Guide to the Costa Blanca

Part 1 of our guide to the Costa Blanca region of Spain.

Guide to the Costa Blanca Spain Part 1

Guide to the Costa Blanca - Part 1: There is no doubt that the vast majority of visitors and holidaymakers who descend on the Costa Blanca area of Spain every year are doing so for the sun, the sea, the sand, and the Sangria. To think that this is all the area has to offer is a big mistake. All you have to do is pick up a map and one of the many small pocket guides and you will realise that there are many interesting places to visit and a wide variety of fun things to do.

Though the exact boundaries of the Costa Blanca are not clearly defined the region stretches roughly for a distance of 170 km along the south-eastern coast of Spain from Gandia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. It comprises of large inland areas as well as coastline, with many regions of mountains, natural parks, sierras and ancient towns and villages - all worthy of a visit, of more interest to many it also has modern beach resorts, theme parks, water parks and golf courses, as well as lots of water sports facilities. The coast to the north of Gandia is known as the Costa del Azahar and to the south of Pilar de la Horadada, the Costa Calida.

The whole region has a rich history with artefacts and remains found dating back to the Neolithic Era. Due to its strategic position on the Mediterranean Sea it has been invaded, conquered and re-conquered by a number of civilisations. Among them are Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs.

Each has left its own mark on the area and each has resulted in huge cultural and religious changes for the indigenous population. Perhaps the most dramatic of these being during the 8th - 13th Centuries when the Moors (Arabs) invaded and held control of the whole region, and the language, religion and culture became almost exclusively muslim. The Romans also had a great influence on the region and there are many archaeological sites that bear witness to their presence.

In more recent times the Costa Blanca has undergone a different kind of invasion - that of tourism. This has resulted in an enormous amount of development especially along the coastline. Perhaps the most dramatically affected being the big coastal towns such as Benidorm and Torrevieja where the growth has been fast and relentless.

The main attraction, of course for the holidaymaker, is the climate. Whilst many think that the Costa del Sol has the best of the weather in Spain, being further south, it is not in fact as temperate as the Costa Blanca. The Costa Blanca has very little rainfall - the Segura Basin (and the surrounding Vega Baja towns and villages) being particularly dry.

There are also some areas with what are scientifically called “micro-climates”, one prime example being Torrevieja, where the surrounding salt lakes create a unique and healthy environment. Torrevieja and the surrounding area have been recently named by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as one of the healthiest places on earth to live.

For the determined sun-seeker the months of July and August are the holy months. With virtually guaranteed sunshine every day and temperatures, at times, reaching an uncomfortable 40 degrees or more. However June and September are almost as good, with May and October being the most pleasant - plenty of sunshine but without the burning heat.

The beaches in the region are fabulous - white and sandy and generally very busy during the summer months particularly in August when a huge number of Spanish people from Madrid descend on the area for their summer holidays. There are however numerous isolated beaches where the determined traveller can find some peace and tranquillity.

All in all the Costa Blanca has much to offer and much to see. In my next article I will be talking about some interesting places to visit in the northern Costa Blanca area - so call back soon.

Costa Blanca Links: Costa Blanca Map - Costa Blanca Weather

Costa Blanca Resorts: Denia - Javea - Moraira - Calpe - Benidorm - Altea - Villajoyosa - Santa Pola - Guardamar del Segura - Torrevieja - Cabo Roig - Pilar de la Horadada

Golf Courses: Villamartin - Las Ramblas - Campoamor - La Finca - Lo Romero - La Marquesa - Oliva Nova Golf - Ifach Golf Club - Real Faula Golf - Spain Golf Courses

Guide to the Costa Blanca

Guide to the Costa Blanca

Guide to the Costa Blanca Spain Part 1

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