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.

Parc Natural de la Font Roja (Walk)

The sanctuary and spa at the heart of the Parc Natural de la Font Roja are popular weekend day trips for locals. The shady walking paths through Mediterranean oak forest are the perfect respite from searing summer heat. There are walking trails to suit hikers of all levels, with the easiest (suitable for families) leaving from the sanctuary itself.
Parc Natural del Montgó

The pale massif of Montgó looms high above the seaside resorts of Denia (Dénia) and Xàbia (Jávea). Delightful walking trails meander through flower-strewn scrub and woodland, past ancient caves and up to stunning viewpoints that gaze out across the sierra and over the sea.
Parque Municipal, Elx (Elche)

This delightful palm-shaded park with ceramic-tiled benches is right in the heart of town. The children’s play areas make it perfect for family picnics.
Parque Natural de Calnegre y Cabo Cope

As you progress to the southernmost tip of Murcia’s Costa Cálida, the terrain becomes increasingly wild and rocky. This hauntingly lovely cape is now a protected Natural Park, and home to all kinds of birds and animals, including wild boar, sea turtles, cormorants and peregrine falcons. Footpaths are traced through the scrub, and you can climb up to the summit of the cape for stunning views of the sheer cliffs and the wheeling seabirds. In the lee of the cape is a dramatic stretch of rocky inlets and coves, perfect for a dip, overlooked by a 16th-century watchtower built to defend the coast from pirates.
Pasteleria Carlos

The Arabs introduced the delicious pastries for which Murcia is still celebrated. This cake shop has a mouthwatering selection. The paparajotes , light, lemon-flavoured pastries, are divine.
Peak of Montgó

If you take the long but not too arduous trail through Montgó Natural Park (see Parc Natural del Montgó) to the top of the mountain, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views over the scrubland and rugged cliff.
Pedro Delgado

Champion cyclist, and winner of the Tour de France and the Vuelta de España.
Penáguila

Time seems to have stood still in Penáguila, a small village of ochre houses huddled around a sturdy 16th-century church. On the outskirts are the immaculate flower gardens and ponds of the 19th-century Jardín de Santos. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, the ruins of an ancient castle are set among forest high above the village.
Penélope Beach Club

The beachfront outpost of the mega-club Penélope (see Penélope, Benidorm), this is an elegant bar-cum-club, where you can sip a cocktail and watch the crowds flow along the seafront. The action starts late, when the music hots up and the go-gos get going.
Penélope, Benidorm

One of the coolest clubs in Benidorm, with a perfect beachfront location, this is a great place to start the night. If you decide to stick around, things begin to hot up, with top DJs, go-go dancers and a slick, well-dressed crowd.