Everything about the Costa Blanca in one place
Like thousands of others, discover the most complete and convenient platform (website & app) for anyone who wants to discover, visit or live on the Costa Blanca.
I first became acquainted with the Costa Blanca in 2015. It all started with a vacation in Altea. Since then, I have regularly visited all the places in the region.
Think of this website as a well-organized library where you can wander around and easily search for information and tips on your own.
Read on and learn all about the Costa Blanca.
Discover popular destinations..
Discover special places …
Current inspiration..
Discover the Mercado Central in Alicante. Visit this historic market hall: browse the hundreds of stalls full of fresh produce and then walk to the Plaza de las Flores, a cozy little square full of colorful flowers and terraces.
Discover the Roman Villa in Albir. Visit the Open Air Museum: see the ancient thermal baths and mausoleun and be transported into history with 360-degree VR glasses.
Discover Mazeland Benidorm: a unique maze adventure for children! Find the hidden woodpecker among 5,000 cypress trees and enjoy yourself in the Biergarten.
All about Paseo Ecológico in Benissa. Your guide to a coastal walk between Benissa and Calpe. Info on 3 official hiking routes.
1. Discover, get to know the Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca facts & figures
- The name ‘Costa Blanca’ means white coast and it is one of the 17 Spanish costas and one of the most famous and beloved coastlines in Europe;
- The coastline is located in the province of Alicante in southeastern Spain, one of the three provinces in the Comunitat Valenciana, also known as the Valencia region;
- The area extends over almost 250 kilometers, between the places Dénia (in the North) and Pilar de la Horadada (in the South);
- The distance between the top Northern part and the bottom Southern part can be covered by car in just over one and a half hours;
- The region has an area of almost 6,000 km² with approximately 1.9 million inhabitants;
- Approximately 30% of the inhabitants are foreign, including an estimated 75,000 Dutch people;
- Around 600,000 Dutch tourists visit the Costa Blanca every year.
1. Discover
2. Experience
3. Visit
North & south
There is talk of Costa Blanca North (everything above Alicante) and Costa Blanca South (everything below Alicante). The areas have their own characteristics:
Costa Blanca North:
- Height differences;
- Mountains (close to the sea);
- More green;
- Smaller beaches;
- Cliffs & bays.
Costa Blanca South:
- Plains;
- Mountains (20km from the sea);
- Less green;
- Larger beaches;
- Dunes.
The regions
The Costa Blanca consists of 9 regions, also called comarcas. This is a traditional subdivision of regions in Spain. Further on you will find a map with these regions.
5 regions located on the Mediterranean Sea:
- La Marina Alta;
- La Marina Baja;
- De L’Alacanti;
- Dele Bajo Vinalopó and;
- De la Vega Baja.
The other 4 regions located in the interior:
- De L’Alcoià;
- El Comtat;
- Del Alto Vinalopó and;
- Del Medio Vinalopó.
The map of the Costa Blanca
Below you see a complete map of the Costa Blanca. On this map all 9 regions on the Costa Blanca are shown separately from each other. In addition, all places, both small and large, on the Costa Blanca are mentioned.
The history
The Costa Blanca has a long and fascinating history. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors have all left their mark on the region. The Moors brought about a flourishing agriculture and beautiful architecture. In 1238 the Christians reconquered the region.
Popular holiday destination
The centuries that followed saw the Costa Blanca experience a period of peace and prosperity. In the 19th century, the region began to develop into a tourist destination. Today, the Costa Blanca is one of the most popular destinations in Spain.
The name ‘Costa Blanca’
Where does the name ‘Costa Blanca’ come from? The ‘white’ beaches. The white painted houses. The white-pink blossom of the almond trees. All beautifully seen from the plane and all are possible explanations for the name of the area.
The British were in any case one of the first to respond to this name with their marketing. Airline British European Airways (BEA) used the name in 1960 in their campaigns for holidays & flights from London to Valencia.
The nature on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is known for its beautiful beaches, but behind the coastline you will discover a surprisingly varied landscape with mountains, valleys and nature parks.
