmark for yachtsmen - the boat berths with a swaying forest of masts reveal their location next to the round Castel square, not far from the observation deck of the “Mediterranean Balcony”.
The microclimate of Benidorm is unique - in summer there is no suffocating heat, and in winter in this part of the Costa Blanca the temperature does not fall below 10-15 °C. It is worth paying attention to the real estate in the towns that go from Benidorm into the mountains - La Nucia, famous for its large Sunday flea market, Polop and Cayosa del Sarria, in the vicinity of which there are cascades of waterfalls and a huge museum of cacti under open air. Giant and very tiny cacti, picturesquely located on the terraces, feel great - on the Costa Blanca, the climate, even in the mountains, allows medlars and bananas, citrus fruits and kiwis to grow.
In the mountains not far from Benidorm there is a unique Guadalest fortress, the only entrance to which is through an eight-meter tunnel cut into the rock. The former Moorish citadel is visited by more than two million tourists every year. And even more visitors are collected by those located in the immediate vicinity of Benidorm theme parks attractions that are not inferior to either the Catalan Port Aventura and Marineland, or the Aqualand and Tivoli World parks near Malaga. These are the Aqualandia and Mundomar water parks, dedicated to marine animals, and the Terra Mitica and Terra Natura theme parks.
Having set the goal of purchasing property on the Costa Blanca, you can easily rent an apartment in Alicante and devote your vacation to exploring the coast, turning your choice of housing into an exciting journey. The best way to do this is by car, renting it at tourist visa, but you can also use bus routes, making forays into particularly picturesque places. And from the city beach of Alicante, Postiguet, in the direction of Denia, a touching train with several retro cars runs every hour. The narrow-gauge railway stretches through green hills, often passing along the very coast, revealing picturesque coves and mansions whitening in scarlet spots of bougainvillea.
Benidorm, video
Villajoyosa
The train passes Campello and ten kilometers before Benidorm makes a stop in a cozy and slightly provincial town, famous for its Valor chocolate factory and beautiful beaches, equipped with everything necessary for people with disabilities.
If we talk about rental apartments, the Costa Blanca is represented in Villajoyosa with an abundance of apartments bought by ordinary Spaniards at a time when housing was very affordable.
Some people come here for the summer on their own, but many apartments are rented out at very reasonable prices.
Althea
And ten kilometers after Benidorm, the train makes a stop in Altea - a resort that is more bohemian than glamorous.
Since the fifties of the last century, a “colony” of artists has settled in this picturesque town; the artistic atmosphere can be felt even in the frescoed walls of houses on the narrow cobblestone streets descending from the Catholic Cathedral to the sea. For some reason, musicians performing classical music also liked pebble beaches.
Those who come to this city on holiday in the Costa Blanca will be enchanted by the beaches of “Cap Blanch” and “Cap Negret” with small black pebbles, sandy pebble beaches"La Roda" and "Playa de Olla". There is a yacht club and a small fishing port. Along a rocky path, those interested can reach the small beach “La Solcida”, which is favored by nudists.
The faculty is located in Altea fine arts University Miguel Hernandez, located in Elche.
Even in the modern part of the city, houses are not built higher than four floors. It has its own Palace of Music, craft market, museums and art galleries. At the same time, the town, subtly reminiscent of Koktebel, is not crowded, and if you are partial to beauty, you can feel like a happy person here. By the way, a few years ago the only Orthodox church in Spain opened in Altea.
Calpe
The spurs of the Sierra Bernia mountain range separate Altea from the rather prestigious and expensive resort in terms of real estate - Calpe.
Its main feature, repeated from different angles on tourist postcards, is the Peñon de Ifach rock, rising like a giant sugar head over the sea and giving the city a fantastic surroundings.
While vacationing in the province of Alicante, you will definitely come across a photo of Peñon de Ifach.
The old fishing port and lonha, a fish exchange where fishermen sell their catch, have been preserved. The presence of longha contributed to the unique gastronomic accent of this resort, famous for its dishes from the freshest seafood.
Life in Calpe is calm and measured.
Among the Costa Blanca resorts, the climate in Calpe is one of the smoothest, with an abundance of sunny days. Fourteen beautiful beaches, including those located in rocky bays closed from prying eyes, a diving center and golf courses promise an unforgettable and quite elite vacation.
