Costa Blanca Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Costa Blanca
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Costa Blanca, Spain combines sandy beaches, coves, historic towns, mountain scenery, Valencian rice dishes and Mediterranean escapes from Dénia to Alicante.

A Coast of Contrasts

Costa Blanca is the widely used tourism name for Alicante province’s Mediterranean coastline in south-eastern Spain. Its popular extent runs broadly from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada near the Murcia border, although the boundaries of the tourism region vary. Between these points, the landscape shifts from long sandy beaches and salt lagoons to steep coves, limestone mountains, citrus groves and historic coastal towns. The coast is not a single continuous resort strip: fishing ports, compact old quarters and protected wetlands sit alongside large holiday centres and residential areas.
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Landscape and Coastal Life

Northern Costa Blanca is shaped by the Montgó massif, the cliffs and coves around Jávea and Moraira, and the distinctive limestone rock of the Peñón de Ifach at Calpe. Altea’s whitewashed old town rises above a broad bay, while Benidorm occupies a more intensely developed setting beneath the Serra Gelada. Further south, the landscape opens around Alicante, Santa Pola, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja, where dunes, pine forests and salt lakes provide important wetland habitats. The island of Tabarca, reached by boat from Alicante and other coastal ports, forms a separate marine and historical excursion.

History, Food and Exploration

Roman, Islamic and Christian influences remain visible in castles, watchtowers, churches, old fishing quarters and hilltop settlements. Alicante, Dénia, Villajoyosa and Orihuela provide cultural depth beyond the beaches, while Elche’s historic palm landscape lies just inland from the southern coast. Valencian rice dishes, seafood, locally grown fruit, nougat from Jijona and wines from the province shape the regional table. Visitors can combine swimming and water sports with coastal walking, sailing, visits to archaeological sites, birdwatching in wetlands and evenings in traditional plazas or purpose-built resort centres.

When is the best time to visit Costa Blanca?

Best: April–May, November · 25–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1931
February2026
March2121
April (best)2516
May (best)2811
June316
July354
August363
September336
October3111
November (best)2516
December2021

Getting to and around Costa Blanca

How to get there

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the principal international gateway for much of Costa Blanca, although Valencia Airport can be useful for the northern end around Dénia and Jávea. Alicante city and other coastal towns are linked to the national rail network, while regional and long-distance coaches serve major settlements. The Alicante–Dénia tram and light-rail system provides a useful north–south public transport spine in parts of the coast, but it does not reach every resort or attraction. Visitors arriving by car can approach via the AP-7 motorway and parallel coastal roads; traffic and parking can be demanding in summer. Check the precise connection to the chosen base rather than assuming the airport or railway station is close to the resort.

Transportation

A car is helpful for combining scattered beaches, hill towns, mountain viewpoints and inland attractions, particularly in the northern Marina Alta and southern coastal areas. Trains and trams connect selected settlements, while buses provide links between Alicante, Benidorm, Dénia, Torrevieja and other towns, but rural coves and natural areas may require a taxi, organised excursion or private vehicle. Walking is practical within historic centres and along many promenades, whereas coastal paths can involve heat, steps and uneven ground. Cycling is popular on quieter roads and dedicated routes, but traffic and gradients vary considerably. Allow extra time for summer congestion and verify local parking arrangements before driving to small beaches or trailheads.

Best attractions in Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca’s attractions range from working ports and historic centres to beaches, mountains and wetlands. Dénia combines a castle, marina and access to the Montgó massif, while Jávea’s old town, port and rocky coves reveal the northern coast’s more varied character. Calpe is defined by the Peñón de Ifach and its contrasting beaches, and Altea is known for its hilltop old quarter and broad bay. Benidorm offers extensive urban beaches beneath the Serra Gelada, whose protected coastal landscape can be explored on foot where routes permit. Alicante brings together the Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada and the archaeological site of Lucentum. Southwards, Santa Pola’s saltworks, Guardamar’s dunes and pine forest, Torrevieja’s lagoons and the island of Tabarca provide distinct natural and maritime settings. Villajoyosa adds colourful waterfront houses and fishing heritage, while Elche’s Palmeral, just inland, connects the coast with one of the province’s most characteristic agricultural landscapes.

