This stunning stretch of coast in eastern Spain holds a great appeal for many holidaymakers. It enjoys year round sunshine, wonderful beaches, delicious Spanish food and various attractions to keep the entire family entertained. Here’s our pick of 5 top things to do on the Costa Blanca.
Beaches
The Costa Blanca, or white coast, stretches for 200km, with many fabulous blue flag beaches along the way. The weather keeps the temperature of the crystal clear water temperature more than pleasantly warm. The gentle waves and sandy, gentle sloping beaches hit the spot for all ages. Some of the best ones can be found between Alicante and Pilar de la Horadada. This is an area complete with natural sand dunes like those at Guardamar. Other noteworthy beaches in this area include the beautiful San Juan. The Marina Baixa region also boasts some particular beauties. No visit to the Costa Blanca is complete with a good portion of time spent enjoying the wonderful beaches.
Theme Parks & Water Parks
A firm favourite among families, the Costa Blanca region boasts a number of theme parks and water parks. Try out Terra Mitica theme park in Benidorm which follows the theme of an ancient world with plenty of rides and rollercoasters to thrill you. Terra Natura is also found nearby. It’s home to around 1,500 animals. Aqualandia waterpark does what it says on the tin with loads of water rides and slides to keep you cool in the hot Spanish sun. Mundo Mar is a popular marine life park home to dolphins, seals, sea-lions and exotic birds.
Santa Barbara Castle
Perched on a high outcrop overlooking Alicante city, the 10th century Santa Barbara Castle will be sure to fire your curiosity. One of the largest Medieval fortresses in Europe, it is a sight to behold. Complete with canons, dungeons, a moat, its own church (albeit now in ruins) and a spectacular view, it is everything you would expect from a castle. It delivers a very interesting insight into the history of Alicante. It’s free to visit and you can either drive or walk up through pine forests to reach the castle on top of Benacantil Mountain.
Palm Grove of Elche
A visit to the Palm Grove of Elche will put you in the holiday spirit. The largest of its kind in Europe and one of the biggest in the world, you are surrounded by hundreds of palm trees. Take a relaxing stroll under the shady leaves of this beautiful, natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tabarca Island
Tabarca Island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands known as the ‘Islote de la Cantera’ just off the Costa Blanca coast near to Alicante. The island itself is a protected marine reserve. It boasts fantastic diving and snorkelling in the surrounding waters which are filled with an array of marine life. It is completely flat with calm waters and many coves around the island. It makes for a really nice short escape from the mainland. Sample the handful of seafood restaurants. You can easily spend an entire day here.
This is just a selection of things to do on the Costa Blanca, but plenty more awaits you during your holiday to the Costa Blanca.
