COSTA BLANCA

COSTA BLANCA | CLIMATE | DENIA | JAVEA | MORAIRA | CALPE | ALTEA | BENIDORM

The Costa Blanca (the White Coast) gets its name from its white beaches. These beaches are broken up by areas of rock and sandstone, and divided by mountains and cliffs. This makes for breathtaking and diverse scenery all along the coast.

The beaches, the bays, the Mediterranean Sea and the many hours of sunshine make the Costa Blanca an ideal holiday destination.

The lively seaside resorts are in stark contrast with the mountain villages where you can get a flavour of the real Spain. A visit inland will reveal a rich countryside, dotted with tiny villages that time forgot.
Spectacular terraced valleys, still in agricultural production with their almond trees, orchards, vineyards must be seen to be appreciated.

The ancient fishing villages have adapted to tourism by offering high levels of comfort and luxury, yet have managed to retain their heritage and traditions.

This is what makes the Costa Blanca unique: both the coast and inland areas are equally charming but in vary different ways.

The sight seeing train “Trenet de la Marina” travels between Denia and Alicante stopping at several towns along the way, providing a fantastic way of appreciating countryside not visible from the main roads.

The caves of Canalobre are worth a visit, as is the ancient mountain town of Guadalest, situated in the mountains above a beautiful deep blue lake.

The marinas are an attraction that must not be missed by water sport lovers. Jet skis, speedboats, sailing boats, water scooters, surf boards and canoes can all be rented at various marinas along the coast.
Scuba diving centres provide a completely different view of the coast and its marine life, but if you don’t want to get wet, a trip on a glass bottom boat might be for you.

Tennis is a popular sport, and you will find tennis clubs all over. Equestrianism is also popular, so riding schools and stables are common. For the keen climber, “Montgó” mountain would make a good choice. Standing 753m high, it is the tallest mountain in the region and offers spectacular views from the summit.

Golfers are spoilt for choice here. The following towns have golf courses:

Denia 1x (18 holes), Javea 2 x (9 holes), Oliva 1x (18 holes), Moraira 1 x (9 holes), Altea 1 x (9 holes), Alicante 3 x (18 holes) and Valencia 3 x (18 holes).

There are numerous amusement parks for the young and the old: water parks, dolphin and seal shows, wildlife reserves, jeep safaris, and theme parks.

The “Show Theatre” is a great venue to enjoy a meal with cabaret, or dine before a medieval tournament in the “Torneo Medieval” castle.
The local markets are a colourful place to visit, and joining in with a local fiesta (street festivals) will be an unforgettable experience.

The climate of the Costa Blanca:

Viva la Villa gives you a guided tour of some of the hotspots of various towns along the coast. From North to South we find:

Denia: Denia is a small city, historically of significant commercial importance. Like most towns on the coast, Denia still retains its traditional fishing industry, but is more popularly known for its numerous shops and bars, its beautiful beaches and its port. The sea link to Ibiza runs from here.

Jávea: This ancient fishing village is situated on the most easterly point of the Costa Blanca. Also referred to as “Xabia” in the local dialect, the town is known as “El amanecer de España” – The dawn of Spain.
The town of Javea consists of 3 small communities: The old town with its narrow medieval streets and its gothic church and museum; “Duanes del Mar” – the fishing port area, where the luxurious marina, the traditional fishing boats and the modern bars and restaurants melt harmoniously into each other, and not forgetting the ”Arenal”, a focal point for tourists, where you can stroll along the promenade alongside the sandy bay or take refuge in one of the dozens of terraces and bars looking out at the tranquillity of the Mediterranean Sea.

To the North of the town Montgó mountain and Natural Park separates Jávea from Dénia, and south of the Arenal beach you will find a variety of secluded beaches and coves. Granadella beach deserves a visit due to its unequalled beauty.

Moraira: Historically little more than a small fishing village, Moraira is considered one of the more exclusive areas of the coast and boasts one of the most upmarket marinas in the area. Moraira’s charm lies in its quaintness, the proximity of it’s squares to the old sea port and it’s beaches: “L’Ampolla” and “El Portet”. Moraira’s restaurants are in a class of their own… a treat not to be missed.

Calpe: Formerly a fishing village, Calpe has developed into a popular tourist resort. “El Peñón de Ifach” otherwise known as Calpe Rock, gives the landscape an unmistakable uniqueness. Rising 332m above sea level, Calpe rock is joined to the mainland by a narrow stretch of beaches.

Calpe rock has been declared a National Park and is home to a variety of wildlife. A walk to the summit reveals breathtaking views of the beaches, the Sea and the mainland. On a clear day, you can see Ibiza.

As a resort town Calpe has a lot to offer. Its numerous bars, restaurants and terraces offer a variety of entertainment, and beach lovers will not be disappointed.

The Salt lakes of “Las Salinas” with their resident population of flamingos are also worth a visit.

Altea: Altea is picturesque fishing town built up against a mountainside and known for its steep mysterious streets. An air of serenity surrounds this town, which may explain why it has become so popular amongst artists. Altea is recognisable by its church, crowned with a blue tiled roof, and surrounded by cosy bars and terraces.
The pebble beaches and harbour give you a taste of Altea’s history, and the market should not be missed.

Benidorm: The original tourist’s paradise. This exciting vibrant town is the second largest resort town in Europe with 30.000 beds, 1.500 shops and innumerable bars, restaurants, terraces, cafes…
Nightclubs, casinos, bars and discos provide spectacular nighlife.

Benidorm´s beaches, “Playa Levante” and “Playa Poniente”, are equipped with every facility imaginable, so for people with young families or people with disabilities it really is a much more enjoyable place to holiday.

Benidorm is, without question, the Mecca of tourism. A stroll along the promenade with it’s thousands of holidaymakers is a truly enjoyable experience, not to be overlooked.