WHERE IS COSTA BLANCA

Costa Blanca is located on the Eastern Coast of Spain and if you look for it, you might have difficulty finding it in a map. The reason for this is that Costa Blanca is not the name of a city, town or municipality; it is actually the general term or “pet name” used to describe the over 200 kilometre long coastline that begins at the city of Valencia and snakes southwards towards the bustling province of Alicante. The name Costa Blanca was coined in the late 1950’s as a promotional tagline by British European Airways, when they were promoting their new air service which flew from London to Valencia. BEA ceased operations in 1974, but the firm will always be remembered as the “brains” behind the name, Costa Blanca.

COSTA BLANCA’S ECO-TOURISM

Although Costa Blanca has had frequent visitors since the 1930’s, tourism boomed in the 1960’s, due probably, to some extent, to the promotional gimmicks of the now defunct BEA. However, even without the additional advertisement, people will be drawn to Costa Blanca because of the magnificent natural resources that seem to be endemic to this area.

Apart from the year round idyllic climate, Costa Blanca prides itself with having picturesque mountain vistas teeming with lush vegetation. Due to the abundant supply of trees and other flora, it is not surprising that the World Health Organisation has identified Costa Blanca as an ideal spot for people who suffer from respiratory difficulties. Since the Costa Blanca coastline is still relatively unspoilt by mass tourism and commercialization, many of the beaches that lie on the coast has been awarded the prestigious “blue flag”, a distinction given by the EU to places with exceptionally high levels of cleanliness and good quality water.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT COSTA BLANCA

It is already a given that Costa Blanca has a lot of beautiful sandy beaches and relaxing resorts. But the provinces that comprise Costa Blanca have a lot more to offer. There are several Spanish villages that have retained their rustic charm and character despite the influx of commercialism. There are several good golf courses, theme parks, and water parks for those who would not want to spend their times on the beach. If you want to be more acquainted with the culture, there are numerous museums and aquariums which you can visit. There are also wonderful shopping malls and boutiques that offer all kinds of items that could serve as mementos of your well deserved holiday at beautiful Costa Blanca.

Costa Blanca is not one of Spain’s most visited locales for nothing. There must be a reason why, since the 1960’s tourists have chosen to flock to this area to rest, to party and, some even come here to retire.

Costa Blanca has long stretches of pristine, white sand beaches and azure blue waters as far as the eye can see. Turn your back on the crystal waters and your eyes will rest upon the lush foliage that blankets magnificent mountain ranges. The summit of these mountains, most especially the Penon de Ifach (Calpe Rock), considered as the symbol of Costa Blanca, can be reached by foot. Penon de Ifach rises at a height of 332m, and one can have an unparalleled vista the entire coast from its apex.

Costa Blanca’s moderate temperature is conducive to growing various crops: from trees of olives and almonds, orange and lemon groves, to vineyards which produce exquisite wine from different grape varieties and exotic palm trees. These orchards are either nestled between the mountain ranges in the North or are situated on the low lying flatlands in the South.

Apart from the breathtaking landscape, Costa Blanca also has almost perfect weather all year round. What other place can boast of having, on the average, 320 days of sunshine? In the winter months, the temperature does not go lower than 12oC, and does not get hotter than a balmy 25oC in the summer.

What more can you ask for? Are you looking to do other activities? There are a host of activities that can be done at Costa Blanca, and these are not limited to what can be done on the sand and in the sea. You can shop, party, play golf, and, if these no longer interest you, you can take a stroll along the quiet harbours and international sports harbour, such as Luis Campomanes, and admire the large and impressive collection of private yachts. If you want to be closer to nature, you can make your way to the Aitana Safari Park which is home to several kinds of wildlife.

With perfect weather, spectacular landscapes, interesting natural and man-made wonders - it can really be said that Costa Blanca is as close to paradise as you can ever be.

Costa Blanca is the name of the long stretch of white sandy beaches that lie on the south-eastern region of Spain. It is located in the province of Alicante and is composed of several towns and municipalities. Costa Blanca starts at Valencia. The towns of Gandia, Oliva Javea and Denia are located on the northernmost part of the Coast and the northern half of shoreline snakes towards the south crossing the towns of Benissa, Moraira, Calpe, Altea, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa. The southern part of Costa Blanca is composed of the towns of Elche, Santa Pola, Guardamar, Orihuela, Torrevieja and Murcia.

Although all the towns that line the entire Costa Blanca share the trademark white sands and azure waters, the landscape of the northern half of the coast is different from what can be seen in the southern half.

Between the two halves of Costa Blanca, many may say that the northern half is more picturesque. The towns that are within the northern half can lay claim to magnificent mountains that give fantastic views of either the sea or the verdant valleys that produce fine tasting wine.

The northern towns too, boast of having quaint villages and seaside resorts that have retained their charm despite the advancements brought about by mass tourism. If, however, the lure of bright lights is too hard to ignore, the progressive and popular tourist destination town of Benidorm can easily be reached by car.

The lower half of Costa Blanca is just as interesting as the Northern half – commercialization has just not penetrated the culture thus, the environment is different. Southern Costa Blanca is more flat, thus most of the region is involved in agricultural activities. The landscape however is not filled with plantations and farms, there are beautiful palm groves reminiscent of Arab agriculture at Elche, considered the palm tree capital of the world; and Murcia, the agricultural centre of the region, is home to an enchanting Gothic cathedral.

Whether you are vacationing in northern or southern halves of Costa Blanca, you can be assured that you will be in for a truly exquisite sensory experience.