The 7 essential things to do on the Costa Blanca

Superb beaches with overvolted or quiet atmospheres. Historical and artistic heritage along the green hills or the sea. Hard to choose. The 7 essential things to do on the Costa Blanca.

A little desire to go to La Costa Blanca? It extends over two hundred kilometres of coastline in the province of Alicante . If it sometimes suffers from a reputation of concrete shoreline, leave these a priori aside.

Far from being disfigured, this region offers long sandy beaches, a mild climate, a hinterland drawn by the mountains and especially great authenticity. The good living people also go there for their lively nightlife, while the mordus of History walk through its castles and small villages proudly erect.

Costa Blanca also offers cities known for their cosmopolitanism and their cultural setting. A trip will probably not be enough to taste all the pleasures of this sublime coastal strip. To see and experience the essentials, follow the guide. Here are the 7 essential things to do on the Costa Blanca.

1. Water sports

Want to visit the Costa Blanca? It starts on the water. When you embark on the conquest of the White Coast, you will discover an everlasting sea explored by kitesurfers, jet pilots, sailors, divers or véliplanchists. They evolve in various decors.

The long sandy beaches stretched to the infinite alternate with small coves and sandy paintings of immense cliffs. These spots where all the shades of blue are available welcome the aficionados of beginner water sports as experts.

2. Cities-patrimoine

Visiting the Costa Blanca takes you on a real journey in time. The towns and villages are loaded in History and Remnants. These surprising treasures are full of visual and photogenic appeals.

Apart from the castles, religious buildings, noble houses and unshakable fortifications, the discovery of the Costa Blanca heritage also brings you to fishing villages. Here is a list of the most beautiful and interesting cities-patrimoine enamelling the coast.

• Villajoyosa : the colorful houses are devalent to a small translucent beach in the shape of a moon. Villajoyosa has almost Havana airs. Its charm lies in its tranquility and the time that seems suspended. If this village is strong from its fishing traditions, it is best known for its chocolate. You will even find a dedicated museum: gourmet, welcome to paradise;
• Calpe: at the foot of the symbolic rock of Ilfach, after climbing hugely decorated staircases, the old town of Calpe will sink you. Decorated with mosaics, refreshed by the sea and influenced by the mountain, the influences of Calpe are multiple. The most athletic will appreciate the incursions of bike paths that allow you to discover the village differently;
• Guadalest: barely more than two hundred inhabitants live in this medieval village of gasoline. It is enamelled by buildings as straight out of the rock. His fortress Castillo San José and his castle Castillo de Guadalest dominate the entire valley. From what to offer breathtaking views;
• Altea: Often described as the most beautiful village in the province of Alicante, the charm of Altea leaves no one indifferent. Possed like an oasis in the middle of the desert, it travels through turbulent lanes lined with white houses and traditional and friendly places. Like a true typical fishermen village. The organ of your visit will be the church Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, loved under its illustrious blue dome;
• Elche: The Lady of Elche and the Palmeral are the emblems of this pretty Spanish city. It is therefore the largest palm grove in Europe and a historic centre of all beauty that opens your arms. The whole, in a sunny atmosphere, with deliciously oriental fragrances;
• Denia: Under the attentive eye of the impressive Massif du Montgó, Denia can be proud of its title as a Creative City of Gastronomy and its buildings of intact times. Its castle rises like a butterfly with steep wings and bears witness to the Islamic era of the 11th century.

3. The party

Among the essential things to do on the Costa Blanca, a fiesta strand is needed. Feast in the party Spain , it is an institution. We're not just talking about unleashed evenings on the beach, but also business parties. Of great importance to the Spanish, these delights enamel the White Coast throughout the year. To quote only three:

• The processions of Las Fiestas Mayores de la Santísma Sangre in Dénia;
• La Fiesta Des Moros y Cristianos de Villajoyosa ;
• Las Hogueras de San Jan in Alicante.

Mid-August, Elche , you will also have the privilege of listening to the Misteri of Eix sung in the Basilica of Santa María. A masterpiece inscribed to the intangible heritage of humanity. Torrevieja, every summer, honours the Creole Songs accompanying the departure of the fishermen at the Habaneras Festival.

Whether night birds are reassured, the Costa Blanca offers a lot of discotheques, afterworks the feet in the sand and dancing bars. In the resorts, the rhythm can be frenetic. Ibiza only has to stand. For a holiday in the sounds of the platinums, go first to Benidorm, followed closely by Alicante.

4. Local specialties

One of the essential things to do if you visit the Costa Blanca is to discover its essence through its cuisine. Gastronomy is cut between seafood and land products. These two entities meet and blend perfectly into your plates. Rice, in all its forms, accompanies an impressive array of fish, seafood and white meat.

You are also in the mother region of the paëlla . No doubt, a true part of this dish will surprise you and sparkle your taste buds. On the menu also: the fideuá, the decline of the paëlla with vermicelles, and the marinar stews, sort of bouillabaisse.

Finally, the Costa Blanca is also the cradle of the turrón: typical Christmas confectionery, based on honey and almonds, in the form of hard tablets.

