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.

Cocentaina

The ancient core of Cocentaina is a charming tangle of crooked streets set around the imposing Palau Condal. The palace marks the dividing point between the Christian and Arab quarters which were established after the Reconquest. A ruined Arabic watchtower still stands guard on a lofty cliff.
Colegiata Basílica de Santa María, Xàtiva (Játiva)

The grandest church in this “City of Popes” was begun in 1596, but remains unfinished. The façade was finally constructed in 1916; the second bell tower (proposed 300 years ago) has yet to be built.
Colegio de Santo Domingo, Orihuela

Often dubbed the “El Escorial of the East” after the celebrated royal palace near Madrid, this enormous complex was built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari, Alicante (Alacant)

Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Alicante’s vast cathedral (see Concatedral de San Nicolás) was built in the sober Herreran style. Its most striking feature is the graceful cupola almost 50 m (164 ft) high.
Confitería Viena

Stop off for a refreshing ice cream or an ice-cold granizado (crushed ice drink), which you can take away or consume on the tiny street terrace.
Cooperativo Virgen Pobre de Xaló

Try the Vall de Xaló 2002.
Cordero Asado a la Murciana

A rustic dish of roast lamb with potatoes, parsley, garlic and pine nuts.
Cordero en Pepitoria

Lamb’s foot braised in a wine and herb sauce, delicately flavoured with saffron, bay leaves and parsley.
Crevillent

Crevillent has dozens of workshops and factories offering the luxurious and colourful rugs and carpets for which it is renowned throughout Spain. Other local crafts include glass-ware and wickerwork.
Cuevas de Canalobre

This vast cavern, which soars up for almost 140 m (460 ft), is the largest and most impressive of a network of caves which riddle the Cabecó d’Or mountain near Busot. It was probably first discovered by the Arabs, and has been put to all kinds of strange uses, including housing a factory for aeroplane engines during the Spanish Civil War.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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