Costa Blanca is waiting for you with wide open arms. Just like the friend that’s always in a party commotion, it will welcome you. The Spanish jewel, which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea, offers adventures that you never knew you wanted. The Costa Blanca is a land of sandy beaches, clear waters and a culture richer than paella. Its appeal can’t be described, but it is palpable.
First stop: Alicante. As soon as you step off the train and smell the espresso, the pulse of the city will be engulfing you. Alicante has a unique atmosphere where the past and present dance together. As you stroll down Explanada de Espana, your ice-cream slowly melts in the sunshine. Palm trees are swaying along to the Mediterranean rhythm. Don’t fool yourself, a trip to this city is incomplete without a climb up the Santa Barbara Castle. The view is breathtaking once you reach the top.
Let’s change gears. Imagine charming fishing villages, where colorful laundry flags hang from the windows and stories are told by the sea. Altea’s whitewashed street and its blue-domed cathedral are like something out of a fantasy. The city is known to have a relaxed vibe, which might inspire you to try and write some poetry.
Benidorm is another option. Benidorm is a unique place. Many people might dismiss Benidorm, believing it to be all neon and high-rises. Give it a try and you may be surprised. Nightlife fantasies can turn cartwheels here. By day, families line the beach of Levante, but at night the city is lit up as if it were a full-blown carnival. There’s nothing wrong with doing the Macarena and letting loose in public.
If you’re looking for serenity in Calpe, the rock faces look as if they are reaching towards the sky. Penyal d’Ifac is a rocky mountain that stands guard over the bay. It challenges the adventurous climbers to its ancient trails. The coastline is perfect for a stroll along the seaside, with its wildflowers.
Costa Blanca has a rich culinary tradition. Arroz a Banda is a delicious combination of seafood, saffron and rice. Why not join the Spanish at small tapas bars and enjoy a few bites of delicious food while drinking a chilled glass of sangria? The markets are bursting with fresh produce, including vibrant fruits and vegetables.
Festivals are a mix of fun, culture and sometimes pyrotechnics. If you can, plan your vacation around a fiesta. You will be immersed in the Spanish culture. Imagine colorful parades and electric music. This festival is an ecstatic reenactment of the history that you may forget which century you are in.
You might see yachts gently bobbing or picnickers enjoying the sunshine while spending some quiet moments on the Albufereta Beach. This is a peaceful break in the middle of all your whirlwind adventures. It reminds you that paradise can be found even when it’s quiet.
Javea is a must-see before you leave for your return to reality. This town has a multi-cultural feel and welcomes visitors with a warm smile. Javea, with its old town and sparkling beaches offers relaxation and fun.
Let the Costa Blanca’s vibrant tapestry sink into your skin. The gentle waves of the ocean that caress the coast at each destination tell a tale. When you go home and tell your friends about the sun, sand, and sea that you experienced, keep in mind: Costa Blanca is more than a destination. It’s an adventure.