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costa blanca Holidays
Costa Blanca information for tourist on holiday! |
Costa Blanca information for tourist on holiday!
Tourist information about costa blanca in Spain. Travel to costa blanca and let Spain-Holiday.com guide and accommodate you |
The Costa Blanca or White Coast in Alicante
Costa Blanca extends along that section of the Mediterranean coast which corresponds to the province of Alicante, is made up of two clearly differentiated scenic sectors.
To the North, a curtain of mountains runs parallel to the sea, descending at times to form cliffs; to the South, a vast plain of sand patches, palm trees and salt deposits make up the backdrop for the beaches.
The traveller can choose any of the corners of this coast, from the most bustling and cosmopolitan to those which still maintain their rural air beside the sea. In any case, the trip to the nearby regions is well worth the venture for they make up a fine representation of the typical Mediterranean countryside.
From the valleys, which are covered with stepped orchards and keep alive its Moorish past, to the palm trees of unmistakable African origin, the
horizons of the Costa Blanca offer the most varied attractions.
The climate offers variations as well. The temperatures are usually mild -the annual average is a little higher than 17ºC- and rain is scare, though the pluvosity is logically higher in the mountainous northern sector, in comparison with the lowlands which surround Elche and Orihuela. The fields of almond trees, the vineyards, the fruit orchards and the magnificent palm trees form a vegetation which emphasises the oriental nature of the landscape.
The Coastal Route:
From Denia to El Pilar de la Horadada the trip along the coast is a very pleasant car ride. Of course, our advice is to leave the motorway for more urgent journeys and take the national highway which runs almost entirely along the sea.
The city, presided over by a castle which enjoys a splendid view, unfolds in a clearly urban ambience, though it still preserves intimate little corners in the fishing quarters of Baix la Marand Les Roques, near the fortress. The Church of Santa Maria, of the 17C, is its most outstanding sight. The surrounding present several spots of enormous interest: the view from the Torre (Tower) del Gerro, a watchtower, erected in the 17C, six kilometres from Denia heading in the direction of San Antonio, certainly deserves a visit.
Both to the North as well as the South, the Denia littoral is made up of fine beaches. In order to enjoy the Mediterranean countryside in one of its best versions, we suggest that the traveller go to the Cabo de San Antonio: from here, with the Sierra de Montgo mountains in the background, to the Cabo de La Nao, the journey leads through cliffs, mountains, coves and along the sea.
Also at the foot of the Montgo range and extending along the strip of coastline between the Cabo de San Antonio and San Martin Cave is Javea (nine kilometres from Denia). However, the traveller will understand why this town has been traditionally chosen by visitors from all over Europe in order to enjoy a privileged retirement.
The centre of town, located inland, preserves among its popular constructions, a fortress-like church and a Gothic façade. At the other end of the Javea cove, today occupied by modern buildings, is the rocky section of the coast which extends as far as Cabo de la Nao, with the little island of Portichol opposite.
Natural caves exist within the cliffs, which can be visited by using precarious ladders; the caves are known, because of their dangerous conditions, as pesqueras de la muerte (fishing grounds of death).
Heading inland in this region, the traveller will find, among the vineyards and fields, some fine examples of riu-rau, a popular type of dwelling preceded by an arcaded front which has inspired many of the villas that have been constructed more recently. 15km from Javea is Moraira, an old fishing port protected against pirates by an old castle and watch-tower.
Further inland there is Benissa and the lovely layout of its streets and houses. From there a pleasant road leads through La Fustera an interesting tourist resort - and then to Calpe (about 10km away) at the foot of the Penon de Ifach, a rock jutting out from the sea and classified as a nature park today. The Penon (or rock), joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, is one of the most characteristic views of the Costa Blanca. On both sides, there are two small coves with highly recommended beaches.
From here, the coastal itinerary follows the national road.
About four kilometres from Calpe is the Mascarat tunnel which crosses one of the rockiest foothills of the Bernia Sierra. At the exit of the tunnel, we suggest that the traveller pause for a few moments to admire this section of the littoral where the sea takes on a very profound shade of blue. Very close by, near Olla de Altea (a rural district which precedes the actual town of Altea), is, to the right, a detour which leads to Altea la Vieja (Altea the Old) and Castell de Guadalest. This is one of the most beautiful excursions to be made in the province. But let us continue along the coast for the moment.