The coast: beaches and bays
The quality of the beaches on the Costa Blanca is exceptionally high, as evidenced by the record number of awards:
- 76 blue flags: the highest number of all Spanish costas;
- More than 200 km of coastline: an alternation of wide sandy beaches with all facilities and quiet, rocky bays where you can snorkel perfectly.
The interior: mountains and valleys
If you step off the coast, you will find an impressive landscape that is ideal for walkers and nature lovers.
- High mountain ranges: such as the Sierra Aitana and the Sierra de Bernia, with peaks reaching above 1500 meters;
- Idyllic valleys: located between the mountains, full of small villages, vineyards and olive groves;
- Spectacular hiking trails: countless paths offer spectacular views over the region and the Mediterranean Sea.
The nature parks
The Costa Blanca has no less than 9 natural parks that provide a unique and varied landscape.
These nature parks are divided from the north of the Costa Blanca to the south of the Costa Blanca:
In these parks you can admire dense forests, rock walls, waterfalls and caves. The flora and fauna is rich and diverse, including wild boars, foxes, badgers and birds of prey.
In addition, one of the most famous sights is the palm garden, Jardín El Huerto del Cura, in Elche. The area consists of around 300,000 palm trees.
But also the botanical garden Jardin de l’Albarda is really a hidden gem in the interior of the Costa Blanca.
Nature is therefore much more than sun and sea. The diversity of the landscape and the many walking and cycling opportunities make the Costa Blanca a perfect holiday destination.
The culture
The culture on the Costa Blanca is a fascinating mix, formed by the many peoples who have lived here over the centuries. Influences from the Romans, Moors and Christians can still be found everywhere and create a unique character.
The culture can best be described by a number of characteristics:
- Hospitality: one of the most striking aspects. the local population is known as friendly and helpful, and welcomes visitors with open arms;
- Festivals and traditions: the region is very festive with events and festivals throughout the year, such as the famous fireworks show Castell de l’Olla in Altea;
- Food and drink: the cuisine is Mediterranean, with fresh ingredients and well-known dishes such as paella and tapas. In addition, the Costa Blanca is an important wine region with many wineries that you can visit.
The development of tourism
Thanks to its mild climate, the Costa Blanca is a popular destination all year round, which nowadays attracts around 8 million tourists every year. However, this popularity only really arose in the second half of the 20th century.
The rise: Benidorm in the 50s
Mass tourism in the region began in the 1950s. Before that time, traveling was mainly reserved for the upper class.
The then quiet fishing village of Benidorm played a pioneering role in this by going full throttle in building hotels and apartments to attract the first vacationers. That is now reflected in the skyline and the amount of skyscrapers along the coastline there.
The real growth of tourism was made possible by the arrival of the airport in Alicante, which suddenly made the region accessible to an international audience:
- 1967: the opening of the airport caused an explosion of tourism. The Costa Blanca was suddenly only 2.5 hours away by plane for visitors from, for example, the Netherlands and Belgium;
- 2011: a brand new, modern terminal opened, replacing the 2 old terminals. This resulted in a huge improvement in capacity and efficiency.
The modern airport has prepared the Costa Blanca for the future and strengthens its position as the gateway for travelers to the region.
2. Experiencing the Costa Blanca, what to see & do
To the beach on the Costa Blanca
The beaches on the Costa Blanca are very varied, with a clear difference between the north and the south:
- In the north (from Dénia to Alicante) you will find a mix of pebble beaches and coves (calas), often between rocks and cliffs. This part of the coast is ideal for snorkeling;
- The south (from Alicante to Pilar de la Horadada) is known for its long, wide sandy beaches, such as those at Guardamar and Torrevieja, which are very popular with families.
The Costa Blanca has the most Blue Flags in all of Spain each year. This international seal of approval indicates that a beach is clean and safe, with requirements for water quality, the presence of lifeguards and good facilities. For you as a visitor, this simply means that in lots of places along the coast you can count on a well-maintained, high-quality beach.
Things to do & see
What is there to do on the Costa Blanca? The region offers an enormous variety of activities and sights, from the bustling coast to the quiet, green interior.
