Spain Retreats
The coast of Moraira
Jalon vall de pop
The shoreline of Costa Blanca
The coast of Moraira
Costa Blanca
Spanning Spain’s Mediterranean shores from Denia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, the 200-kilometre-long Costa Blanca, which translates as ‘White Coast’, is one of the country’s prettiest and most-visited coastlines. Come summer, holidaymakers flock to its resorts, staying in hotspots like lively Benidorm and more traditional Spanish towns like Calpe, Altea, and L’Albir, to enjoy their beaches, restaurants, and tourist-friendly attractions.
Away from these seaside destinations, however, the Costa Blanca has a different side. Midway along the coast is Alicante, a historic city which blends a wonderful beach, palm-lined promenade, and touristy air with a castle-topped quarter of churches, museums, and authentic eateries. Inland lie rocky mountains, fertile plains, and whitewashed villages untouched by tourism. One of the prettiest areas is the Jalon Valley, where old Moorish hamlets, orchards, vineyards, and gorges await. Surrounding it are natural parks woven with walking trails and popular destinations like the medieval mountaintop village of Guadalest, the palm groves of Elche, and the natural waterfalls and pools of Algar.