Holiday tips on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is a sun-drenched region of Spain known for its varied coastline and diverse destinations. From picturesque, hilly villages to lively seaside resorts. This guide will help orient you to these different places.

This page consists of the following sections:

  1. Food & drinks
  2. Things to do
  3. Things to see
  4. Beaches
  5. Nature Parks
The logo of the Costa Blanca.
Restaurant El Castell in Altea.

Food & drinks

The Costa Blanca offers a rich and varied culinary experience, from authentic Mediterranean cuisine to international gourmet excellence.

The emphasis is on Valencian cuisine with paella, fresh fish and tapas, with the quality of the ingredients being the main focus.

The region is a culinary leader, thanks in part to top restaurants and celebrity chefs. In addition, the area possesses many acclaimed, unique eateries such as traditional chiringuitos on the coast.

The local dining experience is enriched by culinary festivals and local produce markets.

The Ocean Race Museum in Alicante.

Things to do

The Costa Blanca is a dynamic destination that offers a unique blend of adventure, culture and relaxation.

Its 200 kilometers of coastline are perfect for water sports, sailing and exploring its various beaches and hidden calas.

In the mountainous interior, natural parks invite challenging hiking and biking trails.

Cultural highlights include visiting historic forts and museums.

The local experience is enriched by lively, traditional feasts and festivals and the atmospheric, weekly markets.

Calpe, the path towards the Peñon de Ifach.

Things to see

The Costa Blanca is a visual treasure trove formed by the combination of history and spectacular nature.

Highlights include natural monuments such as the Peñón de Ifach and Mount Montgó, which dominate the coastline.

The towns and villages offer historic architecture, especially the Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante and the quaint, white village of Altea.

There are also unique attractions such as the palm garden in Elche, photogenic bays and specialized museums.

Playa de la Fossa in Calpe.

Beaches

The beaches of the Costa Blanca are exceptionally diverse and are one of the main attractions of the region.

The coastline offers numerous expansive, family-friendly sandy beaches (such as those in Benidorm and Alicante) and hidden rocky coves (such as those in Benissa).

Many beaches have Blue Flag certification for their high quality and amenities.

Beautiful beach experiences include traditional chiringuitos and popular boulevards.

The port of Dénia with Mount Montgó in the background.

Nature Parks

The Costa Blanca’s natural parks provide plenty of greenery in the region and offer a contrast to the busier coast.

These areas are essential for hikers, climbers and nature lovers.

Important parks include the Sierra Helada and Montgó Mountain.

The parks are accessible for a variety of activities, ranging from light hiking to challenging climbs.

They are also important for preserving the unique Mediterranean flora and fauna.