Attractions in Costa Blanca
From diminutive mountain villages sleeping in the shadows of imposing 12th-century Moorish castles to the cosmopolitan city of Alicante and its array of fine restaurants, modern museums, brilliant beaches and blue waters, it's clear the Costa Blanca has plenty for everyone.
Northern Costa Blanca
Coast
Here you'll find historical sites and museums, traditional 'old towns', staggering scenery and all the Mediterranean Sea you can handle. And let's not forget all the beaches, parks and activities also on order. Below is only a smattering of what there is to see in Costa Blanca.
Alicante
Alicante, set squarely in the middle of Costa Blanca, is the region's largest and most cosmopolitan city. From the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, atop Monte Benacantil in town centre, you can see everything that this modern Spanish city has to offer. Look east and see brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean lapping on prestigious Blue Flag beaches and a horizon dotted with billowing sails. Look north and spot MARQ, an ultra modern museum in an historic skin, and in the distance the vestiges of Lucentum, an ancient Roman city. Look south and witness people dining alfresco on delicious fare in the shade of El Barrio's historic buildings, the ostentatious 18th-century façade of Iglesia de Santa María, several more fabulous museums and elegant women toting massive shopping bags along Calle de Gerona. And to the West? You'll see a gorgeous sun setting on all that is Alicante. Find out more about Alicante or have a look at our featured properties in Alicante.
Benidorm
Thanks to hosting some of Spain's best beaches, Benidorm has become the most popular resort town on the entire Costa Blanca. Although the old town is worth a wander, it is the beaches and nightlife that stand out here. If you’re looking for a moment of tranquillity in the midst of the expat extravaganza, visit the cliff top square, Placa del Castell, with its blue-domed church. Benidorm is found almost 40km north of Alicante. Find out more about Benidorm or have a look at our featured properties in Benidorm.
Altea
This charming seaside city north of Benidorm, with its tangled web of old town streets and its characteristic white and blue domed church perched atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, may just be the most beautiful pueblo in all of the Comunidad Valenciana. Wander up Pont de Moncau from Plaza del Convento and find yourself in a cobble-stone stepped world of art. Altea's long been a haven of artists and craftsmen, thanks to its laid back pace and peaceful surroundings. Although the beaches here are more stony than sandy, they lack the crowds seen at nearby Benidorm. Altea is also a perfect place to base yourself while exploring the nearby Sierra de Aitana and the Sierra de Bèrnia.
Calpe
You'll never forget your first sight of Peñón de Ifach, a massive 332m tall monolith splitting the Mediterranean's waters and rising into the sunny Spanish skies. The two sprawling bays that splay off the famous rock host the historic town of Calpe. Playa Arenal, which is to the south, is backed by the old town, a place of respite for one Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. If you manage to navigate through the myriad of narrow streets to find Peça Tower, you'll get glimpse the only remaining section of the Calpe's 15th-century city walls. Nearby is the only Mudejar-Gothic designed church in the entire Comunidad Valenciana. The northern bay, Playa Levante is backed by more modern development. As you may have guessed, the biggest attraction here is Peñón de Ifach itself. It's home to numerous activities and forms the Peñón de Ifach Nature Park.
Jávea (Xábia)
Just south of Dénia, the village of Jávea is neatly split in three. The historical section of town is found 2km from the shore, moved inland centuries ago due to frequent attacks from pirates! There you'll find the Gothic Church of San Bartolomé, whitewashed houses, the ornamental Ayuntamiento (town hall), the Cultural Centre, the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Chapel of Santa Ana and a quaint food market. The second area of town, due east of the old town, is El Puerto (the port). There, you can't help but notice the keel-like Church of Our Lady Loreta. The third area of town, known as El Arenal and found 2km south of El Puerto, is where most of the beaches are located. Further south still is Cabo de La Nao, a cape proffering panoramic views. For a glimpse of Jávea that few outsiders see, head north towards El Montgó and you'll find a traditional rural village set amongst orange groves.
