The Costa Blanca is one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain and one of the historical, scenic and natural treasures of the European continent. Located in the province of Alicante, the Costa Blanca is a very well connected destination with two international airports close by.
Here we will find from big tourist cities with skyscrapers equipped with modern infrastructures, like Benidorm, to small Mediterranean villages where time seems to have stopped, like in the old town of Altea, the valley of Guadalest or the colourful little houses of the old town of Villajoyosa, in others.
Costa Blanca Landscapes
The nature with its landscapes of the Sierra Helada and the Sierra de Bernia dominates everything, like in the wonderful Peñon de Ifach in Altea that rises majestic like one of the standards of the Costa Blanca, the marine reserve of Denia, Benissa, among others, but a good place to stay amazed by the landscapes is Jávea, with its Route of the Miradors.
In addition, the countless Natural Parks that extend along these coasts, delight lovers of hiking and nature. The Costa Blanca is a real jewel of the Mediterranean.
About The Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is a cosmopolitan region where approximately 1,200,000 inhabitants live, 28% of whom are foreigners. The friendliness of its inhabitants, its rich gastronomy, the many festivals and traditions, as well as its privileged climate have attracted millions of national and foreign tourists for decades.
The Costa Blanca has a fantastic climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and an average of 21º, with very mild winters and hot summers, any time of the year is good to visit. This region has more than 200 km of coastline, with spectacular beaches and coves.
Costa Blanca Parks And Beaches
With an average of 74 Blue Flag beaches, awarded by the EU for their quality and services, 60 beaches and 14 ports that are one of the main tourist attractions.
But the Costa Blanca is not only a sun and beach destination, nature lovers will find here their little paradise as they will be able to enjoy numerous natural parks such as the Montgó Natural Park, Sierra Helada, the Peñón de Ifach, Las Salinas where they can go hiking and beautiful excursions with the whole family. The passage of different cultures through this territory has left its mark in the form of important historical heritage in this region. Archaeological remains from the Roman, Greek, Phoenician and Iberian periods have been found.
Some Costa Blanca History
The offer of museums and monuments is infinite, the museum of contemporary art in Alicante, the archaeological museum, the modernist house or the Sanctuary of Mary Magdalene, the Queen’s baths, as well as fortifications, walled villages, defensive towers, etc… some examples are the castle of Alicante, the Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante, the Castle of Guadalest are just a few examples.
The Costa Blanca is synonymous with celebration, with a calendar full of festivals and traditions where religious and pagan celebrations are mixed. It is one of the regions in Spain where most fiestas are held, with the summer season being the high point of all this tradition.
One of the most outstanding festivals and celebrated in almost all the municipalities of the Costa Blanca is the Moors and Christians festival where the colour, music and smell of gunpowder surround you.
It is also very celebrated the night of San Juan, the Virgin of Carmen patron saint of all fishermen, the world famous Fallas or the “Bous a la mar” are some of the many festivals and most important traditions of this region.
What To See And Do On The Costa Blanca in 2021
The Costa Blanca is the coastline belonging to Alicante, which boasts more than 200 kilometres of beaches, coves and natural areas of exceptional beauty. If you want to come to know it and discover one by one all its charms we suggest you here a list of things to see and do in Costa Blanca so that you can make the most of your stay and enjoy a different landscape every day. In this Costa Blanca tourist guide, you will find all the tourist attractions you need to make your holiday a truly incredible experience.
Essential places On The Costa Blanca
Benidorm Old Town
Benidorm is the great jewel of Alicante’s coastline. In its historical centre, we can still appreciate the vestiges and origin of this town. Located in the central part, the old town is full of commercial streets that hold authentic ancient treasures.
Granadella Cove
This beautiful place is situated in Jávea. It is a small and beautiful rocky cove, perfect for those who want to practice scuba diving. Its incredible crystalline waters and its particular location make it an idyllic place to enjoy this sport and a pleasant swim.
Tabarca Island
It is the Alicante paradise located in front of the capital. Inhabited since its origin by Berbers, this curious and surprising archipelago boasts a seafaring tradition and completely crystalline beaches and coves.
Rock of Ifach
This huge rock formation is another of the great emblems of the Costa Blanca. It is the meeting place for divers, climbers and nature lovers. It is located in the town of Calpe and within the natural park of the same name.
Montgó Natural Park
A natural space located in Denia and in which more than 600 different floors coexist and in which to be able to make a beautiful route of hiking. Its views and landscapes will be the best reward.
Levante Beach
This is the most popular beach in Benidorm. It boasts more than 2 kilometres of extension and stands out for its fine golden sand.
