Costa Blanca: Spain's Sun-Kissed Coastline

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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 ...)]

The history of Costa Blanca dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of Iberian settlements found throughout the region. The Iberians, known for their intricate pottery and fortified hilltop towns, left a significant mark on the landscape. Notable sites include the settlement of La Serreta in Alcoy and the ancient village of Puig Campana near Finestrat.

During Roman times, Costa Blanca was an important part of the Roman province of Hispania. The port city of Lucentum, located near modern-day Alicante, served as a key trading hub. Archaeological excavations have revealed Roman baths, mosaics, and remnants of a thriving urban center. This era introduced advanced engineering and architecture that influenced the region's development.

In the 8th century, the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula, including Costa Blanca. The region became part of Al-Andalus, a cultural and intellectual hub. Moorish influence is evident in the architecture of castles and fortresses such as the Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante and Guadalest Castle. The introduction of advanced agricultural techniques, like irrigation systems, transformed the landscape.

The Reconquista, a series of campaigns by Christian states to reclaim territory from the Moors, significantly impacted Costa Blanca. By the 13th century, key cities like Alicante and Elche were reclaimed. This period saw the construction of Gothic churches and cathedrals, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche. The region's culture began to blend Moorish and Christian influences.

The 16th and 17th centuries marked a golden age for Costa Blanca due to its strategic coastal position. The port city of Alicante thrived as a center for maritime trade, exporting agricultural products like wine, olive oil, and citrus fruits. This era also saw the construction of defensive structures to protect against pirates and foreign invaders, including the Castle of San Fernando.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Costa Blanca with the advent of industrialization. The development of railways and improved infrastructure connected the region more effectively to the rest of Spain. Cities like Alicante expanded rapidly, becoming centers of commerce and industry. This period also sparked a cultural renaissance, with the establishment of theaters, museums, and educational institutions.

The 20th century saw Costa Blanca transform into a major tourist destination. The construction of modern resorts, hotels, and amenities attracted visitors from across Europe. Cities like Benidorm became synonymous with sun, sea, and entertainment. This boom in tourism significantly boosted the local economy and reshaped the region’s cultural landscape, blending traditional Spanish customs with international influences.

Costa Blanca is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The nearest international airport is Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), which serves a wide range of European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car to reach your final destination within Costa Blanca. If you are traveling by train, Renfe operates services to Alicante, Benidorm, and other key locations along the coast. For those driving, the AP-7 motorway runs parallel to the coastline, offering easy access from major Spanish cities.

Public transportation in Costa Blanca is efficient and affordable. Buses operated by companies like ALSA connect major towns and cities. Trams and trains are available in cities like Alicante and Benidorm. Taxis are plentiful, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify operate in the area. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the region at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are available for those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transport.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available across Costa Blanca, so withdrawing cash is convenient. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and specialized exchange offices.

Costa Blanca is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist area, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport hubs. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the central parts of Benidorm and some neighborhoods in Alicante. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and medical centers are available in major towns and cities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues. For non-urgent medical advice, you can visit a local pharmacy where the staff can often provide helpful recommendations.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do use public transport respectfully. Don't eat or drink on buses or trams. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake or a friendly 'Hola.' A kiss on both cheeks is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and tapas. Don't leave tips on the table; hand them directly to the server.

To experience Costa Blanca like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Central in Alicante where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore smaller villages like Altea and Javea for a more authentic experience. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions. Don’t miss the local festivals, such as the Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante, which offer a glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.