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.

Petrer (Petrel)

Medieval Petrer is dominated by its impressive castle). The old town has almost been swallowed by the adjacent (and unlovely) industrial city of Elda, which is squeezed right up to its borders. Both towns share a long shoe-making tradition, and Petrer’s narrow streets are still home to traditional cobblers. There’s a pretty Neo-Classical church and a pair of charming hermitages.
Petrer (Petrel) Castle

The most impressive of a line of castles which cuts through the middle of the Alicante region, the sturdy fortifications of Petrer Castle make for a perfect picnic – and, indeed, picture – spot with endless views.
Piripi, Alicante

Smart and stylish, Piripi serves some of the finest traditional rice dishes in the whole city. Try their delectable arroz con sepionet con alcachofas cooked with baby squid and artichokes, but save room for the delicious home-made desserts. The tapas bar is a local institution.
Piripi, Alicante (Alacant)

One of Alicante’s finest restaurants, this is probably the best place to try the local rice dishes. The tapas bar is one of the best in town.
Pitius, Denia (Dénia)

This colourful, friendly bar is popular with locals of all ages. Resident DJs raise the tempo at weekends, when it packs out. There are special theme nights throughout the summer.
Playa de Bolnuevo, Bolnuevo

The main beach of this sleepy little resort is long and sandy, with good facilities including lifeguards, cafés and restaurants. Behind it are the extraordinary cliffs of the “Enchanted City” (see Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo). To the south, naturists will find a series of secluded coves.
Playa de Poniente and Playa de Levante, Benidorm

The golden arc of Benidorm’s twin beaches stretches for almost five km (3 miles) around the bay, a breathtaking sweep of gleaming sand and turquoise waters. In high season, you’ll need to get there early to grab some space. Immaculate and superbly equipped with everything from play areas and wheelchair ramps to beach bars and lifeguard posts.
Playa de San Juan, Alicante (Alacant)

Easily the best of Alicante’s beaches, this glorious stretch of fine sand with every facility is in a popular holiday suburb a short tram ride from the city centre. The bars and clubs buzz all night in summer.
Playa de Venecia, Gandia-Playa

This immaculate golden beach is famously “combed” by tractors in summer to maintain its pristine appearance. Lined with smart rows of coconut-matting sunshades and blue-and-white-striped sun loungers, it has all the amenities: play areas for children, showers, lifeguard posts, and a line of restaurants and cafés along the seafront.
Playa Honda

One of the most popular beaches on the Mar Menor, the Playa Honda is a wonderful 7-km (4-mile) stretch of sand around Mar de Cristal, with every imaginable facility.

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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
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