Coast of the Costa Blanca in Spain. Direct flight from Moscow to Alicante by S7 airline.
We visited the Costa Blanca to test two villas on the coast (I wrote a separate article about this) and see the beaches of this region of Spain.
In May of this year, we got several, in fact business, trips before the start of the summer holiday season: to, to Greece on, and now to Spain.
I confess that I promised my wife not to repeat this next year and go to April-May - still the sea in the spring in southern Europe still cold.
This time I needed material for writing reviews of three popular destinations Russian package tourism.
Flights to Alicante were not expensive (), but 5 hours in economy was a little exhausting: I think that you can travel in Europe in economy class no more than 3.5 hours.
Having received the car ordered at the Alicante airport (about renting a car in Alicante), we quickly got to the first Villa Alemania in the town Altea Hills.
And having got acquainted with the nearest (5 minutes by car) supermarket, we congratulated each other on the arrival at the place of meat cooked on coals and wine bought there.
The beaches of Benidorm
The next day was devoted to exploring the beaches south of us: from the resort Benidorm before Altea
Moving a little away from the outline of the story, I want to talk about the criteria by which beaches in Europe are awarded the Blue Flag (“Blue Flag”)
It turns out that the main criterion for assigning this distinctive and in many ways exaggerated symbol of the "goodness" of the beach is:
– the possibility of access to the beach in a wheelchair
– the presence of lifeguards and toilets on the beaches
For me personally, the “goodness” of the beach is not toilets or lifeguards, but:
- clear water
– comfortable and deep entry into the water
– no waves on the beach
- the absence of a mass of lying bodies within a radius of ten meters from me
- the presence of trees on the beach and some infrastructure where you can eat.
Therefore, my assessment of the beaches of the Costa Blanca most likely does not coincide with the assessment of the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education).
I will continue.
Having quickly reached Benidorm, we parked on bus stop embankment to take the first photos.
The picture I saw struck me so that I expressed myself obscenely, which in translation into censored sounds like this: This is a living Hell!
And this, guys, is not the season.
The season here starts at the end of June.
What will be on this beach during the season? - I'm afraid to imagine…
After this discovery of Benidorm, slightly shocked by what we saw, we moved north: the place is called Albir, beach Raco de l'Albir.
It's much quieter and more spacious.
There is no such thing as in Benidorm, a heap of high-rise buildings and construction sites a la “New Moscow”.
The embankment is beautiful and sparsely populated.
Of the vacationers, pensioners prevail, of course, but there are also young people.
Here we had lunch and I noted that Altea beach is no different from the previous one Raco de l'Albir- a beach within the city, a city within the beach.
The next day we again went south - this time further beyond Alicante, towards the resort Torrevieja.
The beaches of La Marina and Santa Pola
But not in Torrevieja itself (this is a branch of the package Benidorm), but before reaching it: we visited the resort towns-cities La Marina(La Marina) and Santa Pola(Santa Pola).
Here is an example of La Marina beach:
Along the beach there are one-story buildings, the purpose of which I did not understand.
Similar to warehouses or boathouses, but too small for that.
As housing - too dilapidated.
The appearance of a dusty coastal street with an unpaved road reminded me of the fuck of Bolivia, near the Uyuni salt marsh.
Any infrastructure for recreation in the villa (restaurants, supermarkets, domestic services) I did not notice at this point.
Resort Santa Pola deserted: cloned apartment complexes, closed windows and silence.
Like a graveyard.
There are no local residents here - all the same type of housing was built for rent.
Coastal season starts from school holidays, which in the west begin at the end of June.
How many bodies will there be on the beach?
As usual on the coast in Spain: there is a lot of housing, but few restaurants and shops.
To be more precise, there are 4 restaurants on the waterfront, and there is no supermercado at all, as well as fruit and seafood markets, massages, beauty parlors ...
All around there are houses with apartments for rent.
Beach Playa de Guardamar in the picture below:
Three days passed and we, saying goodbye to the first villa (which we liked), moved north - to Denia ( Denia).
I posted a review of the second villa in Denia and the beaches of Calp, Cala de la Fossa, Playa de L’Andrago, Xabia on the forum:
Two types of villas in Spain
It is very good that when booking villas on the Costa Blanca, we came across these two villas.
Very contrasting and juicy - so the article was born by itself:.
There is nothing to add.
Conclusion
Continental Spain is not on my list of countries with good beaches.