On the coast: boulevards and water fun
Every seaside resort has its own atmosphere. Stroll along the famous Explanada de España in Alicante with its millions of mosaic tiles or enjoy the fully renovated boulevard in Altea. The coastline itself invites you to more than just sun, sea and beach:
- Discover the coastline by boat, kayak or sup-board;
- Snorkel in the clear bays of Benissa or Moraira;
- Visit one of the 24 marinas and enjoy the atmosphere.
Culture and history: castles and white villages
The rich history of the region is visible everywhere. Explore the iconic castles that tower high above the cities or wander through the narrow streets of the many authentic villages.
- Climb the castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante or that of Guadalest;
- Discover the charm of the whitewashed Altea or the colored Villajoyosa;
- Visit the palm garden of Elche, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nature and adventure: waterfalls and mountain peaks
The interior of the Costa Blanca is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers. From refreshing waterfalls to challenging hiking trails, there is always something new to discover.
- Take a dip in the waterfalls of Algar;
- Hike through nature parks such as the Serra Gelada or El Montgó;
- Explore the many caves, such as the famous Cova de les Calaveres in Benidoleig.
Food and drink, restaurants
The Costa Blanca is the culinary heart of the Spanish east coast, where Mediterranean cuisine is mastered to perfection. Here, gastronomy is interwoven with daily life, with an emphasis on the quality and local origin of the ingredients.
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Authentic traditions: Valencian cuisine takes center stage with dishes such as artisanal paella, fresh fish, and a rich variety of refined tapas;
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Culinary craftsmanship: the region distinguishes itself with an impressive range of award-winning Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative chefs who elevate local gastronomy to a global level;
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Atmospheric locations: from rustic chiringuitos right on the sand to lively markets for regional products, the variety of dining options is palpable in every village and city.
Weekly markets
Weekly markets on the Costa Blanca are an indispensable part of Spanish culture, with a long tradition deeply rooted in the social life of many towns and villages. At these markets, which have often been around for centuries, you will find fresh, local products such as vegetables, fruits and fish.
In addition to fresh food, you will also find other products at Spanish weekly markets, such as clothing, traditional handmade souvenirs, unique home decorations, works of art by local artisans, beautiful plants or special books and music.
Sports and activities
- Water sports: with the beautiful coastline, it is no surprise that water sports are popular. Think of sailing, diving, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The many marinas and water sports centers offer lessons and rentals;
- Golf: the Costa Blanca is a paradise for golfers with more than 30 golf courses, ranging from challenging championship courses to relaxed 9-hole courses. Many courses have stunning views of the sea or the mountains. Looking for a golf trip? Then take a look at Wave Golf Experience;
- Cycling and hiking: the varied landscapes, from mountains to coastal plains, offer countless routes for cyclists and hikers. There are routes for all levels, from relaxed tours to challenging climbs;
- Tennis and padel: these sports are very popular in Spain and the Costa Blanca has many tennis courts and padel courts, both in clubs and in public parks;
- Climbing: the mountains in the interior offer great opportunities for climbers of all levels.
Various sports to visit:
- Football: Spain is a football-crazy country and the Costa Blanca has a number of professional football clubs, including Elche CF and Hércules CF. You can visit matches or soak up the atmosphere in one of the many bars that broadcast matches;
- Cycling: the Costa Blanca is a popular location for cycling races, including the Vuelta a España. But the annual Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm is also a special event to visit;
- Motorsport: the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia is just under an hour’s drive from the Costa Blanca. Races are organized regularly, including the MotoGP.
3. Visiting the Costa Blanca, flight & stay
Traveling to the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is easily accessible in several ways:
By plane
- From Alicante Airport (ALC)
This is the central and most used airport for the entire Costa Blanca. Due to its location directly on the A-70/AP-7 highway, you can reach both the destinations in the north and in the south quickly and efficiently.
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- Towards the south: the travel time to places such as Santa Pola, Guardamar and Torrevieja is on average 20 to 45 minutes;
- Towards the north: to popular destinations such as Benidorm, Altea, Calpe and Dénia you are on average 40 to 70 minutes en route.