Castle of Santa Bárbara
One of the most surprising and historical fortresses on the coast and is located in the city of Alicante. It also offers incredible views of Alicante’s bay.
Guadalest
This village generates a lot of curiosity because of its privileged location. Its medieval atmosphere and the many corners to be explored make it one of the most special and magical places.
Costa Blanca Coastline
Alicante’s coastline is an area full of contrasts, as the mountainous points merge with marvellous cliffs and unknown crystal-clear coves with surprising sea beds. On the Costa Blanca, you will find beaches of fine golden sand and also of gravel or rock. Not to mention its wonderful natural surroundings, where you can practice all kinds of sports and its charming white villages, where you will discover various historical remains.
Benidorm On The Costa Blanca
The star destination of the Costa Blanca is Benidorm, located in the central part of Alicante’s coast. Benidorm is popularly known in Spain as the ‘city of skyscrapers’. Considered the tourist centre of the coast, Benidorm is one of the best bets for a vacation given its varied leisure offer, the quality of its beaches, the height of its buildings and its peculiar historical centre. The Poniente beach is probably the most emblematic and connects to the Finestrat cove, a quieter place where you can continue to enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean. Benidorm is also the chosen scenario to enjoy a holiday with children because the famous Terra Mitica park is located right here. Just a few kilometres away by car you can find the amazing Algar springs, a delight of nature where you can walk and bathe among trees and small waterfalls.
Incredible Landscapes And Beaches On The Costa Blanca
In the northern part of Alicante’s coast and above Benidorm we will find other tourist enclaves, equally interesting and with a most striking magnetism. We will start with Denia, a city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and full of life, especially during the months of greatest tourist agglomeration. Moreover, it is considered the capital of the Marina Alta, hence the importance of the fishing activity. Coastal corners such as El Trampolí beach or Les Rotes cove are some of the essential places to go to. Denia also boasts a beautiful natural setting. This is the Sierra de Montgó, where you can go hiking and enjoy beautiful views.
Javea and Calpe
Just a few kilometres away you will find the town of Jávea, which stands out for its privileged geographical location. It was one of the areas most plundered by pirates, which is why in its historic centre you can still see the remains of its wall. As far as its beaches are concerned, Granadella cove or Arenal beach are the best places to enjoy the sea breeze and its rich seabed. Going down the Costa Blanca in descending order we find Calpe, another of the best-known tourist towns to enjoy holidays with children. Here you will find the famous Peñon de Ifach, which boasts great ecological wealth. You can go hiking and once you are at the top enjoy and photograph its beautiful views. Its beaches are another of its major tourist attractions, above all, corners such as El Racó cove, which every year brings together many diving enthusiasts.
Altea
Altea is the next municipality you will find within the Costa Blanca, before arriving at Benidorm. This beautiful and curious town of whitish houses stands on a tosal, something that allows the striking peak of the church to be visible from any point in the territory. Strolling through its steep, cobbled streets while discovering squares and cultural centres will be one of the best things to do on the Costa Blanca. This pleasant walk can be combined with a fun swim in its coves and beaches, among which we can highlight La Galera or Cap Negret beach, to name but a few. You can also be in contact with nature in the park of Sierra Helada.
Villajoyosa
Another picturesque and curious place that will attract your attention because of its colourfulness is Villajoyosa, which boasts a walled old town full of light where every afternoon there are auctions of the fish of the day, an ancient tradition that has been maintained until today. Also, this colourful town is home to one of the most internationally renowned chocolate industries, a very traditional commercial activity which has also marked the history and culture of its inhabitants. If you have time, it is also advisable to visit some inland villages, where Guadalest undoubtedly stands as one of the most spectacular corners. It is situated on a beautiful rock and surrounded by exuberant vegetation. It also boasts a beautiful valley where you can enjoy incredible views and water activities.
Alicante
Finally, we arrive at Alicante city, capital of the homonymous province, full of life and with an attractive leisure offer. Its greatest symbols of identity are its beaches, such as Postiguet beach or San Juan beach. Although the castle of Santa Bárbara is another of its major tourist emblems. Following your tourist route along the Costa Blanca you will find Santa Pola, known for its amazing beaches and incredible history; Guardamar del Segura, a quiet destination surrounded by pine forests that will make you enjoy an incredible day under the Mediterranean sun and Torrevieja, which offers the tourist incredible landscapes and natural environments of various kinds. Speaking of nature, if you want to marvel at exuberant and quality landscapes, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Tabarca Island, a treasure of great value for the Costa Blanca.
Moreover, the climate and the proximity to other neighbouring areas make the Costa Blanca one of the best areas to spend your holidays. So, don’t wait any longer and select your favorite things to see and do in 2021 on the Costa Blanca.