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.

Hotel Sur, Calabardina

A delightful hotel in a quiet village. Arches and terraces give the place a seductive Arabic feel. There is no restaurant or pool, but uncrowded beaches are just steps away, and there are plenty of local places to eat and drink.
Hotel Termas, Archena

The oldest and grandest hotel in this palm-shaded spa village has rather characterless rooms, but its public areas are redolent of a glorious past. The hotel specializes in health and beauty packages, including massage, reflexology and thalassotherapy.
Hotel Villa Mediterránea, Xàbia (Jávea)

This stunning villa, with just 10 elegant rooms and two suites, is an oasis of tranquility. There are pools indoors and out, a gym, a sauna, a massage room and an excellent restaurant.
Huerto de la Virgen de las Nieves, Xàtiva (Játiva)

This rosy-pink finca is surrounded by orchards and pine groves. Each of the six rooms and suites is filled with antiques and paintings. The excellent restaurant specializes in Valencian rice dishes. It makes a good base for exploring beautiful Xàtiva, hiking in the sierras, or just relaxing by the pool.
Huerto del Cura, Elx (Elche)

This large hotel sits amid the famous palm groves of Elx. The rooms are in bungalows set in luxuriant gardens. The facilities include pool, tennis courts and indoor football.
Hyatt Regency La Manga, nr Cartagena

In the heart of this premier golf resort, the Hyatt Regency is a favourite with sports stars and other celebrities. It is also well geared toward families.
I Fratelli

Classic Italian cuisine adapted for the taste buds of northern European guests is what’s on the menu at this popular restaurant with Art Deco-inspired decor.
Ibex

This nimble mountain goat once faced extinction, but is now flourishing in the sierras of the northern Costa Blanca and parts of Murcia.
Ibi

Ibi’s long toy-making tradition is sadly now being supplanted by cheap plastics, but you can still pick up pretty replicas of old-fashioned tin toys at the delightful Museu Valencià del Joguet (see Museu Valencià del Joguet, Ibi).
Iglesia de San Bartolomé, Xàbia (Jávea)

The fortress-church of San Bartolomé was begun in 1513, when the coastline was under constant attack from pirates, but the golden Tosca stone and its faded sculptural decoration make it truly charming.

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