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.

Severiano Ballesteros

Perhaps the most famous golfer that Spain has ever produced, Ballesteros has now retired.
Sierra de Bernia (Hike)

There are several hikes from the Fonts d’Algar; a short walk from the falls will bring you to the substantial ruins of the Fortress of Bernia, where experienced walkers can continue on to the demanding circuit around the peak itself. The hike requires some simple climbing moves and takes about seven hours.
Sierra de Espuña

A beautiful stretch of forest and craggy peaks, the Natural Park of Sierra de Espuña offers excellent hiking, a wealth of wildlife, and complete peace.
Sierra de Espuña

A lush and verdant stretch of forested mountains in the heart of Murcia has been converted into the spectacular Regional Park of the Sierra de Espuña, a paradise for hikers, bird-watchers and anyone seeking respite from the searing summer heat. In spring, the slopes are covered with a carpet of wild flowers, and there’s a network of excellent walking trails adapted to hikers of all abilities. Wild boar, rare squirrels and mountain sheep have made the forests their home.
Sierra de Espuña

This magnificent range of pine-clad mountains is one of the few green corners of arid Murcia. Wonderful walking trails offer startling glimpses of forested slopes and rocky outcrops, and birds of prey wheel lazily, high above the treetops.
Sierra de Espuña

There are three very basic camping areas within the stunning Regional Park of the Sierra de Espuña; apart from four mountain refuges, they are the only accommodation options within the park itself, and must be booked in advance from the park information office. Just outside the park, Camping Sierra Espuña has extensive facilities, including wooden cabañas for rent.
Sierra de Espuña (Hikes)

The Sierra de Espuña is probably the best place for walking in the Costa Blanca, with a range of trails adapted to hikers of all abilities. There are short trails for families, and more demanding hikes for advanced walkers.
Sinatra’s

This celebrated cocktail bar features regular cabaret acts and other live performances (usually in winter), and attracts a more mature clientele.
Since 1939

Regional differences – including the Valencian language – were savagely suppressed under Franco’s dictatorship. The advent of mass tourism in the 1960s brought jobs, money and a swathe of new development. Franco died in 1975, and democracy was peacefully restored. Tourism continues to provide the Costa Blanca with most of its wealth.
Snorkelling

The endless coves of the coastline (Águilas alone boasts 35) are perfect for snorkelling, but the very best place to try it is the Regional Park of Calblanque, where the protected waters are clear and the bays are secluded.