Dénia
Perched on the sea at the northern boundary of the Costa Blanca, Dénia offers a world of experiences: wander its narrow cobbled streets of the old town; shop on the wide tree-lined avenue of Calle de Marques de Campo; windsurf along the lovely beaches; dive into the depths of the San Antonio Natural Marine Reserve; or climb to the glorious 753m summit of the El Montgó Mountain Nature Park and gaze over the Mediterranean all the way to Ibiza. Find out more about Dénia or have a look at our featured properties in Dénia.
Inland
Still reading? Good! - you shall be rewarded! Although there's a bounty of riches, just a short drive inland from the Mediterranean, most visitors have no clue and end up missing out on the entire lot (with the exception of Guadalest). Take a trip through the splendid sierras and you'll discover many a treasure, including many medieval Moorish castles.
Novelda
Only 25km west of Alicante, this village boasts an exquisite 1903 bourgeois mansion, with period furniture, stained glass and an elaborate wrought-iron spiral staircase. Inside is the Casa-Museo Modernista, a museum devoted to Art Nouveau (Modernisme in Spanish). While here it's also worth checking out the Cruz Roja building, which has a rather memorable exterior. Outside of town is the dramatic 12th- to 14th-century Castillo de la Mola, a fortified castle from the Moorish period. It's dramatic triangular tower is truly something to behold. Novelda is conveniently connected to Alicante by rail.
Elda
Just north of Novelda is Elda, one of Spain's two shoe making capitals (the other is Elche). If shoes are your passion, make sure to visit the Museo del Calzado, which is overloaded with footwear from what may be the beginning of time. Shoes don't' float your boat? Then visit the Moorish 12th-century Castillo de Petrer, which sits atop a hill just outside of town. Like Novelda, Elda is conveniently connected to Alicante by rail.
Villena
Like Elda and Novelda, Villena rests within the corridor of the Val de Vinalopó. However, there is just something about Villena that makes it stand out. Many consider it the prettiest village in the region. Not far from the old quarter's Plaza de Santiago is the 16th-century Palacio Municipal, which hosts the Museo Arqueológico. Amazingly it plays home to sixty 3000-year-old gold artefacts (weighing a total of 10.4kg!) that were found in a dried up riverbed. High above town is Castillo de la Atalaya, a 12th-century Moorish castle. Although it doesn't tower out of the hilltop, the views from here are astounding.
Biar
This diminutive village just west of Villena hosts another of Costa Blanca's amazing Moorish castles. Castillo de Biar, which stands tall on a rocky knoll, dates from the 12th century and played a crucial roll in the Moorish-Christian battles of centuries past.
Ibi
About 20km west of Biar is Ibi, a town known loved by children across the region. Why? It's known for two things: toy making and ice cream. The Valencian Toy Museum contains 444 items of the Payá collection (the original toy making family here). If you've outgrown toys and ice cream (poor you!), there are several 16th-century architectural gems and great frescos. Ibi is a good place to make the leap into El Carrascar de la Font Roja Nature Park.
Alcoy
Northeast of Ibi, due north of Alicante and sprawled over gorges galore, Alcoy is hosts an amazing collection of historic bridges. There are 15 in total and some date as far back as 1712! All but one date before 1931. Peeking over the edge of some is the best way to take in the city. Alcoy is known throughout Spain for its enthralling Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos. Alcoy is another good place to base yourself for a trip into El Carrascar de la Font Roja Nature Park or the Sierra Mariola Nature Park.
Guadalest
Despite boasting a mere population of 200, Guadalest attracts more than 2 million visitors a year! This quaint wee village, with Castillo de San José towering high above, is simply that picturesque. If you're lucky enough to live in the region, you can time your visit before the throng of tourist buses arrive from the coast, some 20km to the east (arriving after they've left is just as good an option). This will allow you to wander in peace through the narrow alleys and traditional buildings while taking in the mountainous views. Make sure you step into the Museo Etnológico before you leave.
Southern Costa Blanca
Coast
The southern Costa Blanca's shoreline is every bit as rich in the beach bonanza as the north, but lacks some of its dramatic coastal scenery. To its advantage, the southern Costa Blanca hosts some of Spain's nicest golf courses and is conveniently accessed by two international airports.
