A Taste of the Costa Blanca, Spain

The Costa Blanca, Spain, otherwise known as the 'White Coast' is a paradise of fantastic beaches, blue skies and sun that shines almost every day of the year. The rocky sun-baked landscape is also home to fertile river valleys and lush groves of olives, almonds, oranges , lemons and vineyards that produce sweet muscatel grapes.

I have to admit the Costa Blanca has always been a favorite of mine and I have visited many times over the years. Here we shall take a quick tour of the region , it's beaches, shopping, resorts etc.

Resorts

Javea - Javea just sparkles with signs of the good life. Situated between two headlands, Cap sant Antoni and Cap de la Napo and offers its visitors pockets of orange trees and pine forest.

Moraira - Moraira is a lovely little resort located between Javea and Calpe. The streets rise up behind a picturesque harbor that is filled with yachts. Here you will find the remains of an old Moorish castle and the blue flag beach of El Portet that is great for water sports.

Calpe- Calpe is dominated by the majestic Costa Blanca shoreline. In fact it is a volcanic rock that rises more than 300m above sea level joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Once an ancient fishing village Calpe is now a large and bustling resort.

Albir -Albir is a modern tourist resort with an international character but it is linked to the town of L'Alfas del Pi, a town that has retained its rural and unblemished character.

Benidorm- The beautiful bay of Benidorm is split into two sandy crescents by a rock headland which used to be the site of a commanding castle. The Spanish part of Benidorm is to be found in the old town behind the castle but even here you will find plenty of pubs and cafes that are run by British expats.

Cala de Finestrat- Cala de Finestrat is a large sandy cove located on the southern outskirts of Benidorm. The actual beach area has paved promenades and the car park allows free all day parking.

Villajoyosa - Villajoyosa is the capital of the Marina Baixa district and has two very different areas, a modern industrial center and a quaint village. Like many villages Villajoyosa partially depends of fishing for its income and each afternoon the days catch is auctioned off.

Santa Pola - Santa Pola has been famous for a fishing port since Roman times but now it is extremely popular as a vacation spot. Tourists just love its heavenly sandy beaches which are protected from easterly winds by the lighthouse topped cape that lies 3km (2 miles) east of town.

Guardemar del Segura - Guardamar del Segura is topped by the ruins of a 13^th century castle and is surrounded by sand dunes and scenic beaches.

Excursions

There are plenty of excursions that can be taken when staying on the Costa Blanca and far too many to cover here so I shall just a list a few of my own particular favorites.

The Jalon Valley Vineyards. - This the vineyard of the Costa Blanca with growers producing 2.5 million litres of wine each year. Go to the centre of Jalon and you will find a cooperative where you can sample the wines and buy them at great low prices.

The scenery here is unbelievable and if you follow the road in the mountains towards Tarbena you will find a scenic point where you will see views that sweep across the Jalon Valley , Javea and the sea.

Altea - Tuesday mornings in Altea you will find the biggest market on the Costa Blanca. Snaking along the waterfront you will discover stall after stall selling jewellery, clothes, embroidery, lace, shoes, boots, leather and other assorted goods.

Altea can easily be reached using public transport or you can sign up for an organized tour.

Alicante - Many people fly into Alicante and then move out to the resorts but I would strongly recommend anyone to spend some time in the provincial capital of the Costa Blanca. Alicante is a dynamic and historic city with Iberians, Greeks and Romans all having had settlements there at one time or another.

Elche - Boasting the largest palm grove in Europe Elche is a former Roman colony located on the banks of the Vinalopo River. My advice to the tourist is to spend time in the old town where there are many interesting museums and historical buildings dotted amongst a myriad of palm tree shaded squares.

If visiting Elche on the 14-15 August you will be there for the most important festival staged each year in Elche in the basilica. Called the Misteri d'elx this festival is a medieval religious play that portrays the death of the Virgin and her assumption into heaven. The cast is all male and although an amateur production it is always very professional, very colorful with lots of singing, music and angels descending from the ceiling. Well worth making an effort to see.

Eat and Drink

The food on the Costa Blanca is incredible with Paella being the regions speciality. Usually Paella is only served at lunch time but nowadays many restaurants offer this dish in the evening. The price is per person and the minimum order is for two.

Fish on the Costa Blanca is reasonably priced and usually locally caught. You might want to give the grilled red mullet, the sea bass cooked in sea salt or the sardines a try.

Other local fare includes:

Albondigas - meatballs generally served as tapas

Aioli - A thick garlic mayonnaise that is a delight when spread on tasted bread.

Gazpacho - This is wonderful, a chilled soup made from pureed tomato, onion, cucumber, green pepper and garlic.

Tortilla Espanola - This is a thick Spanish Omelette made with potatoes.

Deserts are usually wonderful pastries made with almonds or honey, or watermelon, figs, pears and strawberries. And lets not forget the fans, ice cream and cake all served with delicious fresh fruit.

Tea and Coffee

Tea is not all that popular here on the Costa Blanca but coffee lovers are in for a real treat. You can choose from café solo (strong and black), café cortado (strong with a splash or milk or cream), or café con leche ( half coffee and half milk). If You should find the café solo too strong ask for un café Americano this is a larger version with more water.

Wines, Beers and Spirits

There is no doubt that Spain produces excellent wines, beers and spirits. But be sure to try some of Alicante's own Vino Tinto or Vina Vermeta. Or perhaps visit a bodega (wine cellar) where you can try and then buy.

A good and inexpensive lager is San Miguel.

Spanish brandies can be good but the cheaper they get the can get a little rough.

Shopping

Spain is famous for its leather goods and shops in Denia and Benidorm have a great selection of coats, shoes, luggage, handbags, jackets, wallets and belts.

For lace tablecloths, shawls and crochet work look at stores in Guadalest, great cane and basketwork can be found in Gata de Gorgos and for pottery take a trip to Elche.

Throughout the Costa Blanca the towns play host to markets usually one day a week. These are great places to browse and bargain.

Monday - Denia, Callosa, la Nucia

Tuesday - Altea

Wednesday - Benidrom, Cartagena

Thursday - Villajoysa, javea, Alicante, Murcia

Friday - L'Alfas del Pi, Finestrat

Saturday - Alicante, Calpe

Sunday - Benidorm, La Nucia car boot sale.

Beaches

The Costa Blanca has many beautiful beaches with fine white sand and crystal blue water. Beaches here are clean and well maintained with many having the Blue Flag of excellence.

As well as the main public beaches found in the many resorts there are also many small beaches in hidden coves, beaches with dunes and beaches with palm trees or pine forests.

The beaches here offer little natural shade so be prepared to pay for rented sun umbrellas or take your own.

Festivals

The Spanish culture is celebrated with fiestas throughout the year some being religious with a street procession dedicated to one saint or another or others involve colorful fireworks, feasts and bull running. Look out for the Moors and Christians festival (July), the Fallas (March), the Festival of San Jose ( March) and the Virgin of the Snows (August).

Whenever you see the streets decorated with streamers it will probably mean that that town has just had or is about to have a fiesta.

I cannot leave this article without mentioning Flamenco. I just adore this passionate form of music and dance with the bright frilly skirts and the castanets. Flamenco performers can be found all over the Costa Blanca.

For more information on local events, activities and restaurants check out the English newspaper the Costa Blanca News. This newspaper is a weekly and comes out on Fridays.

Source: Author's own travels and the WHS Costa Blanca Guide.