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Meaning the 'white coast', Costa Blanca offers spectacular beaches and a warm welcome that, over the years, has made it a firm favourite with British holidaymakers. Boasting soaring skyscrapers, the main resort, Benidorm, is reminiscent of Manhattan and is just as vibrant with its heady mix of sizzling nightlife and bustling boulevards lined with bars, shops, cafes and restaurants. Inland, it's a different story altogether. The tranquil hillsides of the Costa Blanca play host to tiny whitewashed villages that look out over citrus groves and lush vineyards. Head away from the Costa Blanca's coastal resorts and discover olive and citrus groves, rugged mountain scenery and colourful hilltop villages. Perhaps the most famous is the whitewashed town of Guadalest. Boasting a dramatic Moorish fortress, it's well worth a visit and provides a real insight into Spanish life and culture.This region really has got it all – glorious sunshine, long swathes of sugar-soft sands, and resorts to suit all tastes. What more could you ask for?
Food & Wine
The freshest seafood, the finest spit-roasted meat, the sweetest of fruit and the ripest of vegetables – Costa Blanca cuisine combines top quality ingredients and imaginative recipes to make your mouth water. Paella tops most menus – a delicious dish combining rice, vegetables and meat or shellfish, sprinkled with generous handfuls of flavoursome herbs. If you’re tempted by tapas, head for Alicante where you’ll find some of the finest tapas restaurants in the region. Sit back and relax as you’re presented with a plethora of small plates piled high with everything from shellfish, ham and sausage to olives, almonds and vegetables. For dessert, you’ll find succulent fruits including oranges, lemons, peaches and cherries crammed into tarts, flans and puddings. The Costa Blanca produces some excellent wines to complement your meal. Try the dessert wine Fondillon from the Monovar region, which takes 20 years to mature.
Days & Nights
Nightlife on the Costa Blanca is legendary. Whether you want to dance the night away until the early hours or enjoy the chitter-chatter of locals in a Spanish tapas bar, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There's no shortage of nightlife in Benidorm with its vast array of cabaret bars, discos and karaoke venues geared towards fun-loving Brits. For a more authentic Spanish feel, head to the old town or one of the fishing harbours dotted along the Costa Blanca where you can while away an evening over a jug of fruity sangria in a waterside bar. If you want to get with the Spanish glitterati make a beeline for Alicante’s exclusive marina which comes to life once the sun’s gone down with its tempting selection of trendy bars and cafés.
Sights & Sounds
Sightseeing:
Benidorm
Developed from a tiny fishing village, Benidorm is now one of the cleanest and most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. Besides its beautiful beaches and superb array of shops, bars and restaurants, Benidorm has plenty of other attractions within easy reach to keep the entertainment in full flow. Visit the Moorish castle at picturesque Guadalest, go rambling in the nearby hills or visit Europe's newest theme park - Terra Mitica. For local culture and artistic activities, visit Parque de Aiguera Park. Designed by Ricardo Bofill and situated in the centre of Benidorm, there are two large green zones and two auditoriums where a wide variety of artistic and cultural activities take place.
Castell de Santa Bárbara
High on a hill, the stately Castell de Santa Bárbara towers over the city of Alicante. The fortress's grand scale is evident in its moats, drawbridges, guardrooms, barracks, dungeons, tower and keep. Offering superb views of Alicante and its striking coastline, the fortress should be your first stop in this magical city.
Cuevas de Canalobre
Head north of Alicante and you’ll find the hills of Cabeco d’Or complete with fascinating caves and tucked away grottoes. Of particular interest is Cuevas de Canalobre, a hauntingly beautiful limestone cavern coated in dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and unusual limestone formations.
Elche
Surrounded by swaying palms, the ancient city of Elche is one of the most fascinating places in the region. Europe’s largest palm forest forms a lush oasis around this enchanting city, dotted with verdant parks, shady squares and lush gardens. The city’s main sights are clustered around the Baroque basilica of Santa Maria, whose blue-tiled dome dominates the ancient town centre.