Denia and Javea
The last point of travel to the north is the Costa Blanca, which lies at the foot of the lonely Montgo mountain. The fashionable town will be remembered for the ruins of a Moorish castle, which houses an archaeological museum, and the port from where the ferry runs to the Balearic Islands. It is curious that the local mayor's office, facing Constitution Square, was built on the foundation ancient temple, dedicated to the goddess Diana and giving the name to the city.
The heritage of Denia is its endless beaches, traditionally awarded the “blue flag” of cleanliness. Of all the resorts on the Costa Blanca, the weather in Denia is the most favorable for relaxation. Local climate recognized World Organization health care has a healing and beneficial effect on the body in the treatment of diseases of the joints, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The city is surrounded by golf courses, and many sports and pleasure yachts, various caliber boats and boats are moored to the piers of the Nautico Club.
Between Cape San Antonio, which is part of the Montgo nature reserve, and Cabo de la Nao is located, the historical center of which is located some distance from the coast. The architectural sights of the Costa Blanca are represented here by the Gothic church of San Bartolome, the Town Hall and the Santa Anna Chapel, and the eventful history is well reflected in the exhibitions of the archaeological and ethnographic museums. Just like in Denia, it has its own port and yacht club, 4- and 5-story houses approach the beach line, and numerous white villas line the slopes of the hills surrounding Javea. Almost every villa on the Costa Blanca is decorated with bougainvillea bushes and rhododendrons, yucca and climbing roses. Drowning in flowers and palm trees, Xavia is no exception.
Santa Pola
On the Costa Blanca, the south of the province of Alicante is represented by a number of small towns along the N-332 highway from the airport of the same name to Alicante settlement El Altet to Torrevieja and further, right up to the border with the province of Murcia. The first on your way you will come across the quiet provincial Santa Pola, which, like Calpe, has a fishing port and a fish hole. The similarity is enhanced by the presence of an ancient fortress located in the center of the town, on the Plaza del Castillo. Like Calpe, it was built to protect the population from Mediterranean pirates.
Santa Pola is protected from the winds by the cape of the same name, so its ten kilometers of calm sandy beaches and small coves are perfect for families with children, and the even light breeze is used by those who want to master the art of windsurfing. Thanks to the cape, the sea warms up well; perhaps, the water temperature here is the highest on the Costa Blanca - its average annual values do not fall below 18 °C. Therefore, fishing Santa Pola is increasingly focused on tourism. The running of the bulls held here can be considered an echo of past traditions and Valencian flavor. Unlike Pamplona, at the end of the journey both participants and excited bulls jump from the pier into the sea to the delight of tourists. Santa Pola is visible from a distance due to the haze of salt lakes, where giant colonies of pink flamingos live.
There are also salt lakes in the almost Russian-speaking region, behind which there is a number of comfortable urbanizations administratively subordinate to Orihuela. Real estate in them has long been bought up by Europeans. Orihuela itself, thirty kilometers away from the sea, deserves a separate description due to its ancient flavor and the presence of a large number of attractions, as well as because of the colorfulness of the festivals and fairs held there. On holiday in Costa Blanca In Spain, Germans and Englishmen come with their families, fascinated by the local conditions, they set up places of compact residence on the beaches of Orihuela - all blond children on Playa Flamenca involuntarily set one up for playful reflections on the purity of the Aryan race. But seriously speaking, if you have chosen Spain to buy real estate, the Costa Blanca is ideal for this.
Costa Blanca- “White Coast” - this is the name given to the strip of sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast and the Valencian province of Alicante, from the city to La Manga (LaManga) . There are more than 300 sunny days a year.
10 km south of Calpe, on the slope of a mountain, there is a small town with snow-white houses and Church of Santa Maria(Iglesia de Santa Maria), the dome of which is decorated with blue tiles typical of.
The best resort Costa Blanca counts Benidorm(Benidorm); located there Levant beach one of the ten best beaches in the world. Europe's largest amusement park opened near Benidorm in 2000 Mysterious land(Terra Mitica, Tierra Mitica, July 1-Aug 2 10.00-21.00, Aug. 3-Sept. 15 10.00-00.00, March 14-June 30, Sept. 16-W Nov. 10.00-20.00). The park is divided into five thematic zones: Egypt (“Land of the Pharaohs”), Greece (“Abode of the Gods”), Rome (“Eternal City”), Iberia (“Sultry Shores”) and “Islands - Long Voyages”; in each zone there are attractions, restaurants, cafes - all this against the backdrop of the nature of the corresponding regions and civilizations.
