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.

La Cava Aragonesa

There are dozens of tapas bars along the Calle Santo Domingo. This one serves a huge range and is incredibly popular as a result, so expect to find standing room only.
La Encarnation

Excellent restaurant in Los Alcazares, situated on the front promenade. Extensive menu and will accommodate children (smaller portions of the menu). Pricey, but well worth a visit.
La Granadella, Cap de la Nau (Cabo de la Nao)

The only way in and out of this tiny, pebbly cove is a narrow road which twists and turns down to the perfect curve of the bay. The blue-green water is overlooked by cliffs, and the small rocky beach is backed by just a couple of café-bars.
La Huertanica, Murcia City

Tucked down a quiet street in the heart of the city, this is one of the best bargains on the Costa Blanca. The rooms, though impersonal, are well equipped, and the bathrooms are stuffed with goodies worthy of an expensive hotel. There’s a good bar and restaurant, and staff are unfailingly helpful and courteous.
La Llum, Xàbia

House and techno keep the party going until dawn at La Llum, another of Xàbia’s popular discos.
La Manga

Almost at the tip of “the sleeve” (La Manga), this enormous lighthouse sits above the biggest marina on the Mar Menor, and looks out over the Mediterranean and a pair of miniature islands.
La Manga del Mar Menor

La Manga – “The Sleeve” – is the name given to the curious, long spit of land which divides the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean. The entire 21 km (13 miles) length is now densely packed with a virtually unbroken line of brash high-rise apartment buildings and hotels, a mini-Manhattan which is visible for miles around. Dedicated entirely to summer fun, the beaches are lined with bars, cafés and restaurants, and offer numerous opportunities for all kinds of watersports, including windsurfing, waterskiing, fishing and sailing. Regular ferries ply between La Manga and the islands of the Mar Menor.
La Mola

This curious castle, with the only triangular tower in Europe, is cheek by jowl with a Modernista sanctuary.
La Muralia, Cehegín

A pretty, whitewashed hotel at the very top of this magical village offers eight rooms and 10 stylishly decorated self-catering apartments. The views across the ochre rooftops are breathtaking.
La Muralla

This smart tapas bar located in Murcia’s fanciest hotel (see NH Rincón de Pepe, Murcia City) is as famous for the stretch of Arabic wall incorporated into its design as for the excellence of its tapas.

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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
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