Visit Costa Blanca

Spain's "White Coast" is one of the most popular resorts for holidaymakers from the UK. If you're looking for all the attractions and benefits of a large scale resort, then look no further than Benidorm, Spain's biggest resort and the region's premier holiday playground.

Image Gallery Costa Blanca © Once a sleepy fishing village, the quaint old town of Benidorm is flanked by great high rise hotels and two of the most immaculately maintained beaches in the whole of Spain. In high season, Benidorm becomes very lively and is not for the faint-hearted, whilst from November to April the resort is ideal for long-stay holidaymakers who are attracted by the mild climate.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for relaxation and an escape from the bright lights and party lifestyle then Altea might be just what you are after. The charming town, just 11 kilomteres north of Benidorm, offers medieval cobbled streets, the distinctive church of Altea, a picture book Old Quarter and a delightful palm-fringed seafront esplanade. The town is now geared to the demands of the modern day tourist but still retains a Bohemian air from its past when it was a centre for musicians, artists and writers.

Eating & Drinking

Local and international restaurants are abundant in Benidorm, with local specialities found in the quaint local 'tascas' and inns of the old town, while those with a less adventurous palate will never have to look far for cafes and restaurants serving familiar British dishes.

The town of Altea offers top class restaurants where you can enjoy the local seafood and rice dishes as well as some excellent international cuisine.

If it is nightlife you are after then head to Benidorm where there are dozens of discos, British bars and nightclubs on offer, as well as a few more sophisticated choices in The Old Quarter.

Entertainment

Being a coastal resort, much activity in Benidorm is centred around the beach. There are boat trips, water-skiing, fishing and scuba-diving, while holidaymakers keen to keep their feet on dry land can enjoy tennis, squash, riding, golf, go-karting and rambling in the nearby hills. There are also many family attractions including the wax museum, aquarium and a choice theme parks.

Holidaymakers keen to get a feel for local life should take in one of the local markets held on Wednesdays and Sundays or join in the celebrations at one of Benidorm's festivals or carnivals.

Altea also offers beach life down on the seafront where you'll find a series of pebble and shingle beaches and a wide range of watersports.

The seafront promenade is also the venue for the huge Tuesday market, one of the biggest of its kind, while shoppers can also enjoy a fascinating array of tiny shops offering exquisite local crafts, paintings and gifts.

Those in search of a little more culture can visit the Palau Altea Centre d'Arts which provides a wealth of entertainment and cultural activities for the benefit of residents and holidaymakers alike.

The surrounding area

There are a variety of attractions easily reached from Benidorm. Holidaymakers wishing to get a feel for the whole of Spain should visit Guadalest where stunning regional architecture is showcased, whilst active holidaymakers will enjoy the Sieraa Helada, just 2km north of Benidorm, which offers fantastic coastal walks. Those looking to shop are well catered for in the stylish city of Valencia.