WHY THE COSTA BLANCA?
The Costa Blanca is the coastal area of Alicante. Alicante, together with Valencia, forms one of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain, the Communidad de Valenciana.
And it’s more than a white coast. A wide range of picturesque villages, harbors and green surroundings. A paradise for the experienced cyclist and walker.
Lovers of Mediterranean cuisine can discover something new every day.
FOR WHOM IS THE COSTA BLANCA IDEAL?
In short: The Costa Blanca is ideal for sun lovers, for the beach and terrace lovers. But also for the biggest shoppers, culture lovers and gourmands. The winter visitors. For those who seek quality of life and crave sun, light and warmth
DENIA
We start in the north at Denia : A fishing and seaside town on the most northern part of the Costa Blanca.
Due to its favorable location (protected by the Montgo mountain), the season lasts longer than elsewhere. Denia is a city that has something to offer for everyone such as fishing, diving, windsurfing, sailing, etc.. as well as beautiful nature walks in the park of Montgo.
Getting lost in the extroverted and picturesque neighborhood of the fishermen ‘Barrio de Los Pescadores’ is really not a punishment and you will certainly not go hungry.
Further south, the foothills of the Benitachell mountain range rise. At 200m above sea level, the plains, Les Planes with calcareous soil, form, which then suddenly fall into the sea at Cape Sant Marti, Cape Negre and Cape La Nao, as it were.
But Denia is also a port city. In addition to the regular port, there is also a large marina with capacity for mega yachts. Lovers of luxury yachts will be delighted. In the marina of Denia you will also find many nice terraces with a view of the boats. Those who want to go to and from the Balearic Islands (the party island of Ibiza, the holiday paradise of Mallorca or the authentic Formentera) can take the ferry from Denia. You will be at your destination in a few hours.
Denia also has a very long sandy beach where you can enjoy a lovely walk in the winter and quietly enjoy the sun and the sea in the summer away from the crowds. The beach of Denia is also one of the few beaches on the Costa Blanca where dogs are allowed.
Sports enthusiasts will certainly not be bored. Denia is a paradise for kite surfers and has a kite school where you can safely learn this sport. The club also rents Hobie Cats. The sailors among us know what that means. Besides the classic sports (golf, tennis, the popular padel…) Denia is also extremely attractive for hikers. Put on walking shoes, put on a backpack and you are ready to climb the 753 meter high Montgo: climbing ropes and irons are not necessary, a good condition all the more.
RESTAURANT TIP
JAVEA
The pearl of the Costa Blanca with a high Ibiza content. Javea has only 30,000 inhabitants and yet it is quite extensive. Three centers are within walking distance of each other: the touristic Playa Arenal, a sandy beach located in a small shallow bay with a beautiful promenade where you will find one beautiful terrace next to the other: Bambula, Chabada, Achill, La Bohème. Anyone who has ever been to Javea has undoubtedly enjoyed a cocktail or some fresh tapas.
From Playa Arenal it is about a three kilometer walk along it.
pebble beach to the puerto, the yacht and fishing port. If you want to take a rest en route, you can visit one of the many chiringuito’s or the fashionable beach club La Siesta. Don’t lose sight of the sea, because dolphins are regularly spotted here and now and then even a whale.
In the puerto you will find the lonja, the fish market where you can buy fish and seafood in the late afternoon that come squeaky fresh from the boats that have just sailed in. Those who prefer to be served can enjoy a delicious meal in the Cala Bandida, Noray or one of the many other restaurants.
You can have breakfast at the sympathetic Dutchman Paul in Mira Luna or in The Beach House on the idyllic roof terrace that was designed by the local interior architect Silvia Bellot of Mediterranean Nomad.
Don’t miss the ultra-modern Iglesia de los Pescadores (fishermen’s church).
If you think you’ve seen it all, you’re wrong: walk away from the coast for a while and you’ll come to the pueblo, the old village of Javea: a maze of small streets with white facades with Gothic windows and balconies with wrought iron railings. You eat delicious in restaurants such as La Sucreria de la Plaza, Rebotika, La Cajita Azull, Volti y Volta…
Are you just a little hungry? In many traditional bars you get a tapa with every drink: a plate of Iberico ham, a king prawn croquette, some cubes of machego cheese…
On Thursdays, the pueblo turns into one big market and don’t forget: Europe’s great fruit orchard is only a dozen kilometers inland: not only our oranges and lemons, but also figs, cherries, pomegranates, strawberries, grapes and almonds come from here.
Want to see even more? Then definitely drive to the miradors (viewpoints): from the southernmost point Cabo de la Nao to the northernmost point Cabo San Antonio you will come across several of these viewpoints. And while you’re on the road: also visit the beach of Granadella: twice voted the most beautiful beach in all of Spain.
Hikers and mountain bikers can also indulge themselves in the Granadella Natural Park: 750 hectares of nature reserve!
Those who can’t get enough of breathtaking sea views should also drive up the Puig de Moraig: you can see Ibiza and the inscriptions on the asphalt reveal that the Vuelta de España (the Spanish Tour de France) passes every year.
