The Costa Blanca or White Coast as it is sometimes known, extends along the section of the Mediterranean coast that corresponds to the province of Alicante.
To the North, starting at Denia and Javea there is a series of mountains running parallel to the sea, descending at varying intervals to form cliffs; to the South at Guardamar and Torrevieja, a plain of sand patches, palm trees and salt deposits make up the backdrop for the beaches.
Travelling along the main coastal road enables you to see some of the most beautiful small villages along the Costa Blanca. There are many attractions, some of them especially for tourists like the entertainment park Terra Mitica at Benidorm or the bays of Altea and Calpe.
History / Places of Interest
Monuments and places of interest: Santa Barbara Castle, San Fernando Castle, Casa de la Asegurada, Casa Alberola, Santa María church, San Nicolas de Bari cathedral and the Santa Faz monastery in San Juan de Alicante. There are other sites of interest including the historic centres of Altea and Guadalest, Torre Vigia in Moraira, Palmeral and Huerto del Cura in Elche, Orihuela cathedral, castle and ancient dockyards of Dénia, Alfarería museum in Agost and the Fonts de L'Algar in Callosa d'En Sarria.
Weather
The climate in the area is excellent, with an average temperature of 18°C in
winter, and 32°C in the summer. Boasting about 300 days of sunshine throughout the year this means you can enjoy the sea most of the year and sun-bathing is possible even in winter.
From Torrevieja ( or " Little England " ) running north through the cosmopolitan
city and regional capital of Alicante and up through the resorts of Benidorm, Altea and north to Denia the Costa Blanca weather ranges from warm temperate
winters to sizzling temperatures in the summer months.
Local Industry
Citrus fruits are the Valencian community´s biggest export, and stand for 80% of Spain´s production. Other important exports include olive oil, leather shoes, toys and wine. If however, you are more interested in craftsmanship, the area is renowned for its traditional ceramics, baskets, fans and furniture.
Transport
By road : Alicante's coast, with 219 km of coastline, is known as the Costa Blanca. Alicante's coast, with 219 km of coastline, is known as the Dirección General de Tráfico.
By rail : The city of Alicante has rail connections with the main European and Spanish cities. More information regarding timetables and railway networks can be obtained from Renfe ( National Railway Company ) or by calling 00 34 96 592 38 50. There is also a regional railway line running along the Costa Blanca from Alicante to Denia, with stops in Villajoyosa, Altea, Teulada and Denia. More information on time and routes can be obtained from Renfe o llamando al telf. 00 34 96 592 38 50. También un ferrocarril de vía estrecha recorre la Costa Blanca desde Alicante hasta Denia realizando paradas en Vila-Joiosa, Altea, Teulada y Dénia. More information on time and routes can be obtained from FGV. ( Regional Railway Company ).
By boat : The city of Alicante runs ferries to the island of Tabarca and to Oran (Argelia) via two sea routes leaving from its port. However, if you would like to phone direct please call 00 34 96 526 09 22 or 00 34 96 520 04 01 for Tabarca, or for Oran, the company who runs the route can be contacted directly through their Website.
By air: The Costa Blanca airport is in Alicante. El Altet airport is 12km from the centre of Alicante and has daily flights to main European and Spanish cities. If you require more information call 00 34 96 691 94 00 or 00 34 96 691 91 00.
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