Altea is now very close and our advice is to leave the car in any of the streets which branch off from the main road and begin a long, leisurely walk through the part of the recently built sector. The old section is perched on top of a hill from which a splendid view can be had. The ascent, along steep slopes and stepped streets, reveals a broad horizon at every turn and extends along the entire La Marina region: the silhouette of the Penon de Ifach on one side and the Helade range on the other, frame the view of the sea, with the gulls sweeping low over the town. Heading inland, the Bernia range runs perpendicular to the coast and very close the village.
The orange orchards and almond tree fields spread out towards the South, with the massive Puig Campana forming the backdrop. A small parish church is located at the highest point of the town, crowned with a tiled dome, constituting one of the most representative views of Altea.
If we return to the lower part of the town, the traveller will find a couple of establishments, which have been there forever, where one can sample an excellent paella cooked over a wood fire or simply have a glass of local wine under the shade of an umbrella, with the shining sea below. A recently inaugurated esplanade, flanked by outdoor bars and restaurants, is a delightful place to stop and relax.
Eight kilometres from Altea, heading inland, is Polop, a small town surrounded by orchards and pine groves, which is highly recommended for those who seek peace and quiet and cool summer nights.
From the Via Crucis which presides over the town, one can obtain a splendid view of the surrounding valleys, which owe their present appearance to the work of the Morisco farmers many years ago. A narrow local road will take us very soon to Xirles, a village in which we can enjoy some excellent paellas under the shade of leafy old trees.
The fountains of Polop, Xirles and the nearby village of La Nucia have always made this area an ideal destination for brief excursions. Very close to Polop on the way to the coast, there is La Alfas del Pi with its splendid beach called Albir.
Benidorm, the next stop on our itinerary, can be reached via Altea or directly from Polop. Here the first visit should be to the small section of old streets which was all that existed of todays busy tourist centre only three decades ago.
The Balcony of the Mediterranean is an observation platform which sits on the site of a no longer existing fortress and it affords a magnificent view of the Levante and Poniente beaches and the nearby island of Benidorm.
The maritime esplanade which runs parallel to the Levante beach, the urban developments of tall skyscrapers and the incredible proliferation of shops, restaurants, outdoor cafes, ice-cream parlours, discotheques and a general variety of entertainment establishments are a show in and by themselves for the traveller.
The people who sit at the out door tables lining the main avenues in the summer are also a part of the landscape which characterises the major tourist resorts during the summer months.
10 km from Benidorm is Villajoyosa, where there is a considerable fishing fleet. Near the port, in the lower part of town, is a very pleasant esplanade shaded by palm trees and flanked by old façades which have been painted with bright colours.
The combinations of ochres, reds, yellows and aniline blues are repeated in the houses which appear to be suspended over the dry bed of the river, another of the most characteristic sights of Villajoyosa.
On the way inland very near Villajoyosa, there is Finestrat. In its vicinity Mount Puig Campana is an impressive sight in the heart of Aitana Sierra.
17km away is a turn-off on the right which leads to Aguas de Busot near which is an ancient spa, closed nowadays and surrounded by pines. Eight kilometres further on is Busot, and ten more, on the slopes of Cabeco d Or, are the Camllobre Caves which contain a big room filled with fascinating calcareous formations. If we return to our starting point, the traveller can choose to continue in the direction of Alicante along the inland route (15 km) or head towards the beaches of El Campello, Muchavista and San Juan, which have been entirely urbanised. The highway continues to La Albufereta, leaving the Cape of Las Huertas with its tiny intimate coves on the left.
The Albufera is almost an integral quarter now of the city of Alicante. We enter the city with the Postiguet beach on one side and the rocky mountains, crowned by the Santa Barbara castle, on the other. Once again, we suggest that the traveller park his car and begin on foot the visit to the sunny city, amidst ever-present palm trees and the sea.
The Castle, which can be reached by an elevator, offers a complete view of the town, the port and the Paseo de la Explanada. The Church of Santa Maria with its representative of the Valencia Baroque style and set in the heart of the old quarter, the Town Hall, the church of San Nicolas and the mannerist and Baroque façades of the buildings on Labradores Street are the main monumental landmarks in this city. They are all located within a limited space in the old section.