Exhausted and hungry after all that sightseeing? Star pickers can enjoy a delicious meal at Bon Amb (two Michelin stars).
For the ‘Smartest People’ among us: Javea is the birthplace of tennis star David Ferrer. His brother still runs the tennis club there.
One more tip: on Sunday mornings there is a farmers’ market in the nearby village of Jesus Pobre (yes: Poor Jesus). You will not only find (organic) vegetables, fruit, wine and honey, but there are also food stalls: a kind of Spanish food truck festival avant la lettre. In the summer this event continues at dusk and is graced with Spanish live music. Then you can taste the Spain of the Spaniards!
ONE MORE TIP
MORAIRA
Super cozy! The core of Moraira is not that big, but with its succession of terraces it is all Spanish cosiness. You can enjoy good food in the Club Nautico, Vespas, Kosta, Chillers, La Cabana…
Rent a scooter and drive up to El Portet: the view of the marina and the bay is phenomenal. It is not without reason that many yachts anchor there in the summer to swim and enjoy the view.
BENISSA
Small coves and beaches alternate on the coast. The most famous and most visited beach of all is Playa de la Fustera. On the border with Calpe you will find a picturesque marina, Les Basetes, almost on the border with Calpe. There you can rent all non-motorized water sports equipment in the summer in the Antipodes water sports club: from Hobie Cat to windsurf boards and from kayaks to SUP boards. The club is also run by Vicky Sanchez, ex-world champion freestyle windsurfing.
Inland it is a more mountainous region, formed by Sierra de Oltá, La Sollana, La Malla and La Sierra de Berniadie. Die is almost 1,200 meters high. The city center, with a historic center, has managed to preserve its origins and a large number of historic buildings and monuments.
A little pearl. Very popular with the Belgians.
Nature lovers should definitely go inland.
From the national road N332 you have an exit in Benissa to Xalo/Jalon. Barely a few kilometers further you come to a green valley with almond trees, olive trees, cherry trees, fig trees, pomegranate trees and much more. Especially in February, when the blossoms are in bloom, this is a paradise type of Spain that is completely different from sea and beach.
CALPE
A Flemish classic and that brand everywhere. Anyone who likes to find a piece of Flanders on the Spanish coast will feel like a fish in water in Calpe: you will find a Belgian restaurant or bar in every street. You drink your trusted Stella or Duvel under the Spanish sun and you simply eat a smos or stew with fries.
The Flemish presence is also noticeable in the many Belgian number plates.
In winter Calpe is the base of many professional cycling teams. Who knows, you might run into Philippe Gilbert or Peter Sagan.
The landmark of Calpe is the 332-meter high rock El peñon de Ifach, which rises above the sea and can be seen for miles. It is the highest Mediterranean rock on the Costa Blanca and divides Calpe’s coastline into two parts. You can of course climb it.
If you prefer to take it a little easier, you can simply take the elevator at the Suitopia hotel to the 30th floor. There is a trendy sky bar where you have a 360° view over Calpe and the Mediterranean Sea.
RESTAURANT TIP
ALTEA
Chic, artistic, romantic. Altea has a beautiful beach with a long promenade full of terraces. Altea also has the beautiful marina, Marina Greenwich, which takes its name from being right on Greenwich’s prime meridian. This means that the Costa Blanca actually falls under the English time zone, but since continental European time is used, it stays ready for an hour longer in the evening.
In Marina Greenwich, be sure to eat or drink something at the Altea Bay Club, a hip terrace right next to the water with a high jet set content. Those who like Ferraris and Bentleys better keep their eyes open.
But what most typifies Altea is the old village centre. You have to climb some stairs, but it’s worth it: narrow alleys with white houses and when you get to the top: a Spanish Place du Tertre. The church square is full of painters, musicians… Many Spanish couples come from far away to say yes in the romantic church. And anyone who knows Spain a little knows that this is accompanied by the necessary show: the ladies in high heels in long colorful dresses, the gentlemen in tight suits with the obligatory sunglasses, fireworks and of course children, many children…
It would make you hungry: restaurant Oustau is definitely recommended. Xef Pirata is certainly not inferior. Sybarite is also top notch. Just come and discover it!
Oh, just this. In case you wonder where all that jet set now lives in Altea: Altea Hills! Like in Beverly Hills, but in Spain. A guarded urbanization with phenomenal views of the Mediterranean Sea.
BENIDORM
VILLAJOYOSA
Villajoyosa, also called la Vila Joiosa, means “the cheerful city”. The fishing village originated in the Bronze Age as an Iberian settlement. It grew into a coastal town with several bathhouses. The watchtowers in the town played an important role in defending the coast against pirates. Why cheerful city? You will immediately notice this when you walk on the beach and see the typical and brightly colored fishermen’s houses. What is the story behind the houses : are they so colorful that the fishermen could see their own house from the sea ? Or because the men don’t end up in the wrong house after a hard night out?
Do you like chocolate? In Villajoyosa you have 2 chocolate factories, open to the public.
