Costa Blanca North

With more than 40,000 inhabitants, Denia is an exclusive seaside town with a wide range of facilities. Golf, restaurants, beaches and mountains in the background. In the center of Denia you will find beautiful squares with local restaurants and many tapas establishments. The marina of Denia is a real experience in itself, because of the size of the port, the most exclusive yachts in the region are moored here. From Denia you can take also take a ferry boat to Ibiza in just 3h30.

Sights:

THE CASTLE OF DÉNIA

On the hill next to the harbor is 'El Castillo'. This castle was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and therefore has an Islamic style. Since the initial construction, many adjustments have been made to the castle over the years, so that it also has influences from the Renaissance, among other things. The castle was largely destroyed in 1859, but later restored. Concerts are often held in the castle in the evenings during the summer. The castle's museum also houses the archaeological remains of a Roman settlement called 'Diannium' found in the area.

South of Denia and on the other side of the Montgo mountain you will find the fashionable resort of Javea, also called Xàbia. It is located on the coast in the north of the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The island of Ibiza is located about 90 kilometers east of Jávea. On clear days you can even see this island.

Javea is situated between two rocky headlands which has made it very popular with tourists. It boasts around 30,000 inhabitants, about half of whom are foreigners. Because of the mountains and many cliffs around Javea you will find many small beautiful beaches, pleasant promenades and a wide range of restaurants.

Sights:

Torre Cap d’Or

The tower is located right on top of the cliff making it an ideal spot for an open view in all directions.

Kayak and snorkel tour to the sea cave in Javea

The coast around Playa de la Granadella has many secret coves and caves, but it can be challenging to find them. Discover beautiful hidden spots on a guided kayak tour, and get a closer look rather than from shore or a ship. Snorkel in the refreshing waters of the Blue Lagoon and admire impressive coastal views as you paddle away.

Moraira is an old Spanish fishing village on the Costa Blanca that has grown into a fashionable seaside resort. Moraira belongs to the municipality of Teulada. It has only 1,600 inhabitants and is worth strolling around. A fishing port, beach and cozy beach clubs, and the beautiful marina… Wonderful!

Where Teulada is a fairly quiet village where mainly people live from the agricultural sector, the seaside resort of Moraira is so lively. The nice thing about Moraira is that mass tourism has not ruined the place. Here you will not find large hotels or apartment complexes and the marina is used for what it is intended for: for yachts and boats. The center of Moraira is located directly at the fishing port, where you will find a fish auction next to the fishing boats where you can buy fresh fish daily, also as a tourist. Those who do not want to prepare fish themselves can of course also enjoy the catch of the day in one of the many restaurants in the center of Moraira and along the coastal road towards Calpe.

The center of Moraira consists of about twenty streets that are mainly filled with restaurants, bars, shops and residential complexes of a maximum of 4 to 5 floors. Whoever walks through Moraira feels that the atmosphere here is more pleasant than in larger towns in the area such as Calpe, Benidorm and Altea. Due to the shopping and restaurant opportunities in  Moraira and the fact that most tourists mainly stay in villas, it attracts a certain audience. Fortunately, it is not like Marbella or Cannes where the rich want to out do each other with expensive cars and ditto yachts. Here you will mainly find bon vivants who earn a little more than average.

The tourists mainly come from Spain, Germany, England and the Netherlands. Especially in the high season you regularly run into compatriots here.

Sights:

Flea market of Jalón (Xaló)

Within the Costa Blanca you can choose from a large number of markets to visit. Most of these local markets and what they have on offer unfortunately do not make them very distinctive from the rest. The typical Spanish dresses, the cheap sunglasses and the bags that look very much like certain expensive brands... you see them everywhere. The flea market that is held every day in the village of Jalón is therefore a pleasant relief. Antiques, trinkets and art form the main part of the goods on offer. Those who have time can first taste some wine in the wine cooperative opposite.

