The Costa Blanca is a coastal region located in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, in eastern Spain. It extends from the municipality of Denia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, covering approximately 244 kilometers of coast.
The Costa Blanca is known for its fantastic beaches, there are beaches of all types: From long beaches in tourist areas to small beaches and hidden coves in uninhabited areas. On the Costa Blanca we find picturesque coastal towns with white houses overlooking the sea. The Mediterranean climate is exceptional, a pleasant climate all year round.
The coast of Alicante is one of the most popular tourist areas in Spain, both for national and foreign tourists.
History of the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. During Roman times, the region was an important agricultural and trade center, with the founding of cities such as Alicante.
In medieval times, the Costa Blanca was conquered by the Muslims and became part of the Kingdom of Valencia. After the expulsion of the Moors in the 17th century, the region suffered an economic decline that lasted until the mid-20th century, when it became an important tourist destination.
Most touristy towns on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, known for its impressive beaches, its warm climate all year round and its rich cultural and gastronomic offer. You can find international bars and restaurants of all kinds.
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca
Known for its white sand beaches, lively nightlife and a wide variety of tourist attractions such as the Terra Mítica theme park and the Aqualandia water park. Some popular restaurants in Benidorm are Restaurante El Corte Ingles, Restaurante Taita and Restaurante The Vagabond.
Altea – Costa Blanca
Known for its old town with cobbled streets and white houses, its pebble beach and its famous viewpoint overlooking the sea. Some notable restaurants in Altea are Restaurante Oustau, Restaurante Ca Joan and Restaurante El Perro Que Fuma.
Calpe – Costa Blanca
Known for its emblematic Peñón de Ifach, its sandy beaches and its charming promenade with a wide variety of bars and restaurants. Some popular restaurants in Calpe are Restaurante Puerto Blanco, Restaurante Puerto Madero and Restaurante Cantina del Puerto.
Jávea – Costa Blanca
With its crystal clear waters and beautiful coves, Jávea is a paradise for lovers of the sea and water sports. In addition, its old town with its stone buildings and its beautiful marina are ideal for walking and enjoying the tranquility.
Guadalest – Costa Blanca
This picturesque hilltop town offers spectacular views of the Guadalest Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. In addition, it has the Castillo de San José, a micro-miniature museum and numerous local craft shops.
Alicante on the Costa Blanca
The capital of the province is a vibrant city with beautiful architecture, a charming old town and an impressive hilltop fortress, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. In addition, its promenade is perfect to enjoy the sea breeze and local cuisine.
Where do expats go to the Costa Blanca?
The Costa Blanca is a perfect place for expatriates, it is one of the areas in Spain with the largest number of expatriates. The towns or areas of this coast with the most expatriates or where expatriates invest the most are Jávea, Moraira, Altea, Calpe and Dénia.
But… what do expatriates do on a daily basis? Expats in these towns usually enjoy a pleasant climate, spectacular beaches and a good quality of life. Many of them participate in activities such as golf, hiking, tennis, sailing, language classes, painting, yoga, among others. They also tend to frequent local markets, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as organize events and gatherings to socialize with each other. Many also help with local charities and volunteering.
Is it expensive to live on the Costa Blanca?
Compared to other areas of Spain and Europe, the cost of living on the Costa Blanca is relatively low. Prices for housing, food and transportation are often cheaper than in many other regions.
Are there many expats living on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, the Costa Blanca is a popular place for expats from different countries, especially the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. There are expatriate communities in many of the coastal towns in the region.
Do you have doubts? Enter the Costa Blanca forum
Faqs about the Costa Blanca
What accommodation to rent on the Costa Blanca?
In this area of Spain it is very common to find tourist apartments. It all depends on the length of the stay. If you are going to travel to Javea, Benidorm or Alicante for a few days or weeks. We recommend you look for a hotel or hotel complex. If your stay is going to last for weeks or months. Apartments and villas are very popular accommodation options on the Costa Blanca.
For a long-term stay on the Costa Blanca, we recommend renting a villa or apartment for months. On the idealista portal or in the costa lovers forum you will find accommodation options in Benidorm, Alicante or Torrevieja for long-term rentals.
Is it easy to find accommodation on the Costa Blanca during the high season?
It is best to search early to find the best deals. There are always last minute accommodations. But to guarantee the best price and availability. We recommend you reserve in advance. During high season it may be more difficult to find available accommodation. Many people rent apartments year after year directly from the owner.
What is the best way to get around the Costa Blanca?
