The first time I went to the Costa Blanca was in 1997 on my honeymoon.I stayed at Javea in a villa with its own pool.The first thing I noticed was that when we drove from Alicante upto Javea,how the scenery changed so much.I found the scenery dry and not very interesting around Alicante right upto Benidorm.Its only after passing Benidorm that the scenery really becomes breath taking.
///// Javea /////
Javea was stunning.It is full of orange trees that fill the air with the gorgeous scents of blossom in spring.I found the beach at Javea clean and very pleasant and the weather in July was perfect,around 30c most days.Costa Blanca has a perfect climate and temperatures rarely go below 16c.Even in December temps can be around 18-20c.I went in December and it was so warm I used the beach.It was around 22c most days. People were even swimming in the sea Boxing Day.
I must say the North Costa Blanca is my favourite by along way.I found the South dry and flat.The North has beautiful lush greenmountains and valleys.After my first visit to the North,I fell in love with the area and have since been back 10 times.I even bought a house in Denia as my heart is now there.The North also has beautiful beaches and contrasting beaches.Denia for example has sandy beaches in the north and rugged rocky beaches to the south.There are many little coves up roads that are waiting to be discovered.Even in July I found small coves that I had all to myself.
The north has so much to offer.It is not as built up as the south and has white washed villas set around mountains and the orange groves.There are beautiful Spanish villages a few miles inland and fantastic beaches.Altea,Calpe,Denia,Moraira and Gata De Gorges are all beautiful towns to visit.The north also has a wonderful atmosphere.Stunning valleys and mountains,tropical plants everywhere,stunning coastline,superb food and wine.Let me tell you about the surrounding areas. There are also caves along this coast as it is rocky and an ideal place for caves to form.
///// Gata De Gorges /////
Gate De Gorges is famous for its whicker work and beautiful gift shops.I enjoyed visiting Gata for its fabulous furniture shops too.Ethnic style things, beautiful lanterns .I bought a few pieces here for my house.I bought two handmade whicker chairs for my house.£45 each.Gata gets very busy as its very popular and people come from all over to see it.I've been about 7 times and parking can be very hard.I normally park right on edge of town and walk in as driving into Gata hoping to park is a nightmare. Gate is a great plaace to visit and there are several nice places to eat. Try going late afternoon when it is not so hot and busy. Most shop open til late, 9pm or so here.
///// Altea /////
Altea has a fantastic sandy long beach and a handful of very classy shops and some nice bars to have a refreshing drink in.Altea old town is wonderful too,with some great art shops.The old town is very pretty and I felt very relaxed just strolling around its small streets.Altea also has a wonderful beach and promenade.I had a meal
at one of the beachfront restaurants and felt very happy just chilling and people watching.Altea is classy,trendy and pristine.Altea has a great shoe shop on the front too which my hubby bought 2 nice pairs of shoes. for about £15 a pair. They also had some lovely sandals there too. Altea is around 40 minutes drive from Alicante airport. I think the beach here is one of the best and has amazing views along coast to Calpe Rock.
///// Calpe /////
Calpe has two nice beaches and a lovely harbour.Calpe rock is a great landmark and is a nature reserve with a big selection of birds and you can climb the rock. On a clear day,you can see Ibiza.You can park up and walk along a pathway beside Calpe Rock out to sea. The little cove here has the most amazing green, blue colour to it. Calpe is abit more built up than the other towns I mention,but its still a nice place for a family holiday.I enjoyed going to the viewpoint about 2 miles from Calpe and watching the sunset over the town and rock.Calpe also has a beautiful long promenade lined with tasteful restaurants and bars.Even in winter a small selection of these will stay open.Last time I visited(December) they had put some beautiful gardens in along the seafront.The beach on one side of the rock (promenade side) is long and sandy.The beach on the other side is pebbly but its very pretty and its along the nature reserve side.The sea here is a stunning deep blue.I go here rather than the promenade side as it gets busy there.The harbour area in Calpe is also very nice.I had a paella meal Boxing Day in a restaurant overlooking the beach.The harbour area has excellent fish restaurants. This area is very trendy and always busy. This is where the Hotels are located.
///// Moraira /////
Moraira is a beautiful little town with a great harbour.The harbour has some good quality bars,restaurants and there are beautiful gardens all around the town.This town is spotless and has two great beaches.My fav beach here is El Portet.It is a deep blue colour and it compares to beaches in the Caribbean,,its stunning.Moraira has become the place to be.Its very trendy and I always go each time I visit Blanca.I have eaten out at Moraira many times and always choose the harbour area as there is a nice square with no traffic and its very relaxing.A bar I must tell you about is called Algas Bar and its about half a mile along coast road just before Moraira.It has the most beautiful setting.Right on the cliff.It has trendy chairs, palms with lights on, great music, service.During a fiesta(Moors and Christians) in June we went here and fireworks were let off from the town and we had the best view ever. They serve snacks and Tapas here and in summer full meals too. The water sports in Moraira are also very good. Last time I went here( Sept 2005) Moraira was still unspoilt and how I liked it.
