Costa Blanca
The landscape in Costa Blanca varies from sandy beaches, low dunes or wetlands to rocks, steep coasts and arid zones. High mountain chains run from the impressive northern and central areas to the edge of the sea where the capes of La Nao and San Antonio are located. The southern part of the Costa Blanca is, on the other hand, an area of plains and hills crossed by the river Segura that flows into the sea between dunes and low cliffs. This Costa runs from Denia to Pilar de la Horadada. Alicante is its capital and is one of the most important tourist destinations of Europe. Thanks to the landscape, the infrastructure, the beautiful cities and the friendly people who inhabit this land the Costa Blanca is a favourite destination for tourists.
The Costa Blanca has a coast of ca.160 kilometres long that begins at the city Denia. This city is situated at the base of the mountain “Montgó”, surrounded by a nature reserve. A characteristic feature of Denia is the castle on the top of a mountain in the centre of the city, from where you have an unforgettable view over the city, the port and the sea. Further south from Denia, on the other side of the mountain “Montgo” and between the Cape of San Antonio and the Cape of de La Noa, is Javea (Xàbia). Here you can find beautiful and well maintained houses in the old part of the city. Along the coast you can find a varied selection of beaches, from fine sandy ones to rock ones. The route along the coast leads us further to Benidorm, one of the biggest touristic sites of the Costa Blanca. In the historical centre with its narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants, you can find the famous Balcón del Mediteráneo, decorated with its blue ceramic. Further south, in Villajoyosa, one can visit the beautiful old city center. The houses are painted in different colours, so that the sailors could recognise their home from their boats. Nowadays, they provide a colourful sight. Villajoyosa has a beach of 3,5 kilometres and a beautiful promenade where you can stroll while enjoying the sea view.
The Capital Alicante has a beautiful sea promenade, from where you can enjoy the sea views, where there is always a holiday atmosphere.The skyline of this city is dominated by the impressive church Santa Barbara, which is situated on the top of the mountain in the center of Alicante. As we go south from Alicante, the landscape changes and we find ourselves in the middle of a plain with several salt lakes. The salt industry forms, along with the tourism, the economical basis of this area. The most important Salt Lake is situated by Santa Pola, in the nature reserve Salinas de Santa Pola. The life in Santa Pola mainly concentrates around the boulevard and the harbour, from where one can make a boat trip to the island Tabarca. This island is a sea reserve with a rich history. The biggest Salt Lake in the Costa Blanca is situated nearby Torrevieja and this city is mostly visited due to the fact that the salt lakes in the neighbourhood have therapeutically effects. Due to the affluence of foreign visitors, there are several health centres and spa’s with international doctors. Torrevieja also has an enjoyable sea promenade with sea pools, restaurants and an outdoor theatre. The city Pilar de la Horadada is the last city in the Costa Blanca and has a 4 kilometres long beach and a characteristic watchtower. The vegetables and fruit cultivated in Pilar de la Horadada are being exported to several European countries.
SPORTS
The mild climate and the numerous sport facilities make the Costa Blanca a privileged holiday destination for the active tourist, especially for the lovers of water sports. One can practice sport outdoors almost all year round in the Costa Blanca. Twelve golf courses make it possible to practice golf and hiking lovers can find several routes in the mountains and valleys in a magnificent ecologic environment. And it’s also a true paradise with beautiful coral reefs around the island Tabarca for divers and snorkels enthusiastics.
FLORA AND FAUNA
In the Costa Blanca there are 6 nature reserves; La Font Roja (Alcoy and Ibi), Peñon de Ifach (Calpe), Montgó (Denia and Javea), Salinas (Salt Lakes) de Santa Pola, Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja and El Hondo de Elche (palm tree park) and the Capes of La Nao and San Antonio. The lovers of mountain routes can go on excursions on the mountains of Sierra Helada, Bernia or Aitana.
PLACES TO GO OUT
The Capital Alicante, Elche, Benidorm and Torrevieja have busy nightlife zones and music bars, mostly situated in the heart of the historic centre. The promenades are a very enjoyable spot at night and there is a night train (Trensnochador) along the coast with 33 stops between Alicante and Altea. For those who like to gamble there is a Casino (Casino Costa Blanca) near Villajoyosa.
FOLKLORE AND CELEBRATIONS
The day of the Moors and Christians, when the historic past revives over and over again, is the most important holiday for the residents of the Costa Blanca. Thousands of people are involved, at different times of the year, in the places where this tradition is kept alive and participate, dressed in luxurious costumes, in parades, dances, staged fights etc. In each place they will represent a part of their history. The biggest festival is being held in Elche in the form of a play reviving the drama of the Ascension Day of the Holy Virgin Maria (Mystery). This cultural relic is a true World inheritance.
GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy of the Costa Blanca is mostly based on rice, prepared in different ways. Rice dishes at the coast are prepared with bouillon and fish, while rice dishes in the mountains are prepared with pumpkin, beans and pork in a characteristic cooking bowl. The tipical desserts are nougat, ice cream, almond pie or cake soaked in sugar syrup.
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