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.

Les Aigües Blanques, Oliva

Oliva is blessed with long, sandy beaches that extend for miles so that you can always find a quiet spot if you are prepared to walk. This beach is the largest and best equipped, with every imaginable amenity.
Les Rotes, Denia (Dénia)

This is a delightful pebbly stretch of rock pools, tiny islands and hidden coves, where you can usually find a quiet corner. It has good amenities and a breezy seafront promenade lined with restaurants and cafés.
Letting in Spain

This online company lets villas, apartments and bungalows around Torrevieja. Airport pickups are included in the price. Most properties are in the modern Ciudad Quesada resort, which has its own golf course, and is close to beaches and the Lagunas de la Mata.
Librería Internacional

Whether you are looking for some holiday reading, something to help you brush up your Spanish, or good maps of the region, the friendly staff at this bookshop will be able to help you.
Lifeguards

Most beaches, even more remote ones, will have a lifeguard post in summer.
Lo Pagán

The smallest resort on the Mar Menor, Lo Pagán has great seafood restaurants on the beach.
Lorca

Lorca, an elegant, historic city sprawled beneath the ruins of a 13th-century fortress, is justly celebrated throughout Spain for its wealth of magnificent Baroque architecture. Its elegant avenues and squares are scattered with sumptuous escutcheoned mansions and lavish churches. The beautiful Plaza de España at the heart of the old quarter is overlooked by the splendid Excolegiata de San Patricio (see Colegio de Santo Domingo, Orihuela) and the arcaded 17th-century town hall. A clutch of museums is dedicated to Lorca’s lengthy history and ancient traditions, including the Holy Week processions for which it is famous.
Los Barriles, Orihuela

This charming, rustically decorated tavern has been dishing up delicious seafood specialities for more than a century.
Los Dos TT

This chic upmarket boutique selling international designer fashions for women is just one of many shops devoted to shoes, fashion and accessories lining the pedestrian streets of the old town.
Los Habaneros, Cartagena

Sitting at the entrance to old Cartagena, this classic hotel is excellent value. The comfortable rooms are rather bland, but the restaurant is renowned throughout town.

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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