The best way to get around the Costa Blanca is by car, as this will give you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. If you need transportation from the airport. You can book a taxi or uber. On the Costa Blanca it is easy to book Uber to transport you.
Are there public transport options on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, on the Costa Blanca there are good transport options. On the Costa Blanca, as in other tourist coastal areas of Spain, there are public transport options such as buses and trains that connect the main destinations on the Costa Blanca. You can find buses from the Airport to Benidorm, Bus from the airport to Alicante or buses to Altea. How much does a taxi cost to the airport? Public transport on the Costa Blanca is quite economical. Check transport options in the Costa Blanca forum.
What services do hotels on the Costa Blanca usually offer?
Hotels on the Costa Blanca usually offer services such as swimming pools, restaurants, spa, Wi-Fi, among others. Many hotels offer airport transfer service, excursions to the main tourist spots, buses and tours to amusement parks, water parks, etc. Organized excursions. We recommend that you consult the hotel reception or the tourist apartment office to hire extra services. You can also check at the local tourist office.
What is the best time to visit the Costa Blanca?
The Costa Blanca has a Mediterranean climate that makes it attractive all year round, but the spring and summer months are usually the most popular to visit the region. The summer months are ideal months but you have to know that the beaches will be at 100%, and the hotels and restaurants will also be at 100% occupancy. And the prices will be higher. If you are looking to travel to the Costa Blanca in a calmer season, we recommend spring. If you are looking for tranquility, peace and spiritual retreat. We recommend renting an apartment in winter and enjoying the Costa Blanca for several months at very low prices. Renting an apartment in winter for two months has the cost of renting an apartment in summer for two weeks.
Is it safe to travel to the Costa Blanca?
Yes, the Costa Blanca is a safe and popular tourist destination among international visitors. Like anywhere in the world and like other tourist areas. You always have to be careful with pickpockets and bag thieves. But in general the Costa Blanca is a very safe area to travel. It is a destination to travel alone, with children or as a family. The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for vacations.
What activities can you do on the Costa Blanca?
On the Costa Blanca you can do activities such as practicing water sports, hiking, visiting beaches, enjoying local cuisine. Being in a beach area, it is a perfect destination for practicing sports and water activities for all ages.
In Benidorm you can paddle surf and snorkel, as well as jet ski or water paragliding. The most adventurous can try flyboarding, an activity that combines surfing with skydiving.
In Calpe you can dive. Diving lovers will find a paradise under the sea. Calpe is a perfect place to explore the seabed. You can also practice sports such as water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
In Jávea we can also enjoy kayak excursions, snorkeling, diving and sport fishing. You can also enjoy jet ski rides or a relaxing boat ride to enjoy the impressive views of the coast.
In Denia we can rent equipment and windsurf and kitesurf. You can also take sailing or catamaran excursions, enjoying the sea breeze and the coastal landscape.
The Costa Blanca offers a wide range of sports and water activities to suit everyone’s tastes and abilities. Try the different sports that this area offers: jet ski, flyboard, paddle surf, sport fishing.
Which tourist destinations are unmissable on the Costa Blanca?
If you visit the Costa Blanca, we recommend you explore it from end to end. All towns have something to offer. All the towns are beautiful and you will love them. Some must-see tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca are Benidorm, Alicante, Calpe, Denia and Javea.
Where to rent bicycles on the Costa Blanca?
On the Costa Blanca there are companies that offer bicycle rental services to explore the area. If you rent a bike you can get around the city easily. But if your goal is to play sports. We recommend you take a look at the bike routes along the Costa Blanca.
- Peñón de Ifach Route: This route is very popular among cyclists on the Costa Blanca, as it offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains. The route is about 15 km round trip and is suitable for cyclists of all levels.
- Morro de Toix Route: This is another very popular route among cyclists on the Costa Blanca. It is a route of approximately 25 km round trip, which offers spectacular views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Sierra de Bernia Route: This route is more demanding and is recommended for experienced cyclists. The route is about 55 km round trip and offers impressive views of the Sierra de Bernia and the sea.
- Serra Gelada Route: This route is ideal for nature lovers, as it runs through the Serra Gelada Natural Park. The route is about 30 km round trip and offers incredible views of the coast and the mountains.
Bed and breakfast accommodation on the Costa Blanca?
There are always accommodations with breakfast in tourist places. There are bed and breakfast accommodation options on the Costa Blanca that offer a more personalized and welcoming experience. Here are some examples:
Casa del Sol in Javea:
- What it has: Cozy rooms with private bathroom, terrace with sea views, outdoor pool, breakfast included.
