Attractions on the Costa Blanca guarantee a fantastic adventure and excellent relaxation.
Costa Blanca is my favourite region in southern Spain. It lies along the Mediterranean coast, stretching almost 250 kilometres. The entire area belongs to the Autonomous Community of Valencia, which, until the 18th century, along with the neighbouring regions of Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and Catalonia, formed the separate Kingdom of Aragon.
Due to its historical distinctiveness, the differences between Costa Blanca and other parts of Spain are easily noticeable. This is especially evident in the local cuisine, traditions, and festivals.
In the article below, you will find descriptions of the places we particularly liked and wrote about on our portal. Additionally, I will tell you about the cities on the Costa Blanca that, from my perspective, are worth spending your holiday in or at least visiting during your holiday trips.
Cities on the Costa Blanca that are worth visiting – Attractions on the Costa Blanca
The largest and most popular cities on the Costa Blanca are Alicante, Benidorm and Calpe, but these are not the only places worth visiting during your holiday in this part of Spain. This is where the most popular attractions on the Costa Blanca are located.
Torrevieja is a coastal city and commune located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante
Torrevieja, like the nearby La Mata, Punta Prima, La Zenia, and many other resorts, offers relaxation to sun-seeking tourists almost all year round. Although, my favourite time is the last months of the year. During this period, the temperature is still high enough to wear summer clothes, and the sun shines almost every day.
Torrevieja’s history is not long, as it only begins at the start of the 19th century. Until then, the coast, which is now part of the city, was home to only an ancient defensive tower. This tower was built and maintained on the foundations of Roman fortifications. Apart from this ancient structure, there was nothing here except a small settlement with a few peasants’ huts and a few fishermen.
Today, this thriving city can provide entertainment and pleasant relaxation for weary tourists seeking beautiful beaches, good fun, and decent cuisine.
La Mata is a small town in Spain on the Costa Blanca
La Mata is the perfect place to spend a few summer days or even weeks. On the Costa Blanca coast, the sun shines almost every day of the year, and the air and sea temperatures meet the expectations of even the most discerning tourists.
Indeed, during the hottest peak of summer, La Mata’s beaches can become lively and sometimes crowded. However, thanks to the wide and spacious stretch of sand, there is enough room for everyone. Moreover, if you take a few minutes’ walk towards Guardamar del Segura, you have a chance to find a quiet spot on the sand where no one will disturb you.
San Pedro del Pinatar on the Costa Calida in the province of Murcia
Costa Calida translates to “Warm Coast,” and the name captures perfectly the character of this place. Costa Calida is known for its high average temperatures and air as dry as a bone, with rainfall amounting to just over 30 centimetres annually.
One of the most popular and frequently visited resorts on Costa Calida is the town of San Pedro del Pinatar, situated by the Mar Menor, the largest lagoon in Europe, famous for its healing mud that tourists eagerly apply.
San Pedro del Pinatar is the perfect place to experience the unique climate of Murcia, offering everything a tourist in need of relaxation might desire. The town boasts beautiful historical landmarks illustrating the region’s rich history, sandy beaches, expansive promenades, bars with delicious cuisine, and places offering nearly every kind of entertainment you can think of. All of this has led to the town’s significant rise in popularity over the past few decades.
Cullera on the Valencian coast is a holiday resort and popular resort
Cullera, like other places on the southern coast of Spain, boasts a rich and diverse history resulting from the confluence of many cultures that have passed through this part of the world over the centuries. The area of present-day Cullera was inhabited as early as 25,000 years ago, as confirmed by archaeological finds in the nearby volcanic caves.
The discovered traces of human presence in the area of today’s Cullera indicate that thriving settlements developed here during the Neolithic period as well as the Bronze Age. However, the town experienced its greatest growth during the period when Muslims arrived at the southern coast of what is now Spain. They established their settlements and then a town, naming it Colla-Aeria, which loosely translates to “High Peak.” Over time, the name was simplified, giving rise to Cullera.
These are all the cities on the Costa Blanca we have described. Of course, our adventure in this part of Spain is just beginning and this list will grow significantly over time. If you have discovered another city and think it should be on our list, please contact us.
Attractions on the Costa Blanca that are worth visiting
Attractions on the Costa Blanca are very diverse. Here you will find not only beautiful beaches and the opportunity to relax by the beautiful sea, but also fantastic hiking and cycling trails, monuments, amusement parks and many places worth visiting.
Las Salinas de Torrevieja is an industrial plant engaged in the extraction of sea salt
Salina de Torrevieja is an ecological enclave located in the Natural Park of Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja. This area is part of the wetlands in the southern province of Alicante.
Throughout the lagoon, several protective zones have been established, such as the Special Protection Area for Birds and Sites of Community Importance. This area includes wetlands rich in various animal species, known as Ramsar sites. These lands are thus of great importance for the biological cycles of many bird species, which use them for migration, nesting, and wintering.
Although the coastal areas of Costa Blanca near the town of Torrevieja and nearby La Mata are mainly known for their beautiful beaches and excellent summer holiday conditions, it is worth spending some time exploring the world of wild nature. The natural attractions that abound here.
El Fondo Natural Park on the Costa Blanca
El Fondo Natural Park, or as the Spanish call it, Parque Natural el Hondo, is located in beautiful Valencia, near cities such as Alicante, Valencia, La Mata, Torrevieja, and the slightly more distant Murcia to the south.
