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.

1. Calblanque

Calblanque is a gorgeous stretch of unspoilt coastline, and one of the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secrets. The golden beaches and quiet coves are peaceful even in the height of the tourist season.
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2. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Alicante

Visible for miles around, Alicante’s dramatic castle looms high on a dusty pinnacle. Its sturdy ramparts and watchtowers offer spectacular views over the endless blue of the Mediterranean.
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3. Guadalest

The enchanting hilltop village of Guadalest sits under the romantic ruins of a battered castle, and overlooks a beautiful valley with a deep turquoise lake.
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4. Penyal d’Ifac (Peñon d’Ifach)

A designated Natural Park, this extraordinary rock erupts spectacularly from the sea. The views from the summit are breathtaking.
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5. Casa-Museo Modernista, Novelda

Every detail of this Art Nouveau-style town house is exquisite, from the sinuous staircase with its vine-leaf motif to the rainbow-coloured skylights.
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6. 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.
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7. Hort del Cura, Elx (Elche)

This luxuriant garden, the most beautiful corner of the famous palm groves of Elx, is a tranquil enclave of tropical flowers and cactuses shaded by palm trees.
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8. Isla Tabarca

The tiny island of Tabarca is rimmed with rocky coves and sandy beaches, and the surrounding marine reserve is a paradise for snorkellers and divers.
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9. Palau Ducal, Gandia (Gandía)

This sumptuous Gothic palace, magnificently embellished over the centuries, was home to St Francis of Borja.
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10. Catedral de Santa María, Murcia

Several centuries in the making, Murcia Cathedral is one of the finest Baroque buildings in Spain, with a frilly bell tower, a sumptuous façade and lavishly decorated chapels.
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