Monovar
Wine-lovers will love this thriving little town rising majestically from a sea of rolling vineyards. Try the deep reds for which the region is famous and don’t forget to sample the aromatic dessert wine, Fondillon. Delicious!
Valencia
Further along the coast from the Costa Blanca lies Spain's largest city, the cosmopolitan metropolis of Valencia. Originally founded by the Romans in 138BC, it was later taken over by the Moors before being captured by Spain's great hero, El Cid. Today, Valencia is best known as the home of paella and no visit to the city is complete without sampling the famous Spanish national dish in an al fresco restaurant. Valencia itself boasts a resplendent historic quarter, crowned by a magnificent Romanesque cathedral that's said to house the legendary Holy Grail, and most of the city's monuments are within easy walking distance of the triangular-shaped main square, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Sun & Sand
For sweeping golden sands melting into magnificently clear waters and all the facilities you need for a great day on the beach, head for Alicante’s Playa del Postiguet, a Blue Flag stretch of sand in the heart of the city. Hop on a bus and head north for Albufereta, where you’ll find soft sands, sheltered bays and rocky coves, or perhaps select a sunlounger on the 7km stretch of velvet sands in San Juan. During the summer months San Juan’s beaches become a centre for parties day and night with people of all ages coming together on the fine white sand. During winter the beaches remain busy, although they’re a little less hectic and provide the platform for fantastic live concerts. The crystalline waters surrounding Alicante are a magnet for water-sports enthusiasts. Scuba diving is particularly popular with a truly unique underwater world waiting to be explored to the south, in the direction of the island of Tabarca. Just 2 hours from Alicante lies Benidorm, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca. The suburb beaches of Poniente and Levante – both broad and gently shelving – are clean and safe for swimming. Regarded as two of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, the two bays are south facing and sheltered by a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
Benidorm
Sun & Sand
The superb beaches of Poniente and Levante – both broad and gently shelving – are clean and safe for swimming. Regarded as two of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, the two bays are south facing and sheltered by the mountain backdrop.
Food & Wine
Benidorm's streets are quite literally packed with bars and eateries: you can dine on fish and chips, chop suey, bratwurst or paella and drink sangria, lager or pina colada. The old town brims with more traditional Spanish restaurants and cafés where you can sample tapas dishes and fresh fish cooked 'a la plancha', on the grill.
Benidorm – a Mecca for the fun-loving British holidaymaker – sprawls happily up the hills and off into the horizon. Developed from a tiny fishing village, it is now one of the cleanest and most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. New York-style high-rise buildings greet you and the resort is well-planned and maintained to high standards. There's also an attractive old town to explore. Benidorm is home to a sea life centre and children of all ages love to splash around in the water park.
Local information
There are plenty of places of local interest around Benidorm, such as the Moorish castle at picturesque Guadalest, and there's the old town to explore from within. You can go rambling in the nearby hills or visit Europe's newest theme park - Terra Mitica. In June the locals celebrate the 'Gathering of the Corpus' with a street parade, lots of dancing and a fairground. Later on in the season, during the last weekend in September, a colourful street parade takes place for the 'Moors and Christians' festivities. For local culture and artistic activities, visit Parque de Aiguera Park. Designed by Ricardo Bofill and situated in the centre of Benidorm, there are two large green zones and two auditoriums where a wide variety of artistic and cultural activities take place.
Days & Nights
Benidorm is well known for its party atmosphere and you can dance the night away at numerous cabaret bars, discos, nightclubs or, if you'd rather be the entertainer for the night, there's always karaoke!
Transfer time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
VILLAS
Villas In Alicante
| Marina De La Fontana
in Alicante | | New Marina Complex, walking distance to the sandy beach of Javea and near to the shops and restaurants.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
495
to 695
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| Dos Almendros
in Alicante | | 20% discount + free food pack for all AUGUST & SEPTEMBER BOOKINGS! Delightful 3 bedroom/3 bathroom villa, with lovely big private pool on a large plot in a rural part of Javea.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
400
to 700
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| Alicia,villamartin,costa Blanca
in Alicante | | 2 BEDROOMED AIR CONDITIONED GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT.SLEEPS 6.OVERLOOKS POOL/LANDSCAPED GARDENS,CLOSE TO BEACH.NEAR 3 GOLF COURSES.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
190
to 325
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| Angius V Duplex
in Alicante | | Situated in a beautiful setting at Cabo Roig, referred to as the jewel of the southern Costa Blanca. Fine sandy beaches are 5 mins walk away.