The Rambla, perpendicular to La Explanada and also lined with palm trees, is the main thoroughfare in Alicante´s daily life. We suggest that the traveller sample a refreshing glass of horchata (a drink made from earth almonds) in one of the outdoor cafes or ice-cream parlours which line these two avenues, before he continues on his way.
We can take the same national highway heading in the direction of Murcia.
Soon after we leave Alicante, a turn-off announced the city of Elche; but we will visit this city when we cover the inland route. Passing some flat country, which was a salt deposit up until only recently, we come to Santa Pola. There is a broad beach on the left -Los Arenales del Sol- backed by a section of sand dunes.
Santa Pola is only 18km from Alicante and it fishing port has always enjoyed an excellent reputation, thanks to the magnificent prawns and red mullet which are brought in by the fishing boats. Though the wave of summer vacationers has reached this town as well, it has still managed to preserve all of the noisy and traditional ambience of the ancient Lonjas (Commodity Exchanges) in the daily sales of the fish which are taken right off the boats.
In the heart of town, an ancient fortress built in the 16C reminds of the times when Santa Pola served as the port for Elche and it was always threatened by Berber attacks. The Cape of Sant Pola, near the town, offers a very broad view of the area and the nearby island of Tabarca.
If the traveller noted a sharp change in the scenery -to flat plains- when he left Alicante the section of land which separates Santa Pola from Guardamar del Segura is surely a fine example of the horizon which characterises the Vega Baja. An extension of salt deposits located near the endless beaches defines this land which at some points is even below sea level.
Guardamar, standing out on a long beach, is surrounded by sand dunes covered with pines, eucalyptus and bushes. Just 15km further to the South is Torrevieja, near the vast salt deposits which once constituted one of the main sources of income in this province. The gleaming flooded land which takes on unique tones at dusk and the blinding white mountains of salt offer a unique and immensely attractive landscape.
Torrevieja also has a popular yacht and fishing harbour. Very close by are the beaches of Orihuela; Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Dehesa de Campoamor and El Pilar de la Horadada.
Denia and the Valleys.
The excursion which we are proposing first cuts through the old Marquisate of Denia. The landscape is mountainous and bears the traces of the presence of the Moriscos and it is perhaps the most representative of the inland regions.
A local highway which skirts the coast will lead the traveller to Pego, passing Safari Park on the right. Pego, (about 2km from Denia) is an important farming community, dedicated chiefly to the growing of rice and citrus fruits. From here, the itinerary will follow the local road 3311 through the mountains and past tiny towns, which guard some reminder of their Moorish past. Al Azraq was born here in the 13C, an almost legendary figure who fought against the troops of Jaime I at the Alcoy ramparts. According to tradition, which is perpetuated in the Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos, San Jorge de Capodocia was responsible for obtaining the victory for the Christian King. The slopes covered with fig, cherry, olive and almond trees, vineyards and he ruins of fortresses define the horizon in these silent valleys.
Planes (30km from Pego) is the next stop on our trip. Just before we reach the town, the highway runs past Barranco de la Encantada, one of the most beautiful settings in the entire area. The town, located on the slopes of a hill and at the foot of a castle, is a faithful reminder of medieval urbanism. Some mansions and the small retables of tile which make up the Via Crucis are the most characteristic tourist features of Planes. Near the town, in a shady and cool setting, is the 16C or 17C aqueduct with Gothic arches, which is a delightful corner to spend some free time.
Further on, in the same direction and crossing national highway 340, the traveller will come to Agres (about 15km away) at the foot of the Sierra de Mariola. Soon after, and worthy of a stop, is Frare (Fraile-Friar) de Agres, a rock of an unusual shape, from which a spring of thermal waters flows surrounded by lush vegetation. Once in the town, the traveller should begin the ascent of the Stations of the cross, which offer a splendid view. At the highest point is a small convent -La Mare de Deu dAgres- which, according to tradition, is located on a site which was miraculously selected by the image which is worshipped there.
The surroundings of Agres have always been popular among hikers. In addition to real botanical rarities, such as the small forest of yews which are reputed to be the most southerly in Europe, to the caves which were used to store snow until the summer in another period pous de la neu, any corner can be the setting for a most pleasant stroll. The proximity of Mariola, on whose slopes a great variety of aromatic plants grow, is also highly recommended area of nature.
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