///// Denia /////
Denia is a up and coming area and has a huge selection of shops and bars and a beautiful promenade lined with palm trees.You can catch a ferry to Ibiza and The Canary Islands from Denia Port. The Port is having a huge upgrade next year, 2007 .The coastal road from Altea right through to Denia is a worth while trip as its a stunning drive.This is where I bought my house.Denia is a working town with a huge castle over looking the whole town.Mount Montgo also is a stunning sight and the drive along the road to the Mount is worth doing.Last time I was in Spain(December 2003) I went to the Mount Montgo viewpoint and nature reserve.The views along the coastline down to Javea are breath taking to say the least. I have since been up to Denia Castle and it was well worth the hard walk. It was Sept 2005 and very hot. It took about 15 minutes to walk right to the top. When we reached the top there was a small bar so we had a cool lager to refresh ourselves before we looked round. There were amazing views all along the coast to Denia. Also a small Museum worth looking round( included in entrance fee at gates) . It was about £3 per person. On the walk down there were beautiful gardens to take a break in with weird art sculptures in.
Denia has beautiful roundabouts and a palm lined promenade and 7 miles of sandy beaches in the north and rugged rocky beaches to its south.Denia is very up and coming and there are some really nice places to eat and drink.My fav restaurant in Denia has to be El Port.Its along the Seafront and it does a huge selection of fresh fish and great paella.My fav things are the baked vegetables and then the Valencian paella.Washed down with some locally produced red wine.A meal here costs about £10 a person including wine.Denia is about an hour drive from Alicante airport.I found driving safe and the roads very good.Petrol is also about half price. Denia has some delightful streets and we have spent many afternoons walking up and down and finding new shops and places to eat. The main street called Marco Del Campo is very nice with many trendy coffee shops and bars where most of the Spanish go. It is lined with trees so is shaded in summer. All the banks and main shops are up here too. Denia's main beach is huge, long and sandy.
///// Benidorm /////
Benidorm is very built up and I've only been once but it has been smartened up recently and is worth visiting.Benidorm is an ideal spot for youngsters and people who want to party.I myself prefer more laid back less built up areas. Terra Miticha theme park at Benidorm makes a great day out.El VergerSafari Park is also a good fun day out.Near El Verger,you can bathe in a freshwater waterfall in a nature reserve. Benidorm is lively and is a great place for families or people who want everything in one place. It does have an amazing beach.
/////// /Climate /////
The Costa Blanca has superb weather and is mild even in winter.I've been there in Feb,March,May,July,Sept,Oct and December and it was warm every time.You can expect weather to be warm and sunny between May-Oct with temps of around 30c.From Oct till April you can get warm days of around 16-22c and sun and a few cloudy days buts its rarely cold.The Costa Blanca has around 320 days of sunshine a year. You can wear shorts even in December on some days. Take a coat for at night though as in winter, it does get cold. We have sat outside and had many meals in December ,Feb and March during the day. It does rain too of course, but mostly in the winter months and we have always found after a heavy downpour, the sun normally comes back out and everything is dry again in 10 minutes.
///// Eating Out ////
So its an all year round destination.Food is great quality and the wines are very good too.My fav meal has to be paella and Don Simon wine.Paella is a blend of rice, meat and fish(or just meat for paella Valancia) and herbs and spices all cooked slowly in the oven.But I must say during hot weather I did not feel like eating big meals so I had Tapas.These are light snacks served on little plates.You can mix and match and have as much or as less as you want. My fav has to be the garlic sausages and garlic prawns and the cheese
Pictures of Costa Blanca (Spain)
El Portet beach which is breathtaking.My favourite beach.
and meat plate. You can also get amazing salads and fresh fish. Tuna steaks are one thing I enjoy. Pizzas and all the other kinds of foods are available too. I know a great Chinese place about 1 mile from Denia along coastroad towards Oliva. Called The Mandarin. It does a brilliant set meal with a starter, main and desert with one glass of wine or coffee for £6 a head. And the food is very good and you get loads. We have had many good meals here. They also do take out food which is equally as good. Opposite this Chinese there is another shop called Denia Take Out which is 100% Spanish and does amazing Paellas and Pastas. Just before the traffic lights before the Chinese. You can also sit outside and eat here too. Paellas are 8 Euro a head. They have amazing fresh bread too. South Denia where the beach is rocky has a couple of great places to eat too. Both overlooking the sea. Just park up near Denia harbour and walk along coast South and you will find them. One has Octopus hanging outside drying. Both have great atmospheres. This area is really nice and mostly Spanish people go here. Well worth walking to.