There are several places around Benidorm that are interesting for those who come to the Costa Blanca to relax and have fun: water parks, a safari park Aitana(www.safariaitana.com). Information about them can be found in all hotels in Benidorm and on the Internet: www.benidorm.org.
Tourists vacationing in Benidorm and neighboring resorts are taken on an excursion to a mountain village Guadalest(or Guadalest - Guadalest), which is reached by a bus from Benidorm once a day (on weekdays).
You can get to the village of Guadalest, founded by the Moors in the 8th century, only on foot, through a tunnel cut into the rock. From main square with a small church, narrow streets lead to Castle of San Jose(Castillo de San Jose), which offers beautiful views of the mountains. also in
Guadaleste works Museum of Miniatures: there you can see copies of Leonardo’s paintings on a grain of rice, Goya’s on a butterfly’s wing.
Costa Blanca (Ivory Coast "White Coast") - Mediterranean coast, stretching for 212 kilometers. It is located mostly in the province of Alicante Valencian Community, covering in the south a small part of the Murcia region. Approximately half of the coast - 101 kilometers - is a strip of magnificent fine sandy beaches, which gave the name to the famous resort.
The Costa Blanca is divided into two areas: the northern coast - Costa del Norte and the southern coast - Costa del Sur. There are several conflicting theories regarding the timing and interpretation of the name Costa Blanca. Only one thing is certain: the Costa Blanca will captivate you with the rainbow-dazzling radiance of the sun and sea waves; the magical whiteness of coastal cities; beaches surrounded by olive trees, orange trees and palm trees; the mysterious beauty of architecture, combining Romanesque, Moorish, Gothic styles with elements of modernism and futurism; the sparkle of lights of cozy bars and restaurants, the energy of discos, the nostalgic charm of music cafes; the bright charm of picturesque folk festivals and many other wonders.
Located on east coast Spain's Costa Blanca attracts millions of tourists every year with its azure waters and white sandy beaches that stretch for many kilometers. One of the most environmentally friendly places not only in Spain, but also on the planet.
The high mountain ranges surrounding this province on the land side block the path of cold air masses coming from the north and protect the coast from sudden changes in temperature. The warm, beneficial Mediterranean climate has determined the coastal cities of this region. worthy place among the most popular resorts globe, visited by tourists at all times of the year. The unique microclimate, the warm current of the Mediterranean Sea, and the most developed tourism infrastructure in the country allow you to comfortably relax here from mid-April to mid-October.
The best beaches and the cleanest sea in Europe have ensured high popularity of the resorts of Altea, Villajoyosa, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Torrevieja, Cartagena, Aguilas, Mojacar... Hotels for every taste, varied excursion programs, a wide range of entertainment make Gandia, Cullera and Habay an ideal holiday destination for tourists. The traveler can choose any of the corners of this coast: from the most noisy and cosmopolitan, like Benidorm, to those where the rural provincial flavor is still preserved.
Both for the Spaniards themselves and for many Europeans, especially the British, Dutch, Germans, French, Scandinavians, the Costa Blanca is the number one summer holiday destination. And hundreds of thousands of foreigners, about half of whom are British, consider Spain their second home, live here permanently and have their own apartments, flats, villas, cottages or bungalows.
It holds the record among Spanish resorts for the number of blue flags awarded by the EU for the cleanliness of water and beaches. The main resort centers of the Costa Blanca are Gandia, Javea, Vilajoyosa and the famous Benidorm. The climate here is excellent; the average air temperature in winter in the south of the region is 19°C, in summer 32°C, and the water temperature is 13°C and 29°C, respectively.
Almost 5 million tourists come here every year; local hotels and campsites can simultaneously accommodate more than 150 thousand people, not counting apartments, bungalows, villas and cottages. Except sea holiday, cultural, educational, environmental, sports, and event tourism are actively developing here.