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Best landmarks in Costa Blanca

The Peñón de Ifach at Calpe is Costa Blanca’s most recognisable natural landmark, a steep limestone promontory rising beside the sea and protected as a natural park. The Montgó, between Dénia and Jávea, forms another defining mass, while the Serra Gelada preserves cliffs and coastal terrain between Benidorm and Altea. Southern landmarks include the salt lagoons of Santa Pola and Torrevieja and the dune landscape around Guardamar del Segura. Among the region’s built landmarks, Alicante’s Santa Bárbara Castle occupies Mount Benacantil above the city, Dénia Castle overlooks the port, and the island of Tabarca preserves a fortified settlement and maritime heritage. The archaeological remains of Lucentum near Alicante connect today’s coast with Roman-era history, while the colourful waterfront houses of Villajoyosa represent the continuing identity of a historic fishing town.

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Explore Costa Blanca on the map

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Best restaurants in Costa Blanca

Dining on Costa Blanca reflects its position between mountains, irrigated farmland and the Mediterranean. Rice is central to Valencian cooking, appearing in dishes such as arroz a banda, arroz del senyoret and other local interpretations served in coastal towns, while seafood, salted fish and grilled produce are prominent around ports including Dénia, Jávea, Santa Pola and Villajoyosa. Alicante’s wider province also contributes nougat from Jijona, dates and products from the Elche area, citrus fruit, almonds and wines from inland districts. Resort centres contain the broadest choice of international restaurants, whereas old quarters, marinas and village plazas are better places to encounter regional menus, tapas and rice specialists. In smaller coves and protected landscapes, food options may be limited, so visitors often eat in the nearest established town or arrange provisions before travelling.

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Best bars in Costa Blanca

Evening life varies sharply along Costa Blanca. Benidorm has the region’s most extensive late-night scene, with numerous bars, entertainment venues and clubs concentrated around its busy resort areas, while Alicante offers a larger urban choice of bars, music venues and late dining. Dénia, Jávea, Altea and Calpe combine marina or old-town bars with quieter restaurants and seasonal entertainment, although the atmosphere changes outside the summer period. In Villajoyosa, Santa Pola and smaller coastal towns, evenings are more closely tied to promenades, terraces, local fiestas and traditional cafés than to large club districts. Inland villages and areas beside protected wetlands are generally quiet after dark. Visitors should distinguish resort entertainment from residential neighbourhoods and check local transport before planning a late return from a dispersed coastal area.

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Best nightclubs in Costa Blanca

Evening life varies sharply along Costa Blanca. Benidorm has the region’s most extensive late-night scene, with numerous bars, entertainment venues and clubs concentrated around its busy resort areas, while Alicante offers a larger urban choice of bars, music venues and late dining. Dénia, Jávea, Altea and Calpe combine marina or old-town bars with quieter restaurants and seasonal entertainment, although the atmosphere changes outside the summer period. In Villajoyosa, Santa Pola and smaller coastal towns, evenings are more closely tied to promenades, terraces, local fiestas and traditional cafés than to large club districts. Inland villages and areas beside protected wetlands are generally quiet after dark. Visitors should distinguish resort entertainment from residential neighbourhoods and check local transport before planning a late return from a dispersed coastal area.

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Best shops in Costa Blanca

Shopping is concentrated in Costa Blanca’s towns rather than at isolated beaches or natural attractions. Alicante, Benidorm, Dénia, Calpe, Altea and Torrevieja provide the widest range of supermarkets, department stores, independent shops and seasonal traders, while traditional markets and food shops can be useful for regional produce. Visitors may encounter Alicante province’s nougat and confectionery, locally produced wines, olive oil, almonds, citrus fruit and products associated with Elche’s palm-growing landscape. Villajoyosa is linked with chocolate-making, and Altea has long attracted artists and craft-oriented businesses, although stock and opening patterns vary. Small village shops and farm outlets serve residents as much as visitors, so they should not be mistaken for permanent tourist markets. In coastal resorts, pottery, leather goods, beachwear and souvenirs are widely available, but genuinely regional products are best sought from established local producers and food retailers.

