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.

Don’t Arrive Too Early

Be prepared for a late night; clubs in Spain rarely get going before 1am.
Dress to Impress

Take some trouble over your appearance; local clubbers make a big effort. Note that many clubs don’t allow trainers (sports shoes).
Drugs

Drugs may well be offered to you, but they are illegal in Spain, and the penalties for possession are tough. Just say no!
Dunas de Guardamar

The protected expanse of undulating dunes (see Dunas del Guardamar, Guardamar del Segura) backed by a gnarled pine forest on the edge of Guardarmar de Segura makes a delightful place for a picnic.
Dunas de Guardamar

This wild and lovely stretch of windswept dunes on the outskirts of the low-key tourist enclave of Guardamar is a protected area, which has blocked the intrusion of the kind of high-rise developments that have blighted other parts of the coast. The dunes undulate along endless beaches of fine pale sand, backed by shady pine glades with walking paths, cycling routes and picnic areas. Although the beaches are very popular in summer, they remain relatively uncrowded. Nonetheless, the best time to visit is off-season, when you can go for long, bracing beach walks without a soul in sight.
Dunas del Guardamar, Guardamar del Segura

These wild, gorgeous, windswept dunes are rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. The dunes are part of a natural reserve backed by a pine forest with walking trails and picnic spots. There are a few snack bars, but little else.
Easo Berri

All kinds of delicacies from the Basque lands are on offer at this upmarket tapas bar, including excellent shellfish, best washed down with a typically crisp Basque white wine.
El Ahorcado Feliz

The “Happy Hanged Man” is the most unusual café in Murcia. The furniture is made up of flea-market finds; the floor is a mosaic of smashed plates and ceramics. Great for a coffee, even better for a drink.
El Arca, Benimantell

Also known as “Noah’s Ark”, this wonderful wildlife sanctuary close to Guadalest is dedicated to the care of sick, abandoned and mistreated animals. The animals live in compounds designed to resemble their natural habitats, and their stories are outlined on special panels.
El Arco

This elegant café-bar has a huge terrace out on a graceful square, perfect for lingering over breakfast or a light lunch, even better for people-watching in the evenings.

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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
- €40–€50
- over €50