Costa Blanca Map |
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 Benidorm © po.psi.que Lying on the eastern coast of Spain, the Costa Blanca draws
millions of tourists each year to its turquoise waters and miles of
white sandy beaches. Alicante is the capital and major city on this
stretch of coast, but it is Benidorm that attracts the most
visitors and this is the place to go for those looking for a lively
and entertaining holiday with hundreds of bars and all-night clubs
catering mainly for British tourists. However there is more to the
Costa Blanca than crowded beach resorts - within the mountainous
interior are a series of fascinating medieval towns and fortified
villages which have been largely unaffected by modern
development.
Resorts See our separate guides to the following Costa Blanca holiday resorts: Benidorm, Altea, Alicante, Moraira and Javea Attractions  Castell de Santa Barbara © Blai Server Castell de Santa Barbara
The impressive castle that towers over Alicante was originally
built by the Carthaginians in 400 BC and later used by the Romans
and Moors. The fortress is massive, encompassing moats,
drawbridges, tunnels, cisterns and dungeons, not to mention a
stately tower and keep. From the top of the castle there is a
wonderful view of the bay and city. The castle can be accessed in
an elevator from the Explanada d'Espanya.
Telephone: 96 526 3131;
Opening time: Daily 10am to 8pm (April to September), 9am to 7pm (October to March);
Admission: Free
 Salvador Dali © Arniep Museo de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada
In the Plaza de Santa Maria stands Alicante's oldest building, a
former granary dating from 1685. Ironically the city's oldest
building contains its most notable modern art collection, donated
by painter and sculptor Eusebio Sempere in 1977. Among the
noteworthy paintings on display are those of Dali, Picasso, Calder
and Miro.
Address: Plaza de Santa María, Alicante;
Telephone: 96 514 0768;
Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 9pm (10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm from October to May); Sundays 10.30am to 2.30pm; closed Mondays;
Admission: Free, guided tours are also available at no cost if booked in advance
 Terra Mitica © Terra Mitica Terra Mitica
Situated on the outskirts of Benidorm, Terra Mitica is Spain's
largest theme park and, with its rides, shows, restaurants and
shops, can be a great day out for all the family. Rides like the
Tizona, an inverted roller coaster that reaches speeds of 62mph
(100kmh) and heights of more than 100ft (31m) with visitors
suspended beneath the track, and attractions like Warrior of the
Dawn (simulator) provide exhilarating entertainment for all
ages.
E-mail: callcenter@terramiticapark.com;
Website: www.terramiticapark.com;
Telephone: 902 02 02 20;
Opening time: Daily 10am to 10pm; 10am to 1am in peak season (June/July);
Admission: €34 (adults); €25.50 (children 5-10). A ticket gives free entry to all the attractions and shows for the day. Afternoon and two-day passes are also available
Excursions Elche
For a change from beaches, just 12 miles (19km) inland west of
Alicante is Europe's only palm forest, forming a lush oasis around
the city of Elche (Elx). The city boasts several beautiful parks
and public gardens. The Parque Municipal is one of the most
popular, festooned with palm trees, grassy promenades and
children's playgrounds. Most beautiful is the Hort del Cura, filled
with shade trees and bright flowerbeds.
Transport: Elche can be reached by an hourly train service from Alicante, or by regular bus connections
Isla Tabarca
The tiny islet of Tabarca is becoming an increasingly popular
day trip destination from Alicante, with its quiet fishing village
offering an old fort, several very reasonably priced fresh seafood
restaurants, a rocky beach with clear turquoise water, and several
coves and tidal pools ideal for bathing. The island lies 10 miles
(16km) south of Alicante and can be reached in an hour by ferry
from the dock on Explanada d'Espanya in the city.
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