There is a regular bus service along the coastline between all resorts. From Benidorm to Alicante (50 km) you can get for 3 EUR, to Valencia (160 km) for about 15 EUR. By taxi for 50 and 150 EUR respectively.
Gandia is located 65 km south of Valencia and 116 km north of Alicante. Here, a wide, many-kilometer strip of beaches is interrupted by a picturesque series of wild sea rocks and cliffs hiding secluded coves and bays. Gandia and Cullera are very quiet towns, convenient for family holidays, for newlyweds and everyone who strives for peace and quiet.
Benidorm is the largest resort on the Costa Blanca; in addition, Benidorm is one of the most famous resorts in Spain. Thanks to the very profitable geographical location In this region of Spain, a unique microclimate has formed with a relatively constant water temperature and lack of cloudiness, which allows the seaside resort to welcome guests and vacationers all year round.
The developed recreation and entertainment infrastructure annually attracts many tourists, most of whom are young people. The resort becomes especially lively in the summer. Along the wide city embankments there are many modern hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping centers, nightclubs and discos. And the spacious city beaches present a perfect picture of the blue sea and golden sand. Everyone can enjoy their holiday by sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. For lovers of active recreation, there are many centers offering activities various types sports
Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente and Rincon de Loix are the most popular beaches in Benidorm, the first of which is awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union for the quality of services provided and impeccable condition. On the beach you will be invited not only to enjoy the friendly Spanish sun, lying on a comfortable sun lounger under an umbrella, but also to do aquatic species sports and water activities.
It should be noted that no other Spanish resort has such a vibrant and fun nightlife as Benidorm. Night in Benidorm is a never-ending celebration of lights, music and fun. There are many well-organized discos here, which often host exciting various show competitions. A large number and variety of nightclubs, bars, restaurants - from traditional Spanish to exotic bars are not the entire list of entertainment venues in Benidorm.
Altea is a small resort town 10 km from Benidorm. In the town of Altea you can enjoy a calm atmosphere and the absence of glamorous glitter, frenetic fun and luxury - there are no giant hotels here yet. Of all the resort places on the Costa Blanca, this city can boast of its own special rhythm of life, which cannot be interfered with by the flow of tourists. A long pier and promenade overlook the pebble beaches surrounding the town. The Plaza de la Iglesia has narrow cobblestone streets and wonderful views of the sea. Old city, crowned by a church spire, forms a monumental ensemble that invites you to stroll along its streets, look into souvenir shops and shops where you can visit art galleries and buy handicrafts. The streets of the old town are always lively: here you will find the most cozy bars and restaurants. The people of Altea are most proud of their many art galleries and their “colony” of artists. During the day, Altea attracts tourists with galleries and rocky beaches, and in the evening with numerous cafe tables on cathedral square and the welcoming lights of more than 30 restaurants and bars.
Alicante occupies a central position on the Costa Blanca, located in a bay between two capes. The city has a Moorish feel, with many women wearing veils and street vendors selling African carvings along the esplanades and coastline. The central area of Alicante is filled with Baroque buildings, testifying to the times when the city was one of Spain's main seaports. But most tourists still come to the beaches of Alicante, especially to San Juan, where villas, hotels and restaurants are located. The city has an international airport, which provides an influx of tourists all year round. The peak season occurs in the last week of June, when holidaymakers and the local population celebrate the Feast of St. John (Juan). It is also called the Night of Fire, as at this time more than two hundred bonfires are lit throughout the city.
The city of Elche is located 19 km west of Alicante. The city has several beautiful parks and gardens, among them the Municipal Park, with palm trees, green lawns and playgrounds, and the Priest's Garden, famous for its shady trees and flower beds with orchids, are especially famous.
The city of Bennisi - on one side there are mountains, which are a paradise for tourists, on the other side there are beaches that will define the coastal strip of the area for many kilometers. Over the past decades, Spaniards, seasonal holidaymakers and increasingly young families have been migrating from Northern and Central Europe to the Benissa coastline. Compared to Benidorm, Benissa is not known as the “Manhattan of the Costa Blanca”. tall buildings. Single-family houses and imposing villas predominate here. Benissa has a 4 km coastline with calm small bays that lie between forests and steep shores. The sandy beach "La Fustera" is an exception, otherwise there are only stone beaches. The city center of Benissa lies 275 meters above sea level, at a distance of approximately 6 km from the coast. Agriculture was the main source of income of the city until the beginning of this century. Today - this is tourism.