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Costa Blanca essentials

Currency and Payment
Spain uses the euro, written as EUR or €. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, transport hubs and many restaurants, cafés and shops, though smaller businesses, market stalls and rural establishments may prefer cash or impose a minimum card transaction. Cash machines are common in the main towns and resorts but less convenient in remote coastal or rural areas. Carrying a modest amount of euros is sensible for public conveniences, small purchases and occasional local services. Visitors should check whether their card issuer applies foreign transaction fees and select euros rather than an offered home-currency conversion when a payment terminal gives a choice.
Safety
The main practical hazards are strong sun, high summer temperatures, dehydration and changing sea conditions. Use marked access routes near cliffs and rocky coves, take care on wet promenades and never assume that calm water makes an unguarded beach safe. Follow local signs and flags, particularly when swimming, paddleboarding or boating. Mountain and coastal paths around the Montgó, Serra Gelada and other exposed areas can be steep and short sections may be uneven. Salt lakes, dunes and wetlands include sensitive or restricted habitats. In busy resorts, use normal precautions with phones, wallets and beach belongings, especially in crowded transport and nightlife areas.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 anywhere in Spain for urgent police, fire or medical assistance; operators can handle calls from visitors and direct the appropriate service. Give the name of the municipality, road, beach, trail, cove or nearby landmark, and use a map reference or shared location if available. In remote coastal or mountain areas, move to a clear, safe position only if it can be done without increasing risk, and do not enter closed terrain to assist others. For non-urgent medical needs, contact a local health centre or pharmacy in the nearest settlement. Travel insurance and the European Health Insurance Card, where applicable, do not replace emergency advice or local instructions.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect beach flags, warning signs, protected-area boundaries and restrictions around dunes, salt lagoons and nesting or feeding birds. Keep dogs, vehicles and bicycles to permitted routes, never feed wildlife, and take litter away when bins are unavailable. Around rural properties, keep gates closed and give livestock, farm machinery and working fishermen space. In churches, historic monuments and traditional neighbourhoods, dress and behave respectfully, particularly during services or festivals. Spanish meal times can be later than visitors expect, and tipping is discretionary rather than an automatic requirement, although rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is appreciated. Avoid blocking narrow streets or treating residential areas as party zones.
Local Tips
Alicante, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Dénia and Torrevieja are useful bases for different parts of the coast, but they offer markedly different atmospheres and transport options. Northern Costa Blanca rewards combining a coastal town with a visit to the Montgó or inland Marina Alta villages, while the south is particularly suited to exploring lagoons, dunes and broad beaches. Early mornings are more comfortable for exposed walks and busy beaches are usually easier to approach outside the main summer period. Learn the local distinction between a beach, a small cove and a rocky bathing place, and check whether access depends on stairs, a narrow road or a seasonal service before setting out.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[oh-la]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-dee-ohs]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
Thank youGracias[grah-thyahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento[pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[koh-moh ehs-tahs]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[byen. ee too]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[ah-blahs een-glehs]
I don't understandNo entiendo[noh ehn-tyen-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor[may goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-loohd]
I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor[kee-syeh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-yoo-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![veh-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
I'm lostEstoy perdido/a[ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
I'm illEstoy enfermo/a[ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[may goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro[ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[keh oh-rah ehs]
It's one o'clockEs la una en punto[ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
Half past (10)Las diez y media[lahs dyehs ee meed-yah]
MorningMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
AfternoonTarde[tahr-deh]
EveningNoche[noh-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-yehr]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Dos[dohs]
3Tres[trehs]
4Cuatro[kooah-troh]
5Cinco[theen-koh]
6Seis[sehs]
7Siete[syeh-teh]
8Ocho[oh-choh]
9Nueve[nweh-veh]
10Diez[dyehs]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?[dohn-deh ehs-tah]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)[oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

History of Costa Blanca

A Mediterranean Landscape Shaped by Time

The physical setting of Costa Blanca reflects a long geological history of limestone mountains, raised coastal terraces, marine erosion and sediment deposited along bays and river mouths. The mountains of the northern coast, including the Montgó and the ranges behind Calpe and Altea, create the close relationship between upland scenery and the sea that characterises the region. Southern lagoons and salt flats developed in low-lying coastal areas, where shallow water, evaporation and barrier dunes created habitats later adapted for salt production and agriculture. These natural divisions help explain why the coast contains both steep rocky headlands and broad beaches and wetlands.