5. The beaches

Do we need to tell you that this is one of the essential things to do on the Costa Blanca? Probably not. It is obvious that the White Coast first seduces lovers of farniente, nautical sport, iodized landscapes and maritime kisses. In view of the huge number of beaches rivaling all beauties and curiosities, we have nevertheless set a small selection of our favourite spots.

• Calpe: the multicolored city with multiple facets offers one of the most surprising beaches of the coast. In Cantal Roig, nature dips in clear water swept by endemic aquatic animals;
• Elche: the beach stands out by its vast expanse of sand typing the entire horizon of its golden coat. Sometimes some dunes or forest jars come to disrupt this perfect parterre;
• Javea: the coves are known as the most beautiful of the Costa Blanca, testifying to the crown of green plants and the turquoise lagoons held in their arms;
• The island of Tabarca : if the island is surprised by its large number of historical places, it is especially known for the beauty of its waters. This paradise is an extraordinary and preserved nature reserve;
• Benidorm: the beaches of this seaside resort seduce those in search of a blending between urban and rural areas;
• Villajoyosa : the village mixes the sand banks with rock benches, all in a quiet and translucent atmosphere;
• Xàbia: one of the most famous beaches in Spain thanks to its crystal clear waters where two marine caves emerge. Two natural stars that can be visited by kayak;
• Alicante: its beach decorated Blue Pavilion, in the heart of the city, rises at the foot of the famous Castillo de Santa Barbara. Between calm waters, golden sand, palm trees, seafront ride, he hovers here a little Miami air. bling-bling less;
• La Cabo de la Nao: an ideal place for the practice of underwater fishing and water sports in a landscape of limestone cliffs and Azurean water;
• Benissa: Here are the most picturesque coves of the Costa Blanca. The large sandy expanses for a more intimate and natural embodied atmosphere;
• Moreira: immaculate sand banks, piqués of pines and beautiful white villas, on the background of hills and vineyards open to the Mediterranean: this is the beautiful scenery.

6. Alicante, the versatile

Visiting the Costa Brava imposes a stop in Alicante. Charming city that offers a kyrielle of activities, it is also a concentrate of traditions and typical atmospheres. "El barrio", its old town, offers delicious meanders and is discovered through the colorful facades, squares and architectural masterpieces.

Perched at the top of Mount Benacantil, the castle of Santa Barbara will be the unmistakable stage of the history mordus. Just below this medieval fortress, take a look at the pretty promenade of the Explanada de Espana. It offers the hypnotic spectacle of boats that come and go to the marina.

Otherwise, Alicante stands out for its large number of Art Museums and its archaeological sites such as Lucentum. Once the sun goes down, place in vibrant and unleashed nightlife. And for the rest of your day, make yourself the pill on one of the beaches swaying the city.

7. Discover the Fonts of the Algar

On the program of our last of the things you can visit on the Costa Blanca? Beautiful landscapes – yes, again – and refreshing waterfalls. The Fonts of the Algar offer a radical change of scenery. Halfway between Benidorm and Altea, the charming and picturesque village of Callossa d’en Sarrià offers an incredible surprise.

It is home to an untouched natural setting and vasques of a surrealistic purity. Between the Mediterranean mountains, flows the Algar River and it descends here in a succession of enchanting cascades. They form deep lakes that offer fairytale bathing. In addition, the Fonts de l’Algar are surrounded by paths along the waterfalls, to the sound of splashes and lush nature.

How to get to the Costa Blanca?

To visit the Costa Blanca, you must first define the best way to get there. The simplest and fastest is undoubtedly the aircraft . There are some direct flights to Alicante. Otherwise, you can land in Valencia and jump into one train or bus for one of the cities of the Costa Blanca. Do not hesitate to consult the offers on the Compare of flights Skyscanner , which will help you find the best prices.

♪ car , since Paris , you will need about 15 hours to reach the Costa Blanca. This option, although long, offers total autonomy once on site. A road trip being the ideal for smiling all the wonders of the coast. Perfectly connected to the highway and regional roads, the journey remains pleasant and simple.

Where to sleep on the Costa Blanca?

This destination drops accommodations that meet all budgets and desires: hotels, Airbnb , holiday homes, campsites : the choice is dense. To help you, feel free to use a Compare hotels .

• For a stay at the edges citybreak, we advise you to spend your nights in the old town of Alicante. Serrated by historical monuments, close to shopping arteries, in the heart of animations, El Barrio offers an authentic and undisturbing stay;
• For a stay 100% beach, make your choice among the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca;
• For some luxury holiday on the Costa Blanca: two possibilities. On the one hand, the old town of Javea with its traditional fishing port, its beautiful church San Bartolomé, its beach La Granadella and its confidential coves. On the other hand, Moraira for its pristine white sandy beaches and its breathtaking coves surrounded by vineyards;
• For one economic stayGo to Benidorm. The city that combines beaches and urban landscapes offers activities for all tastes. An ideal city for families as well;
• For one quiet stay, put your suitcases in the small villages cited for their historical heritage;
• To visit the Costa Blanca at the rhythm of its NightlifeBenidorm will make your happiness. Other holiday capital: Alicante. Concert halls with lively bars and discotheques, everything is there.