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.

Enoteca Selección Casa Rambla

There’s a huge selection of local, Spanish and international wines at this enormous shop, along with a good range of liqueurs and fiery local spirits.
Ermita de la Mare de Déu

This hermitage is set in the wonderful Natural Park of Font Roja (see Parc Natural de la Font Roja), with shady paths through the woodland and plenty of picnic spots to choose from.
Ermita de la Santa Eulalia, near Aledo

A popular pilgrimage to this mountain sanctuary.
Ex-colegiata de San Patricio, Lorca

This splendid church commemorates victories against the Arabs on the feast day of San Patricio in 1452. Begun in the mid-16th century, it was given a thorough Baroque overhaul in the 18th.
Explanada Street Market

Canopied white stalls line Alicante’s famous promenade, selling jewellery, ceramics, beachwear and more besides. Many open during the day, but the market is liveliest on summer evenings.
Facilities

Town beaches generally offer excellent facilities, including play areas, showers and refreshments.
Faro de Santa Pola

Santa Pola’s lighthouse, right out at the tip of the cape, is a wonderful place to come at dusk, with views out across the cliffs to the diminutive island of Tabarca.
Fernando Alonso

This young Formula One driver is widely tipped as a future Grand Prix champion.
Festival de Las Habaneras (Festival of Habaneras)

Habaneras are plaintive sea shanties, which get their name from the Cuban city where many Spaniards went to seek their fortunes – Havana. Torrevieja hosts an excellent festival in mid-August, when choral groups present contemporary and traditional songs.
Festival Internacional de Teatro, Música y Danza

One of the biggest cultural events on the Murcian calendar, San Javier’s International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance is a great opportunity to see international performers at venues across the city.