The perfect seaside town to experience the Mediterranean culture. Here you will find the beautiful blue water, white beaches, the smell of the sea and the eternal sun ... Besides the sea, there is also a saltwater lake in the middle of the town of Calpe. Originally, this city was an authentic fishing village and that can still be seen in many details. What automatically catches your attention is the huge rock of Ifach that stretches 332 meters high. It is possible to climb all the way to the top, from where you have a beautiful view.

Sights:

Parque Natural del Peñon de Ifach
Peñón de Ifach is a large impressive rock that proudly rises 332 meters above the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The rock is connected to the mainland by an isthmus, a narrow strip of land with the sea on both sides. Peñón de Ifach is one of the smallest nature reserves in Europe, but attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. In the national park you can also spot rare fauna and flora. The limestone rock is also seen as the symbol of Calpe and dominates the skyline of Calpe.

The most beautiful view from Mirador Morro de Toix

Would you like the best view of Calpe and its surroundings? Then you have to be at Morro de Toix. You reach the viewpoint via a 5 km long hiking trail that is clearly marked. Here and there you have to climb with ropes, so the climb can be quite adventurous.

But don't let that stop you, because once you've reached the top, you will be rewarded with a phenomenal view over the coastline of Calpe and the Costa Blanca. The view is especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.

Take a catamaran cruise along the coast of Calpe
Would you like to get to know the beautiful coastline of Calpe in a different way? Then we recommend taking a catamaran cruise. An experience you will never forget. Explore the different bays, enjoy a glass of wine and the view of the coast and dive into the clear blue water to cool off in between.

The medieval Torreó de la Peça
Right in the center of Calpe, you will find the defensive bastion Torreó de la Peca. This medieval tower served in the 15th century to protect against enemy attacks on Calpe. Today there is a museum housed in the tower where you can view temporary exhibitions.

Altea has grown into a fashionable seaside resort and attracts an exclusive international clientele. It was originally built on a hill and on this hill you will still find beautiful white authentic houses. That's what makes it so characteristic! Although Altea is not a big city, there is plenty to see here.

Typical of Altea is certainly that this exclusive seaside resort consists of different districts that are very different from each other. That makes Altea a location with a wide range of atmospheres on offer: Altea Playa, Old Altea, Altea La Vella, Mascarat-Altea and Altea Hills .

Since the 18th century, Altea has been a haven for artists and writers, giving the town a bohemian feel. Many painters have decorated houses and restaurants on both the inside and the outside over the years. There are also frescoes in several places. Because of this past and present, there are many studios, exhibition spaces and galleries in Altea.

Sights:

Sierra de Bernia

The Sierra de Bernia is a nature reserve with an altitude of 1129 meters. This geological landscape consists mainly of limestone rocks from the Oligocene and the Cretaceous period.

It goes without saying that it is one of the most impressive places to visit: the incredible cliffs, the idyllic views and the varied natural areas make this area a very important place not to be missed.

One of the best things to do in the province of Alicante is a hiking route through one of the mountains.

It is about 9 km long and stretches from the Algar river, through the ravine of Mascarat to the Sierra del Ferrer.

Casco Antiguo de Altea

The old center of Altea, Casco Antiguo, is a sight in itself. It is built on a hill, which gives it steep winding streets. Here you will find beautiful, whitewashed houses. In the 18th century, these houses were mainly used as craft workshops, shops, galleries and restaurants. Today there are still many terraces, restaurants, handicraft shops and galleries. Access to the old center is still through the old gate called Portal Viejo, which has medieval origins.

Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo

This parish church with its two special domes has become the postcard of Altea. The church is also called Iglesia de Arriba, or the high church. The church was built in the early twentieth century and has two characteristic blue domes with white decorations. From the church square you also have a beautiful view of the modern city, the sea and the coast.

