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.

Snorkelling and Diving

The Costa Blanca offers endless possiblities for underwater exploration, and several areas have been declared marine reserves, including the Cap de Sant Antoni near Xàbia (Jávea), the Isla de Benidorm, the Penyal d’Ifac (Peñon d’Ifach) and the Isla Tabarca. There are companies offering diving courses and trips in all the major resorts.
Spanish Broom

This hardy evergreen is a beautiful sight in spring, when its glorious yellow blooms carpet the countryside.
Special Events

You can get information about special events at www.clubbingspain.com
Stews

Murcia has lots of wonderful traditional stews, including the olla gitana , a hearty chickpea and vegetable stew from the fertile Segura valley, and the zarangollo murciano , a tasty mixture of pumpkin, onion and tomato.
Sunscreen

Don’t forget your sunscreen! The sun is very fierce on the Costa Blanca. You should avoid sunbathing between noon and 4pm.
Sunset

The friendly Sunset bar has a relaxed lounge area with sofas, plus a small dance floor playing mainly Spanish pop from the 1980s onward for a slightly older, calmer crowd.
Tablao Zambra, Alicante

A genuine corner of Andalucía on the Costa Blanca, the Tablao Zambra in El Campelló (a few miles up the coast from Alicante) features flamenco music and dance by gifted Andalucian performers.
Tablao Zambra, Alicante

For a taste of Andalucía, make a date at the Tablao Zambra in Campelló, just up the coast from Alicante. The show is geared toward tourists, but the dancers and musicians are all incredibly talented.
Tardor

This charming flower shop creates beautiful bouquets, but it also sells attractive gifts for the home and garden – vases, glassware, plant pots and other ceramics.
Tartera Caravaqueña de Cordero

This lamb pie is a typical dish from Caravaca de la Cruz.