DK Travel : Costa Blanca

Sun, sea and sand are excellent reasons to visit the Costa Blanca, but its attractions don’t stop there. Inland, you can explore magnificent Natural Parks, wild sierras and remote hill villages, or visit historic towns with fascinating museums and a wealth of fabulous architecture. The engaging capital cities of Alicante (Alacant) and Murcia are crammed with great shops and tapas bars, and a string of lively resorts along the coast offers splendid beaches, fantastic nightlife and plenty of opportunities for fun. Best of all, there’s always a secret cove or rugged cape to be discovered if the crowds get too much.

Cabo Tiñoso

A straggling dirt track leads to the lighthouse at the tip of this wild and beautiful headland, gazing out over crashing waves, long fingers of rock, and tiny, hidden bays.
Cabrito en Salsa

Kid cooked with a piquant, garlicky sauce – popular in the northern sierras of Murcia.
Café de la Posada, Denia

This fashionable watering hole is attached to a stylish hotel (see Posada del Mar, Denia (Dénia)). Mellow music, a laid-back clientele and excellent snacks make it refreshingly different from your average raucous seaside bar.
Cala del Pino

On the Mar Menor side of La Manga, this popular beach with fine sand looks out over the islets dotting the inland sea. All kinds of facilities (including a marina) are close at hand.
Calabardina

Tucked around a tiny bay with crystal-clear waters, pretty little Calabardina is a charming and barely developed resort, boasting several quiet beaches and rocky coves.
Calabardina

A charming little resort tucked under a dramatic headland and overlooking a delightful bay.
Calasparra

Calasparra overlooks a lush valley on the banks of the River Segura; settlers have been drawn to this area since neolithic times. During the Middle Ages, it was an important frontier settlement controlled by the Order of the Knights of Malta, who built its 13th-century castle. Now, it’s a serene agricultural town surrounded by a sea of blossom in spring, and golden rice fields in the autumn. Rice dishes feature prominently on local menus (see Rice), along with pungent cured sausages and hams.
Calblanque

Calblanque is a gorgeous stretch of unspoilt coastline, and one of the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secrets. The golden beaches and quiet coves are peaceful even in the height of the tourist season.
Calblanque

Calblanque is the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the Costa Blanca, with golden beaches, secluded coves, cliff walks and forested hills. It has few facilities, so bring picnic things and plenty of water. Take care: the current can be dangerous.
Calblanque

The Regional Park of Calblanque is one of Murcia’s best-kept secrets. Just a few minutes’ drive from the resorts of the Mar Menor, this stunning stretch of unspoilt coastline boasts hidden coves and gorgeous sandy beaches with perfectly clear waters.