Costa Blanca is famous for the ‘Brits Abroad’ culture, and it’s understandable why it attracts such crowds throughout the summer months. Guaranteed weather, world-class beaches, tons of family facilities and bumpin’ nightlife is a recipe in popularity. Why not experience a different side of Costa Blanca with a villa holiday? Behind the crowds on the tourist beaches lie incredible mountains, hidden coves, vineyards and ancient villages that have yet to be discovered. You’ll also find some seriously swanky eateries and luscious spa experiences if you’re all about kicking back in luxury .
Here’s some handy tips for the best eats, things to do with groups, family activities and the must-sees for Costa Blanca. You might need two weeks’ holiday after all….
If you crave the relaxed simplicity of a sun, sea and sand holiday then the Costa Blanca is a dream destination. Mile upon mile of Blue-Flag beaches stretch along an azure sea, and the region’s resorts are pros at providing everything you and the family might need. There is entertainment galore, exhilarating theme parks, pumping nightlife and fabulous food (this is the home of paella, after all), with a plethora of other activities on land and sea. Peel back the glistening, tourist-friendly veneer of the coastal resorts and you will find a much more traditional side to the Costa Blanca too. Little stone villages shelter in olive and citrus-strewn valleys, flanked by scenic rivers and waterfalls. Elsewhere, the sophisticated foodie cities of Alicante and Valencia await.
The hot summer months are the height of the tourist season in Costa Blanca and this is when everything is in full swing. Yet other times of the year offer great holiday opportunities too. Spring and autumn are toasty yet not stifling and the beaches are much less crowded. Winter breaks might not offer beach weather but there are plenty of restaurants, museums, hikes, golf and architecture to keep you happy. It is also worth timing your visit to coincide with one of the region’s flamboyant and lively fiestas. Easter is a top time for fiestas and you can expect parades, Moors versus Christians battle re-enactments and even a giant sardine burying ritual (yes, really).
Airport: Alicante International is the closest airport to Costa Blanca. Budget airlines fly there frequently from all over the UK.
Public transport: There is a fast, efficient and cost-effective network of public transport along the Costa Blanca. An excellent bus service links the airport with the main towns, cities and resorts. There is also a light railway, El Trenet, which runs between Alicante and Denia, serving Villajoyosa, Benidorm, Altea and Calpe.
By bike and by foot: There are many hiking and cycling routes in Costa Blanca. The Orihuela Costa is the most well-known, this paved coastal path can be tackled in sections or all in one go and offers a spectacular way to see the region.
Car rental: Despite its comprehensive public transport network, car hire remains hugely popular in the Costa Blanca for two major reasons: Getting behind the wheel gives you access to more out-of-the-way destinations and you also aren’t at the mercy of public transport schedules. You can hire cars from national and international rental agencies either from the airport or from all major resorts and cities in the region, the latter being a good option if you just want a day hire.
The Costa Blanca has been welcoming holidaying families for decades now and the region is well-versed in the art of entertaining younger visitors. In fact, it might just be one of the most child-friendly places you could wish to holiday. Firstly, there are lengthy stretches of Blue Flag beach, where activities can range from a simple bucket and spade to a rip-roaring banana boat ride.
There are a whole host of activities away from the sea and sand too, which will appeal to both little nippers and teenagers alike. You will find huge, state-of-the-art theme and aqua parks, large zoos and spacious sea life centres where they can discover the creatures with which we share our planet, as well as adventure parks where the whole family can blow off steam. Boat tours, bike tours and jeep tours will get you away from the beach or pool for a day as will a trip into the stalactite-laced caves. If you are craving something more cultural, there are child-friendly museums aplenty in the cities. Still scratching your head as to what to do? We have rounded up some of the best family activities on offer in the Costa Blanca.
For more great family-friendly things to do, check out our family-friendly Costa Blanca blog.
Some of the best family-friendly beaches exist in Costa Blanca. We’re talking fully serviced, pristine expanses of silky sand complete with umbrellas, watersports, snacks and more! Plus, nearly all of them have the coveted Blue Flag status, so you’re guaranteed they’ll be stunning!
Costa Blanca is well-equipped for chilling out. Whether you prefer to laze by your own private pool, doze on the white sand beaches or get fully pampered by a pro you’re sure to come home totally relaxed.
Foodie fanatics flock to famed tapas restaurant, Nou Manolin in Alicante. Through the impressive entrance to this vast restaurant, you’ll find more tapas choices than you ever dreamed possible. This is formal dining, Spanish-style which means high-quality food served in a convivial atmosphere. It’s widely touted as the best tapas in Spain… only one way to find out!
OneOne is a hole in the wall in Alicante, but this locals haunt is worth seeking out. There’s no menu, the host will just regale you with the day’s specials when you arrive, so it’s helpful to speak a little Spanish or be willing to gamble!
In the past few decades, betting on the outcome of sports events has become somewhat of a global phenomenon. This statement applies to most European countries as well, and Spain is not an exception. The country has a rich history as far as sports betting is concerned. This is only natural when you consider several unique sports originated in this country. These include Basque pelota and bossaball. The former is an entire category which encompasses a number of court sports that involve hitting a small ball with a wooden racket or a bat. Such sports bear a certain resemblance to their modern counterparts, baseball and tennis. Bossaball, on the other hand, to a great extent resembles volleyball, though elements of soccer and gymnastics are incorporated as well to bet in any of them, visit 해외토토.
Kids will love picking out the colourful cakes and treats on offer at De Sabors. The casual and friendly atmosphere at this cafe makes for a great lunch or afternoon treat stop.
Paella is the number one dish to try while you’re here. The saffron-infused rice, mixed with tomatoes, vegetables and seafood, meat or a mixture is tasty, moreish and a Spanish classic.
Pan Quemado is a sweet bread, whose dark crust and soft floury middle must be sampled! It’s especially popular at Easter, but is eaten year-round.
Another great Spanish dessert is Arnadi, a sweet pumpkin and almond tart – delicious!
Tapas and Wine are a match made in Spanish heaven, and any experience that combines the two is a sure-fire winner. Tapes I Vins is located in La Xara, and creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to sample typical tapas, paired with wines from their extensive list.
Pay a visit to rustic, family-run winery Bodegas Faelo to experience an extensive tour and learn how they’ve been making wine here for generations. Stick around for tasters at the end, and perhaps stock up on a few bottles to have at the villa later…
A gastro-tour of Alicante with Ali-Oli Tours will take in the best of the region. Experience rolling hills, vineyards and sample the decadent olive oil produced in Costa Blanca.
Looking for more? Check out our blog post for more foodie experiences in Costa Blanca.
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