The only place where the beaches are more or less liked are the islands Cies(Cies): on Atlantic coast Galicia (north, closer to Portugal): clear sea, almost no waves, white sand ... but a lot of tourists.
I didn't like the Costa Blanca.
When compared with Costa Dorada(Barcelona - Salou), the latter is much better in terms of beaches and places that you can visit if you are tired of the crowds on the beaches. But still - Spain for me is not a country of beach holidays.
It’s just that so much housing was built here in the days of cheap money and the Spanish “resort miracle”, that in order to fill it, you need to support the myth that there are many good beaches in Spain and all of them with blue flags.
If you have been to the islands of Greece before (I don’t mean package islands like Rhodes or Kos, but normal ones: Lefkada, Corfu, Kefalonia), then you will agree with me: the best beaches and the sea are in.
The Costa Blanca (Costa Blanca, "White Coast") stretches from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. The length of the "White Coast", coinciding with coastline province of Alicante, is 240 km.
Costa Blanca coincides with the coastline of the province of AlicanteThe World Health Organization has recognized the Costa Blanca as one of the world's best regions to live. Here is the warmest and sunniest coast in Spain: in summer the water temperature reaches 28 ° C, and the number of sunny days a year approaches 320. Most of the beaches of the Costa Blanca have been awarded blue flag, while each of the cities scattered along the coast from north to south has unique conditions for living and recreation.
What is important
Costa Blanca differs from other regions in the affordability of housing prices compared to other Spanish coasts: a one-bedroom apartment or studio can be purchased here for 50–60 thousand euros, and a three-bedroom bungalow or townhouse for 100–130 thousand euros.
At the same time, the real estate market of the Costa Blanca is heterogeneous: in the north of the coast (in Denia, Javea, Moraira and Calpe) there is no active construction, so real estate there is mainly represented by the secondary market, while in southern regions new residential complexes are being actively built.
Medicine, sports and family holidays: Valencia, Denia, Javea
Valencia(Valencia) - the third largest city in Spain and the administrative center of the province of the same name.
About 1 million people live in the Valencia agglomeration, and the city itself is the largest transport hub, so getting to it from both other regions of Spain and from abroad is not a problem: 15 km from the center is located international Airport Manises.
Valencia is considered one of the most important centers of Spanish medicine and education: the city is home to the University of Valencia and the Valencian Polytechnic University. Local medical institutions are considered the leading centers in the field of oncology and plastic surgery in the country.
In Valencia there are monuments of ancient Roman and Arabic architecture, the Gothic and Renaissance eras, and in recent years the city has become more sports capital international level: regattas, Formula 1 stages and motorcycle races Moto GP, Tennis Open 500 and other major competitions are held here.
Denia(Dénia) - a small (with a population of less than 42 thousand people) city halfway from Valencia to Alicante. From here you can take a ferry to Ibiza and others. Balearic Islands. Owners of their own boats can moor at the marina.
Unlike the noisy resorts of the Costa Blanca, there are few hotels in Denia, and tourists prefer to stay in rented villas and apartments. Nightlife is represented by bars and restaurants with entertainment programs, while discos and casinos are almost impossible to find in Denia.
The city has the Archaeological Museum, located in the old building of the Governor's Palace (Palau del Governador), the Ethnographic Museum (Museo Etnológico) with a unique exposition dedicated to local winemaking, and the Toy Museum (Museu dels Joguets).
Shopping in Denia can be done in local shops, in the market, which is open on Mondays, and in mall La Marina, located three kilometers from the city.
Javea(Jávea), a cozy resort town half an hour from Denia and 80 km from Alicante, great for family vacation. As in Denia, there are practically no noisy night discos, but there is a large selection of entertainment for the family, and outdoor enthusiasts will like the surroundings.
The city is located at the foot of Mount Montgo, which is the highest in the region (750 m). In 1987, the mountain and its surrounding areas received the status of a national park. The coast near Montgo is chosen by divers, who are attracted by the abundance of underwater rocks.
A beautiful view of the city and its surrounding landscapes opens not only from the mountain, but also from Cape San Martin (Cabo de Nao San Martin), on the edge of which an old lighthouse has been preserved. In clear weather, you can see Ibiza from it.
Residents and guests of Javea can participate in traditional holidays, such as the Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos), the Bonfires of St. John the Baptist (Hogueras de San Juan), as well as in the modern international marionette festival (Festival Internacional de Marionetas).
"Golden mean": Calpe, Moraira, Altea
Calpe(Calpe) is a first-class resort, which until the middle of the last century was a quiet fishing village. Today, this city is not only the tourist Mecca of the region, but also permanent place residence for many immigrants from the UK, Germany and the Scandinavian countries.