Benitachell, located in the northern part of the Costa Blanca, is part of the Valencian Community. The city is distinguished by a coastline of steep banks, between which are the bays of Testos, Almoraig and Llebeig. One of the most prestigious urbanizations of the Costa Blanca - Cumbre del Sol is located in the municipal area of Benitachell, between famous cities Javea and Moraira, just 12 km from Calpe with its impressive Mount Ifach "symbol of the Costa Blanca", 10 km from the Mediterranean Highway, 30 km from Benidorm with its amusement parks Terra Mética, Mundomar, Aqualandia, and 75 km from Alicante. The urbanization is located above the sea and has an area of 3,700,000 sq.m. and is divided into residential areas with villas, mansions, bungalows and apartments, always surrounded by green spaces, next to Mediterranean Sea.
Denia is the capital of the Marina Alta district, cozy town-cosmopolitan at the foot of the mountain range - nature reserve Montgo on the Mediterranean coast. Denia is located between Valencia and Alicante, about an hour's drive from each of these provincial centers of the same name. Ancient center with ancient fortress, narrow medieval streets, fishermen's quarter. Picturesque embankment, yacht club, magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding city mountain range. Denia and its port link the Balearic Islands with mainland Spain. One of the attractions of Denia is the climate monument, erected here in 1982.
Denia is a unique place where there are natural sandy beaches approximately 12 km long, and pebble beaches and rocky shores. To the north of the city center, the sandy beaches of Les Marines, Les Bovetes, Les Deveses and L" Almadrava stretch for many kilometers. To the south is the rocky coast of Les Rotes with small beautiful bays and pebble beaches. In others picturesque places northern Costa Blanca is dominated by a rocky coastline and has only urban sandy beaches. There are excellent opportunities for sailing throughout the year, hiking, tennis, golf, horse riding, etc.
Calpe is a beautiful and charming resort town located about 25 km. from Denia. Rich story coast left traces of a variety of cultures in Calpe: Iberian, Phoenician, Roman. The cathedral in the old town is the only surviving monument in the Gothic-Moorish Mudejar style in Valencia. Antique observation tower on the top of the rock is one of the symbols of the entire Costa Blanca; if you climb it, the climb takes 30-40 minutes, you can see a magnificent landscape. Cape Peñon de Ifach itself has the status of a protected park area, where there are more than 300 species of plants. But modern Calpe is not only a beautiful rock and low-rise ancient monuments, but also a rapidly developing modern resort, meeting all the requirements of the tourism business. In recent years, a lot of comfortable housing has been built here, and now most of these apartments with beautiful views are on sale. A large number of Germans and English people live here. Good ecology, well-kept beaches and playgrounds attract families with children from all over Europe to Calpe. Calpe has a warm and temperate climate with an average annual temperature of around 20C. In winter, the lowest temperature reaches +5C, and in summer it reaches +30C. The total length of the beaches is 11 km. Of these, 3 km are sandy (Playa del Arenal, del Moli, del Cantal Roig and de Levante), the rest are pebble (del Penon, Puerto Blanco, Calagla, Urques). Outdoor enthusiasts will find everything they need for sailing, diving or fishing.
Today, Calpe's maritime traditions attract many connoisseurs of good cuisine. The famous fish exchange attracts gourmets: in one of the nearby restaurants you can taste the entire range of the freshest seafood delicacies. The cuisine in Calpe is traditionally based on rice and fish. There is also a well-known traditional fisherman's dish called "Launa de Calpe", which is reminiscent of a fish stew containing different types fish, garlic, olive oil, red pepper, parsley, saffron and of course, salt and water.
Moraira, a cozy town, is located on the shore of a small bay a few kilometers south of Javea. Despite its small size, it has its own harbor for yachts. Picturesque coastline with the bays of L "Andrago, Punta Estrella, Cap Blanc y La Cala. On the surrounding hills there are cottages and villas, and in the surrounding area grapes are grown, from which the famous white wine Marina Alta and Muscatel are produced.
Villajoyosa, also known in recent years as La Villa, is located in the coastal area between Benidorm and Alicante. Villajoyosa is without a doubt one of the most ancient and picturesque villages of the Costa Blanca.