- Where it is located: In the town of Jávea, a few meters from the beach.
- Features: Quiet and relaxed atmosphere, Mediterranean style decoration, personalized attention.
Casa Azul in Calpe:
- What it has: Bright rooms with air conditioning, garden with swimming pool, buffet breakfast, free parking.
- Where it is located: In the coastal area of Calpe, near the beach and the center of town.
- Features: Modern decoration, family atmosphere, terrace with panoramic sea views.
Casa Tres Palmeras:
- What it has: Suites with full kitchen, private terrace with sea views, garden with pool, continental breakfast.
- Where it is located: In the town of Altea, in a quiet and residential environment.
- Features: Cozy atmosphere, bicycle rental service to explore the area, close to restaurants and shops.
Villa del Mar:
- What it has: Rooms with sea views, heated pool, homemade breakfast, barbecue area.
- Where it is located: On the beach of El Campello, a few minutes from the center of town.
- Features: Elegant decoration, personalized attention, direct access to the beach.
The Lighthouse House:
- What it has: Suites with private terrace, garden with pool, healthy breakfast, yoga and meditation activities.
- Where it is located: In the town of Denia, near the lighthouse and the old town.
- Features: Zen atmosphere, nature-inspired decoration, cooking classes and wine tasting.
Requirements to rent a car on the Costa Blanca?
To rent a car on the Costa Blanca you must be over 21 years old, present a valid driver’s license and a credit card as a guarantee.
To rent a car in Spain as a foreigner, the following is generally required:
- Identification document: The foreigner’s valid and current passport will be requested as an identification document.
- Driver’s license: It is necessary to present a valid driver’s license in force in the foreigner’s country of origin. In some cases, it may also be necessary to present an international driving license.
- Credit card: A valid credit card in the name of the holder of the car reservation will be required to make the rental payment and to cover the security deposit.
- Minimum age: Generally, the driver must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Spain. In some cases, the minimum age may be 25 years.
- Car insurance: It is important to have valid car insurance that covers civil liability, damage to third parties and damage to the vehicle itself.
Other requirements: Car rental policies may vary depending on the rental company and location in Spain. Review all the conditions and requirements when renting a car.
Car rental agencies on the Costa Blanca: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, Budget, Thrifty, National, Alamo, Dollar, Firefly and Goldcar.
Can you camp on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, you can find campsites on the Costa Blanca for those who prefer this accommodation option.
The regulations on camping and parking caravans may vary depending on the municipality in which you are located. It is recommended to camp only in authorized campsites and not do so illegally in public or private spaces that are not authorized for this purpose.
The fines and penalties for parking or camping in non-permitted areas can be very high. It is always important to inform yourself beforehand. You can check this in the Costa Blanca forum.
- Regulation for caravans. On the Costa Blanca there are several caravan parking areas that have services such as water, electricity and drainage. It is important to respect the rules of each area and pay the corresponding fees for the use of services.
- Camping with tents. Tourists who wish to camp on the Costa Blanca are recommended to look for accommodation in authorized campsites, hotels or tourist apartments. Illegal camping on beaches, parks or public spaces is prohibited and may result in sanctions from local authorities.
Are there all-inclusive hotels on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, some hotels on the Costa Blanca offer all-inclusive accommodation options that include food and drinks. Some all-inclusive hotel options on the Costa Blanca are:
Hotel RH Princesa – Benidorm
Location: Just 500 meters from Levante beach
Features: Swimming pool, buffet restaurant, activities for children and adults
Magic Aqua Rock Gardens – Benidorm
Location: 800 meters from Levante beach
Features: Water park, swimming pool, buffet restaurant, entertainment for all ages
Hotel Roca Esmeralda & Spa – Calpe
Location: On the beachfront
Features: Spa, swimming pool, buffet restaurant, nightly entertainment
Hotel Port Fiesta Park – Benidorm
Location: 300 meters from Levante beach
Features: Swimming pool, entertainment for children and adults, buffet restaurant
Hotel Deloix Aqua Center – Benidorm
Location: 2.5 km from Levante beach
Features: Water park, swimming pool, buffet restaurant, spa.
How long does the train from Alicante to Valencia take?
Travel time by train from Alicante to Valencia is usually approximately 2 hours. The train from Alicante to Valencia can be booked through the website of Renfe, the Spanish railway company. You can also make a reservation directly at the train station ticket office.
