The area of Costa Blanca is extremely popular with the British population. Figures show that 2 million UK people visit the area every year and is known as the jewel in the crown of Eastern Spain.
Benidorm is a favourite amongst British holidaymakers and with its reputation across Spain of being ‘party central’ is popular for stag and hen do’s. The city is well worth visiting or taking a day trip to, although those on the lookout for a more quiet and relaxing holiday may want to look elsewhere.
Discover the Real Spain
For those wanting to cover what they would consider ‘the real’ Spain, being city based need not be the nightmare you may consider it to be.
The Costa Blanca is rife with affordable and luxurious accommodation and with the glut of car rental companies in the city, hiring a car has never been easier. Why not turn your holiday into an adventure?
The city is served by a fast (toll) motorway (AP-7) which gives you access to congestion free roads, towns, villages, monuments and places of interest.
Five Places to See On the Costa Blanca
With the array of airlines now operating in the majority of European airports it has never been easier to gain access to a ‘cheap and cheerful’ flight from the UK (landing in either Valencia or Alicante), stay in a cheap hotel or budget villa rental and head further afield to explore what the area has to offer you.
There are a variety of places along the Costa Blanca that will appeal to anyone’s specific interests, but here are a list of places nearby that we recommend:
Mateo’s Bar (Sol Pelicanos Hotel)
Benidorm may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but city is worth a look around. I think quirky is the term frequently used but is much loved by the hordes of British tourists who visit every year, especially fans of the television show Benidorm.
It also boasts the highest hotel in Europe (the Gran Hotel Bali) and has the largest concentration of skyscrapers in Europe (per square metre – outside of New York), which adds to its cosmopolitan city feel.
Serra Gelada
This is a natural park and it roughly translates to Ice Mountain and is located on the coast and rises 300 metres over Alfàs del Pì and Altea. It boasts the most spectacular view in all of Eastern Spain and the mountain can be climbed on foot, but beware, its takes up to two hours and is not for the faint hearted (or unfit). There are other means up there, the most popular is where a 4 x 4 comes and takes visitors to the top and then you cycle back down which in the long run doesn’t involve a great deal of effort upon your part.
Theme Parks
Whatever your age, theme parks are always a favourite attraction and are always a good way to keep the children entertained for the day. The main theme parks that are located within the area are:
• Terra Mitica – ‘around the world’ theme
• Aqualandia – ‘crazy water slide’ theme
• Mundomar – a small version of Sea World
• Terra Natura – Wildlife theme
Calpe
This is a beautiful seaside town which is dominated by a rocky outcrop, locally named ‘Penon de Lfach.’ It has been said to resemble the rock of Gibraltar, although it is on a smaller scale. It is a small traditional Spanish town which is rich in historical relevance and is popular with tourists who don’t want to stray far from where they are staying but want to get a ‘real experience’ of Spain.
Calpe has an almost ‘old world’ feel to it with quaint side streets, little tapas bars and two lovely old churches which are in relatively close proximity to each other so would definitely be worth a visit. They are called Iglesia Antigua and Iglesia de la Senora de las Nieves.
Valencia
Whether you have or haven’t visited Spain before, everyone has heard of the beauty of Valencia. It is located in the North of the region and there is something for the entire family to enjoy. From the arts and science museum, opera house to the 3D cinema and huge aquarium; your visit to this city will not be a wasted day.
Algar Waterfalls
While you are in the area why not visit somewhere of complete unspoilt beauty? The waterfalls of Algar are 10km from Albir and situated near the town of Callosa d’en Sarria.
The crystal clear waters of the Algar are always cool and the site includes an area for refreshments, toilers, picnic and camp site.
Eastern Spain doesn’t have to be all about sun, sea and sand – it is so much more and the list we recommend is only a tiny fraction of what you can do and see.