Literally meaning ‘The White Coast’, Costa Blanca in Spain is a Mediterranean paradise consisting of over 200 kilometres of coastline with a variety of incredible beaches and charming cities to suit every taste.
No matter what you’re passionate about or what you’re interested in seeing, there are plenty of things to do in Costa Blanca – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.
The guide below will help you discover the best places to visit and explore in the area to give you some guidance on where you should spend your time, depending on your interests.
Where is Costa Blanca?
Costa Blanca is located on the southeastern coast of Spain, extending from the town of Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada, where Costa Blanca ends and Costa Cálida begins.
Costa Blanca spans the region of Alicante, one of the most attractive for tourists thanks to its stunning beaches, delicious food and exciting nightlife, with plenty to offer for everyone.
Costa Blanca history
With a rich and diverse history, Costa Blanca lies in what was once a strategic position for many civilisations such as the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Carthaginians.
Having been occupied by many populations, its varied cultural influences make it a dynamic multicultural spot where many have left a unique historical mark. These traces can be observed in many of Costa Blanca’s cities and villages, making each location an enticing mystery ready to be explored.
Weather Costa Blanca
As with the rest of Spain, Costa Blanca boasts pleasantly hot summers, with an average temperature of around 28°C over the three summer months; the perfect weather for holidaymakers and those looking to spend their summers in a holiday home.
And if you’re looking to spend your retirement in Costa Blanca or move there permanently, even the coldest months of the year tend to have highs of 17-19°C, making the area a great place to live, even in the winter.
Which Costa Blanca Cities can I visit?
There’s a plethora of fascinating towns and cities in Costa Blanca, with both large and vibrant cities such as Alicante and Benidorm and enchanting small villages such as Altea or Jávea.
Both Benidorm and Alicante are considered tourist capitals in Costa Blanca, providing visitors with the ‘big city life’ experience. Benidorm hosts impressive skyscrapers, world-famous restaurants and a plethora of thrilling activities, whilst Alicante offers interesting museums, monuments and internationally-recognised nightlife in a fascinating fusion of tradition and modernity.
Nevertheless, Costa Blanca’s smaller towns bristle with inviting opportunities:
- Calpe – a coastal town with plenty to explore including beaches, roman baths, vineyards, a castle and a nature park
- Santa Pola – home to the famous salt flats and the Santa Pola castle-fortress
- Altea – perfect for walks around the old town hillside, with plenty of historical landmarks every step of the way
- Torrevieja – full of history and home to the stunning Laguna Rosa (the popular pink lagoon)
- Villajoyosa – a seaside town with a beautiful fishing port and plenty of fish-based local restaurants to discover
- Jávea – a great stop for a stroll along the marina, as well as great gastronomy
- Elche – famous for its shoe shopping experience, and for housing the largest palm grove
- Moraira – providing an interesting mixture of modern and traditional architecture, with vineyards running along the coast through to the mountains
Best Beaches in Costa Blanca
White sand, crystal blue waters and secret little coves: these are just some of the features Costa Blanca beaches are famous for. Here are just a few of the most sought-after beaches in Costa Blanca:
- La Granadella, Jávea
This stunning pebble beach is perfect for activities such as snorkelling or kayaking, and, for those who like adventures, there’s many hidden bays and caves to explore.
- Playa El Altet, Alicante
Playa El Altet is a large beach famous for being a dune ecosystem, as well as being renowned for its high-quality and practical facilities, making it a great option for groups of all ages.
- Playa de Levante, Benidorm
Famous for its golden sand and clear, shallow waters, the beach offers plenty of amenities including children’s play areas, as well as allowing visitors to get involved in activities including jet skiing and windsurfing.
- Playa de San Juan, Alicante
Regarded as the most popular beach in Alicante, Playa de San Juan is conveniently close to the city centre, with its assortment of local bars, cafes and activities making it an ideal location for an exciting day out.
- Playa de la Fossa, Calpe
Well-known for its accessibility and cleanliness, this gorgeous beach offers breath-taking views of the mountain Peñon de Ifach as well as a long promenade full of cafes, restaurants and shops.
If you’re in search of beautiful sights…
Costa Blanca is renowned for combining delightful beaches with magnificent mountains perfect for hiking, with incredible diversity all throughout the area. There is a variety of hiking and walking routes both in the northern part of Costa Blanca, as well as in the south. Some of the most famous include:
- Peñón de Ifach – declared a natural park in 1987, one of the most visited protected areas
- Serra Helada trail – offering extraordinary views of Altea and Benidorm
- Southern Costa Blanca Coastal Walks – providingplenty of stretches along the southern coastline (around Santa Pola, Elche and Torrevieja) to explore for those looking for a more relaxed stroll
And for those who enjoy immersing themselves in history, there are plenty of historical destinations, which include everything from museums, castles, churches, wildlife areas, historic parks and more.
Exploring Costa Blanca’s Culinary Offering
If you are on a quest to find the best culinary experiences around Costa Blanca, there are plenty of restaurants that can satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
The area features dishes of all kinds, incorporating fresh ingredients, particularly seafood, chicken, rice and tomatoes, as well as olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet.
Having been awarded Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2015, Dénia offers a wide array of both traditional seafood-based dishes as well as international cuisine, meaning it’s an ideal place to explore the best food Spain has to offer.
Costa Blanca is also famous for its indoor and outdoor food markets, held on specific days of the week in each city, some of the most popular being in Alicante, Benissa, Villajoyosa and Jávea.
There, you’ll be able to find seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local fish and meat, giving you the opportunity to experiment with cooking traditional Spanish dishes yourself using prime ingredients.
Property for sale in Spain, Costa Blanca
While moving to a different country can be daunting, there are plenty of resources and information for those who are looking to move to Costa Blanca, with Costa Blanca forum being one of the best places to ask questions and receive local tips and advice from a friendly online community.
If you are searching for the perfect property for sale Costa Blanca, you should next explore the type of property you wish to invest in.
Costa Blanca resort properties are a great choice, allowing residents to enjoy five-star facilities conveniently located at your doorstep, enhanced security, as well as stunning villas and apartments with the potential for substantial returns on investment.
Facilities such as golf courses considerably enhance the overall value of a property, so, why not live in a place that combines the best of Costa Blanca golf properties with first-class luxurious resort living?
Las Colina’s Golf & Country Club
If you have already selected Costa Blanca as the location for your new home, and you would like to experience life in a resort, Las Colina’s Golf & Country Club resort may just be what you’re looking for.
Combining great facilities – including an award-winning golf course – with the perfect location in the heart of Costa Blanca, Las Colina’s Golf & Country Club can open up a whole new world of opportunities.
The resort offers several types of properties to choose from. Villas make for some of the best Costa Blanca homes in Spain, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the Spanish lifestyle with luxury and sophistication.
However, if it’s a spectacular luxury apartment you are looking for, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone’s taste.
The Andrew Brown team have a wealth of experience matching clients with the property of their dreams. To discuss your needs, get in touch today.