Other options for traveling from Alicante to Valencia include the bus, which has frequent departures and several companies that offer this service. You can also rent a car and make the trip by road, since the distance between both cities is approximately 180 kilometers. Another option is to travel by blablacar, a carsharing platform where you can find people who share car trips.
What transportation is there from Alicante airport to the hotels on the Costa Blanca?
You can take taxis, buses or rent a car to get from Alicante airport to the hotels on the Costa Blanca.
The price of the different transport options from Alicante airport to the hotels on the Costa Blanca varies depending on the means of transport you choose and also the city or town where you have booked the hotel. (Alicante, Javea, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja… etc). Here I present an approximate list of prices:
- Taxi: The cost of a taxi from Alicante airport to the hotels on the Costa Blanca can range between 60 and 100 euros, depending on the distance.
- Bus: The C-6 bus connects Alicante airport with cities on the Costa Blanca such as Benidorm, Calpe and Altea. The ticket costs around 10-15 euros.
- Car rental: The price of renting a car at Alicante airport may vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle. It can be found from about 20 euros a day.
- Private transfer: Hiring a private transfer service can cost between 40 and 80 euros, depending on the distance and the company.
What activities can you do on Levante beach in Benidorm?
On Levante beach in Benidorm you can do activities such as sunbathing, walking along the promenade, etc. You can also practice a wide variety of water sports. Here are some examples of water sports on the beaches of Benidorm.
- Paddle surf
- Kayaking
- Windsurfing
- Kitesurfing
- Parasailing
- Banana boat
- Jet ski
- Flyboard
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
Can you do nature tourism on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, the Costa Blanca has natural parks, hiking trails and spectacular natural landscapes ideal for nature lovers.
Trails on the Costa Blanca
- El Peñón de Ifach: Located in Calpe, this impressive rock offers a path of medium-high difficulty that leads to the top with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The route is approximately 5 km round trip.
- La Serra Gelada: Located between Altea and Benidorm, this nature reserve has several trails that run along cliffs and coves with crystal-clear waters. The most popular trail is the one that goes to the Faro de l’Albir, with a length of about 6 km round trip.
- El Barranc del Infern: In the town of Vall de Laguar, this trail runs through a beautiful ravine with waterfalls and natural pools. The circular route is approximately 6 km long and is of medium difficulty.
- The Agost Mills Route: This circular trail in the municipality of Agost runs through old water mills and mountain landscapes. The route is about 8 km long and is of easy-moderate difficulty.
- The Granadella Natural Park: In Jávea, this natural park offers several trails that run along cliffs, caves and virgin beaches. The circular route around the Granadella cove has a length of about 4 km and is of medium-high difficulty.
Is it possible to find hotels with sea views on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, there are hotels on the Costa Blanca that offer rooms with sea views to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. Here is a small list of hotels with sea views in some towns on the Costa Blanca.
- Hotel Servigroup Montiboli – Located in Villajoyosa, this hotel has rooms with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Montiboli beach.
- Hotel Villa Venecia – This boutique hotel in Benidorm offers rooms with panoramic views of the sea and Levante beach.
- Hotel La Posada del Mar – Located in the old town of Altea, this boutique hotel has rooms with views of the sea and Altea beach.
- Hotel AR Diamante Beach – Located in Calpe, this hotel offers rooms with views of the sea and Fossa beach.
- Gran Hotel Sol y Mar – This hotel in Calpe offers rooms with views of the sea and Arenal-Bol beach.
- Hotel Don Pancho – Located in Benidorm, this hotel has rooms with views of the sea and Levante beach.
- Meliá Villaitana – Located in Benidorm, this resort offers rooms with views of the sea and Poniente beach.
- Hotel Albir Playa – This hotel in Albir has rooms with views of the sea and Albir beach.
- Hotel RH Bayren Parc – Located in Gandía, this hotel offers rooms with views of the sea and Gandía beach.
- Hotel Maya – Located in Alicante, this boutique hotel has rooms with views of the sea and Postiguet beach.
Doubts about accommodation on the Costa Blanca
Where to rent an apartment in Benidorm
Benidorm: Levante and Poniente area to be close to the beaches and nightlife. You will find a wide variety of hotels and apartments in this area.
Where to book a hotel in Altea
Altea: The old town is ideal for renting a charming apartment and enjoying the traditional atmosphere of the town. You can also find accommodation with sea views in the beach area.
Best area of Calpe to book a Hotel.
Calpe: The Peñón de Ifach area is in high demand for its proximity to the beach and natural attractions. You can also find apartments and hotels in the city center, close to shops and restaurants.
