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.

Sailing

Most resorts have a marina offering everything from sailing courses to yacht charter and skipper hire. The biggest marinas are in Calp (Calpe), Benidorm, Alicante (Alacant), Torrevieja and Santiago de la Ribera.
Salvador Poveda

Pick up some of the famous Fondillón wine.
Santa Iglesia Catedral del Salvador, Orihuela

Orihuela’s Gothic cathedral of pale, creamy stone was begun in the 14th century. There is exquisite sculptural detail inside and out. Two beautiful wrought-iron grills enclose the choir, with its magnificent Baroque organ, and the main altar.
Santa Pola

Santa Pola’s traditional souvenirs are objects made from seashells – a fashion which you may have thought died out in the 1970s. These run the gamut from the kitsch to the surprisingly pretty.
Santa Pola

Santa Pola holds a huge outdoor market on Saturdays, with everything from local produce to clothes and shoes.
Santa Pola

Santa Pola is a cheerful family resort set around a pretty port. At the heart of the village is a sturdy castle; built in the 16th century as a defence against pirates, it now houses a museum of the sea. The lighthouse at the tip of the Cape of Santa Pola offers gorgeous views of the coastline and out to the small island of Tabarca, a short ferry-ride away. The salt lakes on the fringes of the village are now a Natural Park, and attract hundreds of aquatic birds, including flamingoes.
Santiago de la Ribera

The main beach of this upmarket resort is backed by a wooden, palm-shaded boardwalk, and the long sandy expanse is lined with countless bars and cafés. It’s particularly good for families.
Santiago de la Ribera

A smart, upmarket resort on the shores of the Mar Menor, Santiago de la Ribera is popular with well-heeled Murcianos. The quiet waters of the inland sea make it the perfect place to learn to sail or windsurf, and the watersports facilities are excellent.
Santiago de la Ribera

This plush, modern resort on the shores of the Mar Menor boasts an excellent marina and a long, palm-lined seafront promenade. Like so many resorts on the Mediterranean coast, this was once a humble fishing village, and a few colourful fishing boats are still drawn up on its sandy beaches. The tranquil waters of the Mar Menor are ideal for anyone learning to sail or windsurf, and there are excellent facilities for watersports. Ferries regularly sail for Isla Perdiguera.
Santuario de la Esperanza, Calasparra

Pilgrimage in honour of a miraculous image of the Virgin.