Costa Blanca Holiday
Meaning 'white coast', the Costa Blanca offers spectacular beaches and a warm welcome that, over the years, has made it a firm favorite with British holidaymakers. Boasting soaring skyscrapers, the Costa Blanca's main resort, Benidorm, is reminiscent of Manhattan and is just as vibrant with its heady mix of sizzling nightlife and bustling boulevards lined with bars, cafes and restaurants.
"Sun and fun all the way! The Costa Blanca is an excellent holiday choice, offering splendid sandy beaches, glorious weather and glittering nightlife."
Costa Blanca Holiday - Beaches
The Costa Blanca is renowned for its immaculate sandy beaches. Lively Benidorm is home to two broad Blue Flag beaches which shelve gently into the glittering waters of the Mediterranean making them great for swimming. The liveliest beach, Levante, is considered to be among the top 10 beaches in the world and so it's no surprise that it can get crowded, especially in July and August. Benidorm is particularly fortunate in that the main sweep of its beaches face south, catching the rays as long as the sun shines. Nearby Albir plays host to a relaxed, pebble beach while Cala Finestrat is home to a quiet, sandy cove. The Costa Blanca's principle city, Alicante, overlooks the sea and is served by the popular Postiguet beach and vast swathes of sands can be found at La Albuferta and Sant Joan.
Shopping
The Costa Blanca is a shopper's dream. Bargain hunters will love Altea's weekly market. Wander through its narrow streets overlooked by a delightful jumble of whitewashed houses arranged around a pretty blue-domed church as you search out handbags, wallets and other fine leather goods for which the Costa Blanca is known. Benidorm also plays host to a weekly flea market where you can buy anything from groceries to lacework. The resort is home to a good number of perfume shops which sell discounted lines on top brand names. There's also a large out-of-town shopping centre in Benidorm which houses a comprehensive hypermarket.
Nightlife
Nightlife on the Costa Blanca is legendary. Whether you want to dance the night away until the early hours or enjoy the chitter-chatter of locals in a Spanish tapas bar, there's plenty to do. Once the sun goes down, the pace really hots up. There's no shortage of nightlife in Benidorm with its vast array of cabaret bars, discos and karaoke venues geared towards fun-loving Brits. For a more authentic Spanish feel, head to the old town or one of the fishing harbors dotted along the Costa Blanca where you can while away an evening over a fruity jug of sangria in a waterside bar.
Inland, it's a different story. The tranquil hillsides of the Costa Blanca play host to tiny whitewashed villages that look out over citrus groves and lush vineyards. Combining lively Latin spirit with sun, sea and sand, the Costa Blanca simply bubbles with unpretentious holiday fun and exuberance for all ages.
Holiday Tips
In most hotels and aparthotels gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner. Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available.
Local Specialities
From steaming dishes of paella to sizzling fry-ups of bacon and eggs, there's something guaranteed to tickle your taste buds on the Costa Blanca. As the largest resort, Benidorm is home to a vast selection of eateries. Traditional Spanish tapas bars jostle with fast food outlets serving pizzas and hamburgers. So, whether you want to sample local specialties such as grilled prawns with garlic mayonnaise or prefer hearty British fare such as roast beef and fish and chips, you won't have to look far!