Information about the Costa Blanca
The forums are always the best option to find accommodation and resolve doubts.
Costa Blanca Forum
In the Costa Blanca forum you can find basic information about its towns, where to book, doubts and day-to-day questions, best Airbnb accommodations, where to book taxis and buses, nightclubs, where to buy, accommodations for sale, opportunities investment, etc. In a forum or online community about the Costa Blanca, you can find a wide variety of topics related to this coastal region in Spain. You can also find information about local events, restaurants, beaches and leisure activities.
Online community Costa Blanca of Spain
In the online community of the Costa Blanca it is common to find information about the beaches of the region. Users often share their experiences at different beaches, recommending the best ones for swimming, water sports, or simply relaxing and sunbathing. Photos and videos of the beaches are also often shared, as well as information about services available on each of them, such as rental of umbrellas, hammocks, beach bars, etc.
Costa Blanca Food Lovers (Where to Eat on the Costa Blanca)
For Alicante Food Lovers, in online forums you can find information about local gastronomy. You can find recommendations for restaurants and bars, typical Mediterranean cuisine dishes, tapas bars or the best restaurants to eat paella. In the recipe forum, you can find traditional recipes, tips for buying fresh produce at local markets, and recommendations on wines and spirits from the region.
How to get to the Costa Blanca
In addition, useful advice for tourists who want to visit the region can be found in the Costa Blanca forums. For example, information on how to get to the Costa Blanca by plane, train or car, hotel and accommodation recommendations, tips for getting around the area by public transport or renting a car, and suggestions for activities and excursions to fully enjoy the area. stay on the Costa Blanca.
Local events, clubs, celebrations and parties
It is also common to find information about local events, such as festivals, fairs, concerts, markets and popular festivals, on the Costa Blanca forums. Users often share information about the dates and locations of these events, as well as photos and chronicles from previous editions. Meetups and meetings are also usually organized between members of the forum to attend these events together.
Popular nightclubs on the Costa Blanca:
- Pacha Ibiza Beach Club in Jávea
- KM Disco in Orihuela Costa
- Benidorm Palace in Benidorm
- Amnesia in Alicante
- Privilege in Altea
Popular events and festivals on the Costa Blanca:
- Les Fogueres de Sant Joan in Alicante
- La Tomatina in Buñol
- The Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante
- Benidorm Pride
- Benicàssim International Festival
What to do on the Costa Blanca
Another important topic in the Costa Blanca forums is leisure and culture. Users often recommend visits to museums, theaters, cinemas and other places of cultural interest in the region. Opinions are also shared about different leisure activities, such as hiking trails, bike rides, boat trips, water sports, etc. In addition, news and updates about the cultural and leisure offer on the Costa Blanca are often shared.
Weather on the Costa Blanca
This is one of the basic topics in the forums. See weather information. There are always people asking “what is the weather like in Alicante”, does it rain in Alicante?, temperatures on the Costa Blanca, water temperature, etc… in the Costa Blanca forums you can also find practical information on topics such as the weather. , safety, health, and other important aspects for tourists visiting the region.
Users often share tips to protect themselves from the sun and avoid heat stroke, recommendations on travel insurance and medical care in case of emergency, and other useful tips to ensure a safe and pleasant stay on the Costa Blanca.
The Costa Blanca enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- Summer (June to August): Summers on the Costa Blanca are hot and dry, with temperatures that usually exceed 30 degrees. It is advisable to wear light clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated and look for shady places to cool off.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn on the Costa Blanca is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees. It is advisable to wear mid-season clothing, such as thin sweaters and light jackets, as the nights can be cool.
- Winter (December to February): Winters on the Costa Blanca are mild, with temperatures that rarely drop below 10 degrees. It is advisable to bring light warm clothing, such as jackets and scarves, as mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Spring (March to May): Spring on the Costa Blanca is pleasant, with mild temperatures that range between 15 and 20 degrees. It is advisable to wear mid-season clothing, such as thin sweaters and light jackets, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
It is important to keep in mind that the sun is very intense on the Costa Blanca all year round, so it is essential to protect your skin and eyes with sunscreen and sunglasses. In addition, it is advisable to wear comfortable and appropriate footwear for walking on the beach or hiking trails in the area.
Costa Lovers Forum
The Costa Lovers forum or online community about the Costa Blanca is a place where users can share experiences, advice, recommendations and useful information about everything related to this beautiful coastal region in Spain. From beaches and gastronomy, to tourism and local events, in these forums you can find everything you need to plan and enjoy a visit to the Costa Blanca.