- From Valencia Airport (VLC)
Valencia is an excellent alternative, especially if your destination is in the northern part of the Costa Blanca. For places like Dénia or Jávea, the travel time is comparable to that from Alicante.
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- Expect an average travel time of 60 to 90 minutes to reach places like Dénia, Jávea, Moraira and Calpe;
- For destinations south of Alicante, this airport is less practical due to the considerably longer travel time (easily 1.5 to 2+ hours).
By car
If you want to travel from the Netherlands to the Costa Blanca by car, you can drive to Spain via Belgium and France. The distance from Utrecht to the Costa Blanca is approximately 2000 kilometers.
The Costa Blanca is easily accessible via three main roads:
- AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterráneo): this highway used to be a toll road and is part of the European route E-15. Ideal for those who want to travel quickly;
- A-7 (Autovía del Mediterráneo): an alternative to the AP-7, which runs virtually parallel to the toll road;
- N-332: this national road connects various coastal towns in Southeast Spain, from Almería to Valencia.
These roads ensure that the Costa Blanca is easily accessible for both local and international traffic.
By train
From the Netherlands you can travel to the Costa Blanca by train via Paris and Barcelona. From Barcelona there are train connections to various cities on the Costa Blanca;
By bus
There are several bus companies that regularly offer bus trips to the Costa Blanca. This is a cheap option if you are not in a hurry and don’t mind having a long travel time.
On vacation to the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is one of the most versatile coastlines in Spain and, thanks to its diversity, offers a perfect match for almost any type of vacation.
- Sun and beach vacations: with more than 200 kilometers of coastline you will find everything here; from the famous, wide sandy beaches near Benidorm to the picturesque bays with cliffs near Jávea and Benissa, ideal for days full of sun and sea;
- Cultural and authentic vacations: discover the rich history in cities like Alicante, with castles and museums, or lose yourself in the narrow streets of charming, whitewashed villages such as Altea and Villajoyosa;
- Active and nature vacations: the interior offers rugged mountain ranges such as the Sierra Aitana and various nature parks, perfect for hikers and cyclists. The coast itself is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with countless opportunities for sailing, diving and kayaking;
- Family vacations: the region is known for its child-friendly atmosphere, safe beaches and a huge range of amusement parks, water parks and zoos, especially around Benidorm and Torrevieja;
- Wintering: thanks to the mild microclimate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the entire coastline is a popular destination for winterers who want to escape the cold winter months.
You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.
The climate
The Costa Blanca is known for its very pleasant Mediterranean climate, which has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the healthiest in the world. This is due to a unique microclimate created by the surrounding mountains.
- Protected by mountains: mountain ranges such as those between Murcia and Dénia keep weather influences from the interior out and ensure less wind;
- Many hours of sunshine: the region has an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year, which contributes to the mild temperatures;
- Pleasant temperatures: the average annual temperature is approximately 20 degrees Celsius. In the high season, the average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius;
- Mild winters: due to its sheltered location, temperatures in winter rarely drop to a low level, making the region ideal for wintering.
Costa Blanca weather
The weather on the Costa Blanca per season:
- In spring the weather warms up and nature blossoms. The temperatures become pleasant and there is an occasional shower. It is the perfect time to explore the area, hike or cycle;
- Summer is hot and dry with many hours of sunshine. Ideal for enjoying the beaches and the pool. In the evening it cools down nicely, ideal for eating outside;
- In autumn the temperatures gradually drop. It is still pleasantly warm, especially during the day, but no longer as hot as in the summer. There is some more rain, but there are also plenty of sunny days;
- Winter is mild with temperatures during the day around 15 degrees Celsius. Most of the rain falls in this season (if it falls at all), but there are also plenty of dry days. Great weather for golfing, hiking or visiting cities.