In coastal areas that were previously home to fishing families, small white, blue and yellow houses stand side by side, forming a surprisingly beautiful colorful landscape. The sports port provides opportunities for all types of maritime sports. By visiting coastal restaurants, you can try wonderful local dishes made from rice and fresh seafood.
Along with wonderful sea beaches of enormous length, there are rocky sections of the coast that amaze with their pristine beauty and abound in secluded coves with crystal clear and clear water - true paradise for lovers of scuba diving.
The entire coast of Spain is extremely beautiful, but only part of it has earned the poetic name Costa Blanca - “White Coast”. Here the sea splashes against the white rocks and gently strokes the fine light sand of the beaches. This warm, sunny region is located in the east of Spain, in the autonomous community of Valencia. It can be safely included in the list best places for family holidays.
Costa Blanca resorts fair considered a summer children's health resort: a lot of sun, a warm sea, relatively low air humidity - that’s almost all that is needed for a child’s health. You also need walks, active games, fresh fruit and pleasant experiences - this is also in order on the White Coast.
You will find complete information about holidays with children in the Costa Blanca in our review. Find out when is the best time to come here with a child, which resort to choose and what to do during your vacation.
Costa Blanca on the map of Spain
Costa Blanca is the coast of the province of Alicante, washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The White Coast stretches 200 km from the town of Denia in the north of the province to the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada in the south. From administrative center province, the city of Alicante, 45 km to Benidorm, 50 km to Torrevieja, 35 km to Villajoyosa, 180 km to Valencia.
What is this province of Alicante, where the Costa Blanca is located? It turns out that this is part of the autonomous community of Valencia, famous for its excellent football club, the Fallas festival and paella - one of the most delicious dishes of Spanish cuisine.
So, even before you start seriously preparing for the trip, you already know what points to include in the program: go to a football game, visit the Fallas Museum and taste at least several types of paella.
Vacation with children
Holidays in the Costa Blanca are the most classic summer rest: with long periods of lying on the beach, swimming in the sea, fun in water parks and occasional excursions to add variety.
And at the same time, this vacation is not quite ordinary. Firstly, because summer on the White Coast drags on until mid-autumn. And secondly, because you can go on excursions here every day - there is surprisingly a lot of interesting things in the Costa Blanca.
The main charm of the Costa Blanca for children is the huge amount of entertainment. There are 5 water parks, 2 amusement parks, 5 animal parks and a dozen museums.
As for the beaches, it’s impossible to praise them enough. Well-groomed, long, sandy, with a gentle entrance to the water, with playgrounds, they all boast a “blue flag”. And what’s most interesting is that all beaches are free. Coming to the Costa Blanca with children to enjoy a holiday at sea is the right decision. It’s so good here that you can forget about excursions.
Important nuances of travel planning are the choice of time and place of rest. Since sunny and warm weather sometimes turns into unbearable heat, it is better not to come to the Costa Blanca in the second half of summer.
This is especially true when traveling with an infant: it will be easier for your baby to acclimatize if you arrive in May, early June or September. The “Where to Stay” section will help you find a suitable resort. Please note that the Costa Blanca has family hotels: You can truly relax in them comfortably with your child.
When is the best time to go?
The beach season in the Costa Blanca is quite long: You can sunbathe here from mid-May to mid-October. But this long summer is divided into three periods, each of which has its own nuances. The end of spring and the beginning of summer means pleasant warmth and a relatively small number of vacationers. You can already relax on the beaches, but it’s still cold to swim. Cool, sunny weather is favorable for excursions.
The official opening of the season in the Costa Blanca occurs in mid-June. By this time, the sea has warmed up sufficiently, and accordingly, the number of vacationers increases every day.
The excitement at the White Coast resorts subsides only in September. And this fact further embellishes the already beautiful the Velvet season: in September and early October the weather remains sunny, and the sea retains the heat accumulated over the summer.
When is the best time to go to the Costa Blanca? With kids - at the beginning of summer or autumn, when the heat is not tiring. For schoolchildren who need to sit at their desks in September, we recommend coming in June. The weather at this time is good for beach holiday, and for excursions and entertainment. In addition, two interesting events take place in June: the festival of “Moors and Christians” and the festival of bonfires of St. John the Baptist.
