From Dénia to Pilar de la Horadada stretches the stretch of coast known to holidaymakers as the Costa Blanca. The mild Mediterranean climate makes this section of the province of Alicante a popular destination for people from all over Europe but also from Spain itself. In addition to beautiful beaches, there are small bays, impressive cliffs, palm and olive groves but also modern tourist resorts.
White sand contrasts with deep blue sea
The Costa Blanca got its name in the 1950s from tourism managers. Translated, it means “white coast” and thus alludes to one of the special features of this place: the lighting conditions are such that they make the sand appear white. In addition, traditionally white houses in combination with the blue sea offer a fascinating picture.
The white splendour of the almond blossoms could also have played its part in the naming. Cliffs and diverse nature make the area a particularly suitable holiday destination for climbers, cyclists and hikers. The already mentioned mild climate not only ensures a pleasant holiday, but also serves your health. In 2006, the World Health Organization confirmed that the Costa Blanca is one of the healthiest areas in the world due to its climate.
A wide range of sights and excursion options
From castles to waterfalls to dream beaches, the Spanish coastline offers a wide range of opportunities for holidays. If you want to spend a quiet and relaxing day at the beach, Playa Urbanova is the perfect beach. The golden sandy beach stretches over a length of 1.6 kilometres, which also offers a great view of the skyline of Alicante and Castillo de Santa.
It is considered particularly family-friendly, has been awarded the Blue Flag and is guarded by lifeguards. At Playa del Moraig you can go snorkeling as well as diving. The bay has a magical underwater world. With Cala Ambolo there is also a nudist beach on the Costa Blanca, but swimwear is also allowed.
Alicante’s most famous natural landmark rises 332 meters from the sea.
The Peñon de Ifach headland can be seen from many places and is a challenge for hikers. As a reward, a fantastic view awaits you after the ascent. Also a paradise for hikers and cyclists is the Montgo Natural Park, which is located 753 meters above sea level. With routes in different levels of difficulty, it offers the right path for everyone. The Algar waterfalls are among the most beautiful in Spain.
A water walk in the Algar riverbed or swimming in the natural pool with clear spring water complete a trip to this natural sight. A visit to a nearby open-air exhibition with native plants is also worthwhile. Lovers of castles should not miss a visit to the Muslim hilltop castle Castillo de Santa Bárbara. It is located in the city centre of Alicante, offers wonderful views of the city and houses a history museum.
The history of Alicante’s painting and sculpture can be experienced at the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museo del Palmeral Huerto de San Plácido provides information about the origin and history of palm trees. For more action-packed, Benidorm’s Terra Mítica amusement park. In a medieval setting, rides, torrent rides, water slides and much more await. Children in particular love the Terra Natura. This is a zoo where you can get up close and personal with more than 1500 animals. The site is divided into themed areas such as “Africa”, “Europe” or “Asia”. There’s also dancing and music, as well as a water park that’s open during certain months.
Rice, sweet wines or turrón – Costa Blanca culinary
As is customary in the Mediterranean, fish and seafood dishes dominate on the Costa Blanca. From Dénia, for example, there are tasty prawns. Rice dishes in a wide variety of variations are also often on the menu, as there are some important rice-growing areas in this area. For dinner, something sweet should not be missing here. One specialty is turrón. The white nougat variant made from almonds, egg whites, honey and sugar is particularly popular. Wine lovers are recommended to try a sweet wine from La Marina Alta or a red wine from Vinalopó.
With a large number of orange plantations and olive groves, this area also offers some culinary delights. In addition to a wide range of restaurants and small bars where the food is offered, holidaymakers can take home the taste of the Costa Blanca as a souvenir for relatives and friends in delicatessens. High-quality olive oils, orange marmalade or typical spices make the holiday feeling in the local kitchen last for quite a while and remind you of the beautiful surroundings of the white coast.