///// Shopping /////
Wines are a very good price here too and you can go into some shops " Bodegas" and sample wine before buying.I would say wine is around half price or less.Supermarkets are also stocked full of fine wines, a huge selection of meats and cheeses and fish.I enjoyed walking around and seeing the vast range of different and exciting foods on offer.I think food and drink is all part of being on hol and a great experience and insight into the culture of a country. You can buy fresh fish on Denia seafront and Denia has a great market on Fridays. Most places have a market on one day a week. The pottery in this area is amazing. I have bought some stunning pots and plates and tiles. It is like at least half the price of the UK. Alcohol is a great price too. Vodka, Rum, all worth bringing home. Cherry Brandy is lovely. You can get a huge one litre bottle for about £3. Lovely with lemonade in the summer.
///// Getting There //////
Flights are cheap to get to Alicante,,I've just booked one for £90 return with Easyjet online .Car hire is great value from Alicante airport,,£100 a week(Recordrentacar).Food is allot cheaper than UK and so is alcohol.I found myself drinking good quality bottles of wine which only cost about 70p to £1.My favourite meal which is paella will cost around 8 Euros a head.You can have a nice bottle of wine at a decent restaurant for about £4.The range of fresh food is excellent too.I loved the fresh seafood and all the salad and veggies seemed to have such a beautiful flavour unlike here in England.Must be all that sun. Easyjet are ticketless travel and you do everything online. The earlier you book, the more you can save. They often have sales, so be sure to sign up for their sales emails. I find car hire great value too and petrol is cheap, roads very good. Do keep some change as now and then, you will come across Toll roads which cost about 4-4 Euros depending on how long you stay on them.
///// Why Go Here /////
Costa Blanca has everything.Its unspoilt,(the north)peaceful,relaxing,has great weather,scenery,friendly people,lush mountains,great shopping,good nightlife.Lots of people retire there and I can see why.Crime is less than UK,,,although it has increased over last few years,,,its mainly people breaking into empty holiday homes.I had a rental villa broken into while I was there and it did not have very good security.So if you rent a villa or apartment please make sure it has proper security.Bars up windows,proper locks and strong doors etc.I found the police very helpful when my break-in happened.My house has bars up windows and security glass and security blinds.Its well secure.
Each time I've been out there,I've felt safe,relaxed,at home and I have found local people friendly,helpful etc.Its my paradise and I highly recommend it to other people.The north has tasteful bars,restaurants,,,its not big hotels and package deals,,its mainly people hiring villas out.I'm hoping to live there in a few years as I love it so much.Learning the lingo is a good idea too as people will respect you more as they see you are making an effort.
I want to be able to sit outside sipping my Spanish wine,watching the sunset over the beautiful mountains while hearing the crickets and eating a paella meal.
///// Final Thoughts /////
I bought my house 2 years ago and its now all furnished and I've had around 4 hols in it so far.I bought it off plan and it was built last Feb.I last went out to Spain December 2003 and am going again 3 times this year too.I cannot praise this area enough.I enjoyed walking along Calpe cliff top boxing day in the sunshine with temps of 22c while back here in England it was 3c and raining.I enjoyed having a Chinese takeaway with a bottle of water and wine for £8 for 2 people while here in UK it would coast at least twice that.
I love the almost sub tropical feel of the place.Swaying palms and banana trees, orange groves, crickets,sitting outside eating my lunch over Xmas time.Taking a long walk along a beach that's clean and the sea is warm and crystal clear.People swimming in December.People are more open too.Its a more outside life.A more healthier life.People have more time, feel more relaxed.Everything gets done tomorrow ;-) My dream is to live here.Its where my heart is.Stress has no meaning here.
If this has not sold the North Costa Blanca to you nothing will ;-)
///// Update /////
I have since been back about 5 times and still love it. But I have noticed the building work near my place going crazy and there has been a problem with crime. House break ins and hand bag grabbing and pickpockets. Be careful to lock all doors and windows when sleeping or going out. Driving is pretty safe and roads are good. I still use Recordrentacar and I get a 10% discount each time I book. I always fly with Easyjet and book it all online. Never had any problems with them. My car rental company always give us almost new cars. We now have these yellow glow in the dark jackets which are the law now in Spain and you must have them, one per person in your car incase you break down at night. I find spirits in Spain very cheap and always take a few bottles home. Rum for £3 a bottle and Malibu for £5 a bottle. I do think parts of the Costa Blanca have been too built up and some places have lost their character. Too much building along the coast. Along the Denia coast road they have made most of the beach wider and laid sand down. Be careful if you sun bathe early in the day as there has been a couple of awful accidents with these beach cleaning lorries and people sunbathing and the lorry drivers not seeing them. I have noticed forest fires in the summertime quite frequently. So be careful and do not throw fag butts down and have careful BBQ's. I have heard of people at Alicante airport following holiday makers in hire cars and then driving into them on purpose so they have to pull over. Then they will rob the poor holiday makers of all their gear. If anyone drives into you at night, always carry on to a garage and never stop on a lonely road. I still love it here but I am thinking about maybe living in Turkey instead as you get more for your money. Spain is as not cheap as it used to be, eating out etc, housing. I do know the Spanish police are cracking down on the crime and things are improving. Time will tell where I will end up....
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