Iglesia Orthodoxa Rusa

This church can be found just outside the center of Altea. It is the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain. A Russian billionaire wanted an exact copy of a Russian Orthodox church from the seventeenth century. Wood and other materials from the Ural Mountains were used and the church was even made by Russian workers.

Torres

Next to the church you will find two old towers, namely the Torre de la Galera and the Torre de Bellaguerda. These towers have been designated to be of 'cultural importance' and were built in the second half of the 16th century. They served as coast guard towers.

Port

Be sure to visit the port of Altea: Puerto Campomanes. Here you can admire the chic yachts that are docked. There are also cozy bars and restaurants.

Finestrat is a nice and cozy seaside resort with a mountainous landscape in the background. Over the last 5 years, Finestrat has grown into the new place to be on the Costa Blanca. The Hills of Finestrat are increasingly being developed with new apartments and luxury villas. In itself a bit comparable to Altea Hills, which is almost completely built up on. The latter certainly contributed to the success of Finestrat Hills.

It combines the cosmopolitan appeal of its cozy and family-friendly beach destination «La Cala», with the tranquility of the 1410 m high peaks of the «Puig Campana» and the exclusive residential areas. The old center of Finestrat is located 5 kilometers from the beach on a hill. Narrow streets of Moorish origin run along the slope framed by beautiful, whitewashed and colorful houses.

Cala Finestrat is a sandy beach, surrounded by hills, with warm and clear water. Despite being only 3 km south of Benidorm, it is much less crowded so that during the day one can enjoy the beach and at night choose between the quiet nights of Cala Finestrat or the vibrant life of Benidorm with are many bars and clubs.

On the coast we find a varied range of water sports on offer and the mountains extend the ideal scenario for climbing or hiking.

Cala Finestrat is also optimal for family tourism, not only because the beach with its gentle slope is very safe for children, but also because of the wide range of leisure activities for the little ones.

Sights:

• Waterfalls of Algar
• Quad-bike tours and excursions by electric bike through Benidorm
• Walking through Parque Natural de la Serra Gelada
• Beautiful sandy beaches La Cala and Poniente with numerous restaurants and shops
• Visit Enrique Mendoza's bodegas
• Weekly markets
• Numerous sports options: cycling for both recreational and experienced cyclists, horseback riding, tennis, water sports, golf (many golf clubs nearby), etc…
• Zoo, amusement park, aqua parks,…

Alicante is more or less in the middle of the Costa Blanca, and is also the place where you will find the international airport. The city of Alicante is quite large and has about 330,000 inhabitants in the center (750,000 in the metropolitan area). In Alicante you will find a wide range of shops, restaurants, bars, promenades, marinas and beaches.

The marina of Alicante is a modern, beautifully landscaped marina where boat enthusiasts have a lot to see.

On the south side of the marina you will find Panoramis, a kind of small version of Maremagnum in Barcelona. This shopping and entertainment center offers several bars, restaurants and shops. You also have a fantastic view of the marina and the city from the first floor.

Along the harbor you have a beautiful pedestrian boulevard, where it is especially nice to walk in the evening.

Characteristic of Alicante is the Explanada de España, a 600m long boulevard surrounded by large palm trees and various stalls. To make the comparison with Barcelona again: it is a bit like the Ramblas.

The pavement consists of mosaic tiles in a wave pattern in the colors red, white and blue.

Just behind the Explanada is the shopping area of Alicante, partly in car-free areas. Here you will find shops with local items, but you will also increasingly find branches of chains and major brands here.

There are plenty of parking spaces in the center, especially in parking garages. The rates for parking are comparable to those in most European cities.