Calpe attracts tourists and property buyers from all over the world with its natural beauties and luxurious beaches with a length of more than 11 km. The best of them are the sandy beach of Cantal Roig (located near Mount Ifach) and the sandy and pebbly Puerto Blanco. Next to the latter is the yacht club of the same name.
Mount Ifach (Ifach) is the hallmark of Calpe and the core natural park Peñón de Ifach, in which about 300 species of plants grow.
In Calpe, modern buildings coexist with ancient architecture. In the center of the city there is a unique Moorish quarter, the pearl of which is the last monument of the Gothic architecture of Valencia - the Church of Iglesia Vieja.
Moraira(Moraira) - the quietest town of the Costa Blanca, a fishing village located between Javea and Calpe. It was chosen by real estate buyers and tourists from the Nordic countries. It is especially popular with the British, many of whom prefer to spend here all year round.
Moraira is often settled by pensioners who love passive rest and silence. Despite strong demand from wealthy foreigners, Moraira's real estate market offers wide choose objects for almost every taste.
Fishing has never died down here, so every day you can buy fresh seafood at the local market. Moraira is also famous for its Moscatel grapes (Spanish wine variety and Muscat grapes), from which the world-famous dessert wine of the same name is made.
Altea(Altea) - a relatively large resort (compared to other cities and villages of the Costa Blanca) south of Calpe, where guests can enjoy large hotels and a lot of entertainment typical of Mediterranean resorts. And yet the main thing here is the atmosphere of the bohemian lifestyle. In the 1960s this town was chosen by musicians, artists and writers from all over Europe and opened it to the general public.
Now Altea is the focus cultural life Costa Blanca. Here is the new center for the arts and concert hall Palau Altea Center d'Arts (Palau Altea Center d "Arts), many antique shops with old art and local artisans, as well as Orthodox church St. Michael, built in the traditions of Russian architecture and consecrated in 2005.
Resort south: Benidorm, Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa
Benidorm(Benidorm) is a large resort, which is also called the Spanish Rio de Janeiro due to the characteristic high-rise buildings and the shape of the beach. The city is considered the entertainment capital of the White Coast.
Among other things, here is the largest number of theme parks in the region, including one of the largest in Europe, Terra Mitica, as well as three theme water parks: Mundomar, Aqualandia and Aqualandia. "Terra-Natura" (Terra-Natura).
The coast of Benidorm is divided into three beaches: popular with tourists Playa de Levante (Playa de Levante), located near the city center and at the same time not crowded Playa de Poniente, and also located in the area of the city port of Mal- Pas (Mal Pas).
Benidorm regularly hosts the indie festival Benidorm Low Cost Festival, which attracts music lovers from all over Europe. Thus, Benidorm will be the best choice for nightlife lovers and young people.
Alicante(Alicante) - the second largest city of the autonomous community of Valencia, the center of the province of the same name. An international airport is located 10 km from Alicante, so for many this city is the starting point for traveling around the Costa Blanca.
The symbol of Alicante is Mount Benacantil, on top of which is the oldest fortress of the city of Santa Barbara, built in the 13th century.
Alicante is one of ancient cities Spain. From its architecture, represented by Roman, Moorish and Gothic monuments, one can trace the rich history of the city.
The recreation center in Alicante is the Paseo Maritimo promenade, on which there are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. Pearl local cuisine is paella. It is Alicante that is considered the birthplace of this traditional Spanish dish.
Torrevieja(Torrevieja), located 50 km from Alicante, is rightfully considered the Russian capital of the Costa Blanca, as the largest diaspora of Russians lives here. In 2010, the Russian school accepted the first students in this city. In addition to Russians, many people from northern Europe live in Torrevieja.
The main natural attractions of Torrevieja are salt lakes and located on their banks National parks Lagunas de La Mata and Molino del Agua.
This city will appeal to lovers as well. cultural recreation: Since 2004, an exhibition dedicated to the Spanish Navy and located on board a real Dolphin submarine has been operating in Torrevieja. At the Salt Museum (Museo del Mar y de la Sal) you can learn about the history of salt mining in the region.
Orihuela Costa(Orihuela Costa), located 5 km south of Torrevieja, is one of ancient settlements on the Costa Blanca. In the historical part of the city, many churches of the XIV-XVII centuries have been preserved. , among which Cathedral Orihuela, decorated with works by Velázquez.
