Posts Tagged ‘Alicante’

10 Best Days Out on the Costa Blanca

May 2nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
You’ve booked up your Summer Holiday in Spain, chosen the popular Costa Blanca, and sorted the flights.  All you need to do now is plan in advance for some great days out to amuse all the family – you know the sun is going to shine, so no need for Wet Day plans. Great days out start with a little planning.  That’s the great thing about Spain – the weather is almost guaranteed, whatever you choose to fill your Spanish holiday with, let’s look at 10 of the best days out on the Costa Blanca – with all of the family in mind.

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Top 5 Beaches – Costa Blanca

April 23rd, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Yesterday we looked at Benidorm, and the top 10 FREE activities there - great ways to save a few cents, especially if you’re travelling with a family -  every little helps as they say. One of those things to do was to visit the great beaches of the area. it’s not called the White Coast for nothing.  We looked at two beaches close to Benidorm itself, but there are of course lots more to choose from.  Let’s look at the top tanning spots – the top 5 beaches of the Costa Blanca.

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Just 1 day – from Alicante

February 27th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Have you ever wanted to explore more from your holiday base? It’s great to get two weeks to spend under the Spanish sun – especially the stunning Costa Blanca -  but what about discovering more of the surrounding area? Perhaps you’re at the end of your holiday, and fancy a day trip before going home?  Visitors flock every year to Alicante to take advantage of the great coastline…Let’s take a  look at a few choice day trips from Alicante, each can be done in just one day.

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Carol Byrne
Looking for a destination suitable for the whole family this year?  Then pack your bucket and spade and head for the Costa Blanca.  Spain’s sunny south-east coastline has beaches to brag about by the bucket-load, and Playa Flamenca makes a super spot to park your parasol. There are miles of sandy beaches and lively attractions to keep the whole family amused, so grab the sun lotion and get packing – you’re off to the white coast of sunny Spain, specifically Playa Flamenca!

Read the entire post » A family destination – Playa Flamenca, Costa Blanca

Top 5 Wine Towns of the Costa Blanca

November 16th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
The Costa Blanca – the White Coast – which sits happily on the East of Spain, stretching long white sandy fingers down one of the most popular destinations in Europe. We love it for many reasons, but also for the gastronomy, and the delicious wine. So where are the top five towns to visit for a drop of winning wine? This way please, glass in hand….By the way, choose the window seat on the plane!

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Eye on Alicante – Denia, the best bits

October 29th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Still on our whistle stop tour of the best bits of places to visit in Alicante, on the super Costa Blanca, the warm eastern coast of Spain where even Winter is a mild affair.  Where are we? Just along from Javea, in the north of the province, we find ourselves visiting Denia, where there are lots of attractions, including a castle to visit, a mountain to climb, and even a boat trip!  Come to Denia and let’s explore further…

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Postcard from Denia

September 21st, 2012 by vernon

vernon
Although three decades had passed since I last saw Dénia on the Costa Blanca, I was delighted with how little it had changed. The capital of the Marina Alta, Denia is a University city that remains a place to stay a while and savour. Time has changed the appearance of this coastline but I suggest it is a place where time is on your side.

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Touchy, feely Spain

August 2nd, 2012 by vernon

vernon
Do not touch! Three words that drive me crazy. They turn up in the most inappropriate places these days. No such problems in Spain. So much in the country begs you to touch it. Thank heavens for that, say I. Having explored the sights, smells and sounds of Spain; it is now time to get all touchy feely.

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San Juan. A magical night in Spain

June 18th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Midsummer.  A magical night all over the world where pagan rituals are celebrated and embraced.  The night of the 23rd June is traditionally celebrated in Spain with gusto – bonfires and ritual cleansing, dancing and eating, whether you’re on the beach or beached up in a mountain village! So come to Spain for San Juan and see what all the fuss is about – it’s more than just another fiesta.  A veritable Midsummer Night’s Dream – Spanish style!

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vernon
I was asked recently to name my favourite five coastal destinations in Spain. One each from the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa de La Luz, Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical. A tough challenge. But here goes. My famous and favourite five. 

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Carol Byrne
Wherever you choose to spend the month of June, there´s no getting away from the Big Party. Whether you have a street party at home in Blighty - don´t forget to bring the umbrella! -  watch the celebrations on the box, or maybe even fly to Spain for some guaranteed sunshine!  Where will you be?