This place captivated each of us. After a few hours of walking and absolute relaxation, we decided that El Fondo Natural Park must be included in Our Trails. This is so that you to have the opportunity to plan a future trip to this world of wild nature, full of birds, plants, and aquatic creatures living in this enclave of greenery and tranquillity.
I especially recommend this place to those who grow tired of lying on the beach amid the hustle and bustle of tourists and the noise of nearby resorts.
The Palm Grove in Elche is one of the largest concentrations of palm trees in Europe
The origins of Palmeral de Elche go far back in history, all the way to the 5th century AD. The Carthaginians, who were the land’s early inhabitants, thought planting palms in this area was a good idea, and they were right, as the Romans who came after them continued the cultivation. The Arabs, after conquering the Iberian Peninsula, also planted palms in Elche. Moreover, it was the Arab settlers who contributed significantly to the development of the great palm grove.
They built a dense and extensive network of irrigation canals and established a settlement that became the nucleus of present-day Elche. Thanks to the work of Arab farmers and engineers, the city now boasts the largest concentration of palm trees in all of Europe.
It’s a fantastic place for walks on hot summer days. Highly recommended!
The Valor Chocolate Factory is a sweet delicacy factory and an interesting, free museum
The history of the chocolate factory in Villajoyosa, which we came across while travelling along the Costa Blanca coast. It began in the mid-18th century, when cocoa beans and the idea of making them into a sweet treat arrived in the town of Villajoyosa.
Visiting the Valor chocolate factory can be an interesting change from the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca. Not only will you gain a lot of new and fascinating knowledge, but you’ll also get a break from the scorching Spanish sun. The tour route is not long, and the visit takes about an hour. Importantly, admission to the museum and factory is completely free.
Cullera Castle is one of the city’s most interesting attractions
The castle in Cullera is a gorgeous and majestic monument, with its history dating back to ancient times when the Romans, renowned for their undefeated army and skilled engineers, reached the coast of what is now Valencia. Rome was renowned for its ability to build fortresses and strongholds, exemplified by the foundations of the Cullera Castle, upon which the majestic structure stands today.
Nearly a thousand years after the Romans, another foreign military force arrived at the sunny and tranquil beaches of Valencia—this time, Muslims from North Africa. This event marked the beginning of several centuries of Arab rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Prince’s Palace in Gandia is a tourist attraction of the city and an interesting monument
The Ducal Palace in Gandia is located in the heart of the city along the banks of the short, 75-kilometer-long Serpis River, in the historic part of Gandia. Nearby are the famous L’Alella Verda, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, and the Town Hall. The palace adjoins the city walls, offering a beautiful view of the river and the surrounding lands from its expansive terrace.
Inside the palace, you can explore extraordinary spaces and beautiful rooms that reflect various styles used by the local royalty over the centuries. Take note of the room known as the “Gallery of Gold,” designed in a baroque style with all its grandeur, and the beautifully decorated Crown Room. These rooms were the most representative parts of the palace and hosted official meetings with the most important guests visiting the palace.
The Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante
The Castle of Santa Barbara (Castillo de Santa Barbara), also known as the Alicante Fortress, looms over the city like an unconquerable defender. It was built on the summit of Mount Benacantil, rising over 160 meters above the nearby sea level.
The ruins of the fortress are visible from every corner of the city and can serve as a distinctive landmark, making it nearly impossible to get lost while exploring Alicante.
El Palmeral Park in Alicante, a place where you can relax and regain strength
In the 19th century, the El Palmeral Park in Alicante was a vast palm grove similar to the one in Elche. Thousands of palm trees bore wonderful fruits known for their exceptional taste and aroma. The resemblance to the Palm Grove in Elche is not coincidental; the one in Alicante was modelled after Europe’s largest concentration of palm trees found in Elche.
El Palmeral Park in Alicante is a great place to spend an entire day. It’s an incredible idea to bring some food and have a picnic in the shade of the palms. This spot appeals to both children and adults seeking relaxation and tranquillity, although during peak season, the tranquillity might vary due to the bustling nature of seaside resorts.
Dino Park Algar in Spain on the Costa Blanca
The world of dinosaurs, extinct millions of years ago, has fascinated people for a long time. Many movies have been made and books written about them, but no amount of knowledge from screens or books can prepare you for an encounter with these colossal beasts face to face.
Dino Park Algar in Spain, located near Benidorm and a bit further from Alicante, allows you to see these monstrous creatures in their natural environment. My visit to the park left a strong impression on me, and just imagine the excitement of the children for whom this park was created.
The Science Museum of Valencia is part of a giant project called the City of Arts and Sciences
The Science Museum in Valencia is part of a massive project known as the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s a sprawling urban space transformed into a cultural and entertainment complex, featuring futuristic buildings including the largest oceanarium with a bird sanctuary and dolphinarium in Europe.
The creation of the Science Museum in Valencia, like the entire City of Arts and Sciences, was a significant event not only in Valencia but throughout Spain. Many argued that the enormous amount of money invested in the project could have been used more sensibly. Economists raised alarms that the investment would likely never pay off, and they were correct.
The Valencia Oceanarium is a great undersea journey in the largest aquarium in Europe
L’Oceanogràfic is the Spanish name for the oceanarium in Valencia, located in the south of Spain along the Mediterranean Sea. Valencia is also the capital of the province and autonomous community bearing the same name.
The oceanarium L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia is not only an incredible amusement park but also a research station. It allows scientists from across Europe and the world to study the behaviours of various animals and the properties of entire ecosystems, as well as their dependencies on changing conditions on Earth.
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