Costa Blanca holidays are often regarded as being centred on one location, Benidorm. And while the world famous resort is still one of the most popular among the young and old, the region has much to offer holidaymakers of all types. The area enjoys one of the best climates in Spain with nearly 330 days of sun a year and one of the mildest and driest areas of the Iberian peninsula. Sat on the eastern coast of Spain, the region is bathed by the Mediterranean waters and has some great sand and pebble beaches, stunning mountain scenery and lots of quaint white villages. It is also well know for its fruit and veg and is centre to many orange and lemon groves.
The gateways are Alicante to the south and Valencia to the north and holidays in the Costa Blanca can start at either airport. Flights operate year round from the UK. Although there is far more choice to Alicante than it's big sister. Flying time is around 2.5 hours. From both airports fast motorways operate up and down the coast to serve the many holiday resorts. With Benidorm the biggest, there are many alternatives including Calpe, Denia , Javea and Altea in the north and Torriveija to the south. All areas have seen lots of building in recent years with the creation of many self catering apartments and villas to buy, so often a holiday on the Costa Blanca can be taken in one of the many modern complexes built for this purpose or in a well appointed private villa style home.
Best for...
Families are the obvious option. Great sun and beaches and lots to do to amuse the family. Benidorm does what is says on the tin and offers great value for families wanting to enjoy fun in the sun with every type of accommodation on offer and every form of entertainment too. The resort is also great for the young as it has great nightlife and is good value.
| The area enjoys one of the best climates in Spain... |
Families can also enjoy great villa breaks in the region. This option offers the privacy of a private villa, the flexibility that a hire car can offer and the chance to explore at your own pace away from the bustle of the resorts. The areas around Javea, Altea and Moraira offer the best choice of accommodation.
Golden oldies - pack those bags and get over here for the winter. With many companies offering long term stays throughout the winter then this is the place for you too. With endless entertainment you will not be lost for things to do with like minded people.
Summer temperatures often reach the mid 30s with minimal rain. Winter stays above 10 degrees and it rarely feels cold.
What to do...
Theme parks trips to Terra Mitica, Acqualandia or the bird and animal parks are obvious choices in Benidorm, although it is just as easy to escape by hire car on a tour up into the mountains to Guadelest with its stunning views from the hilltop walled village. Or go dip in the nearby spring waters. By night the resorts ramp up a gear and you can enjoy every type of entertainment within Benidorm itself.
A city trip to Alicante or Valencia will give you a great day out for shopping and if you venture up the coast or inland you are in for stunning views of the mountainous scenery, with great walking in particular.
And of course, there is lying around in the sun, on one of the many golden beaches or around the pool.
For the more adventurous you can take a ferry over the nearby Balearics and maybe enjoy an over night in Ibiza or Majorca
