Exploring Costa Blanca

The region of the Costa Blanca is often viewed from the outside as a busy tourist destination. Exploring the Costa Blanca usually is not on the radar. The city of Alicante, with Benidorm being the mainstay, is often seen as the end all be all of visiting this region of Spain, because it lends its name to the region and houses the main airport. There are still other sites to see in Alicante and the Costa Blanca. There are many delightful small villages to be seen all over the region, each with its own unique twist on the regional fare, and their own traditions and sights to see. Villages like Guadalest and Denia provide more than enough wonders to see and explore.

Guadalest is a serenely picturesque Spanish village settled on a mountain ridge in the foothills of the Sierra de Aitana. It is located 25 kilometres inland from Benidorm, about two hours from Alicante. Because of its charm, amazing views, and intriguing ruins of an interestingly inaccessible castle, this town is a prime tourist site. Taking a few hours to explore throughout the village is great fun and also completely free. As you travel to the top of Guadalest, you can find small fissures and caves that have transformed into little museums or outlets selling crafts and local produce. Local restaurants are cheap, but the outstanding aspects and views can turn a picnic into an adventure all its own.

Denia has pristine beaches all round it. To the north of Denia is les Marines, with stretches of fine, sandy beach. To the south of Denia runs les Rotes, with a long, sandy beach, changing over to rocky coves. Year after year, the beaches in Denia earn the European Blue Flag award, symbolizing of the clean seas of Europe. Overlooking Denia, the Montgo was declared a Natural Park in 1987 due to its landscape, flora, and fauna. The Montgo runs along to the stunning Cape of Sant Antoni, where it meets the sea and forms a 160 meter high cliff.

These two outstanding villages give wonderful depth and character to a region so associated with shallowness and naivety.

Exploring Costa Blanca should be a wonderful look into the natural and historical past that is the southeast of Spain. We recommend hiring a car from one of the many car hire services available, such as Expedia, so that you have the freedom to discover the beautiful Costa Blanca area at your own pace. What could be better than cruising the coast while enjoying the sun setting over the Mediterranean.