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.

Cuevas de Canalobre

One of the biggest attractions on the Costa Blanca, this vast cavern, theatrically lit, gets its name from an amazing limestone outcrop in the form of a candelabra. Concerts are regularly held here in summer.
Cycling

Cycling is a very popular sport in Spain. Most of the resorts have bike-rental facilities if you simply want to cruise the region on two wheels, and the Natural Parks have several off-road trails for mountain-bikers.
Dama de Elx (4th century BC)

Historical or mythical? – no-one knows. The origins of this exquisite Iberian sculpture are shrouded in mystery (see Elx (Elche)).
Damas

Damas is stuck in a 1970s time warp, but it still makes the best traditional cakes and pastries in town. You can eat in, in the chocolate-brown café, or take away.
Dársena, Alicante (Alacant)

With a perfect location on the port, Dársena resembles a great white ship, right down to its round windows and gleaming brass lamps. The speciality is rice; the menu offers almost 200 different rice dishes. The arroz a la banda is particularly good.
Dehesa de Campoamor

A modern resort of low-rise villas and apartments set around long, golden sands.
Denia (Dénia)

Now a popular family resort, Denia was once a substantial Roman settlement. There’s a lofty castle, and a charming old quarter huddled around the port, but Denia’s most popular attractions are still its lengthy beaches: the long, family-friendly sands to the north, and a pretty, cove-pocked stretch called Les Rotes to the south (see Les Rotes, Denia (Dénia)). The strange, bald peak of Montgó looms above the town, perfect for hiking and picnicking (see Parc Natural del Montgó), (see Montgó (Hike)).
Denia (Dénia)

Dénia, now a relaxed family resort with great beaches and a busy port, had a long and glorious history before tourism hit the Mediterranean coast – first as a Roman settlement, then as the capital of an Arabic kingdom. For respite from the summer crowds, take a hike in the nearby Montgó Natural Park.
Diving

Most of the resorts on the Mar Menor, as well as the southern resorts of Puerto de Mazarrón and Águilas, have a number of companies offering diving courses, excursions and equipment hire. Tourist offices can provide lists.
Don Ximo Club Hotel, Gandía-Playa

A large, ochre-painted complex set around a pool, with plush rooms. Facilities include tennis court, football pitch, gym and outdoor pool. The only drawback is that it’s about 1 km (half a mile) to the beach.

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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.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
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- over €50
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50–€100
- €100–€150
- €150–€200
- over €200