Discovering the Costa Blanca

The beautiful Costa Blanca, perched on Spain`s east coast, is situated in the Alicante Province and is deservedly popular as a holiday destination for local and foreign visitors alike. Costa Blanca, meaning "White Coast" in Spanish, gained its appealing moniker on account of the 200 kilometres of idyllic sandy coastline. The region has long been recognised for its wonderful climate, friendly locals and stunning scenery so it is not surprising that it remains one of Spain`s most well-known tourist destinations.

The Costa Blanca region boasts an incredible range of famous landmarks and locations to explore so no matter how long you plan to stay you will never be bored. Some must see spots include the lush hillsides of Benissa and, further South, Altea with its whitewashed houses and quaint cobbled streets is straight out of a postcard. Further inland you can explore the famous castle at Guadalest and learn about its fascinating role in the history of the region.

For those that really like to get to know a place beyond the bars and beaches, one of the best times to visit the Costa Blanca is during the winter season when you can really experience the impressive diversity of this region. At this time, most of the tourists have disappeared and you can really explore the culture and history of the place by getting off the beaten track and interacting with the welcoming locals. The weather is still pleasant in winter but with few tourists around it is not unusual to find yourself wandering along an idyllic portion of white sandy beach lapped by perfect azure waves then looking up to discover you have the place completely to yourself.

With the heat less oppressive than during the busier months, the winter season is a great time to explore the region beyond the nearest beach. For a holiday with a difference, rent a car and explore as much of the region as you can, venturing inland as well as enjoying the beautiful beaches and fishing villages. Try spending the night in a few different towns and villages and sampling the varied scenery along the way. During winter you can often get away without booking too much in advance so you can go wherever the fancy takes you and enjoy walks in the countryside, fresh local cuisine, historical landmarks and beach activities along the way.

Getting to Costa Blanca is easy, with Alicante Airport connecting directly to the UK. Costa Blanca can also be reached by rail or road from other areas of Spain. Accommodation options in Alicante and around are plentiful, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. To really get the most out of your visit, your own wheels will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. For car rental Alicante is the best place to arrange a vehicle and you can even collect it as soon as you arrive at the airport.