The most famous is Valor. Knew that Valor has cafes where every dish or drink has something to do with chocolate. Our favorites? In the morning the churro con chocolate or the fruit fondue where the pieces of fresh fruit prick and dip in a jar with running chocolate. Who wouldn’t be happy with this.
So much to see, so much to do. Don’t forget to relax on the beach and just enjoy yourself.
ALICANTE
Today Valencia is hot but if you want to know what will be “the place to be” you should definitely check out Alicante.
It is a mix of a port city, always close to water, a very old city (from 300VC) with a winding street and culinary excellence.
The most lively artery is the Explanada de Espana, the large boulevard on the right and left flanked by palm trees, which runs parallel to the harbor. You can sometimes find an artisan market, you can watch street performers and it is always a mix of locals and tourists. Not to mention many great restaurants. Our favorite is Terre. A modern building with contemporary Spanish cuisine. We are surprised every time. For the photographers and bloggers among you, the El Barrio neighborhood is the place to be. A car-free neighborhood where the locals are still on the street, every tin is a planter and where color is a must.
And for the sailors among you, Alicante is home to the Volvo Ocean Race and museum of the same name.
ELCHE
Usually only known as the location of the airport in Alicante, however, it still has 2 major assets. For the shoppers it is La ruta Outlet.
Just outside the airport, you can buy directly from many shoe manufacturers at greatly reduced prices (up to -70%). Please note that the shops here are also closed between 2 pm and 4 pm.
And the other reason to visit Elche is the palm forest, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Our tip is to book in one of the hotels located in the middle of the palm forest. Our favorite? The four-star Hotel Heurto del Cura. Right next to the botanical garden. You stay in bungalows, with a rather bohemian chic interior, spread in a large tropical palm garden. A real oasis of calm.
Reminds a bit of the Spanish paradors.
You can discover the old town on foot from your hotel or if you want an overview right away, the tourist train is recommended. Departs just opposite the hotel.
TORREVIEJA
Some customers are completely crazy about it. Torrevieja lives summer and winter. Others drive in a wide arc around it. One thing is for sure boredom is not there.
The old center still exudes a certain grandeur with monumental cafes and restaurants. Boulevards with centuries-old palm trees. The area surrounding the marina is also worth a visit. Many artists also visit Torrevieja in the summer and winter and an outdoor concert is really a completely different experience than the concerts we know.
Take the kids to the pirate island of Isla Tabarca with a catamaran from the Marina of Torrevieja. Swimming gear and your snorkels, that’s all you need. The smallest, permanently inhabited island in Spain is about 2 km long and 400 m wide, a protected island full of natural beauty. Feel like a real pirate, visit the lighthouse and the church, walk through the village with its old fishermen’s houses, taste caldero (a fish stew) in one of the pirate bars.
no fornication
Until a few years ago, a seaside resort like any other is now known by every true shopper.
If you like shopping and strolling, then La Zenia Boulevard is the place to be. The largest shopping center of the Costa Blanca, with daily entertainment, concerts and events. And unlike in Belgium and the Netherlands, this is an open-air shopping center. In winter you are sheltered from the wind and in summer large sails and misting provide sufficient coolness. With more than 150 shops, you are sure to find something to your liking. In the summer, the kids can dance every night in the outdoor children’s disco and there are playgrounds for the little ones. And my hubby who doesn’t like shopping can drink a cavate on the 1st floor and enjoy a gentle breeze with a dash of sea view in the distance. The perfect destination for the whole family.
CAMPOA LOVE
Are you a golf enthusiast? Hitting a ball on the green? Then Campoamor is your home par excellence. There are 4 golf clubs almost adjacent to each other.
The Real Club de Golf Campoamor and set in an old estate, surrounded by a beautiful, unspoilt landscape. 18 holes connected by 2 valleys, protected from the wind, golf every day of the year.
There are also 2 other established values and those are the golf of Villamartin and Las Ramblas Golf.
And last but not least Las Colinas Golf & Country club. A villa and apartment resort on a natural site of more than 1200 ha. Winning awards year after year, Las Colinas aims to rival the renowned La Manga Club Resort on the Mar Menor. This is definitely recommended for those looking for discreet luxury and modern sleek villas. In addition to the golf, there is also a beach club in the summer where you can relax, have lunch or dinner.
More on our website.
Beginner or experienced player, you are welcome in every golf club
HORADADA TOWER
Is the village that borders Murcia. Until about 5 years ago, a rather sleepy village by the sea with large sandy beaches and dunes. Very lively in the summer because the Spaniards like to come here on holiday. As the name says itself, there is a tower in Torre de la Horadada, on the marina. Around 2013, in the middle of the crisis, there was still sufficient land for sale at a reasonable price and the project developers started their first developments here. And so a sleeping village has awakened and you will find restaurants, bars and shops here all year round. Our tip for the thirsty and for tapas, Chiringuitos Pirata.
Torre de la Horadada belongs to Pilar de la Horadada, a village that is more inland and always alive.