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Going all over the Alicante coast, known as Costa Blanca (White Coast), is a journey through the typical Mediterranean landscape with a variety of plans that leave no space to boredom. From its many tourist spots, with long and accessible beaches to the fishing villages that preserve their essence and offer quiet corners with a traditional flavor.
Speaking of flavor, this route will for sure stimulate taste buds. One thing is for sure, you will enjoy gastronomically speaking, because in this area, the paella is the star of the stars. Nonetheless, there are many other rice dishes that are extremely well cooked around here; also the fish, the almond-based desserts, the figs, oranges and handmade ice cream and turron deserved to be highlighted as well.
We want to encourage you to discover the magic of the Alicante coast. We have rented a vehicle, are you coming with us?
Alicante
We start off the route in Alicante. After picking up our rental car at the airport, we are headed to this maritime important city. Found more information about this amazing city on the Alicante’s 12 must-do’s.
Cuenta con numerosas playas en su área metropolitana. La playa del Postiguet es una playa urbana muy accesible desde la ciudad, y la Playa de San Juan, al norte, es de arena fina, de gran extensión y con buenas infraestructuras para disfrutar de una jornada de playa.
It has numerous beaches in it metropolitan area. The Postiguet Beach is an urban beach, very accessible from the very city’s downtown. Also, the San Juan Beach, northern Alicante, with fine sand and very vast, has great infrastructures in order to make the best out of your beach day,
Villajoyosa
This time, we are headed to the now called “Joyful City”, Villajoyosa. We are talking about a very fishing town that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and built upon an ancient Iberian settlement. Eight watching towers are found in the old part of the town, namely, the Aguilo Tower, the Dalt Tower, the Baix Tower, the Charco Tower, the Cruz Tower, the Torreta Tower, the Simeon Tower and the San Jose Tower.
The Amadorio River crosses the old part of the town, and its link to the maritime commerce, which has always been part of the town, was the origin of another important tradition and economic source: the chocolate manufacturing.
In Villajoyosa you can pay a sweet visit to the Valor Chocolate Museum, which will add a sweet touch to our visit to this beautiful city from the Costa Blanca.
Benidorm
Benidorm is arguably the most tourist town of the Costa Blanca. This coastal town has suffered very important tourist exploitation and has become a city with high skyscrapers and huge hotel complexes and resorts.
If you are into amusement parks, this is your place. You do not want to miss a visit to Tierra Mitica, Aqualandia or Mundomar. If you are, however more into the night-life, Benidorm is then a must go for you.
Altea
Atop of a hill by the sea, Altea was home to Iberians, Romans, Muslims and Christians. It was reconquered by James I in the year 1244 and today, it a sought/after place for artists, painters or singers. It seems like they have found a very inspiring spot where they can spend pleasant stays–that circumstance has helped Altea to become a town with a very hectic artistic and cultural activity.
The bell tower and the parish church mark the highest point of this town and also the most photographed, since there is a very wide dome with blue and white tiles. This is the starting point for a descent with steep and stepped streets with little whitewashed houses with beautiful view points that lead to the sea. The fishing port and the Nautical Club of Altea are located at the promenade with lots of stores, restaurants, terraces and flea markets
Among the many beaches of Altea, generally of round stones, the La Roda beach stands out because it is the most visited since it is located in the very downtown. The La Olla Beach has very clean water and, in August, a very traditional firework session takes place every year.
Calpe
Calpe is a town located at the Alicante’s Marina Alta, and is topped by the Ifach Rock, which we have talked about in this blog post. It is a Natural Park formed by a rock in the sea of great beauty and ecologic value.
Calpe has been inhabited by various civilizations. It still preserves the Baños de la Reina (The Queen’s Baths), an ancient salt-cured fish factory from the Roman times, or the Castle-Fortress. In addition, it has a marina where you can practice all types of maritime sports (sailing, windsurf, scuba diving center, etc), beautiful beaches and a setting full of vineyard fields.
Javea
Javea is located between the San Antonio Cape and the Nao Cape, and by the mountain range of Montgo, an unbeatable setting.
This lovely town offers the visitor 20 kilometers of beaches and small bays of great quality, and a huge sport and leisure environment thanks to its marina.
Entre las islas de Portixol y el Descubridor, y en la Cala Granadella, se encuentran las mejores aguas para la práctica del buceo.
Between the islands of Portixol and the Descubridor, and in the Granadella Small Bay, we find the best water to practice scuba diving.
Walking around the historic part of the town, extremely well preserved and articulated around the church fortress of San Bartolome, uncovers the typical Mediterranean architecture of this are from Levante.
If nature is your thing, you are in the perfect spot to visit the Natural Marine Reserve of the San Antonio Cape or the Natural Park of the Montgo.
Denia
The Romans who lived here decided to dedicate it to the goddess Diana.
Denia is at the feet of the Natural Park of Montgo, by the San Antonio Cape and the Las Rotas setting, and it has one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean coast.
Denia still preserves the Castle of Muslim origin that controls its 20-kilometer coast.
The Denia setting and the winds that receive benefit the practice of nautical sports such as sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing or surfing. It has two famous regattas, the Salt Route and the Canal Cup. Just go to Les Deveses beach or the La Punta del Raset beach for your own enjoyment.
