In this article we give you an overview of the Costa Blanca area of Spain. The Costa Blanca area of Spain is located approximately half-way along the east coast of Spain. The area is a very popular tourist destination because of its excellent weather and climate and the many superb beaches which stretch for miles and miles along the coast.

One of the good things about coming on holiday to the Costa Blanca is the different types of places you can visit. There is great variety and each place has something for everyone. For example you can go inland and enjoy the 'real' Spain or you can stay on the coast and enjoy the hustle and bustle and nightlife of Benidorm or alternatively within a short distance you can stay on the coast in quaint, quiet fishing villages - the choice is yours!

NORTHERN COSTA BLANCA

The Northern Costa Blanca coast starts around Gandia and Oliva. This area is full of orange groves and majestic mountains in the background. The sandy beaches are excellent and uncrowded. Inland is pretty with Jativa a beautiful town with a superb castle.

Moving down the coast you come to Denia which has a marina and port from which you can get a ferry across to Ibiza and Majorca. Now the coast changes from being flat to rugged with coves and rocky beaches. To the south of Denia comes Javea with its sandy beach followed by Moraira, a smaller town also with a good sandy beach. Inland is the Jalon Valley famous for its vineyards and blossoms with the working town of Pedreguer nearby.

Next down the coast are the rolling hillsides of Benissa with its rocky beaches and then Calpe, one of the Costa Blanca's most famous tourist destinations. Originally a small fishing village, Calpe is now a busy town with high rise hotels and apartments blocks dominating the skyline. Calpe has the famous rock called the Penon de Ifach which rises from the sea. On either side are two fantastic wide sandy beaches.

Heading south we come across swanky Altea with its hills full of whitewashed houses, winding cobbled streets and designer shops. Next is Alfaz del Pi (also known as L'Alfas del Pi) and then Benidorm, the biggest tourist resort on the Costa Blanca. Benidorm is huge with masses of high rise skyscrapers. The three beaches are excellent and the nightlife is legendary. There are plenty of hotels, cafes, entertainment, shopping and a number of fine theme parks for the family. After Benidorm the coast becomes flat with mile after mile of sandy beaches. Also the mountains in the background begin to fade further and further away. To the south is the town of Villajoyosa. If you go inland from here you will come to the castle at Guadalest, a renowned tourist attraction. Much further inland is the large town of Alcoy, (also known as Alcoi) famous for its many bridges.

SOUTHERN COSTA BLANCA

Once south of Villajoyosa there is a succession of similar beach resorts with high rise apartment blocks and hotels although nothing like as big as Benidorm. First there is El Campello, then San Juan and then we hit Alicante, the gateway to the Costa Blanca. Alicante airport is where most people arrive into the Costa Blanca. Strangely because it is a lovely city, has a great marina and beaches - most people immediately exit the airport either south towards Torrevieja or north towards Benidorm.

South of Alicante are a number of coastal beach resorts. Firstly Santa Pola, La Marina, Guardamar del Segura and then Torremalata. Inland towns of note are Elche (or Elx) famous for its many palm trees, Orihuela, Ontinyent and Crevillente.

Back to the coast and we arrive at Torrevieja with its nice beaches. The amount of building in this area has been immense with sprawling developments everywhere. There are quite a number of golf courses in this area with Villamartin and Rojales both just off the coast having about three golf courses within easy reach. South of Torrevieja are more beach resorts - Cabo Roig, Pilar de la Horadada, San Pedro del Pinatar and finally La Manga. Visitors to the southern Coast Blanca will find it less scenic than the Northern Costa Blanca but then there are more tourist activities and both Alicante airport and also Murcia airport are close by.

There is so much to see and do on the Costa Blanca and in future articles we will look at places in greater detail.