In the southeastern corner of Spain, lies the Costa Blanca, a beautiful stretch of coast with more than 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. It stretches from the town of Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. The area has a variety of attractions and is a popular tourist destination.
Fortress built by Moors
A fortress built by the Moors on the Costa Blanca is well worth a visit. Located near Benidorm, it’s situated on a rocky terrain. The valley has been referred to as a ‘valley of museums’. The castle was built in the 11th century and was impregnable, thanks to an eight-metre tunnel cut through the rock. It wasn’t captured until Christians invaded the area 200 years later.
The Castillo de San Miguel was originally a Phoenician and Roman fortress, but was subsequently rebuilt by the Moors. This fortress is declared a Monument and Asset of Cultural Interest. Its history goes back to the 11th century and was extensively reformed by Christians in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Most of the castles on the Costa Blanca are located near the coast and were built as defensive structures, since the region was prone to pirates and invaders. However, there are several fortresses that were built on hills. The largest of them is the Castell de la Santa Barbara, which is the largest historic landmark in Spain and is situated at a high altitude.
White sandy beaches
The Costa Blanca is known for its beautiful beaches and pristine waters, but it also has some great attractions. The main resort, Benidorm, is a lively holiday destination with a dramatic skyline that stretches for miles along the coastline. Some people even refer to the town as the “Manhattan of Spain” due to the high number of high-rise buildings. The city has a reputation as a party metropole, and you will find plenty of nightlife and activities here during high season.
The beaches in Denia are among the most popular on the Costa Blanca, with their colourful houses and serene atmosphere. The three-kilometre-long beach in the north of the city is ideal for long walks on the sand. It also has plenty of amenities, including a restaurant and a bar.
The beaches on the Costa Blanca are ideal for families, as many have facilities such as playgrounds and lifeguards. There are also plenty of beach bars along the shoreline for visitors to enjoy the sun. Some beaches have even achieved Blue Flag status, which means they are regarded as clean and safe.
In addition to the white sand beaches, Costa Blanca offers a number of water sports, including jet skiing, snorkeling, and hiking. In addition, you can spend the day on one of the many white-sand islands. Playa Blanca, for example, is home to some of the Costa Rican’s most famous white-sand beaches.
Some of the towns along the Costa Blanca are incredibly beautiful, with breathtaking views over the sea and the mountains. Popular resorts include Alicante, Javea, Calpe, and Altea. The town center is located along a waterfront promenade. Another highlight of Altea is the light-pebble beach along the long bay. It features unique sea colors and a fantastic view of the Sierra Helada Natural Park.
Canelobre Caves
The Canelobre Caves are one of the most interesting attractions on the Costa Blanca. They are located on the northern slopes of the Cabezon de Oro mountain ridge. Visitors can explore the caves, which are filled with rock formations and a 45 metre-high vault. Speleology enthusiasts can take guided tours and listen to musical performances.
The caves are also home to some spectacular views. One can enjoy a walk through the cave, or take a guided tour in a variety of languages. The caves are accessible all year round, so you can plan your trip according to when you have free time. There is also a small picnic area, so that you can take a break and enjoy the view.
The Canelobre Caves were formed over 150 million years ago by underground forces. They are one of the largest caves in Spain, and their vaulted area has stalactites and stalagmites up to 12 metres in height. The caves are so cold, however, that life is extremely limited.
The Canelobre Caves are located 700 metres above sea level, and are a popular tourist attraction in the area. They are accessible by car and are recommended for families with children, although they are also suitable for adults. You can also opt to go caving, where you can explore the caves in greater depth.
In addition to the Canelobre Caves, you can also visit the nearby Museo de Ethnic Music, which is home to more than 4,000 instruments.
Charming towns
A few charming towns can be found in the Costa Blanca region. For example, the traditional fishing town of Moraira is a beautiful place to visit. It is home to many pristine white beaches and serene coves, and is known for its enchanting natural landscape, which includes pine trees, vineyards, and white washed villas.
The coast of Costa Blanca is a popular tourist destination in Spain and includes several cosmopolitan towns and resorts. The region’s history dates back to the Neolithic Era, and it was historically important to the Greeks, Romans, and Visigoths. The region has many cultural attractions, including the ruins of Moorish cities.
Benissa is another popular holiday destination in the region. It is made up of villages and mountains, and is home to two marinas. Traditional food here includes octopus, rice, and almonds. The climate is mild, with an average temperature of around 17oC.
The historic coastal town of Villajoyosa is also worth visiting. Its old quarter has a rich history, and you can sample local seafood and chocolate in the Valor Chocolate Museum. Villajoyosa is also home to the Allon Roman ruins, the most significant discovery of Roman ruins in Spain in the past decade.
Located on the coast, Altea has charming cobbled streets and a Mediterranean essence. Its church tower is covered in blue domes and its white houses are attractive. The town is 185 metres above sea level. The town is also home to the castle, which was used as an anti-pirate watchdog during the sixteenth century. It also has a famous sculpture of birds by Antoni Mari.
Alicante has a bustling nightlife. The city is home to a slew of bars and restaurants. Its historic centre is a popular nightlife destination. The city’s El Barrio Antiguo district is home to several trendy bars and traditional tapas bars. The Costa Blanca is a great place to party, and you can find a good nightlife in a town to suit your needs.
Crime rate
If you’re looking for a relaxing and safe holiday, consider the Costa Blanca and the Alicante province in southern Spain. These regions are well known for their sunny climate, great food, and friendly locals. While you’ll find a good mix of all three, there’s also an issue to consider: the crime rate in these regions is higher than the national average but lower than the European average. This is particularly true of tourist hotspots, which have more crime than other areas.
In the first half of 2022, crime in the Costa Blanca region increased by 24.6%, with Benidorm experiencing a spike of 50 per cent. Overall, the number of crimes recorded in this region rose to 43,438 from January to June, compared to 34,857 in the same period in 2021. While there is an increase in crime in the tourist areas, the rate is still lower in smaller towns and municipalities. In addition, you can be confident that you’ll be safe in golf communities, which are typically gated and include 24 hour security.
Crime in Alicante has remained relatively low in recent years. In 2019, there were fewer reported incidents of theft, robbery, and assault than in the same period last year. However, there is a rise in drug crimes. Although fewer crimes are committed in Alicante, crimes in the Costa Blanca have increased in Petrer, Elche, and Benidorm.
Crime rates in the Costa Blanca are considerably lower than in the major cities of Britain, Ireland, and France. Compared to the UK, crime in Spain is significantly lower, with an incidence of nearly 50 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants.