More Details ... | | Villas from:E (EUR)
295
to 500
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| Angius V Studio Apartment
in Alicante | | Situated in a beautiful setting at Cabo Roig, referred to as the jewel of the southern Costa Blanca. Fine sandy beaches are 5 mins walk away.
More Details ... | | Villas from:E (EUR)
205
to 340
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| La Zenia Sol Ii
in Alicante | | Spacious 2 bedroom apartment which sleeps up to 5 people.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
150
to 330
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| Luxury Villa, Private Grounds With Own Pool.
in Alicante | | Superb views from this smart 5 bed 4 bath white washed villa set in its own grounds with private pool. Nicest in the area. Great reviews.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
1100
to 1200
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| Cds1202
in Alicante | | One of two x 2 Bedroom luxury apartments in small complex of eight. A/C, Private Sun Terrace, Garden, Pool, Jacuzzi, Sat TV & DVD / CD Player
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
230
to 285
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| 8 Berth Apartment, Arenal, Javea.
in Alicante | | 4 bedroomed apartment on 3 floors sleeping 8, on complex with pool and other facilities. 7 minute walk from main Beach. Lovely views.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
300
to 750
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| Casa De La Flora Moraira
in Alicante | | Good sized typically Spanish family villa, quiet location with very private pool,but close to beach, restaurants and other facilities.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
500
to 1250
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| Balcon De La Foyeta
in Alicante | | Altea -Lovely Town House within walking distance of old town and beach, small private development with shared pool, BBQ and sea view.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
400
to 700
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| Amapolas Apartments
in Alicante | | Luxury 2 bed apartment (sleeps 6) with air conditioning Garden, communal pool. Close to beaches, 5 golf courses & excellent restaurants nearby
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
160
to 285
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| Villa Golondrinas
in Alicante | | A BEAUTIFUL VILLA IN A STUNNING LOCATION WITH PRIVATE POOL IN BENISSA /MORAIRA ON SPAINS COSTA BLANCA
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
649
to 1550
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| TigÃn, Amapolas Ll
in Alicante | | 3 bed,2 bath duplex,a/c,sat.tv,Community pool,full kitchen,Close to beach,golf,restaurants,pubs. Quiet,secure urbanisation.Sleeps 6. Suit families.
More Details ... | | Villas from:E (EUR)
225
to 420
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| Villa Punta Alta
in Alicante | | whitewashed Spanish pool villa high on the hill in large garden and with panorama view
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
430
to 1250
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| Simmons Raffo Villa, Near Alicante
in Alicante | | Our gorgeous villa with a/c in all bedrooms and a woodburning stove in the lounge, lies amongst orange groves and is just 4km from the beach
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
600
to 1300
|

| Los Arcos
in Alicante | | The garden apartment of a private villa with its own pool in La Nucia on Spain's Costa Blanca.
More Details ... | | Villas from:E (EUR)
305
to 795
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| Casa La Cancion
in Alicante | | Spanish style 2 bed villa, private pool, 300 metres from beach.
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 4 to 6, own swimming pool
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
300
to 470
|

| 3 Bed Villa A/c & Private Pool.
in Alicante | | Detached Villa, Pool, A/C & Heated, 3 bed, 2 bath, Brit TV, DVD.15 mins from Alicante airport.5 min walk to shops pubs & resturants.5 mins to Beach.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
350
to 990
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| Molino Blanco 4k
in Alicante | | Modern air conditioned 3 bed 2 bath apartment, located near to beaches, in the much sought area of La Zenia. Ideally situated for that family or golfing holiday.
More Details ... | | Villas from:£ (GBP)
160
to 320
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