Coastal Areas

Altea

Though within view of Benidorm, this pretty pueblo is a world away from the Costa Blanca's biggest, brashest tourist resort. The town's pleasant beach and harbour are flanked by fairly low-key developments, but Altea's real attraction is it's whitewashed old quarter perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea and dominated by the blue-domed Iglesia de la Virgen de la Consuelo. The narrow streets leading off from the central Plaza Iglesia are lined with restaurants and bars offering cuisine to suite every palate.

Benidorm

Much has been written about Benidorm, not all of it complimentary, but the there's simply no denying the enduring popularity (5 million visitors annually) of the Costa Blanca's biggest tourist resort. The high rise blocks may not be to everyone's taste but the beaches are superb, the nightlife lively and attractions such as Mundomar, Aqualandia, Tera Mitica and Tera Natura offer plenty of opportunities for action-packed family days out.

Benitatxell

The Poble Nou de Benitatxell (village Benitachell) is situated close to Moraira and Javea. In the northwest there are soft gradated foothhills used for agricultural purposes and the mountainous coast in the south which boasts some lovely small beaches.

You can find the remains of an old Moorish Cave, Cueva del Moro as well as other sites from the past; Iberian, Roman and Andalusian.

The village is located on a foothill and maintains much traditional charm.

Calpe

Dominated by the Gibraltaresque Peñon de Ifach, Calpe is a popular family seaside resort boasting not one but two fabulous sandy beaches and hundreds of bars and restaurants serving everything from lunchtime snacks to gourmet meals. The high-rise developments flanking the beach areas are in stark contrast to the town's old quarter, a jumble of narrow streets, quaint buildings and pretty plazas and home to a small selection of bars and restaurants as well as the 15th century Torreon de la Peñca. The Peñon itself, is a designated nature reserve complete with a fairly strenuous trail leading from sea level to its 332m-high summit.

Campello

Campello has a long and attractive coastline with Coveta Furna in the North with it's cliffs and small coves and famous for it's nudist beaches. From the port and fishing area, there is a beach promenade which connects to another small cove. Mutxavista beach is fine and sandy with excellent water sports facilities and also a cliff top Mediterranean fishing village which is worth a visit.

Cullera

Cullera embraces the Mediterranean in an arc shape and at one point has the Montana de Cullera or the Sierra de las Zorras (Sierra of Foxes). Situated on the banks of the River Juca, this cosmopolitan town has some wonderful beaches and a beautiful natural environment with a large fresh water lagoon, the famous Albufera nature reserve.

Denia

As the nearest mainland port to the Balearic Islands, Denia is known to many as a jumping off point for trips to Ibiza and Mallorca. But the town has plenty to offer those prepared to linger a while and explore. The well-restored castle is worth a visit and offers excellent views of the town, coast and surrounding area, while the more energetic can visit the nearby Parque Natural del Montgo. For those looking to relax, there's always the beach or the one of the town's many bars and restaurants.

Els Poblets

This is a charming small town close to the sea and to other towns such as Moraira and Javea. With it's typically Spanish streets and strong sense of Spanish village life and it's natural surroundings, Els Poblets offers a taste of real Spain. Visit the Church of El Salvador (Plaza del Salvador,1), the town's parish church, recently restored and housing the statue of El Salvador; Church of San Jose (Avda. Mestre Vicent,2);Tower of Mirrarosa, a 15th-century defensive construction that guarded the town from the river Girona. There is also the Roman villa of the Almadrava which boasts the remains of an ancient Roman pottery.

Finestrat

Finestrat boasts some beautiful wide sandy beaches with a wonderful back drop of mountains. The beaches are popular and offer all the water sports one could wish for and La montana offers spectacular climbing and walking opportunities. For those who want to be more relaxed, there are some great restaurants/bars offering local, regional and international cuisine in the Pueblo, Old Town.

Gandia

Surrounded by mountains with the meditteranean at it's feet, Gandia has some great historical and beautiful architecture. The old town is lovely with it's cobbled highstreets full of shops and restaurants and bars. Typically, very Spanish with a strong cultural offering, Gandia also offers some of Spain's best beaches, wide and fine and sandy.

Javea

The Comunidad's most easterly town is situated between the headlands of Cabo de San Antonio to the north and Cap de la Nao to the south, both of which afford visitors stunning views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. The town itself, a very popular, though laid-back tourist resort is split into three main areas - the old town, the port/marina, and the beach zone of El Arenal, home to the most popular bars, restaurants and nightspots.

L'Alfas del Pi

L'Alfás del Pi is a small town with a fortress that was built for protection against Berber pirate attacks. The name L'Alfás del Pi'sown land, appropriately describes the area, characterized by residential zones, with an active cultural activity. Its character owes much to the beach on the Mediterranean Sea, which can be reached by footpath, and of course its lighthouse.

Moraira

Originally a small fishing village, Moraira is now a firm favourite with holidaymakers and second-home owners. Situated a little way off the main coast road, the town is quieter and smaller than its neighbours Javea and Calpe, but still offers plenty to keep visitors occupied including a sheltered sandy beach, a selection of upmarket shops and restaurants, and a small but perfectly restored 18th century castle.

Oliva

With it's Mediterranean and citrus fruits, Oliva also offers fine golden beaches surrounded naturally formed sand dunes that separate the orange groves from the sea. The area also offers some beautiful natural landscape with great flora and fauna.

Playa San Juan

Only 10 km from the busy city of Alicante heading north is Beach of San Juan which is a semi-urban tourist center popular for its fine, sandy beaches and lively nightlife and many bars and restaurants. The beach stretches to nearly 3 miles and has achieved a Blue Flag which confirms the beaches are clean and safe.

Vila Joiosa

Villajoyosa has something special that makes all those who visit want to return. With it's mediterranean feel and the layout of the old town, and its small streets, it is home to houses close to the port painted in a truly mediterranean style in bright and vibrant colours and impossible to miss. The town enjoys an excellent climate, that makes it a recommended destination any time of the year.