HOLIDAYS COSTA BLANCA: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO
HOLIDAYS COSTA BLANCA: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO

INTRODUCTION: HOLIDAYS COSTA BLANCA
HOLIDAYS COSTA BLANCA: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO: Planning a trip to the Mediterranean and you’re thinking about Costa Blanca, Spain? You’ve heard of Costa Blanca but you don’t know too much about it and want to find out more? Then you’re in the right place. In the pages below you’ll find information and tips that will fill in the blanks and help you plan the best vacation ever. As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge of this highly sought-after beach holiday destination.
Costa Blanca is located on the southeast coast of Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea. The region starts at Denia (about 80km south of Valencia) and runs about 200km along the coastline heading south down to Pilar de la Horadada (about 30km north of Cartagena). The name Costa Blanca was born from a marketing campaign from the 1950s to attract tourism to the area. The region benefits from the Mediterranean Climate and enjoys over 320 days of sun a year. The weather is nice all year long making Costa Blanca a great holiday destination whether you are looking for a beach vacation in the summer, a quieter off-season getaway in the fall or spring, or golfing during the mild “winter”.
(To find out more about the Mediterranean and Spain, check out our Guide to the Mediterranean Coast and our Guide to the Coast of Spain)

HOLIDAYS COSTA BLANCA
WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO?
Beaches
With about 200km of coastline, Costa Blanca has more than 170km of beaches and of these, 81 have been awarded the Blue Flag. This distinction is awarded to beaches, recognizing the quality of the water, the condition of the beach, the safety level, and the services offered (lifeguard, washroom facilities, handicapped access, etc…). Along the coastline, you will find various stretches of beaches ranging from wide sand beaches that go for miles, to small hidden beaches nestled in tiny coves.
Costa Blanca Weather
Costa Blanca has incredible weather, benefitting from the Mediterranean climate and over 320 days of sun per year. The World Health Organisation has rated the weather in this region as the healthiest weather in the world! (see related post on Costa Blanca Weather). For quality of life in terms of weather, the Costa Blanca is second to none.

Watersports
With 200km of coastline and crystal clear water, there is no end to the watersports that you can do here. In summer during calmer conditions on the sea, you can kayak, paddleboard, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and water sky. With the right wind conditions, you can windsurf, kitesurf and sail. For most of these activities, you can rent equipment locally and even take lessons if you are a beginner.
Hiking and Nature Trails
There are tons of hiking options in the Costa Blanca. In Calpe, you can hike in “Parque Natural de Penyal D’Ifach”. Near Benidorm, there is a nice hike along the coast, Punta del Caval, which ends at the ruins of an old watchtower (follow this link for excellent directions for Punta del Caval). And another is the Puig de la Llorenca (between Moraira and Benitachell). From the top of this mountain, you can see Ibiza on clear days. This is just to name a few.
Cuisine
If you are a seafood lover then you will enjoy the selection of various fresh fish available up and down the coast. Fish is caught locally and daily in most areas along the coast and is served fresh in all the local restaurants and diners.
Golf
There are a total of 32 high-quality golf courses to choose from in Costa Blanca and more in the adjoining regions such as Costa Calida and Costa Almeria. With over 320 days of sunshine and the excellent Mediterranean climate, golf can be enjoyed year-round on the Costa Blanca.
Do Emporda Wine
There are about 45 active wine estates in the Do Emporda wine region of Costa Blanca. The red wines made are the Black Grenache and Samso and the white wines are the White Grenache, the Red Grenache, Moscatell, and Macabeu. You can enjoy these wines with your meals at most of the local restaurants in the region or if you would like a more immersive experience, contact the local wineries to see about organized tours and wine tastings.

Day Trips
There are several places within the Costa Blanca region, and just outside, that are great day trip destinations and depending on where you are staying, could be within a short distance. My recommendation is the first place listed, Alicante, and which I have visited several times.
Alicante
The capital city of the province of Alicante, this port city is an ideal holiday location. With a population of over 300,000, it has all of the amenities of a large city without being overbearing. It is directly on the Mediterranean with a well-developed commercial and marina district, a beautiful promenade along its shoreline, and an excellent sand beach just meters away from the city. Whenever I have friends or family flying in to visit, I always set aside time to show off this city and what it has to offer. (see related post on Alicante to find out more about this exceptional city)

Denia
This Port city is one of the main ferry access points to the Balearic Islands. It is the northernmost point of the Costa Blanca and sits at the base of El Mongo, a mountain that overlooks the coast. Here you will find white sand beaches but also a rugged rocky coastline. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years and shows traces throughout the town of the various cultures that ruled the area: Iberian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, French Napoleonic, and Christian. If you are looking for more than just a beach vacation, then Denia is a perfect choice.
Benidorm
Benidorm is one of the top tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca, attracting as many foreign visitors as Spanish. With a wide range of accommodations, a busy market district, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and wide sand beaches right in town, it is a highly sought-after holiday destination. It is also known for its range of nightly entertainment with visitors enjoying the various pubs, bars, and nightclubs. (see our related post on Benidorm to find out more about what this town has to offer)

Calpe
Sitting at the base of the iconic rock of ”Ifach” (the Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park), Calpe is a great holiday destination. From a fishing village, the area has been transformed over the last several decades into a successful tourist destination with excellent modern facilities. Activities in the area range from water sports, such as windsurfing and waterskiing, to rock climbing and hiking. Sights to see include the ancient town center, the rock of “Ifach” and the Moorish Castle of Calpe. (see our related post on Calpe to find out more about this excellent vacation destination)

Torrevieja
Originally a salt mining and fishing village, it has been transformed similar to other coastal cities, into a successful tourist destination. It has also become a sought-after destination for British, German, and Scandinavian expats looking to escape the northern winters. There are several beaches along the coast, two large salt flats nearby, La Torre del Moro, the old Watch tower (the town’s namesake), and several museums.
Ibiza and Mallorca
If you are staying near Denia, then a day trip (with an overnight stay or two) to Ibiza or Mallorca might be something to consider. You can take one of the daily ferries as a walk-on passenger (if you don’t have a vehicle) and make this a combination cruise/island adventure. (see related post on Playa de Muro in Mallorca)

Mar Menor
This saltwater lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by an 18km long sandbar, with beaches on both sides. With shallow warm waters, with no current, no undertows, and no waves, the Mar Menor is an excellent watersports playground and a great place for beginners if you are intimidated by the open water of the Mediterranean. You can also visit the town of La Manga which runs the entire length of the sandbar or go to the small town of Cabo de Palos and see its iconic lighthouse. (see related posts on Mar Menor)

Cartagena
This ancient port city is a great day trip destination with an excellent downtown shopping district, a beautiful port area with a promenade, and a fully restored Roman Amphitheater accidentally discovered in the 1980s.

FINAL THOUGHTS
HOLIDAYS COSTA BLANCA: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO
The Costa Brava has been an established successful tourist destination, bringing in millions of visitors every year, mainly in the summer. The Mediterranean Climate provides excellent year-round weather to this region with over 320 days of sun a year, making this a perfect choice for a beach holiday, a quiet vacation getaway for the fall or spring, or a golf destination in the winter. The Costa Brava is an ideal choice no matter what time of year you come.
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean Diet first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.