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.

Azulejos

Elaborate tiles, many produced in the Costa Blanca region using techniques introduced by the Arabs.
Bacarra, Gandia (Gandía)

Bacarra’s “disco-garden” is the place to be during the hot summer months. There are all kinds of events, from DJs to live gigs, go-go dancers and special one-off theme parties.
Balneario La Encarnación, Los Alcázares

Entering this winsome former spa hotel on the Mar Menor is like stepping back in time. The rooms are simple but charming, the service delightfully old-fashioned and courteous.
Banyeres de Mariola

The highest castle in the region, it dominates a lofty peak.
Barbarroja (d.1546)

Turkish pirate Jayr al-Din – better known as Barbarroja (“Red Beard”) – was the scourge of the Mediterranean.
Barceló Cenajo, Moratalla

In a region with limited accommodation options, this historic, primrose-yellow hotel is set about 10 km (6 miles) from the village, on the shores of a lake. Facilities include swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, and a gym. It’s a good base for hiking, biking and riding around the surrounding sierras.
Barceló Lodomar, Lo Pagán

A vast complex of rooms and apartments, with pools, gym and a spa specializing in thalasso-therapy. The hotel sits on the edge of the San Pedro del Pinatar egional Park, a paradise for bird-watchers. The Mar Menor beaches are about 500 m (547 yards) away.
Baroque (c.1600–1750)

Spanish Baroque features undulating façades with high relief and ornate decoration.
Barranc del Encanta

The track for the Barranc del Encanta is signposted just before Planes. It twists crazily down to the “Enchanted Ravine”, a perfect picnic spot, where a waterfall tumbles into a natural swimming pool.
Barrio de Santa Cruz, Alicante (Alacant)

Every street in Alicante’s atmospheric old quarter is packed solid with bars and nightclubs which start late and don’t stop until dawn. There’s a good mix of styles and places to go, with something to suit most tastes and age groups.

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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