Iberians, Greeks and Romans

Long before modern tourism, communities occupied the coast and its agricultural hinterland. Iberian settlements developed on defensible hills, while Phoenician and Greek maritime contacts connected the eastern Iberian coast with wider Mediterranean trade. Roman activity left especially clear evidence at sites including the Roman settlement of Lucentum, on the Tossal de Manises near Alicante, and the Roman town of l’Alcúdia near Elche. Dianium, the Roman predecessor of Dénia, became an important port, while the fertile plains supported farming and the production and movement of agricultural goods. Archaeology across the province reveals a coastline used for settlement, cultivation, fishing and exchange rather than simply leisure.

Islamic Rule and Medieval Fortresses

Under Islamic rule, settlements and farmland were reorganised through irrigation, horticulture and fortified hilltop centres. The Arabic influence remains visible in place names, agricultural practices and the historic layout of several towns. After the Christian conquest in the thirteenth century, castles and walled settlements became instruments of frontier control and administration. Dénia, Alicante, Villajoyosa, Altea and other coastal communities developed around ports, fortifications and farming districts, while inland Orihuela gained importance in the Segura valley. The castles that survive in partial or restored form, including those at Dénia, Alicante and Villajoyosa, reflect a period when coastal communities faced political rivalry and maritime attack.

Ports, Agriculture and Coastal Industries

For centuries, the coast depended on fishing, seaborne trade, salt extraction and agriculture. Alicante’s port handled wine and other regional products, while Dénia became associated with maritime commerce and raisin exports from the Marina Alta. Villajoyosa retained a strong fishing identity and later developed chocolate production, a tradition represented by its chocolate museums and factories. Irrigated farming supported citrus fruit, vegetables, rice in suitable landscapes and the palm groves of Elche. Watchtowers and fortified coastal buildings testify to the need to monitor piracy and protect settlements, while saltworks around Santa Pola and Torrevieja continued to shape both employment and the coastal environment.

The Rise of Modern Tourism

Rail connections, improved roads and the growing popularity of Mediterranean holidays transformed Costa Blanca during the twentieth century. Alicante and Dénia became important gateways, while Benidorm developed from a smaller fishing community into one of Spain’s best-known high-rise resort centres. Other towns experienced more varied growth, combining older quarters and working ports with hotels, apartments and seasonal homes. Tourism brought employment and infrastructure but also substantial urban expansion, especially along accessible beaches. In parallel, protected landscapes and wetland management recognised the ecological value of places such as the salt lakes near Santa Pola and Torrevieja, the Serra Gelada and the coastal environments around the Montgó.

Costa Blanca in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Cities in Costa Blanca

The towns and cities of Costa Blanca, and the easiest places to base yourself.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Blanca

Discover Costa Blanca with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. Find top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more. Plan and book effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • High-quality images and descriptions for each location.
  • Local tips and advice to enhance your visit.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Costa Blanca like never before with Evendo, the free app-based travel guide. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars, and book hotels, tours, and experiences seamlessly.

  • Interactive maps and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions.
  • Curated experiences to explore Costa Blanca like a local.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel companion for your trip to Costa Blanca, Spain. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you make the most out of your Costa Blanca adventure. With detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, you'll never miss a moment of excitement.

Discover iconic landmarks such as the stunning beaches of Alicante, the historic Elche Palm Grove, and the awe-inspiring Castle of Santa Barbara. Explore the vibrant nightlife in Benidorm or savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine at renowned restaurants like La Ereta and Nou Manolín.

Evendo offers rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy to plan and organize your trip. You can even book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. With features like 'Near Me' to find nearby attractions, curated local tips, and easy navigation, you'll feel like a local in no time.

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