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.

Santuario de la Virgen de las Virtudes, Villena

In honour of Villena’s patron saint.
Santuario de la Virgen de los Lirios, nr Alcoi

A pilgrimage in honour of Alcoi’s patron saint.
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, Murcia

Pilgrimage to honour Murcia’s patron saint.
Santuario del Mare de Déu del Castell, Agres

Pilgrimage in honour of a miraculous appearance of the Virgin.
Santuario del Monte de la Atalaya, Cieza

A procession from Cieza to the mountain sanctuary of the Virgen del Buen Successo.
Seafood

Like so much of the Mediterranean coast, Murcia’s fishing villages provide a wealth of wonderful fresh seafood. The famously sweet prawns from the Mar Menor, sea bream cooked in rock salt (dorada a la sal ), and a highly spiced version of the caldero (see Caldero) are all typical of the region.
Seafood

The abundance and variety of seafood on the Costa Blanca is astonishing. Fish is often simply grilled or fried, or used in the many rice dishes. Dorada a la sal (sea bream baked in rock salt) is common and delicious. Try Dénia’s famous and very tasty prawns.
Semana Santa

Holy Week is a huge event, with lavish processions taking place throughout the week. The most spectacular are held in Murcia City, Cartagena, Jumilla, Lorca and Cieza.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Every town and village has parades and processions during Holy Week, but the Murcia region in particular is renowned for its spectacular celebrations. The Holy Week processions in Lorca, Murcia City, Cartagena, Mula and Moratalla are all justifiably famous, but those in Alicante (Alacant) and Orihuela are also well worth seeing (see Francisco Salzillo (1707–1783)).
Sergio Garcia

This sensational young golfer has caused a storm since his first appearance on the international circuit.