Translated as “White Coast”, the Costa Blanca stretches for just over 200 kilometres along the Mediterranean in Spain’s south-east region. It encompasses the historic port city of Alicante and the popular tourist resort of Benidorm, as well as several traditional fishing villages.

Spend a day exploring the narrow streets and colourful architecture of Alicante’s Barrio de la Santa Cruz and ride the elevator that leads to the hilltop Castillo de Santa Bárbara. If you’re after a beachside holiday, you can relax on one of the two strips of sand that dominate Benidorm before partying into the early hours at one of its lively bars.

Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the Terra Mítica theme park, which is packed with rides and hosts daily shows across its five zones. Brave “The Labyrinth of the Minotaur” dark ride or enjoy the gentle carousels in the Iberia area before feeling your stomach drop on “The Flight of the Phoenix”.

Getting there

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the main aviation gateway to the Costa Blanca and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Trains serve the major towns and cities across the region while buses travel to smaller villages.