“Larger-than-life Benidorm might have put the Costa Blanca on the map, but this is also the region for sun, sea and a slowdown – Spanish style.”
With its long strip of sand – stretching from Valencia to Murcia – the Costa Blanca certainly lives up to its ‘White Coast’ name. So it’s no wonder it’s one of Europe’s most popular holiday spots. The region is most famous for its lively resorts, mega theme parks and neon nightlife. But look at the bigger picture and you’ll find rugged mountains, pine forests and sleepy towns where time stands still.
If loud and lively floats your boat, head for Benidorm. Yes, buzzing bars, Brit-style pubs and theme parks rule supreme here, but you don’t have to go far to find its Blue Flag beaches and charming old town.
For something that turns the volume down a notch, go for Denia. With its Moorish castle and old quarter, it’s old-school Spain. On the flipside, though, it’s home to cosmopolitan shops, pristine beaches and a smart marina.
To go down the traditional route, check in to quiet Javea. Split into three areas – the old town, the port and Arenal beach – it’s the kind of place where tapas is on every menu and the bars are all about flamenco. Life is just as unhurried in Moraira. You won’t find many tourist trimmings here – just Blue Flag coves, a restaurant-lined marina and a pretty cobbled square.