The main feature of this area of the Costa Blanca is the rapid development of elite residential areas. Among these, Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia and others deserve special mention. There are practically no hotels here, but there is a developed infrastructure: kindergartens and schools, supermarkets and shops. The sophisticated public will be pleased with golf courses and yacht clubs.
In 2012, Orihuela Costa opened the largest shopping mall in the province of Alicante - Zenia Boulevard, which, contrary to Spanish tradition, works without breaks for a siesta.
A distinctive feature of the Costa Blanca is the affordability of housing prices in comparison with other Spanish coasts (costas). A one-bedroom apartment or studio can be purchased for 50-60 thousand euros, and a three-bedroom bungalow or townhouse - for 100-130 thousand euros.
At the same time, the Costa Blanca real estate market is heterogeneous. In the northern part of the coast (the cities of Denia, Javea, Moraira, Calpe) there is no active construction, so real estate is represented mainly by the secondary market, while in the southern regions new residential complexes are being actively built.
Real estate in the north is in demand among wealthy foreigners and retirees who prefer silence and passive recreation, while the south of the Costa Blanca is more of a resort area.
Ivan Chepizhko, Tranio
Officially the coast Costa Blanca(White Coast) secured this name in the fifties of the XX century, in the wake of the general world interest in beach holiday and the cult of the tanned body. Today, the term "Costa Blanca" refers to the area mediterranean coast Spanish province Alicante, stretching from Denia, located not far from the border with the province of Valencia, to the town of Pilar de la Horadada, which is on the border with the province, at the very Mar Menor.
The exceptionally favorable climate on the Costa Blanca is explained by the fact that from the north the coastal plains come close to mountain ranges protecting the coastal zone from cold winter winds. Thanks to the development of the resort infrastructure of the Costa Blanca, the beaches of the province have gained wide popularity both among the Spaniards themselves, who spend their summer holidays here, and among other Europeans.
Germans, Dutch, British and Scandinavians fully appreciated the cleanliness of sandy beaches, the seclusion of rocky bays, and the picturesque surroundings, replete with orange plantations and magnificent mountain landscapes. There are enough places here that are interesting for their architectural and historical monuments. On the Costa Blanca, real estate has become prestigious - the pine-covered hills of Moraira are full of chic mansions, and Benidorm, whose mayor half a century ago managed by status by bicycle, has become a stylish and quite expensive resort, with skyscrapers reminiscent of Hong Kong.
Russians also appreciated the local features - in the area of Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura, several thousand of our compatriots permanently reside or have real estate, who were bribed by the cleanliness of the sea, affordable prices and the amazing friendliness of the Spaniards. small towns The Costa Blancas will be remembered for the fact that even strangers are still greeted warmly here, and some carelessness and optionality of the southerners is somewhat consonant and close to the Slavic heart. However, this is not reflected in the level of service and quality of service.
In fairness, it must be said that some of the "colonists" even began to tire of the excessive liveliness of places like the glamorous Benidorm, observed at the peak of the holiday season. It has become common to buy so-called "casa de campo" (literally - a house in the field), at some distance from the coast. However, on the Costa Blanca, such a “field” can be not only the subtropical environs of ancient Orihuela, but also a site in the mountains in the Benifato region, overlooking the sea stretching below and plantations of medlar and kiwi covered with mosquito nets. Here, among the pristine nature and mountain springs, patriarchal calm reigns, and the presence of a car and excellent roads allow you to be on the warm sand of the beach in just twenty minutes.
Those who looked at Alicante from the height of the Carrasqueta Pass or amuse themselves with medlar while walking between the waterfalls of Fuentes del Algar, descended by fantastic mountain serpentines from the caves of Pego, understand that the attractiveness of the Costa Blanca has only grown from this. The resort beckons not only with the blue flags of its beaches, the sweetness of the oranges of the Vega Baja region and the attractions Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Mitica. The Costa Blanca does not fully reveal its secrets to everyone and not immediately, but it is already impossible to forget them.
However, the good thing about Costa Blanca is that here everyone can choose a place to their taste, starting from their priorities. Someone will limit themselves to Alicante and its satellite resort towns, El Altet, San Juan and Campello - the proximity of the airport, regular charter flights and the ease with which you can rent apartments on the seashore have made this city almost another Moscow beach. In the immediate vicinity of Alicante is the campus of the large University of San Vicente del Raspeig, Elche and Altea are considered student cities, and this is another reason why the Costa Blanca is so popular among Russian youth.