The average temperatures
Below is a table showing the average temperatures on the Costa Blanca per month.
| Month | Avg. daytime temperature (°C) | Avg. temperature at night (°C) | Avg. number of rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 7 | 5 |
| February | 17 | 8 | 5 |
| March | 19 | 10 | 4 |
| April | 21 | 12 | 3 |
| May | 24 | 15 | 2 |
| June | 28 | 18 | 1 |
| July | 31 | 22 | 1 |
| August | 31 | 22 | 1 |
| September | 28 | 19 | 2 |
| October | 24 | 15 | 3 |
| November | 20 | 11 | 4 |
| December | 17 | 8 | 5 |
The current weather
View the current weather on the Costa Blanca:
13°C
Question & answer (FAQ)
Waar ligt de Costa Blanca?
De Costa Blanca ligt in de provincie Alicante, onderdeel van de Valenciaanse Gemeenschap, en strekt zich uit langs de Middellandse Zee. De Costa Blanca begint bij de stad Denia in het noorden en loopt helemaal door tot Pilar de la Horadada in het zuiden.
Hoe lang is de Costa Blanca?
De Costa Blanca heeft een kustlijn met een lengte van ongeveer 244 kilometer.
Welke plaatsen liggen aan de Costa Blanca?
Albir, Alicante, Altea, Benidorm, Benissa, Calpe, Dénia, Elche, Guadalest, Jalón, Javea, Moraira, Pilar de la Horadada, Santa Pola, Torrevieja en Villajoyosa zijn bekende plaatsen aan de Costa Blanca.
Waarom is de Costa Blanca populair?
De Costa Blanca is een populaire bestemming in Spanje voor zowel vakantiegangers als emigranten. Dat is met name vanwege de combinatie van het aangename klimaat, mooie stranden, authentieke Spaanse gerechten, cultuur, betaalbaarheid en goede bereikbaarheid. Daarnaast biedt de regio veel mogelijkheden kijkend naar activiteiten en bezienswaardigheden.
Wat is de mooiste plaats aan de Costa Blanca?
Hoewel schoonheid subjectief is en de Costa Blanca vele charmante plaatsen kent, wordt Altea vaak beschouwd als één van de mooiste. Dit pittoreske stadje betovert met zijn witgekalkte huisjes, smalle straatjes en de iconische blauwe koepel van de kerk die boven de stad uittorent. De ligging op een heuvel biedt bovendien adembenemende uitzichten over de azuurblauwe Middellandse Zee en de omliggende bergen.
Wat is het verschil met andere costa's?
- Costa del Sol: het verschil tussen de Costa Blanca en de Costa del Sol zit hem in het feit dat de Costa Blanca een meer authentieke, rustige sfeer biedt met een gevarieerd landschap, terwijl de Costa del Sol bekend staat om haar bruisende nachtleven, luxe resorts en lange zandstranden, waardoor het een ideale bestemming is voor vakantiegangers die op zoek zijn naar een meer levendige en internationale ervaring;
- Costa Brava: het verschil tussen de Costa Blanca en de Costa Brava heeft vooral te maken met de natuur. De Costa Brava biedt een ruiger en natuurlijker landschap met kliffen, baaien en idyllische dorpjes. De kustlijn is hier veel gevarieerder en de sfeer is vaak iets authentieker en rustiger.
Relevant articles
A complete guide with practical information on all tourist offices on the Costa Blanca.
A complete guide with practical information about all the dog beaches on the Costa Blanca. Find out which places have a dog beach.
Discover Mazeland Benidorm: a unique maze adventure for children! Find the hidden woodpecker among 5,000 cypress trees and enjoy yourself in the Biergarten.
All about Isla de Altea: the ideal place for kayaking and snorkeling. Find out how to get there from Playa de l'Olla and read more about the great fireworks show.
All about Paseo Ecológico in Benissa. Your guide to a coastal walk between Benissa and Calpe. Info on 3 official hiking routes.
Hiking & bird watching in El Hondo? Find trails (wooden walkway), info on rare birds & practical tips for this unique park.
Discover the salt pans (Salinas) of Santa Pola. Guide to flamingo spotting, the Salt Museum & its unique nature. With practical tips.
Hiking & bird watching at Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja. Your guide with routes, info on the flamingos the famous pink lake.