Santa Pola
Santa Pola, 20km south of Alicante, is particularly unique because it has maintained its authenticity alongside facilities for tourists. In town centre on Plaza del Castillo, you'll find the Castillo Fortaleza de Santa Pola, which hosts Museo del Mar (a maritime museum) and Museo de la Pesca (a museum touching on Santa Pola's fishing heritage). However, the biggest attractions pulling you to Santa Pola are found on its fringes: Las Salinas and Island of Tabarca. Find out more about Santa Pola or have a look at our featured properties in Santa Pola.
Island of Tabarca
Although you'd be forgiven for never having heard of this island before, it has been talked about for millennia, even being mentioned by the Greek historians Strabo and Ptolemy. The island was a refuge for Berber pirates in the Middle Ages before King Carlos III instructed the construction of a fort here in 1760. Eight years later it was settled by 600 Genoans who'd been released from the Tunisian port of Tabarka (near Algeria), thanks to a settlement made by Carlos III. While exploring the island, you can't help but notice the Italian influence... most people still carry the old surnames of the original 600 settlers! There are some decent beaches and numerous buildings to check out, including the fortified enclosure (a National Historic Artistic Complex), 18th-century Church of St Peter and St Paul and St Joseph's Tower. One thing you won't find on the island is the automobile - how refreshing! The surrounding waters have been designated as a marine park. Trips here are easily arranged from Alicante and Santa Pola.
Torrevieja
This coastal resort has more than just beaches on offer. The Sea and Salt Museum, which discusses the sea's endless relationship with the people of Torrevieja, is a worthwhile excursion. Slide beneath the shade of some palms at Plaza de la Constitución, sip a coffee and admire the neoclassical Church of Immaculate Conception. Its vibrant three-tiered plinth towers have played in Torrevieja's blue skies for over a century and a half. Torrevieja and the surrounding inland towns host some spectacular golfing. Between late July and early August, you must attend Torrevieja's International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest. A few kilometres inland from Torrevieja is the unique and rewarding La Mata and Torrevieja Salt Flats Nature Park. Find out more about Torrevieja or have a look at our featured properties in Torrevieja.
Inland
The southern inland section of the Costa Blanca is much smaller than its northern counterpart, but it boasts some great historic buildings, museums and culture... not to mention two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Elche
Twenty-three kilometres southwest of Alicante is Elche, a city with not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first site is Europe's largest and most northerly palm grove - it hosts over 200,000 palms! There's a great 3km walking trail that leads through this genuine oasis. The second heritage site involves the beautiful baroque Basílica de Santa María, although it's not the building itself that carries the heralded UNESCO badge. Rather, it's the fascinating Misteri d'Elx, an annual two-act drama play that dates back to the Middle Ages, that holds the acclaimed status. The play only takes place of August 14 and 15 each year, though the Museu Municipal de la Festa provides a brief multimedia presentation on the play the rest of the year. About 3.5km out of town centre is the Alcúdia Archaeological Site, where a masterpiece of ancient Iberian art was uncovered some years ago. The site's Museo Arqueológico provides an excellent overview.
Orihuela
With its back to the Sierra de Orihuela, some 30km inland from the Costa Blanca's southernmost beautiful beaches, is the charming and historic city of Orihuela. A short stroll from the banks of the Río Segura is an intriguing array of Gothic, baroque and Renaissance architecture. The 16th-century Convento de Santo Domingo is Orihuela's most splendid ecclesiastical building, with its fine Renaissance cloisters and rich 18th-century tilework. Delve into the Gothic-Catalan 14th-century Catedral de San Salvador and visit the Museo Diocesano, which boasts the Temptation of St Thomas by Veláquez. The exteriors steel the show at the Iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina and the Palacio Episcopal. The former has a lovely Renaissance façade and gargoyles draped from its gothic towers, while the latter's façade is soberly baroque. Head to the Universidad Miguel Hernandez to visit Museo de la Muralla. There, you'll descend and explore the immense underground remains of the city walls and old Arab baths. Find out more about Orihuela or have a look at our featured properties in Orihuela.
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