Benidorm
Thanks to the city, the Costa Blanca has acquired a glamorous tourist center with the intensity of the nightlife, in no way inferior to Ibiza. The fame of its discos and nightclubs is booming all over the coast. In summer, the city is remembered by crowds of idle vacationers who rarely wear clothes heavier than a colorful T-shirt and Bermuda shorts. Vacationers casually cruise between the beaches and the fruit-filled market, stopping by the countless souvenir and other shops that line the lower floors of the buildings along the way. Among other cities on the coast, Benidorm is distinguished by the correct layout and width of the streets, and that part of the Poniente beach, above which the 186-meter mass of the Bali skyscraper has grown, surrounded by other high-rise hotels, is almost officially called Benyyork.
The beaches of this resort center are really good - it's hard to choose between "playa Poniente", "playa Levante", which is in the top ten the best beaches of the world, or the tiny, bay-like beach "playa de Mal Pas". And from each of the beaches you can see a huge rock of a granite island, half-flooded iron rising above the sea a few kilometers from the coast - there is a restaurant and its own beach, adored by divers, and in general, the island crowned with a lighthouse is declared a reserve of sea birds nesting on it. The island serves as an excellent reference point for yachtsmen - boat moorings with a swaying forest of masts give out their location next to the round Castel Square, not far from observation deck"Mediterranean balcony".
The microclimate of Benidorm is unique - in summer there is no suffocating heat, and in winter in this part of the Costa Blanca the temperature does not fall below 10-15 °C. It is worth paying attention to the real estate in the towns that go from Benidorm to the mountains - this is La Nucia, famous for the large Sunday "flea market", Polop and Cayosa del Sarria, in the vicinity of which there are cascades of waterfalls and a huge museum of cacti under open sky. Giant and very tiny cacti, picturesquely located on the terraces, feel great - on the Costa Blanca, the climate, even in the mountains, allows medlar and bananas, citrus and kiwi to grow.
In the mountains not far from Benidorm, there is a unique fortress of Guadalest, the only entrance to which leads through an eight-meter tunnel cut into the rock. The former Moorish citadel is visited annually by more than two million tourists. And an even greater number of visitors are collected by theme parks located in the immediate vicinity of Benidorm, which are not inferior to either the Catalan Port Aventura and Marineland, or the Aqualand and Tivoli World parks near Malaga. These are the Aqualandia and Mundomar water parks dedicated to marine animals, the Terra Mitica and Terra Natura theme parks.
Having set out to buy property on the Costa Blanca, you can easily rent an apartment in Alicante and devote your vacation to getting to know the coast, turning the choice of housing into an exciting journey. The best way to do this is by car, renting it on a tourist visa, but you can also use bus routes, making forays into especially scenic spots. And from the city beach of Alicante, Postiguet, in the direction of Denia, a touching train with several vintage cars runs every hour. narrow gauge Railway stretches along the green hills, often passing along the very coast, revealing picturesque coves and mansions whitening in the scarlet spots of bougainvillea.
Benidorm video
Villajoyosa
The train passes Campello and ten kilometers before Benidorm makes a stop in a cozy and slightly provincial town, famous for its Valor chocolate factory and beautiful beaches equipped with everything necessary for people with disabilities.
Speaking of rental apartments, the Costa Blanca is represented in Villajoyosa by the abundance of apartments bought by ordinary Spaniards at a time when housing was very affordable.
Someone comes here for the summer on their own, but many apartments are rented out at very reasonable prices.
Altea
And ten kilometers after Benidorm, the train makes a stop in Altea - a resort more bohemian than glamorous.
Since the fifties of the last century, a “colony” of artists has settled in this picturesque town, the artistic atmosphere is felt even in the frescoed walls of the houses on the narrow cobbled streets descending from the Catholic Cathedral to the sea. For some reason, pebbly beaches also appealed to musicians performing classical music.
Those who come to this city for a holiday in the Costa Blanca will be enchanted by the Cap Blanch and Cap Negret beaches with small black pebbles, the sand and pebble beaches of La Roda and Playa de Olla. There is a yacht club and a small fishing port. On a rocky path, those who wish can reach the small beach "La Solcida", which is chosen by nudists.
Altea is home to the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Miguel Hernandez, located in Elche.
Even in the modern part of the city, houses are not built higher than four floors. It has its own Palace of Music, craft market, museums and art galleries. At the same time, the town, subtly reminiscent of Koktebel, is not crowded, and if you are not indifferent to beauty, you can feel like a happy person here. By the way, a few years ago, the only Orthodox church in Spain was opened in Altea.
