The Costa Blanca, one of the most popular tourist areas in Spain, is perfectly situated along the Mediterranean Sea. Northern Costa Blanca begins at the base of the mountains in Denia and Javea while the southern part is near Torrevieja. The Costa Blanca’s beautiful weather, beaches and surroundings attract millions of visitors each year. Not surprisingly, the summer is its busiest tourist season but the weather in the Costablanca region is favorable all year round.
Most visitors to the Costa Blanca region fly into the Alicante Airport, or El Altet, as it is called. If you intend to travel during the summer, be sure to make your flight, hotel and car hire arrangements well in advance since tourism is the busiest during the summer season. By planning ahead, you will get the best deals and the greatest selection of flight and accommodation choices.
Once you arrive at the airport, a rental car provides the most freedom in reaching your destination. However, you do have other options available at the Alicante Airport. There is no train connection at the airport, but buses and taxis can take you to the train station in downtown Alicante which can take you to surrounding towns. Of course, you may also take a bus or taxi directly to your hotel or apartment in Alicante or surrounding cities.
One reason car hire services may be the better transportation option is because of the tremendous number of attractions the Costa Blanca offers, particularly the Alicante province. Tourism is a large part of this area’s economy and is a very popular destination for tourists from Europe, especially the United Kingdom. Alicante is the capital of the Costa Blanca region and is a major city in the area. There is so much to see and do in this city alone, such as museums, cathedrals, festivals and, of course, the beach. It is a great opportunity to experience Spanish culture and learn about the area’s history.
The Castell de Santa Barbara is a famous castle in Alicante situated high on a hill overlooking the sea. Its construction dates back to 400 B.C. and was originally erected to protect Alicate. Besides its enchanting castle atmosphere with the moats, drawbridges, tower and dungeons, it offers visitors a great view of the bay and the city. A popular day trip from Alicante is to the Isla Tabarca, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. You can take a ferry to the island where you can enjoy this small fishing village atmosphere, its great seafood restaurants, clear water and rocky beach.
Another city in the Costa Blanca, Benidorm, actually started out as a fishing village but is now mostly a tourist-based economy. Benidorm is known for its night life and has more hotels than any other city in Spain. Clearly, it has come along way from the small fishing village it once was. South of Benidorm is the small village of Villajoyosa. Its slower pace and quiet atmosphere offers a break from the larger cities nearby, such as Alicante and Benidorm. Villagjoyosa is famous for its chocolate which you can sometimes smell as you enter the town.
About the Author Peter J. Wilson usually pens informative papers on news associated with Costablanca and Alicante. His contributions on Costa Blanca are found on his website .