Weather and climate
Distance between north and southern part The Costa Blanca is quite large (about 200 km), but the climate of the coastal cities is almost the same.
Local residents, tourists and doctors agree on one thing: the climate of the Costa Blanca has a beneficial effect on children's health. In the city of Denia there is even a monument to the climate - warm and stable.
There are mild winters with an average temperature of +15-19°C and hot summers, when the thermometer stays at +27-30°C for a long time. However, when traveling to the Costa Blanca with your child, pack warm clothes in your suitcase: sometimes on this part of the coast it gets cold up to +20°C.
But the Costa Blanca is famous not only for its warmth. Look how often the weather is sunny here:
- May - 27 days;
- June - 29 days;
- July - 29 days;
- August - 29 days;
- September - 26 days;
- October - 25 days.
The best holiday in the Costa Blanca with children is a holiday in the summer and early autumn. By June the air warms up to +28°C, and until the end of September the daytime temperature will not fall below this level. But at night it gets noticeably colder: as soon as the sun goes below the horizon, the thermometer drops to +20-22°C.
The hottest months are, of course, July and August. The average temperature at this time is +30°C, but you can often see +35-36°C on thermometers. This is not the best time to go on vacation with a child, but if you can only go to the sea in the summer, go to the beach early in the morning or in the evening.
It is best to come to the Costa Blanca with a baby in September, when the heat subsides. Yes, in the first weeks of autumn the temperature is still +28°C, but by October it drops to +25°C.
You should not plan a vacation to the Costa Blanca later than the beginning of October, because it starts raining at the resorts in mid-autumn. They last until mid-April. And although during these six months, which in temperate latitudes are called winter, the temperature does not drop below +15-17°C, tourists sea resorts almost not.
Sea water temperature
In the summer months, the sea invites you to swim: the hotter it is on the beach, the more pleasant it is to plunge into the cool water. You just need to remember that in May-June the water off the coast of the Costa Blanca is really cool, only +19-22°C.
Only by the beginning of July the water temperature in the Costa Blanca reaches +24°C. If the summer is especially hot, then the water can warm up to +25-27°C. The sea temperature in September remains high like summer, about +25°C. You can swim even in October, since the water maintains a temperature of about +23°C. In winter the sea cools down to +15-17°C.
Nutrition
The issue of food is handled differently in hotels on the Costa Blanca. Often only breakfast or half board is offered, but there are hotels that operate on an all-inclusive basis. If you are going to eat at the hotel restaurant, find out if there is a children's menu and packed lunches (you can take them with you on your excursion).
Most often, tourists prefer to eat outside hotels and get acquainted with colorful Spanish cuisine.
Costa Blanca restaurants focus on Valencian cuisine. Her most famous dish is hot, aromatic paella. The list of famous dishes of this region of Spain also includes the sweet turron and the soft drink made from earthen almonds, horchata de chufa.
Transport
When choosing a vacation spot in Costa Banka, it is not necessary to focus on the fact that the attraction you are interested in is nearby. The resorts of the province of Alicante are located close to each other, and there are convenient transport links between them.
Urban public transport in the Costa Blanca there are buses, and in Alicante there are also trams. The fare is about 1.50 euros, the same price for tickets for children. If you buy passes for several days, the cost of each trip will be less than 1 euro.
In Benidorm, travel cards are valid not only in shuttle buses, but also on excursions. Buses run from 6:00-6:30 to 22:30-23:00. In addition, there are several night routes.
Intercity transport in the Costa Blanca also includes buses. They run from 6:00 to 21:00 approximately once an hour (the exact schedule can be found at the bus station). The cost of travel from Alicante to Torrevieja is about 5 euros, to Benidorm - about 10 euros.
It is not advisable to use a taxi to travel around the Costa Blanca: there will definitely be bus route to the places where tourists want to visit. The average fare is 0.5-0.7 euros for each kilometer of travel, with an additional 3-4 euros for landing. Taxis await passengers at special parking lots.
Before non-tourist places It is more convenient to get to Costa Blanca by rented car. At major resorts and at the airport there are representative offices of international companies that rent out cars. There are also Spanish companies. Please note that there is very little free parking in the cities of the province.
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