Calpe
The spurs of the Sierra Bernia mountain range separates Altea from the rather prestigious and expensive resort in terms of real estate - Calpe.
Its main sign, repeated from different angles on tourist postcards, is the Peñon de Ifach rock, which rises above the sea like a giant sugar loaf and gives the city a fantastic entourage.
Resting in the province of Alicante, you will definitely meet a photo of Peñon de Ifach.
The old fishing port and lonha - a fish exchange, where fishermen sell their catch, have been preserved. The presence of longha contributed to the peculiar gastronomic accent of this resort, famous for its dishes from the freshest seafood.
Life in Calpe is calm and measured.
Among the resorts of Costa Blanca, the climate in Calpe is one of the most even, with an abundance of sunny days. Fourteen beautiful beaches, including those located in rocky bays closed from prying eyes, a diving center and golf courses, promise an unforgettable and rather elite vacation.
Denia and Javea
The last point of the journey to the north of the Costa Blanca will be, lying at the foot of the lonely mountain Montgó. The fashionable town will be remembered for the ruins of the Moorish castle, in which Archaeological Museum, and the port from where the ferry goes to the Balearic Islands. It is curious that the local city hall, facing the Constitution Square, was built on the foundation ancient temple, dedicated to the goddess Diana and gave the city its name.
The property of Denia is its endless beaches, traditionally awarded the "blue flag" of cleanliness. Of all the resorts on the Costa Blanca, the weather in Denia is the most favorable for relaxation. The local climate is recognized by the World Health Organization as curative and has a beneficial effect on the body in the treatment of diseases of the joints, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The city is surrounded by golf courses, and many sports and pleasure yachts, various boats and boats are moored to the piers of the Nautico Club.
Between Cape San Antonio, which is part of the Montgo Reserve, and Cabo de la Nao is located, historical Center which is some distance from the coast. The architectural sights of the Costa Blanca are represented here by the Gothic church of San Bartolome, the Town Hall and the Santa Anna Chapel, and the eventful history is well displayed in the expositions of the archaeological and ethnographic museums. Just like in Denia, it has its own port and a yacht club, 4- and 5-story houses rise to the line of beaches, and numerous villas whiten on the slopes of the hills surrounding Javea. Almost every villa on the Costa Blanca is decorated with bougainvillea bushes and rhododendrons, yucca and climbing roses. Drowning in flowers and palm trees, Javea is no exception.
Santa Pola
On the Costa Blanca, the south of the province of Alicante is represented by a number of small towns along the N-332 highway from the same name with Alicante airport locality El Altet to Torrevieja and beyond, up to the border with the province of Murcia. The first on the way you will meet the quiet provincial Santa Pola, in which, just like in Calpe, there is a fishing port and a fish lonha. The similarity is enhanced by the presence of an ancient fortress located in the center of the town, on Plaza del Castillo. As in Calpe, it was built to protect the population from Mediterranean pirates.
Santa Pola is sheltered from the winds by the cape of the same name, so its ten kilometers of calm sandy beaches and small coves are perfect for relaxing with children, and those who want to master the art of windsurfing use the even light breeze. Thanks to the cape, the sea warms up well, perhaps here is the highest water temperature on the Costa Blanca - its average annual values do not fall below 18 ° C. Therefore, the fishing Santa Pola is increasingly focused on tourism. Bull races organized here can be considered an echo of past traditions and Valencian flavor. Unlike Pamplona, at the end of the journey, both participants and excited bulls jump from the pier into the sea to the delight of tourists. Santa Pola is visible from a distance by the haze of salt lakes, which are inhabited by giant colonies of pink flamingos.
There are also salt lakes in the almost Russian-speaking one, behind which there is a number of comfortable urbanizations administratively subordinate to Orihuela. Real estate in them has long been bought up by Europeans. Orihuela itself, thirty kilometers away from the sea, deserves a separate description due to its ancient color and the presence a large number attractions, as well as because of the colorful festivals and fairs held there. On vacation in Costa Blanca Germans and British families come to Spain, fascinated by local conditions, they arrange places of compact residence on the beaches of Orihuela - completely blond children on Playa Flamenca involuntarily tune in to playful reflections on the purity of the Aryan race. But seriously speaking, if you have chosen Spain for the purchase of real estate, the Costa Blanca is ideal for this.