Read the entire post » Waving the Royal flag in Spain – a jubilant Jubilee

Trains and boats and planes

May 8th, 2012 by vernon

vernon
How do you like to arrive in Spain? In the traditional fashion, by air? Or by sailing to your destination? Or, perhaps, by train? First impressions are important and I have been very impressed when arriving at certain distinctive locations. 

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vernon
The good thing about Spanish summers is that I can have a nap in the afternoon. And not feel guilty. After all, it is too hot to go out. So i place myself in a horizontal position in my dark and cool bodega lounge and have a sleep. Just like the locals do. In summer they would not dream of letting the light or the heat into their cool houses. Darkness prevails. But i did come across a man once who could not wait to get home in order to chill out. So he did so under the sun. 

Read the entire post » Every Picture Tells a Story – Chilling Out

Spain on Film – the final cut

April 6th, 2012 by vernon

vernon
The hard hitting economic budget announced by the new Spanish government in the Spring of 2012 has received much publicity worldwide. But one of the many financial cuts announced in the budget did not attract much attention. The one that stated that the Spanish government would reduce their funding of making movies in Spain by a whopping thirty five per cent. That sent many a Spanish film director reeling. It may mean an end to some of the biggest films produced being shot on location in Spain. Which would be a pity. For so many destinations in Spain are famous thanks to the wonderful world of cinema.

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Spring walking – go to El Montgó

March 31st, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Spring has sprung in Spain.  The sun is growing stronger each day, and the countryside is erupting and unfurling with riotous colour, and heady scent. What better start to the season than a walking holiday in clean fresh air, under the Spanish sun? If you happen to choose the towns of Dénia or Javea as a base to hang your boots then you may be tempted by the view of El Montgó from your superb rented holiday home… Rising loftily to 753ft, what does this climb hold in store for you?  Let’s find out…!

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Spain on film – take 2

February 27th, 2012 by vernon

vernon
It has been a long few weeks of thespians patting each other on the back and handing out awards. The BAFTAS, the OSCARS and the GOYAS. And films shot in Spain have been nominated for prizes at all three ceremonies. Especially, of course, the latter. Which is when the great and the good of the Spanish film world get together to praise the work of those who do such a great job. Not just of making movies but, crucially, of promoting the glorious country of Spain via the big screen. 

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Carol Byrne
If you have visited the Costa Blanca, then it was probably to fly into Alicante and maybe spend a couple of sunshine filled weeks on the beaches of Benidorm or the bustling city of Valencia.Perhaps you even enjoyed a quieter location in one of the fishing villages located up and down this lovely white coastline. And who would blame you? White sands, sunshine, water-sports, nightlife – it’s an attractive combination and the perfect antidote to the rest of the working year…let´s have a look at some of them and then travel inland and see what some of the other villages have to offer…Hire car? Let’s go!

Read the entire post » Day trip from the beach? – exploring the White Coast

Eating Eastern – Spanish style

November 18th, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
We´re not talking about fried rice and sweet and sour noodles – the other sort of eastern – but the east coast of Spain. Well, actually maybe fried rice! Spanish food is celebrated all over the world, and happens to be pretty fashionable amongst foodies at the moment. Switch on to any weekend food programme or Rick Stein series and watch Chorizo, Almonds, Saffron or Paella as the main stars…tapas bars such as the excellent José from my Twitter friend José Pizarro are popping up everywhere, whether you live in London or Luxembourg. But the east coast specifically with it´s range of food developed over the years, introduced by invaders and visitors alike, is worth a mouth watering holiday…best bib on – let´s go!

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Sweet Spain! Your Just Desserts…

September 7th, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Spanish food….loved all over the world.  Rich Olive oil harvested from the sun drenched hillsides, plump Tomatoes full of Spanish sun, robust flavours of Garlic, Goats cheese and glorious Seafood from the North…The gastronomy is one of the strong forces that pull tourists to Spain every year, who would blame them?  But what about the Pudding? It seems Oranges are not the only fruit!

Let’s explore the delicious sweet course of Spain!

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A Spanish dilemma!…which Costa?

July 23rd, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
When you think of a Spanish destination, what comes to mind?  High mountain villages, walking, climbing, sleepy inland idylls, the bustle of fashionable cities, galleries, cathedrals, gastronomy?  The trouble with Spain is, it’s so diverse, and offers so much, that it’s nearly impossible to settle for one thing.  Okay, so you’ve decided beach is best, but, hang on a minute, which hot Costa?! And why the name Costa anyway?

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