Bike Tour Alicante
A fun and sporty way to discover Alicante is by cycling with an experienced guide who will tell you everything about the city. In 3 hours, this interesting tour takes you past highlights such as the historic center of Alicante, the beach, the view from the castle and the El Palmeral Park. More info https://www.bajabikes.eu/nl/tours-in-alicante/

Sights:

Explanada de España
You can stroll in Alicante on the Explanada de España. The beautiful cobbled promenade attracts many visitors both day and night who can walk from the harbour to Canalejas Park. Due to its location by the sea, a slightly cooling breeze can be found on a regular basis, which is very welcome in a place like Alicante, especially in the summer. Here and there you see locals playing a game of chess, conversations are held on one of the many benches and chairs, you can cool off on a terrace and there are a number of stalls with trinkets. When the evening falls, the romance comes to the surface and it is also a popular meeting place. Explanada de España is even the symbol of the city of Alicante.
https://www.steden.net/spanje/alicante/explanada-de-espana/

Plaza del Ayuntamiento
This important square in Alicante has a very stately appearance. The beautiful baroque town hall helps a lot with this. It was built in the eighteenth century by the architect Lorenzo Chápuli. The buildings in Plaza del Ayuntamiento are well maintained, preserving the valuable features of the past centuries. Another attraction can be found at the entrance of the town hall. Here is a point marked as 'Cota Cero' from where the height above sea level is measured for various Spanish cities. A visit inside is rewarded with interesting archaeological findings on display.

Basilica de Santa Maria

This fairly austere basilica de Santa Maria was built on old remains of a mosque that was placed there during Islamic rule. The architectural style can be described as Gothic, which was characteristic of the late medieval period between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. The Basilica de Santa Maria dates from sometime between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Inside, many richly decorated works of art can be admired, including a golden altar from the eighteenth century. The many works of art in this basilica are invaluable and definitely worth a visit.

Playa del Postiguet
Partly thanks to this beautiful sandy beach, the city of Alicante is a popular summer destination for sun seekers. The beach is about 900 meters long and is situated in a beautiful location, namely at the foot of the mountain 'Monte Benacantil' with the castle 'Castillo de Santa Bárbara'. In addition to relaxing by the sea, the beach is perfect for activities such as beach volleyball. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and the lifeguard will keep an eye on everything during your stay. The only downside is that it can get quite busy at times.

 El Barrio
The start of the walk to the castle 'Castillo de Santa Bárbara' is located in this old part of the city El Barrio. Apart from Casco Antiguo, this most traditional neighborhood is characterized by cozy and traditional houses in which a lot of color has been used. Parades regularly pass through the El Barrio district during the Holy Blood procession, where traditions are honored. The many streets and alleys have many level differences  some incurring stairs to be climbed. As a result, you sometimes just end up in places where the view can be called phenomenal.

Casco Antiguo
This historic part of the city of Alicante is filled with many worthwhile sights. The area covers the part between the Rambla Méndez Núñez, the Monte Benacantil mountain and the beach. Here you will find, among others, Basilica Santa Bárbara, Palacio Maisonnave, Teatro Principal, Plaza Ayuntamiento and Mercado Central. During a walk through this part of the city you are sometimes surprised by the beauty of small squares, narrow streets and authentic buildings.

MACA
At the Plaza de Santa María in the heart of the city you can visit the museum of contemporary art. The museum wholeheartedly bears the name 'Museo de Arte Contemporāneo de Alicante'. The museum was founded in 1976 by the Spanish artist Eusebio Sempere who was known for his abstract works and playfulness with light. Some of his works can be seen in this MACA museum. The recently renovated museum is housed in the Casa de la Asegurada, a building from the seventeenth century. The originally baroque construction was built in 1685. Today it is the oldest civil building in the city of Alicante.

Paseíto Ramiro

There are still a number of remnants of history to be found in Alicante. For example, part of the defensive walls have been preserved at Paseíto Ramiro. This part of the city can be found between the streets Calle Jorge Juan and Calle Juan Bautista Lafora which are located near the beach. The square Ramiro Paseíto, also known as Paseo Ramiro or Mirror Ramiro, used to have a lot of prestige when it was decorated as a romantic garden. Buildings were added later.