The Costa Blanca is less well-known Russian tourists than the Costa Dorada or the Costa del Sol. This is due, in my opinion, to a slightly different concept of recreation - basically, not hotels, but apartments are located on this coast, which is not yet familiar to Russian tourists. The main concentration of hotels is the city of Benidorm.
As a rule, tourists arrive on the Costa Blanca in the city of Alicante, the capital of the province of the same name. Conventionally, there is a division into the north of the Costa Blanca and the south of the Costa Blanca. What is their fundamental difference? In my opinion, in the landscape, from which the rest of the nuances follow.
The south of the Costa Blanca is a flat steppe, on the territory of which there are several lakes in which salt is mined. The north is rocks, mountains and cliffs, which immediately catches the eye, unlike the plains. It is, of course, much more picturesque.
In connection with the peculiarities of the relief, the next moment appears - the variety of beaches.
In the south it is a wide strip of fine sand with excellent entry into the sea, in the north - rocky bays and a few sandy or pebble beaches.
What to prefer? If you are relaxing with children, then the flat part will be better and more convenient. Firstly, there is no need to go up or downhill, a gentle entry into the sea, there is always the opportunity to retire if you move away from the entrance to the beach. In addition, in the same part there are small sandy bays in which there are no waves and it is very convenient for kids to swim.
If it is not the sea that is important for you, but “sea view”, then this is definitely the north. There are absolutely stunning landscapes and air.
Now I would like to dwell on each resort in more detail.
Alicante
Alicante is the capital of the region. Enough Big city, which houses several museums, a beautiful promenade and the main attraction - the fortress of Santa Barbara, which rises above the sea. There are several urban sandy beaches that are very crowded during the season. In principle, the city, although it stands on the sea, is not a resort. As a rule, vacationers do not choose it as their place of residence.
To the south of it is a place Gran Alacant already more tourist oriented. There is a good, albeit narrow, sandy beach. The area itself consists of numerous urbanizations built up with both large houses and typical bungalows and villas. The disadvantages of this place include the proximity of the airport and noise from aircraft.
Next is Santa Pola- a resort most popular with Scandinavian tourists. This place has a number of nuances. Firstly, next to it are salinos - swamps where salt is mined. And, like all swamps, they have a specific smell. As compensation for this, a huge number of birds live here, including numerous pink flamingos. You can see them as you drive along the N-332, the main freeway on the coast. In addition, the sand here is grayish in color, and a road runs along the beach. Therefore, despite the very developed infrastructure, this place is not for everybody.
La Marina – small town, which has many campsites and small hostels. It's very nice beach, separated from the city by a wide strip of pines. Strong winds often blow in this place, and therefore it is popular with windsurfers.
Then comes the resort town Guardamar de Segura, which is distinguished by wonderful restaurants and gorgeous beaches. They attract residents of numerous villages located 3-10 km inland. By the way, the most expensive housing is concentrated just not on the coast, where crowds of tourists are noisy and go, but in such settlements, which are called urbanizations.
Very popular place is La Mata- a suburb of Torrevieja, the Russian capital of Spain. There are dunes near the beaches of La Mata. During the season it is a very noisy place, as many Spaniards rest here.
The city itself Torrevieja stretches for many kilometers along the sea, and it has several city beaches. In my opinion, this is not a very comfortable place to stay, with the exception of some areas, despite the numerous bars, restaurants and discos. In the evenings, tourists stroll along the embankment, next to which there is an amusement park for children.
The very south of the Costa Blanca is called Orihuela Costa- these are several villages built up with low bungalows, villas and houses. This region is very popular with Russians. The local beaches are located in bays and therefore are very popular with parents with small children. Since basically all vacationers live in apartments, there are a lot of grocery stores here, such as Mercadona, Carefura and Auchan.
Young people and families with children should enjoy the small, but noisy and cheerful summer village of Campoamor.
Now let's talk about Benidorm. When I saw him for the first time, I was shocked. Getting used to the small houses of the south, I suddenly found myself among the tall skyscrapers, standing close to each other. Benidorm is probably the most unusual city Spain. This great resort for young people, there are a lot of bars here, the best discos, clubs and pubs. Almost all amusement parks are concentrated here. The city has two beaches - Playa Levante and Playa Poniente. When entering the sea in some places there are stones. The resort is good for families with children in terms of the location of water parks and zoos. In August, there is a huge crowd of people on the beaches of the city.
The rest of the cities in the north of the Costa Blanca are built in more traditional style. They are low-rise and calm.
Personally, I really like the town Villajoyosa, which houses picturesque colorful houses and the Valor chocolate factory.
