Costa Blanca Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and culture in Costa Blanca. Find out the best time to visit, transportation options, and nearby excursions in this comprehensive tour guide.


Costa Blanca: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Costa Blanca is a beautiful coastal region located in the Alicante province of the Valencian Community in Eastern Spain. The area is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or a relaxing getaway, Costa Blanca has something for everyone.

Introduction to Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca spans over 200 kilometers of coastline from Denia to Pilar de la Horadada. With an average of 300 sunny days per year and a mild climate, the region is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The name Costa Blanca, meaning “White Coast,” comes from the endless stretches of white sandy beaches that are surrounded by turquoise waters.

List of Places to Visit in Costa Blanca

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Guadalest - a beautiful village located in the mountains with stunning views and a rich history. Visit the Castle of San Jose, the Museum of Ethnology, and the La Casa Orduña, a medieval house.
  2. Alicante City - a historic city with a beautiful old town, the Santa Barbara Castle, and the Museum of Archaeology.
  3. Elche Palm Grove - a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200,000 palm trees.

Natural Attractions of Costa Blanca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sierra de Aitana - a natural park offering a range of hiking and biking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  2. Algar Waterfalls - a series of beautiful waterfalls located in the Algar Valley.
  3. Tabarca Island - a small island located off the coast of Santa Pola. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the island’s history.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Costa Blanca

  1. Sierra de Aitana - trails range in difficulty, but all offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  2. Montgo Natural Park - a range of trails with varying difficulty levels that offer beautiful views of the sea and surrounding area.
  3. Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park - a great trail that leads to the top of Ifach rock, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Costa Blanca: Activities and Tours

  1. Boat Tours - explore the coastline and nearby islands, such as Tabarca, on a boat tour.
  2. Wine Tasting - experience the local wine and food scene on a vineyard tour.
  3. Water Sports - try out windsurfing, paddleboarding, or jet skiing at one of the many beaches along the coast.

Week-Long Itinerary for Costa Blanca

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Alicante Old Town, Castle of Santa Barbara and Museum of Archaeology
Day 2 Explore Guadalest Village and its museums
Day 3 Hiking in Sierra de Aitana
Day 4 Visit Elche Palm Grove and Algar Waterfalls
Day 5 Spend the day at one of the many beaches along the coast
Day 6 Snorkeling trip off the coast of Tabarca Island
Day 7 Wine tasting tour in the local vineyards

Food and Drink Scene of Costa Blanca

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Paella - a traditional rice dish originating from Valencia.
  2. Arros a Banda - a seafood rice dish that gets its flavor from the fish stock it’s cooked in.
  3. Coca De Molletes - a savory bread that’s often topped with tomatoes and anchovies.

Local Beverages

  1. Horchata - a sweet drink made from tiger nuts, sugar, and water.
  2. Agua de Valencia - a refreshing and fruity cocktail made with orange juice, Cava, gin, and vodka.
  3. Wine - Costa Blanca produces a range of wines, including Monastrell and Moscatel.

Where to Stay in Costa Blanca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Hospes Amérigo - a luxurious hotel located in Alicante that’s housed in a 16th-century convent.
  2. Hostal Ole - a stylish hostel located in Benissa, with easy access to the nearby beaches and hiking trails.
  3. Casa del Maco Hotel and Restaurant - a stunning guesthouse located in Benissa. Surrounded by gardens, it’s a peaceful and relaxing retreat.

What to Buy in Costa Blanca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handcrafted Ceramics - traditional ceramics such as tiles, vases, and bowls are common in Costa Blanca.
  2. Leather Goods - high-quality leather, such as shoes and bags, are popular products in the region.
  3. Local Wine and Olive Oil - Costa Blanca is home to many vineyards and olive groves, making wine and olive oil popular souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Costa Blanca

The locals in Costa Blanca are known for their hospitality, warmth, and love of food. Family is an essential part of the culture, and meals are often enjoyed together. A siesta, or mid-day nap, is a common tradition, especially in the summer months when temperatures can get high.

Best Time to Visit Costa Blanca

The best time to visit Costa Blanca is from March to October when the weather is mild and sunny. The summer months can get hot, so it’s best to plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon.

Do’s and Don’ts of Costa Blanca

Do:

  1. Try the local cuisine and wine.
  2. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases.
  3. Wear sunscreen and a hat if you’re visiting in the summer months.

Don’t:

  1. Assume that everyone speaks English.
  2. Leave your valuables unattended on the beach.
  3. Show up late to dinner reservations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s always important to take precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and be cautious when walking alone at night.

Health in Costa Blanca

Spain has excellent healthcare facilities, and medical treatment is free for EU nationals. It is essential to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses if you’re not from the EU.

Getting to Costa Blanca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Costa Blanca

  1. Alicante Airport - the primary airport in the region, located 9 kilometers from the city center.
  2. Valencia Airport - located around 145 kilometers from Costa Blanca.

Bus Stations Near Costa Blanca

  1. Alicante Bus Station - located in the city center, with connections to other cities in Spain.
  2. Benidorm Bus Station - located in the center of Benidorm, with connections to other nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  1. Train - from Alicante, you can take a train to other cities in Spain.
  2. Car Rental - renting a car is a great option to explore the region at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Costa Blanca

Public transportation in Costa Blanca is affordable and efficient, with buses connecting the major towns and cities in the region. Taxis are also readily available, and car rental is recommended for those who prefer to explore independently.

Where to Go Next from Costa Blanca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Valencia - known for its stunning architecture, beaches, and delicious food, Valencia is located around 160 kilometers from Costa Blanca.
  2. Murcia - a historic city with beautiful architecture and fascinating museums, located around 100 kilometers from Costa Blanca.
  3. Ibiza - a beautiful island with stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, located around 140 kilometers from Costa Blanca.

Conclusion

Costa Blanca is a vibrant and diverse region with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a relaxing vacation, you’re sure to find it here. With beautiful weather, delicious food, and welcoming locals, Costa Blanca is a must-visit destination in Spain.

Tram Alicante Tram Alicante


    Alicante
    Benidorm
    Dénia
    Elche
    Moraira
    Torrevieja