The city is very popular with tourists Calpe, known for its fish restaurants. This city, in my opinion, is very spectacular, since part of it is located on a hillside, and the huge Cape Ifak protrudes into the sea. A big plus is the presence of several sandy beaches here.
Between Calpe and Benidorm there is a town Altea and the huge urbanization of Altea Hills. As the name implies, it is located on the mountain. The place is very popular with tourists, although the beach can only be reached by car. In fact, the beaches here are very mediocre, a narrow strip of sand and pebbles. But the town itself is very cozy.
Lots of people really like the place Moraira located away from roads. It is somewhat isolated and therefore very cozy. There is a good, albeit small, beach, very convenient for bathing children.
An absolutely fantastic place is the cape of Cabo de la Nao and Cabo de San Martin, located near Javea. Luxurious villas seem to be stuck to the rocks descending to the sea. It is very green and quiet here. The silence is deafening, especially after the noisy Benidorm and Torrevieja. But! There are practically no beaches here. Occasionally there are small bays with a pebbly bottom, where it is difficult to go down, and even harder to climb.
Nearby is the city Javia. The town is very pleasant. Having got into it for the first time and seeing the city beach, I went there to appreciate it. It is small and full of sunbeds. Guess how much the set of 2 sunbeds and an umbrella cost? 18 euros. So, this place is probably for those people who can afford to spend a little more money than everyone else. From the cape to Javea, in some places, there is a narrow sand and pebble beach strip but mostly along the road.
And the last resort I would like to talk about is Denia. This is the very north of the Costa Blanca. It has several good sandy and pebbly beaches, as well as a large port from where you can take a ferry to Ibiza and Mallorca. This place is suitable for almost everyone.
To summarize all of the above, when choosing a resort, you need to take into account the following points:
1. Mountains or plain.
2. How much time are you going to spend on the beach.
3. How much money are you willing to spend - in the south of the Costa Blanca, accommodation and meals are somewhat cheaper.
4. Do you need rich night life or vice versa, you want privacy and silence.
5. Will you rent a car or not. Depending on this, you need to choose apartments either near all the infrastructure, including beaches, or in the distance.
I hope that this short review will help you make the right choice and enjoy your holiday.
The Costa Blanca region was discovered by tourists relatively recently, 10 years ago there was little talk about the resorts of this region. Now the Costa Blanca is experiencing a real boom in popularity! The main advantage of this coast is its diverse resorts, suitable for vacationers with any needs, budget and desires. Costa Blanca will be an excellent choice for cheerful students and newlyweds, couples with children and the elderly. This incredibly beautiful coast offers tourists picturesque bays, beaches with fine sand, the opportunity to have fun at discos, bargain at local shopping centers and organize a rich excursion program around medieval cities, temples and museums.
What is the Costa Blanca?
This region, whose name translates as "White Coast", is located in the autonomous region of Valencia on the very coast mediterranean sea in southeastern Spain. This region has a uniquely beautiful sea coast. total length more... read more
Many people who come to Spain want not only to relax and visit interesting places but also go shopping. It's no secret that often many things in Europe are cheaper than in Russia. In addition, when leaving the EU countries, you can partially refund the VAT included in the cost of the item. Therefore, the problem of shopping is of great concern to Russian tourists.
I would like to tell you how things are with shops in Spain, in particular, on the Costa Blanca.
I want to say right away that you can hardly count on shopping like Italian. The Spaniards are not as fond of fashionable clothes and shoes as the Italians. The most famous and expensive brands are represented mainly in stores in Madrid and Barcelona. But if you are not so fastidious, then shopping in Alicante can also give you great pleasure.
So, for lovers of expensive and high-quality clothes on the Costa Blanca, there are stores of the most famous Spanish chain El Corte Ingles, which are wildly popular... read more
The Costa Blanca is less famous among Russian tourists than the Costa Dorada or the Costa del Sol. This is due, in my opinion, to a slightly different concept of recreation - basically, not hotels, but apartments are located on this coast, which is not yet familiar to Russian tourists. The main concentration of hotels is the city of Benidorm.
As a rule, tourists arrive on the Costa Blanca in the city of Alicante, the capital of the province of the same name. Conventionally, there is a division into the north of the Costa Blanca and the south of the Costa Blanca. What is their fundamental difference? In my opinion, in the landscape, from which the rest of the nuances follow.
The south of the Costa Blanca is a flat steppe, on the territory of which there are several lakes in which salt is mined. North...
